Mission Accomplished

For me, there’s no better feeling than achieving a long-term goal.

At the start of my coaching journey in 2017, knowing that there are many different types of coach out there with different backgrounds, training levels and experience levels, I decided that I wanted to be an accredited coach with the International Coach Federation.

Back then I was part way through my first Executive Coaching training course and hadn’t yet left my CEO role. I knew that I had a long way to go with that accreditation. However, fast forward 2 years and in 2019 I applied and was awarded Associate Certified Coach with the ICF – 100+ hours of coaching, 60+ hours of training and overseen by a qualified mentor. I had no idea that my qualification journey would expand from that point.

In 2020-21 I coached my socks off and realised the 500 hours required for the next ICF level was within reach. Time to step out of my comfort zone once again and go back to the classroom for more training. There I found that while my coaching was considered generally good, a few habits I’d formed in my coaching style needed adjusting if I was to meet the requirements of Professional Certified Coach.

That felt quite uncomfortable, and I was pushed out of my comfort zone. Over the 6 month duration of the training course, I gradually worked on this with the feedback and guidance of the trainer, elevated my coaching to the level I needed to demonstrate to the assessors. 

So I’m absolutely delighted to share the news that I’ve been awarded Professional Certified Coach (PCC) by the International Coach Federation (ICF).

This recognises:

– 550+ hours of coaching clients

– 125+ hours of coach training

– My demonstration of the ICF’s competencies and high ethical standards, through rigorous assessment

– My commitment to upholding the highest standards for the coaching profession

This is a major milestone in my coaching journey and its meaning for me is mainly about two things:

– The love of coaching and being the best executive coach I can be, for my clients

– The motivation I get from life-long learning

Without all my wonderful clients, this wouldn’t have been possible – I thank all of them most sincerely. (You know who you are).

I’m also very grateful to my trainers, mentor, supervisor and others who have taught, coached, guided, supported and generously given of their time along the way.

Particular thanks to:

AoEC – The Academy of Executive Coaching (for the excellent foundations of the Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching)

Gillian McMichael MCC at Full Circle Training (developing advanced coaching skills and knowledge via Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice part 2, including mentoring, tons of support and feedback from Gillian) and all my course buddies

Katie Harvey PCC, my absolutely wonderful long-term supervisor

All my friends at the ICF Maidenhead Coaching Group for all those great meetings, check-ins, discussions, advice and support.

Time now for me to set a new, long-term learning aim!