The Heart of The Coaching Masteries: a story to tell
We begin answering these questions in this, our first issue of Voice Bites – with a taste of the backstory on how we pieced together the story of The Coaching Masteries® and an appetiser of how The Coaching Masteries® were developed. In subsequent editions we will continue to share the story of what we learned – Stay Tuned!
Indeed, as we reflect on our coaching practices and their impact on those we serve, it is evident that the story of IAC and The Coaching Masteries® is one that truly deserves to be told. To know our history connects us with our roots and fosters a greater appreciation for the standards of professionalism that IAC coaches uphold, and from which clients continue to benefit today. And to acknowledge this significant history is to honour the wisdom and dedication of our foundational members who helped shape the world of coaching as we know it. Until recently, key points of IAC’s history were documented but the vital story of how The Coaching Masteries® came to be was never recorded. That has now changed however, with IAC’s research project – The Heart of The Coaching Masteries!
In 2021 a founding IAC member, inspired with genuine curiosity, accepted IAC’s ExCo and Certification Committee’s invitation to undertake the research on the origins of The Coaching Masteries®. Thankfully, while the story had not been documented, there was a list of the names of the co-creators – 32 in total – and their contact information, by then 15 years old, with which The Heart of The Coaching Masteries project could begin.
Reaching out to all of the original 32 co-creators from different parts of the globe with the contact information at hand, we began connecting with a few. Further searching with search engines and social media brought to light newer contact information, websites and articles written by and/or about some of the coaches on our list which helped us connect with more. And several times it was through someone we personally knew from the early years of IAC or one of the co-creators we connected with that we were able to connect with yet another three of the coaches we were looking for.
By 2023, 14 of the 32 coaches had been reached and interviewed, marking the start of a fruitful journey of discovery into the creation of The Coaching Masteries® and how they were developed. Each coach was thrilled we wanted to hear and document the story of their incredible journey and were happy to contribute what they could remember.
When interviewed and prompted by questions in true coaching style, they began recollecting the joy, excitement, growth and intrinsic meaningfulness they experienced engaging in this unique opportunity to come together and create. They recalled being inspired by the late Thomas Leonard’s examples of ‘let’s do it!’. Insights into many aspects of their processes and thinking began to come forth.
Combining and validating these memories with correspondence discovered in 2023 (180 emails and documents written by the co-creators during the two years of development and testing found in old computers of two of the coaches interviewed!) and IAC newsletter articles in the IAC Archives, the story is coming to light.
Stories are the heartbeat of any enterprise, conveying its core values and deepening our appreciation for the journeys that have brought us to where we stand today. So, what is the IAC® narrative? How – and Why – did IAC and subsequently, The Coaching Masteries®, come into existence? How were The Coaching Masteries developed?
In the beginning, starting in January 2005, the First Phase of development was conducted by an “International working group of 17 trained, experienced coaches, many of them masterful coaches, who were aware through significant reflection on training and experience of coaching and being coached, what was important in the coaching dynamic with clients and had both the insight and ability to put that into words.” Sali Taylor, Chair of IAC-IP. This diverse group came together from Australia, Israel, France/Switzerland, Mexico, Korea, South Africa, China, Nicaragua, Hong Kong, Canada, and USA, bringing their wealth and breadth of coaching experience and educational and professional backgrounds including law, business, education, psychology, adult learning, and sociology.
They were drawn to the IAC and to developing The Coaching Masteries® because they believed in the vision and mission of IAC: that anyone anywhere in the world would know that the IAC certification credential based on The Coaching Masteries®, stands for a recognized universal standard, an honourable code of coaching ethics and an assurance of overall excellence and integrity in providing service to the client/consumer as the highest priority. All of this, and more, created a richness and depth of experience, wisdom and intention for developing The Coaching Masteries®.
The research into how The Coaching ®came to be is an extensive and fascinating ‘archaeological dig’. At its heart, the fact-finding mission aimed to celebrate the contributions of those who shaped IAC’s standards of professionalism. The story uncovered by the ‘HEART project’ is professionally inspiring and, on a human level, truly heartwarming.
As we explore the wealth of information gathered from this project, we look forward to sharing the rich history that has shaped The IAC Coaching Masteries® with you to offer both enlightenment and inspiration.
If you’re eager to learn more about how The Coaching Masteries® came to be, you can listen to their story from Day One of Quo Vadis Coaching 2024 here:
Team IAC VOICE Bites
Experience the Coaching Masteries: Global Program highlights and results
Collaboration, Learning and a Community of Practice – Experience the Coaching Masteries offers all of this – and more! Discover the supportive structure of this global program on your path to IAC certification – and beyond!
The 2024 edition of Experience The Coaching Masteries, exclusive to members of the International Association of Coaching (IAC), is nearing completion! And, the results are truly significant in reflecting the commitment and collaboration of coaches from around the globe – 241 IAC members in total. Celebrating this success, we extend our heartiest congratulations to the participants and the program’s organizing team.
This program was developed in two phases:
Phase One: Peer Study Group
During the first half of the year, over 120 coaches from 26 countries joined the Peer Study Groups.
This phase included the active participation of 30 volunteers and was conducted in three languages: English, Spanish, and Chinese. The groups facilitated a stimulating exchange of ideas and best practices in The IAC Coaching Masteries®
This collaborative space allowed coaches to gain diverse perspectives, share challenges, and discover new strategies for professional development.
Phase Two: Global Triads
In the second phase of the program, 44 groups of coaches were formed to conduct over 360 coaching sessions. These global triads are designed not only to enable exchanges on experiences, but also to reinforce the value that IAC places on continuous learning. This focus on personal and professional development is fundamental to cultivating a coaching community that aspires to excellence.
A Collaborative Environment
Experience The Coaching Masteries creates a space where IAC members derive value from professional networking and generate knowledge through the experiences of fellow colleagues. Led by the membership committee and the global benefits team, thanks to their outstanding effort, this initiative ensures that every IAC member has access to valuable resources and development opportunities.
Looking Ahead
We are excited to announce that Experience The Coaching Masteries will return in 2025. We invite all members to be part of this experience. Come and join in this enriching journey and be involved in the continuous drive in the evolution of coaching globally. Ultimately, this program has not only strengthened connections among coaches, but has also reaffirmed IAC’s commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in coaching.
We look forward to seeing you again in the next edition!
Team IAC VOICE Bites
Excellence in Coaching: Lessons and Insights from Two IAC-Master Coaches
What does it take to attain excellence in coaching? How does one expand the boundaries of what coaching can achieve? Two remarkable IAC-Master Coaches share their stories here.
It has been said that “the noblest search is the search for excellence.” Coaching, at its core, embodies this quest, helping individuals see and embrace their highest potential, engage in personal transformation and attain personal aspirations. But coaching does not end there: This life-enhancing energy ripples out to inspire and invigorate the wider world. In this light, IAC Coaches who attain their Master Coach certification stand as shining examples of excellence in the coaching profession and inspire others by expanding the boundaries of what coaching can accomplish.
This year, we celebrate the achievements of two remarkable coaches who attained their IAC-Master Coach designation and are thrilled to share the inspiring stories behind their success. Congratulations to Coach Cristian Villaroel and Coach Brineska Conde!
These stories not only reflect the coaches’ personal commitment to excellence, but also the impact they have on the lives they touch. Each step on this path not only transforms the coach, but enriches those around them, creating a network of shared growth and learning.
Testimonial 1: Coach Cristian Villarroel
“The IAC-Master Coach designation has a special meaning for me because it reflects not only the integration of coaching skills, competencies and the highest standards of discipline, but also the transformation and expansion of my vision to grow personally and professionally.
This achievement reinforces my commitment to excellence in coaching and inspires me to expand my reach and innovate in the ways I support people in their challenges, supporting them to gain clarity and take action. I also hope to strengthen my community’s trust in my work and create a safe and transformative space for my clients.
The biggest challenge was the level of self-demand and deep self-knowledge required to attain excellence. It was a process of constant refinement. To be a great coach, we must be able to question ourselves, learn from our mistakes and constantly evolve. Facing my own limitations and overcoming them was a transformative experience which enabled me to grow and become a more authentic and effective coach.
A key aspect of excellence in coaching lies in continual practice and thoughtful reflection on each experience. The Master Coach designation is more than just a goal—it represents a profound transformation in how you understand and experience coaching as a powerful way to positively impact lives. Embracing this journey is truly a win-win.”
Testimonial 2: Coach Brineska Conde
“Achieving the IAC Master Coach designation is a blessing and an affirmation of my life purpose.
I hope this achievement allows me to elevate my coaching practice, not only by attracting those seeking high-level guidance, but also by setting a precedent in Puerto Rico for a coaching approach centered on well-being.
My goal is to use this platform to expand my new mindfulness-based coaching model within organizations, promoting sustainable well-being and emotional balance. A workplace culture rooted in well-being represents an evolving and expansive society that promotes high levels of awareness, where living from the BEING becomes the foundation for integral development and growth.
The greatest challenge I faced was balancing my own vulnerability with the strength required to support others. This balance required deep inner work to stay centered, particularly through mindfulness practices that helped me navigate challenges without losing sight of my purpose. Embracing this duality gave me a deeper understanding of resilience and clarity in my mission.
To coaches aspiring to attain the IAC Master Coach certification, my advice is to be compassionate and kind, and to celebrate every small step. Focus on inner growth and the contribution you will make to the world. Be authentic learners, open your heart and enjoy the journey. True mastery resides in the heart.”
We are grateful to these inspiring coaches for their dedication and for generously sharing their journeys. Their commitment inspires the coaching community to keep advancing on the path of excellence and meaningful transformation for their own growth and that of their clients.
Team IAC VOICE Bites