PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE | Celebrating Impact, Shaping What's Next
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Dear Coaching Community,
I’d like to begin by offering a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Awards Gala. What a truly energizing and heartwarming evening. Congratulations once again to all our award recipients — your impact, dedication, and contribution to the coaching profession continue to inspire our entire community. |
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Special thanks to our judging panel and planning team for their time and care in making the event possible. It was a wonderful reminder of what we can achieve when our community comes together with intention.
It was also lovely to see the Virtual Options team join us at the Awards Gala; we had put together a thank-you card to honour their years of partnership and support during the awards event. If you’ve interacted with them in any way, and would like to share your appreciation, memories, or well-wishes, please feel welcome to add your message by clicking HERE.
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Over the past few months, we’ve been working behind the scenes to evolve our chapter programming. Many of you expressed a desire for deeper practice spaces, stronger community connection, and opportunities to grow your coaching and business impact.
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You’ve already begun to experience some of these refreshed offerings, with more on the way. From the launch of our Communities of Practice to experiential learning spaces and initiatives supporting coaching growth, we’re shaping programming that meets the diverse needs of our members. We’re excited about what’s unfolding and invite you to keep sharing what supports you best.
In many of my conversations with members, there’s been a strong interest in opportunities for pro bono coaching. We’ve been actively building those partnerships, and I want to thank you for your generous support of our Courage in Action collaboration. This marks the launch of our pilot, with expanded coaching opportunities planned with them in 2026. |
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We’re also thrilled to welcome our newest members! To help you connect and feel at home in our vibrant community, our New Member Coffee Chats are here for you. These informal gatherings are a great opportunity to meet fellow members, share experiences, and start building connections right away. We look forward to seeing you there!
I’m very grateful to our committed board team, whose dedication continues to strengthen our community. Recently, the board met in person — while others joined virtually — to reflect, ideate, and plan our next steps. Their time, energy, and passion for building this chapter are inspiring. |
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I also warmly invite you to connect with me directly if you’d like to share your reflections, ideas, or just a quick chat. Feel free to schedule a time by clicking HERE.
Here’s to embracing the season, finding our moments of calm, and stepping into fall with energy and connection.
Warmly, |
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IN THIS ISSUE | November 2025
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News and Announcements
Coaching Community Notices
Ads
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Advance Your Coaching Practice and Impact
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Build on your ICF-accredited coach training and earn your MA in Executive and Organizational Coaching at Royal Roads University. This flexible, applied program recognizes your prior learning and connects you with a community of experienced professionals who are deepening their impact as leaders, coaches, and change-makers.
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Community Impact Update:
Courage in Action Pro-Bono Coaching Initiative
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In October, we proudly announced that the ICF Toronto Chapter is partnering with Courage in Action, a national registered charity dedicated to empowering women who are overcoming significant life challenges.
Following the launch announcement, we shared a call-out inviting members to register as volunteer coaches for this meaningful pilot initiative. The response has been nothing short of inspiring.
Over 110 coaches applied!
Your incredible passion and willingness to serve speaks volumes about the heart of our coaching community. Thank you for stepping up to support women on their journey of growth and transformation.
As this is a pilot project, we will be selecting 30 coaches for this round. If you're not matched this time, please know your application will be kept on file and you'll be considered as future opportunities become available in upcoming phases of this partnership.
Coach-Coachee matches will be finalized this month, and selected coaches will be invited to a project briefing call on December 11, 2025.
Thank you again for your ongoing commitment to coaching excellence and community impact. This initiative is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together. |
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Announcing a new Community of Practice - "Science & Spirituality" for ICF Toronto chapter members!
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Science
Science is the systematic exploration of reality through observation, evidence, and experimentation. It helps us understand how things work—uncovering patterns, principles, and processes that explain human behaviour, the natural world, and the dynamics of change. In coaching, science offers rigor, structure, and methods grounded in research—from neuroscience and psychology to systems theory and behavioural science.
Spirituality
Spirituality is the personal and collective quest for meaning, connection, and purpose beyond the material or measurable.
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It explores why we exist and how we relate to ourselves, others, and the larger whole—be it life, nature, or consciousness. In coaching, spirituality invites presence, intuition, compassion, and a deeper sense of wholeness in the human experience.
Together
Science and spirituality, when held in dialogue, bridge the outer and inner dimensions of transformation. This community explores how evidence-based insights and inner wisdom can coexist and enrich coaching practice—bringing both clarity of mind and depth of being to the work of human development.
Our first series of sessions under this CoP are on "Psychodynamics". Click HERE for more information and to register. |
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NEW ICF TORONTO CHAPTER MEMBERS!
We're thrilled to have you as part of our coaching community.
We look forward to an exciting journey ahead with you. |
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Melanie Cook
Samira Dean
Louise Kerr |
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Taghdir Panahi
Cole Smith
Constance Wansbrough |
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As a new ICF Toronto Chapter member, we’d love to hear your feedback! Please take a few minutes to complete our survey by clicking HERE. |
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ICF Toronto Chapter Awards Gala 2025 Rooted to Rise:
Where Strength Meets Elevation |
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On October 29th, the ICF Toronto Chapter gathered at The Old Mill to celebrate the ICF Toronto Chapter Awards Gala 2025 - an evening filled with connection, inspiration, and recognition of excellence within our coaching community. We were delighted to honour this year’s outstanding award recipients and to acknowledge the Virtual Option team for their many years of dedicated service.
A special thank-you goes to our emcee, Sangeetha Dikshit, for guiding the evening with energy and professionalism, as well as to our keynote speaker, Linda Raynier, for her insightful talk, Ascend in Your Own Quiet Way.
Congratulations to our 2025 award winners:
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PRISM Award: Sun Life - Congratulations to Gillian Kufsky and the entire Sun Life team for their leadership and commitment to coaching excellence.
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Volunteer of the Year: Vineet Sharma. (Ph.D) - Vinny has brought energy, collaboration, and a clear vision for creating valuable member experiences
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Outstanding Individual Contributor: Deep Ahuja Sharma, ICF MCC, ACTC Deep’s leadership, professionalism, and generosity as a coach, author, and educator continue to inspire and elevate the profession.
We also extend our appreciation to our panel of judges and to the Awards Gala Planning Committee for creating a memorable event that truly reflected this year’s theme, Rooted to Rise.
Here’s to another year of growth, connection, and excellence in coaching! |
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TOOLS WE LOVE: Invitation to Share a Tool You Love |
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CEI is launching Tools We Love, a new workshop series highlighting the practical tools coaches rely on in their own work: from frameworks and prompts to somatic practices, mapping exercises, Human Design elements, Enneagram lenses, reflective cards, and more.
Each session is experiential and coaching-aligned, with a format that includes:
- a short introduction to the tool
- a guided activity
- a reflective debrief
- a link back to ICF competencies
- closing and resources
Support is provided for framing, ethical use, and contracting for consent and agency.
If you use a tool that consistently sparks insight, clarity, or creativity in your coaching, we would love to feature you.
To express interest or learn more about what facilitation involves, please contact Suzanne at suzanne@icftoronto.com.
Please note, this event is open to ICF Toronto members who have paid their annual activity fee. |
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The ICF Toronto Chapter has an exciting lineup of events in the coming months! From engaging community hubs and peer coaching to new-member coffee chats, member spotlights and more. We’re continually adding new opportunities designed to support your professional development and strengthen our coaching community. There’s something for every coach looking to learn, connect, and grow! |
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Explore our full event calendar for details by clicking below:
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Call For Volunteers: Co-create the future of coaching in Toronto!
Join the ICF Toronto Committees and help us nurture a sustainable, thriving foundation for our community of coaches — today and for years to come.
Help create unforgettable experiences for our members! From events to engagement initiatives, this team ensures every coach feels welcomed, supported, and connected within the ICF Toronto community.
Passionate about growth and learning? Join this team to shape programs, workshops, and resources that elevate our members’ coaching skills and professional evolution.
Be a voice for coaching in Toronto and beyond! This committee builds partnerships, increases public awareness, and advocates for the value of professional coaching in organizations and communities.
Love structure, sustainability, and impact? Help ensure the chapter runs smoothly and responsibly. This team safeguards our financial health and guides sound governance practices for long-term success.
Got a flair for storytelling and visibility? Lend your creativity to strengthening ICF Toronto’s brand. From messaging to marketing, help us showcase the power and professionalism of coaching.
To learn more about these portfolios and how you’ll be collaborating with the Board of Directors, please take a moment to review the link below. It outlines our chapter strategy as well as the roles and responsibilities for each area: https://www.icftoronto.com/about/board-member-roles-and-responsibilities/
Interested? Please fill out the volunteer form by clicking on the link below and contact Heather at: info@icftoronto.com if you have any questions. |
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We are inviting a volunteer to co-lead the ICF Mississauga Hub. In this role, you will help plan and organize member meetings in Mississauga.
Please share your interest with komal@icftoronto.com |
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Are you running an event, workshop or seminar that you would like to promote in our monthly newsletter? This is an ideal way to get your
message into the coaching community and beyond! Find out how you can submit your event (free of charge for ICF Toronto members who have
paid the Activity Fee):
Submission Guidelines. |
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Team of Teams Transformational Partner Program | Submitted by: Michelle Chambers, M.Ed., PCC, CSODP, CHRL, CTDP, TCQA, EIA |
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Catherine Carr and Michelle Chambers will be facilitating this 3.5 day immersive experience for experienced coaches who want to deepen their systemic practice and work effectively across teams, functions and organizational boundaries.
Date: April 29, 30 and May 1
Price: $3499 early bird rate
Location: Odgers Berndtson, 200 Bay Street, #3300, Toronto
There will also be a webinar (1/2 day) and an optional book club to participate in prior to the session.
Please contact Michelle Chambers, michelle@chambersandassociates.ca to register your interest and add your name to the waitlist. |
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EQ-i2.0 & EQ360 Certification from eiADVANTAGE | Submitted by: Janice Gair, PCC, CPHR, President |
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Next certification dates: November 17-20, 2025. Grow your business and become certified to deliver EQ assessments to your clients.
Cost: $1850 More info here! Following certification, you will be able to join our EQ Refresher alumna program complimentary! This program includes four 1-hour sessions/ year to keep you familiarized with the EQ-i2.0 assessments and deepen your learning. If you have been EQ-i2.0 certified by another provider, but wish to join the EQ Refresher program, we welcome you to our learning community for nominal fee of $250.
Need more info? Contact: Janice at info@eiadvantage.ca |
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PDLG Business Coaching Advantage – Build Your Confidence, Competence and Credibility | Submitted by: Maggie Coulter, PeopleDynamics Learning Group Inc.
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We are committed to creating inclusive spaces and advocating for equity in the world. BCA COACHING ESSENTIALS: CORE SKILLS & CREDENTIAL COURSES Coursework and virtual practicum make for a compact 4 to 6 month program of intense learning with optional business development support. ICF Level 1 accredited program. Next intake: February 2026. BCA COACHING SUPERVISION While high quality training is essential for transformational business and leadership coaching, coaching supervision is just as essential to support the coach in their ongoing practice. With BCA Coaching Supervision, coaches have an opportunity to work through any challenges, concerns, and goals within their coaching practice in a development and being-focused relational space. Up to 10 CCEU’s available. BCA COACHING ADVANCED For experienced coaches who want to deepen their skill set and work towards coaching at the PCC level. ICF Level 2 accredited program. Next intake: Date TBA. Learn more at: www.peopledynamicslearning.com Contact us to learn more: call Maggie at: 416-988-5115 or email: info@peopledynamicslearning.com |
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The Communiverse | Submitted by: Haesun Moon, Ph.D.
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A Creative Home Base for Coaches & Creatives (Downtown Toronto)
If you’ve been trying to design courses, write your book, or film your content from the corner of your kitchen table… this is for you.
The Communiverse started as a project, based on Dr. Kenneth Gergen's social constructionist concept. Now it is taking on a physical form as a small, coaching-centred creative studio (950 sq ft) in downtown Toronto (near Wellesley & Yonge), hosted by the Canadian Centre for Brief Coaching. We’re opening our doors to a founding circle of 20 members from the coaching and creative community.
What you get as a member:
For a founding rate starting at $500/month + HST, you’ll have:
- 🕘 Access during office hours (Mon–Fri, approx. 9–5) | Use the space as your “office away from home” with shared, hot-desk style seating (first-come, first-served)
- 🕯 Neurodivergent-friendly environment | No scent, Low-noise zones, intentional lighting, and quiet times designed for deep focus and gentle, steady energy.
- 🛋️ Private Consultation rooms (by booking) | For client sessions, supervision, or small meetings, with fair-use booking so everyone gets a turn
- 📬 Professional downtown business / mailing address | A real downtown office address at a price that’s almost unheard of.
- 🧩 Training & event space at member rates | Priority access to a room for up to ~25 people for workshops, cohorts, and small events (booked and billed separately).
- 🤝 Creative community | Be surrounded by other coaches, writers, facilitators, and artists who are actually making things—not just talking about them.
This is a creative studio, not a generic co-working office.
We gently ask: please don’t bring your bookkeeping or inbox-clearing here. This is for curriculum design, content creation, writing, vision-boarding, and big-thinking work.
Studio Saturdays – Make Your Ideas Visible
In partnership with Bayview Centre for the Arts, we offer Studio Saturdays as a separate, fee-based service.
- 🎥 Professional-quality recording studio setup
- 🎬 Videographer/artist with expertise in documentary & online learning
- 🧠 Optional add-ons like mentoring or content-shaping support
Members receive priority booking and preferred rates.
Flexibility & bonus
- ⏰ Beyond 9–5?
Use of the space outside office hours can be pre-arranged to accommodate your needs.
- 🔁 Different ways to belong
Membership starts at $500/month (dedicated hours each week); options for more frequent or dedicated use are available at higher tiers.
🎁 Founding bonus:
Sign up for a 2026 membership in November, and you get December as a trial month to set up, plan, and quietly prepare your 2026 projects—plus an end-of-year office party with fellow Communiverse creatives.
🔹 Only 20 memberships available
📩 Apply to join The Communiverse - If you have questions, please let us know! |
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The Inclusive Leadership Coaching Podcast | Submitted by: Terri Donohue
What might it look like if your coaching practice embraced more inclusivity?
In a world that’s constantly evolving, it’s crucial for us as coaches to be intentional about the impact we create. We have an incredible opportunity to lead the way in building a future where inclusivity is not just an idea, but a reality.
Welcome to The Inclusive Leadership Coaching Podcast—I’m your host, Terri Donohue, your Neurospicy Inclusion Coach! As an ICF/PCC life and leadership coach with a passion for social justice and a specialization in neurodiversity, my mission is to support fellow coaches in building practices that reflect equity, authenticity, and real, lasting change.
In this podcast, we’ll explore how leadership is more than just a title—it’s about behavior, collaboration, and creating impactful, sustainable change. Whether you’re at the beginning of your inclusivity journey or have already made strides, this podcast will offer tools, reflections, and inspiring conversations to help you deepen and grow your practice.
The Inclusive Leadership Coaching Podcast bridges the gap between coaching, inclusion, and leadership—finally!
Episodes drop bi-weekly on Wednesdays. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn for updates, bonus content, and opportunities to collaborate.
Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform like Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inclusive-leadership-coaching/id1724442056 and Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4c0CVlogSvBO3PghRkdtwt and Podbean.
Let’s create a world where inclusive leadership coaching transforms lives, one conversation at a time.
Because change starts with us. |
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🌟 A Milestone Moment for Coaching Neurodiversity at Work
Submitted by: Deborah Shukyn-Plageman, Founder, PersonaGrata Consulting, Coaching Neurodiversity at Work
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This milestone marks a dream realized.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) has awarded our course, Coaching Neurodiversity at Work (CNDW) at the University of British Columbia, Extended Learning, the maximum 40 Continuing Coach Education Units (CCEUs) — 26 in Core Competencies and 14 in Resource Development.
40 CCEUs is the highest possible recognition for a continuing education program outside of initial coach training. It affirms the rigour, quality, and ethical grounding of what we’ve built — a learning space where coaches can grow their practice in truly neuro-affirming and inclusive ways.
This has always been the vision:
That Coaching Neurodiversity at Work becomes the go-to place for coaches, leaders, and organizations ready to re-imagine how we support human difference in the workplace.
And this is just the beginning.
Together with PersonaGrata Consulting, we’ll soon launch companion programs in neuro-affirming leadership, mentor coaching, and coaching supervision — continuing to expand what’s possible in this field.
🎓 Join us on November 27 for an online information session to learn more about this inaugural ICF-recognized program and what comes next. | 👉 Register here 🎓 Ready to register for the training? | 👉 Register here With gratitude to everyone who believed in this vision — this milestone belongs to all of us who are committed to building a more understanding world of work. |
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Become a CERTIFIED RESILIENCE COACH
Embody & Coach Resilience
Submitted by: Deanna Friesen
Are you ready for a profound transformation?
As a coach, you guide others through stress and overwhelm. But what if you could develop the deep resilience to not only lead your clients effectively but also find more ease and strength in your own life?
This science-backed, heart-centred journey is the promise of the Certified Resilience Coach Program (CRCP).
We believe you can't coach what you don't live. That’s why this program starts with you. In under 12 weeks, you'll embody a new level of well-being—feeling stronger, healthier, and more focused yourself.
Then, you’ll receive everything you need to guide your clients to that same success, including:
- A proven, ready-to-use resilience coaching system with cutting-edge tools.
- Frameworks to confidently help clients struggling with burnout.
- Hands-on coaching experience to sharpen your skills.
- 36 ICF Continuing Coach Education credits.
- Connection with a global community of heart-centered coaches.
Upcoming Offering: The next CRCP session begins on January 17, 2026. Use discount code ICFTORONTO2026 to save $200 on your tuition.
For program details and to begin your transformation, visit us here.
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BONUS: Download our resilience coaching guide: Beyond Bouncing Back: A Guide for Coaching Resilience in Yourself, Your Clients, and Staff. Download it here.
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From our Graduates:
"This program doesn’t just add tools to your kit; it changes how you use them." – Martina F.
"I came out of the program feeling much more equipped and confident." – Ana G. |
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Want more corporate leadership clients? Get certified to use the most widely accepted measures for EQ, the EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360! | Submitted by: David Cory
Get certified to use the measures of EQ used by Samsung, Olympus, the Ontario gov't and the gov't of Canada, and many, many more, as the basis for their leadership training and coaching - and get certified by the company that is the first choice of the most progressive companies in the world - The Emotional Intelligence Training Company Inc. (EITC)
EITC was one of the first companies to partner with MHS to offer the EQ-i Certification Course and for the last 26 years we have been the leading provider of the EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360 Certification Course globally.
Get certified in the 4 half-day live online course and then take your learning deeper with the 2 half-day live online course, Developing EQ where you will learn how to help clients develop their EQ through coaching and training and get a complete turn-key workshop for use in your organization, including participant workbook, interactive exercises and learning activities, video clips, and power-point slides. Learn more. |
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CONFLICT MANAGEMENT COACHING WORKSHOP (VIRTUAL) by CINERGY® Coaching through Resolution Pathways
Submitted by: Sharad Kerur
Conflict management coaching is a specialized area within coaching, where coaches support clients to prevent unnecessary conflicts, manage existing disputes, and improve their conflict resolution skills. This workshop will provide participants with:
- An understanding of the CINERGY® model of conflict management coaching, including its theory, principles, and methods.
- Basic knowledge of how to use the CINERGY® model in conflict coaching.
- Insight into the skills needed to be an effective conflict management coach.
- Practical experience with the coaching model in the roles of coach, client, and observer.
- Awareness of how and when to apply this coaching technique.
- Resources and guidelines for the logistics of conflict management coaching.
Participants who attend the full program earn up to 34 ICF credits.
More information can be found at: https://resolutionpathways.com/cinergy-workshop or contact Sharad Kerur at: sharadkerur@resolutionpathways.com
*A discount of $300 is offered to members of ICF and ICF CCEUs who complete this workshop. |
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Mentor Coaching with Jo Bennett, ACPC, PCC, ACE | Submitted by: Jo Bennett
Engage with confidence in a personalized 1:1 space where you can flourish as a coach! For five years I have mentored clients in the early stages of their coaching journey: individuals in ICF accreditation programs, those applying for an ACC or PCC credential, as well as ICF members renewing their ACC credential. I am specifically trained in mentor coaching and registered as a mentor coach with ICF. I take a coach approach with mentor clients to deepen their self reflection skills, collaborating to explore growth edges while celebrating current gifts. There is ample time to steep in the ICF Code of Ethics and Core Competencies for rich alignment. We co-generate thoughtful feedback on two or more recorded calls. My coach clients build on insights discovered during and between our sessions as they witness their growth in their own client's results. More information is available on my website: https://solomojo.ca/icf-mentor-coach It is a joy and privilege to work with newer coaches. Their dedication to learning inspires me to grow and thrive as a professional. I look forward to working with you! |
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