This month VOICE Editor
Barbra Sundquist, IAC-CC interviews President Natalie Tucker Miller, IAC-CC to find out what
it's like heading up the IAC.
What made you decide to
step up to be Prez?
After having been hired as a certifier, and filling in as
representative to the certification board for the
Strategic Planning Meetings, I was fascinated by all the
plans, progress and vision. I knew I wanted to get
connected at a deeper level. From there I joined the
board, and when Barbara Mark began her search for a
successor, I felt a calling to throw my hat into the ring.
How does somebody get elected to such a position?
If someone is inclined to serve in this capacity, the
first step is to get in touch with a board member and
discuss your desire. The board positions are staggered, so
there are openings annually. Once someone has served on
the board and held a committee assignment, they can
usually determine whether or not they would be interested
or qualify for an executive position. Another way to get
involved with the IAC is volunteering on a committee.
There are several committees and areas of need,
which are posted
on the
IAC web site.
What’s involved in being
IAC President?
I laughed when I first heard this question! Not that it’s
a humorous question, but the answer could take a while to
detail. There are so many facets to this position, it’s
actually quite fascinating. It’s crucial that the President be knowledgeable
about all aspects of the organization, in order to help
everyone on the team utilize their talents to best serve
both their own and the organization's interests. I am compelled to
include at this point a nod to the incredible people that
comprise the board and the various committees. Delegating
is effortless, because my associates are so devoted to the
health and growth of the IAC, any assignments that arise
are almost immediately occupied.
What’s the biggest
misconception people have about serving on the IAC Board?
Two concerns I’ve heard from people curious about serving
the organization are: "Don’t I have to be certified?" And
"I’m not sure what I have to offer" This may seem odd, but
the IAC does not exist to convince people to become
certified. Certifying coaches is what we do, yet there’s a
much larger vision, a broader perspective. Yes, we have a
rigorous, progressive and pertinent certification which
benefits the profession, coaches and clients. However,
certification is a personal issue at this point in time,
not a required mandate. The larger goal is to advance
coaching, and we love to see coaches who are working
towards that end, serving the coaching profession in their
unique way. I guess that kind of addressed both of the
concerns I cited!
What are the three most
important things you’ve done in your term so far?
Well, I have to say I do have a knack for surrounding
myself with people who support my vision, so in that
regard, crafting the executive team, connecting personally
with the existing board members and inviting some
newcomers was crucial in order to advance the IAC’s
mission. Another area is the website. We are so excited to
have the new site
go live today! And finally, working with you Barbra,
and Angela Spaxman who is the communications
liaison to the board, getting this newsletter published
and distributed on a regular schedule has been undoubtedly
the most visible accomplishment.
What’s your highest
priority right now?
Now that much of the technical side is running smoothly
and our certification process is dynamically operative,
it’s time to begin our campaign of educating the public,
businesses, coaches and the media about the IAC’s unique
position in the industry. Our certification means that
coaches have demonstrated peak proficiency with their
clients, whether it’s via a traditional coaching business
model, or using the coaching approach in a complementary
profession. The implications of how IAC certified coaches
can and are creating unlimited possibility with their
clients are thrilling to envision!
