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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
September 2025 |
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Dear Coaching Community,
September is here, and suddenly it feels like everyone hit the gas pedal at 150%—are you riding along or catching your breath? How are you all doing?
I’ve been in the same space myself—after a busy summer, it’s easy to get swept up in the momentum. I’ve been taking a few intentional pauses during the day, heading to the nearby park, and soaking in these small urban pockets of calm. |
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I can’t state how much having these accessible quiet spaces helps. I’d love to hear from you—how are you finding your moments of pause amid the September rush?
We as a chapter are growing and have had 27 new members join us recently.
I’m excited to be seeing you at our Annual Meeting on September 18th at noon! This virtual gathering is a chance for the whole board to share updates, reflections, and what’s ahead for our chapter. Your participation is essential—your presence helps shape our shared direction. If you’re unable to join us live, please ensure you submit your proxy vote by September 16th. |
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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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News and Announcements
Coaching Community Notices
Ads
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ICF Credentialing Updates Q&A Webinar – What You Need to Know |
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Save Your Seat! Register Now! for Credentialing Updates:
Join Aileen Gordon, ICF Global’s Director of Operations for ICF Credentials and Standards, for an exclusive session packed with updates designed to elevate your coaching journey.
What you’ll discover:
- Streamlined Pathways | ACC and PCC applications are becoming simpler, with the ACSTH Application consolidated into the Portfolio Application.
- Simplified Renewals | A new audit review process will maintain ICF’s high standards while making renewals easier.
- Core Competency Updates | Learn about the updated ICF Core Competencies (released Sept 8) and where to access supporting resources.
- Pilot Exam Opportunity | Eligible PCC and MCC candidates can participate in a new version of the ICF Credentialing Exam, launching November 17.
- Professional Growth | Explore resources on upgrading your credential, pursuing the ACTC, and building your skills through mentoring and supervision.
Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM ET
Event Type: Recorded webinar
CCE Units: 1 Resource Development
Cost: Free
Whether you’re applying for your first credential or preparing to renew, this session offers insights and opportunities to support every stage of your coaching career. For the best experience, we recommend watching the ICF Credentialing Webinar Series in advance.
Don’t miss this chance to stay ahead, simplify your credentialing journey, and reach new heights as a coach! |
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ICF Core Competencies Practice Lab
Establishes and Maintains Agreement |
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This November, ICF Toronto will be launching ICF Core Competencies Practice Lab, an experiential series for coaches to explore, practice, and deepen their understanding of the updated ICF Core Competencies—live, in real time.
The first session on “Establishes and Maintains Agreement” competency, will be facilitated by Lucy Shenouda, MCC, ACTC, FosterEssence Inc. |
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The Core Competency Practice Lab gives you a space to integrate learnings into practice while growing your confidence and skill in applying the ICF framework. It is designed to be hands-on, interactive with live demonstration, and insight-rich.
Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Time: 5:30 – 6:45 PM (ET)
Event Type: Recorded Zoom session
Continuing Coach Education (CCE): 1.25 Core Competency
Register now to save your seat! |
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ICF Global Credentialing Support
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Throughout the year, the ICF Credentials and Standards Global team hosts one-hour Q & A calls designed for applicants — whether you are pursuing an ICF credential for the first time or upgrading your current one. Pick a time that fits your schedule.
October 1, 2025: Renewing Your Credential
- 10:00 AM (ET) | Click HERE to register
- 6:00 PM (ET) | Click HERE to register
November 5, 2025: Applying for a Credentialing - 10:00 AM (ET) | Click HERE to register
- 6:00 PM (ET) | Click HERE to register
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The ICF Core Competencies Just Got an Upgrade — See What’s New
Coaching keeps evolving — and so do the standards that guide it. The newly updated ICF Core Competencies are here to support your growth in a rapidly changing world. Grounded in research and shaped by feedback from thousands of coaches around the world, this update builds on the strong foundation of the 2019 model with refined language, enhanced clarity, and targeted updates to help you better meet today’s demands with confidence and clarity. These updates will also inform forthcoming changes to the minimum skills requirements used in performance evaluations, ensuring the ICF credentialing process continues to reflect the realities of modern coaching. Now’s the time to explore what’s new, elevate your practice, and help lead coaching forward. Navigate Complexity With Confidence: Refresh Your Ethics Knowledge As the world grows more complex, so do the ethical challenges you face as a coach. Staying grounded in current ethical standards is essential — not just for your clients’ success but also for your own confidence in every coaching conversation.
The updated, free ICF Ethics Course equips you to uphold the highest standards by aligning with the latest ICF Code of Ethics, which was released in April. This self-paced course empowers you to navigate ethical dilemmas with clarity and confidence. By completing the course, you’ll: - Enhance your ability to make sound ethical decisions amid complexity.
- Earn 3 Continuing Coach Education (CCE) credits in ethics.
- Fulfill the ethics requirement for ICF credential renewal (if applicable).
This free course is available now in English, with more languages coming soon. It’s a valuable resource to help you stay prepared, act ethically, and remain agile. |
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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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Bahareh Babadivand
Shervin Esfandyari
Fola Fadero
Taleaa Ghori
Lynne Ivanovich
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Shila Poormorad
Shayan Shokrian
Joseph Taylor
Michelle Weiss
Neil Wood |
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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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Thank you to Joanne Free-Parnelli for hosting the Durham Hub! Unfortunately, Joanne is no longer able to host this Hub meeting group. Any member interested in hosting a Hub meeting, please contact Donna Needs, Hub Liaison, at: donnaneeds@gmail.com.
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A Big Thank You to Our ICF Toronto Hub Leaders!
We’re incredibly grateful to our Hub Leaders, who have gone above and beyond in organizing events that support and connect local coaches - both members and non-members alike.
Be sure to check the ICF Toronto website for announcements about upcoming Hub Events, and don’t forget to register if you plan to attend.
There is a small fee to participate: $10 for members and $15 for non-members. These funds help cover the cost of venue rentals and/or meeting room spaces.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement! |
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Mark your calendars for our upcoming Hubs!
Don't miss your chance to register for an engaging conversation! |
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NEWMARKET | AURORA HUB
September 24, 2025 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (ET)
Location: Newmarket Public Library (Board Room) | 438 Park Avenue
Topic: Advocacy Through Coaching: Building Collective Resilience and Community Leadership - How can coaching expand beyond the individual to become a tool for advocacy, amplifying voices, and fostering systemic change?
Please contact Arlene Hearn if you have any questions at arlene@arlenehearn.com. |
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Click below for more information and to register: |
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OCTOBER ONLINE HUB
Join us via Zoom for ICF Toronto's online Hub on Thursday, October 2, 7 - 8 p.m. (ET)
This is a fully confidential and safe space for coaches to connect, share, seek support and bring their questions. Organized and led by ICF Toronto Chapter member, Silke Henke, PCC, and co-led by Tony Masella, ACC. We will offer a topic, based on the Core Competencies each month, but are always prepared to dance in the moment!
Please contact Silke - danceandplaycoaching@gmail.com or Tony -tmasella@align3p.ca for more information.
Your Zoom link will be provided upon registration confirmation. |
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Reminder: Our Annual and Special Meeting for Members will take place virtually on Thursday, September 18, at 12:00 PM ET.
Please click the link below to register and gain access to the meeting documentation.
Important: If you are unable to vote online during the meeting, please complete the proxy vote by Tuesday, September 16, 2025. It only takes minutes, but plays a critical role in helping us reach quorum and move forward with key chapter decisions.
Click HERE for the electronic voting instructions and to vote. Please note that you must be signed in to your profile at www.icftoronto.com. |
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This fall, ICF Toronto is launching In the Making, a new Coaching Entrepreneurship & Impact (CEI) initiative designed to support coaches who are:
- building their practice,
- growing their visibility, and
- exploring new ways to lead and serve through coaching.
We’re starting with a season of discovery, co-creation, and sensing.
Whether you're an emerging coach, a curious entrepreneur, or a seasoned practitioner seeking fresh connection and community, we invite you to join this evolving community of coaches shaping what’s next! |
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CEI In The Making Launch Sensing Session
An open circle to explore:
- What does “entrepreneurial coaching” mean to you?
- What support do you need right now?
- What would make this feel like a space for you?
Click HERE to register for the Sensing Session | October 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM (ET)
or share your thoughts HERE |
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Small Biz Chats | Coaching as a Business
Casual, real-talk conversations on what it takes to build a coaching business.
Early-stages? In a pivot? Come as you are! Click HERE to register for Small Biz Chat #1 | October 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM (ET)
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Facilitators Circle (Community of Practice)
We’re forming a peer learning, practice and supervision circle for those holding space for others.
Click HERE to express interest in Facilitators Circle |
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Coach Talks: In The Making
CEI is curating spotlight interviews with members about the real journey of coaching entrepreneurship – the first five years, pivots, the surprises, and the passion behind their practice. Want to be featured or suggest a member to spotlight?
Click HERE to nominate or express interest |
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CEI Commons | Coming Soon
A shared space for community-practice sessions like:
Tools We Love, Pitch Practice, Make It Happen Hours & more
✋ Join us to connect, exchange ideas, and explore practical ways to grow your coaching practice.
Click HERE to express interest in volunteering or hosting
Click HERE to submit a tool, idea or session concept |
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About CEI
Coaching Entrepreneurship & Impact (CEI) is a strategic commitment of ICF Toronto, designed to cultivate entrepreneurial capacity, leadership, and visibility among coaches.
By supporting coaches at all stages of practice – from emerging to established – CEI strengthens ICF Toronto’s commitment to member engagement, professional growth, and coaching as a force for societal transformation.
Our focus is on:
- Entrepreneurship – building sustainable, values-aligned coaching businesses
- Practice Building – developing tools, offers, and confidence through practice and action
- Visibility & Voice – helping coaches show up and share their work
- Collective Impact – spotlighting coaching as a force for positive change
CEI is designed to evolve with our community – inviting experimentation, peer support, and shared leadership. |
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Showcase Your Business at the ICF Toronto Awards Celebration
Want your business in front of the right audience? Here’s your chance!
For just $50 (members) or $100 (non-members), you can feature your leaflet, bookmark, or promotional item directly in the hands of every participant at our Awards Celebration.
The audience will include a vibrant mix of professional coaches, award winners, and distinguished guests—making this a valuable opportunity to grow your visibility and connections. |
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Reciprocal Peer Coaching is an engaging 1.5-hour session designed to accelerate your credentialing journey and enhance your coaching skills through peer exchanges. These sessions are an integral part of our commitment to supporting members in obtaining the necessary peer coaching hours. Sessions will be offered on three separate dates this fall from 6:30 - 8:00 PM (ET).
Please see the schedule below for session dates. Click the link provided for more details and to register for the date that works best for you! Wednesday September 24, 2025
Wednesday October 15, 2025
Thursday November 13, 2025 |
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Chapter Hub Liaison ICF Toronto Chapter HUBS provide a way for members to engage in small groups locally, share ideas, collaborate, and connect on a deeper level. These small groups are led by coach volunteers, and support topics of interest to coaches in local areas.
We currently have HUBS in Newmarket / Aurora, Kitchener/Waterloo, Etobicoke, and new HUBS being launched in Mississauga and Halton! As the demand from our members grow to create more HUBS across GTA, we currently have a volunteer role for a Chapter Hub Liaison.
As the HUB Liaison, you will be responsible for the following activities:
- Be the primary point of contact for HUB co-leads, offering support and guidance when needed.
- Be a point of contact for members and guests who wish to attend a Hub event.
- Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among HUBS.
- Gather key findings from HUB leads to ensure member needs are discussed with Membership & Volunteer portfolio co-leads.
- Support the growth of new HUBS across GTA & beyond in line with the membership and volunteering strategy.
- Ensure HUB event calendar and attendance is maintained and posted online.
- Collect and submit Hub expenses from co-Leaders.
- Work with ICF Toronto's admin team to ensure the Hub event calendar is maintained and posted online.
Requirements for Candidates:
- Time commitment of at least 10-15 hours/month.
- Be a member in good standing.
Please complete the application form HERE to express your interest.
The selection process will be led by Member Experience Directors, Yeugenia Kazantseva and Nathalie Ostiguy
Applications are open until September 30th, 2025 |
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CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!
We’re seeking volunteers to support our board committees. If you're interested in contributing, please send your name to Heather, our Chapter Manager, at: manager@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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Emotional Intelligence Learning Opportunities from eiADVANTAGE | Submitted by: Janice Gair, PCC, CPHR, President |
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EQ-i 2.0 Certification
Looking to deepen your expertise? Explore our upcoming EQ-i 2.0 Certification dates! Upon completion, you’ll also gain complimentary access to our EQ Refresher Alumni Program. Info here!
New Learning Opportunity: MSCEIT2
Join us for an engaging session on the MSCEIT2 (Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test) - a valuable tool for coaches who want to validate and enhance how effectively they recognize and respond to clients’ emotional cues.
Session Date: October 16, 1-2 PM (ET)
Regular Price: $360 | Special Coach Rate: $250
Info here!
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 equality 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, and you complete the training hours and coach assessment required to apply for your ICF ACC credential (with appropriate number of coaching hours). Next intake for BCA Essentials: October 2025.
ICF Level 1 accredited program.
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.
CCEU’s available.
BCA COACHING ADVANCED
For experienced coaches who want to deepen their skill set and work towards coaching at the PCC level. A rigorous and intensive program, participants will complete the training hours and coach assessment required to apply for your ICF PCC credential (with appropriate number of coaching hours accrued). Next intake: September 2025.
ICF Level 2 accredited program.
Learn more at: peopledynamicslearning.com
Contact us to learn more: call Maggie at: 416-988-5115 or email: info@peopledynamicslearning.com |
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Coaching Neurodiversity at Work – Now Open for Fall 2025 at UBC! | Submitted by: Deborah Shukyn-Plageman, Founder, PersonaGrata Consulting, Coaching Neurodiversity at Work
We’re excited to announce that Coaching Neurodiversity at Work is officially launching as a full program through the University of British Columbia, Extended Learning this Fall!
Following a sold-out pilot, it’s clear there’s growing demand for coach education that integrates neuro-affirming, justice-informed practice. Developed by ICF-credentialed coach, educator, and supervisor Deborah Shukyn-Plageman, this groundbreaking course is grounded in the Integrated Coaching Framework for Neuroaffirmative Coaching (ICF-N).
Designed for coaches, leaders, and changemakers, the program explores the intersection of coaching excellence, equity, and neurodiversity. With continuing education credits (CCEs), live instruction, and intentionally accessible resources, the course meets you where you are—and invites you to stretch toward where coaching can go.
Want to be part of the next cohort? For more information and to sign up, click HERE
Let’s reimagine coaching together—one conversation at a time. |
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Become a CERTIFIED RESILIENCE COACH
Embody & Coach Resilience
Submitted by: Rita McDowall
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-centred coaches.
Upcoming Offering: The next CRCP session begins on September 27, 2025. Use discount code: ICFTORONTO2025 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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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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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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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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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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