I write you today with both a heart full of gratitude and a heavy heart. 

Gratitude because our Fall cohort of coaches has launched and will soon start expanding their positive impact in the world. Much needed positive impact, I might add!

Heavy-hearted because of the political unrest, division, and rise in violent outbursts. I’m wondering if the majority of us in the United States are feeling just as tired and disheartened as I have been over recent events. 

So far in September, there have been a public assassination of Charlie Kirk, 2 public hangings, and 3 public shootings (maybe more). 

These travesties leave us with so many questions. Is the US falling apart? What is causing so many US citizens to snap? Can the future of humanity still have a silver lining when people are disintegrating this far? 

Over the next month, we will be looking at the current state of affairs through the lens of Integrative Intelligence. It is not only possible during these times to see a bigger picture, but it is imperative we do so. 

Coaching wisdom teaches us that getting sucked into the problem does not serve the client. To illuminate new possibilities, it is imperative that the coach adopts neutrality and remains in the bigger picture. Coaches do this by rising above, seeing below, being open to the future, and acknowledging the past. 

When we expand coaching wisdom to life wisdom, the lesson sticks. If we allow ourselves to get sucked into the bigger problems, this does not serve our communities, our companies, our families, or ourselves. We can rise above and contribute to health, contribute to new solutions, and contribute to positive impact. 

If this topic has been resting upon your heart as well, stay tuned. Over the next two months, we are launching a new series to help you rise above and engage integratively intelligent perspectives. We will explore mindsets to see the bigger picture and expand positive impact, even during devastating moments. 

At the end of the day, one thing is certain. I sleep with peace in my heart because Integrative Intelligence taught me to be part of the solution, refuse to play a role in further division, to lead a heart-centered life towards others, and to take a stand for leaving a positive impact with the life I’ve been gifted. 

I hope you will join us in this series on Integrative Intelligence: Rising Above!

Coaching skills aren't just for professional coaches, they elevate the approach for medical professionals, lawyers, leaders, consultants and therapists.

Let's get you coaching! 

Completely new to coaching others, ready to learn theory and practice? 
     ✅ Join us for Coaching Fundamentals!

Or, are you a Leader, Consultant, or Holistic Therapist who is responsible for the success of others? 
    ✅ Join us for Coaching Foundations - ICF LEVEL ONE.

Are you ready to take on private clients and build a coaching practice full-time, part-time, or as a future retirement legacy? 
    ✅ Join us to learn advanced coaching in the Certified Professional Coach - ICF LEVEL TWO.

If you’re ready to lead others into elevated potentials, we've created these pathways exactly with you in mind.
​
Have a question? 

Email Angela Bylo, Admissions Coach: [email protected]

Or, click below to schedule a Discovery Call with Angela. During a Discovery Call, Angela will review program options to consider, discuss financial aid, and support you in your decision-making process. ​

Money mills are programs that sell you the rubber stamp of approval. A masterful, well-trained coach has had their skills assessed by a trained and qualified assessor. Money mills can sell anything from fake certifications to fake online doctorates. 
 
Have you seen the latest Facebook ad popping up everywhere: "Become a certified coach for $27!" That is a money-mill ad. The odds of you learning anything real is extremely low. Cheap programs deliver cheap results.
 
The other type of money mill is the massive $25-$65k investment mill. I've talked to dozens and dozens of devastated colleagues that felt suckered into formulaic sales funnels that sell "the dream of making millions." These companies deliver little results and blame you for not making their linear static system work for you. Linear programs that preach "follow my formula to get rich" deliver linear results.
 
In the coaching world, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) is recognized globally by companies and individuals as the leading standard setter. The ICF oversees the quality of coach education, ethical conduct, and professional credentialing. 
 
An ICF Accredited program will not be a money mill.

Accredited programs have been assessed for their standards, curriculum, ethics and content delivery. Accredited programs either meet or exceed the highest caliber coaching standards.

#2 – Establish What Level of Mastery You Envision
 
There are two types and two levels of ICF coach training programs. 
 
The Two Types: The first type of program teaches only coaching skills. The second type teaches you the underlying principles and frameworks of coaching and why the coaching skills, standards, principles, and competencies exist. 
 
Neither is good or bad. You need to consider what level of masterful coaching you wish to provide people. If you want basic skills, the program that only teaches surface-level skills will be perfect. 
 
An in-depth program takes you deeper into the underlying foundational principles and dramatically expands your mastery.
 
My first coach training was a surface program, and I didn't know it. I wanted full spectrum training, so I had to invest in another training to get to the level of mastery I wanted. If I had known the different types of training, I would have saved myself lots of wasted time and money and found a more profound program the first time.
 
The Two Levels: There are two levels of coach training to consider when you are beginning. 

Level-one programs are designed for professionals who want to add coaching skills to an existing position. This level is considered the equivalent to a bachelor's degree in the coaching world. This training prepares you to apply for the beginning level coaching credential, an "Associate Certified Coach" or ACC with the ICF.
 
Examples: 

• Therapists adding coaching to their therapeutic process.
• Leaders adopting a coach-like approach.
• Directors cultivating a coaching culture.
• Team leads inspiring a team.

Level-two programs are designed for professionals who want to take on private clients or take employees through an entire coaching program from start to finish. This level is considered the equivalent to a master's degree in the coaching world. This training prepares you to apply for the mid-level coaching credential, a "Professional Certified Coach" or PCC with the ICF.

There is a third level, which is "Master Certified Coach" or MCC. You can obtain an MCC only after being a PCC and having over 2,500 hours of professional coaching under your belt.
 
Examples: 

• Therapists transitioning into coaching.
• Leaders offering coaching programs to develop employees.
• Learning and Training Directors overseeing internal coaching.
• Team leads coaching their team members individually.

 
We offer both Level One and Level Two ICF-accredited programs. Both of our programs are deeper dives and mastery focused. We gladly refer people to another program if they want just the basic coaching skills.
 
Identifying the level of coaching mastery you seek will save you loads of time, money, and wasted energy.

#3 – Understand How Customization Works
 
Some programs have you watch videos and fill out forms to learn. Then there are live interactive, customized learning classes. 
 
You will be coaching unique people who require different levels of support, have various concerns, and need different approaches. You want to engage in discussions, experience group activities that bring lessons to life, and enjoy a customized learning environment. 
 
Learning in isolation falls flat.
 
Would you want to go to an acupuncturist that watched a video? Or a massage therapist or doctor who never touched a patient during training? Coaching mastery is no different. Watching videos and reading books can only get you so far. The most masterful learning comes from interaction because you are learning to increase responsiveness to presenting issues. 
 
I once took a Tai Chi class from a master practitioner. He taught us that mastery is the ability to respond to anything that happens to us. Masterful coaches learn how to adapt their masterful responsiveness. Such mastery expands through live conversation, dialog, practice, and mentoring. 
 
If you invest in education, getting customized training is critical to gaining mastery much faster. Joining a program where your instructors get to know you, mentor you, and customize your training to your gifts and goals is a game-changing experience. You do not need to settle. 

Is being an educated and trained coach worth it?

The answer is YES!

Yes, if your goal is to be masterfully trained and expand your career options, that is. Coaching is a peer-regulated industry, meaning people hang their hats on assumptions and misinterpretations without knowing it. We see this all of the time and it is costing clients and professionals a lot of headaches, time and money. All of this is 100% avoidable.

Common mistakes we see:

• I have a degree (or 20 years of experience as a leader), and I always coach my people. No training is needed.
• Coaching is just guiding people. I'm already coaching people.
• I've been coaching people for years, so it makes sense to start my practice (with no formal training)

Common assumptions we see dispelled in class, day one:

• "I thought I was coaching for all of these years, and now I realize that I had no idea what I was doing!" – HR Director
• "I thought coaching was a light form of counseling people. I had no clue that counseling and coaching are entirely different processes." – Program Facilitator
• "As a consultant, I thought coaching was learning how to emotionally motivate people by inspiring them through my guidance. WOW, was I wrong! I am so grateful I was wrong because actual coaching helps me meet someone exactly where they are at, and they motivate themselves as they are coached. Brilliant!" – Business Consultant / Strategist

Coaching has a global presence. Now more than ever, people are turning to coaches in droves. Coaches are accessible online or via phone. People are receiving lifelong benefits from being professionally coached. Coaching is exploding in popularity, but not because it is a passing trend. Coaches are yielding profound results.

Here are two statistics that reflect the type of results coaches are producing:
​

​This means that you can stand out in a company and/or take on private clients and thrive by positively empowering lives.

As the founder and CEO of the Institute and as a Master Certified Coach (MCC) through ICF, I'm a self-proclaimed coaching geek. In my studies at Harvard Business's Leadership Principles program, I discovered that coaching skills were critical for adaptable, inspiring, and emotionally intelligent leadership.

Since 2005, I've worked with hundreds of leaders and professionals who were answering a call to empower others and cared deeply about leaving the world in better shape than they found it.

Since 2012, I've educated, mentored, and trained over a hundred coaches to amplify their natural gifts while coaching others into their excellence. I've helped coaches grow clientele and make a true and lasting impact in homes, offices, teams, and even politics. 

Why Did I Say "Yes"?

The number one reason I’m here writing to you is because I noticed a heart-wrenching cultural pattern in the US. I reflected back on my career path and did some math. 

Since I began working at the age of 17, I realized I experienced 16 leaders or bosses. Twelve of those were horrible to work for, or with. Three of them were ok, neither positive nor negative. Only two of the 16 were outstanding and positively impacted my life by virtue of who they were and how they showed up. 

Only two! 

In talking to other professionals, I discovered that I was not alone. As you read this, I hope your experience is better, but unfortunately, the lack of outstanding leadership is what launched the Great Resignation.

What have I since discovered?

This need not be! This should be the opposite. Thanks to coaches, this is shifting. We are living in pivotal times. Are you feeling called to be a part of the pivot? I am. 

I saw that coaches were the ones flipping the switch. I became a professional coach because I was exhausted by working for horrifying bosses and wanted to be a part of the much-needed solutions. Simon Sinek is teaching us that it is possible to create work environments where people feel inspired, valued, and empowered. I 100% agree with his teachings. When this happens, everyone thrives.

This inspires me. 

I was then, and still am today, so profoundly proud to be a part of this profession and be the coaching geek that I am.

"What sport do you play?"
 
In 2005, coaching was still considered so new that barely anyone knew what I did. Many assumed it was counseling or mentoring. 

If I met someone new, they asked me, "Laurel, what do you do?" I would smile proudly and say, "I'm a coach." And like clockwork, they asked, "Oh! What sport?" Lol

This has since changed! 

Right now is a wonderful time to become a professional coach. The industry is new enough that it is not saturated, yet it is established enough that professional standards, ethics, and competencies are solidly formed and scientifically validated.

But it wasn't always flowers and sunshine. 

I had no idea if investing in a coaching education could go anywhere. I knew I felt called to empower people's lives, but was I going rogue by entering a newer profession? Should I play it safe and just become a therapist? 

In 2005, very few companies hired coaches, and growing a private clientele was more of a challenge because people didn't know what we actually did. There was a common assumption that coaches were unlicensed therapists avoiding bureaucracy. Yikes. 

Also, back then, we had to learn how to market ourselves differently than other professions, like massage therapists or dentists.

This has completely shifted! 

Individuals hire coaches when they recognize they need something much different than therapy to excel in life. Companies hire ICF coaches, such as: trained executive, leadership, wellness, and performance coaches. Companies hire coaches internally (within the company) and externally (with private contractors).

I'm not saying if you get training, you will have clients lined up at your door, or a new position will magically fall on your lap. I am saying that if you get the education and solid guidance available now, the road to success as a coach has shortened substantially. New opportunities and coaching positions are expanding rapidly. 

I have been an internal coach for an educational institute, and I've also been in private practice. I've loved every moment of coaching and love having the option to bring coaching into everything I did, from leadership roles to parenting. 

Coach training is an education that empowers more than your career. The results are deeply personally transformative as well. Some students have gone through the program just for the personal empowerment they receive. ​"Darn-it. I'm so bummed I took that
coach training program."
-    Said, No-one Ever​A Shortcut To Double Your Positive Impact 

Coach training is a shortcut to doubling your positive impact. Why?

It ELEVATES you!

Every approach you take goes better when you operate in a bigger picture. Instead of living under stress, you can rise above it. Instead of giving others advice and watching them not use it, you can inspire inner power. Instead of regretfully saying "no" to your calling, you can cultivate the spirit of "yes" in your heart.

A solid training will:

• Optimize current skills: communication, empathy, intuition, efficacy 
• Amplify your gifts and strengths 
• Locate and diminish your blindspots
• Grow your success team
• Educate you in best practices
• Invite your mastery to shine!

After being a professional coach since 2005, I know the true and lasting value coaches create.

You can wow people with your gifts and capacity by inspiring excellence in others. With this level of  ELEVATION you can create something we all deeply crave: Meaning, Impact, and Legacy.
​

This is a common question from professionals who are responsible for the success of others (leaders, therapists, directors, consultants, health care providers, etc.). 
​
The answer is both simple and profound: 

Transformation requires integration.

Integration of skill development and potential. Let’s unpack what this means!

Last week, we explored how Integrative Coaching moves us beyond tactics and into the realm of lasting transformation. We also explored how there are five elements to transformational coaching.  

To recap: Techniques alone aren’t what create lasting change. We can also coach others not only in solving problems but also in expanding who they are becoming. 

This kind of coaching changes lives, teams, and even organizations for a lifetime.

There are three essential ingredients to integrating this level of transformational coaching skill into your work. These are: education, training, and mentorship.

Together, they form a trifecta for internalizing transformational coaching. Without one, the others lack the depth needed to sustain results. 

This is why the company OCBC sent 52 senior leaders for Level One ICF coaching certification. (HERE)

Let’s dive deeper into the importance of each:
​

1. Education is the “why” and “what”. Education provides the theory and practice for efficacious coaching. An ICF-accredited education equips professionals with proven frameworks and the standards needed to coach ethically and yield high impact. You also learn the art and science of elevating human potential. 
2. Training builds the “how.” Training stretches you beyond what you think is possible and provides a safe space to practice until coaching feels more like second nature. 
3. Mentorship fine-tunes your impact, the "who". Mentoring in coaching skills ensures you don’t just apply techniques, but that you embody them authentically. Mentoring is where coaching shifts from positive impact to elevated positive impact.

All ICF Level 1 and Level 2 programs integrate each of the three key ingredients that lead to transformational coaching. Why? 

If you learn the education without the training, skills can fall flat. If you get training without a foundation in “why” to tap into certain approaches and steer clear of others, the understanding of when/why/how to pivot doesn’t develop properly. Mentoring without education or training can stretch progress out over years of trial and error.

When all three come together, they create a synergistic fast track. They foster not just skill development, but the confidence and excellence with which you lead and support others in owning their potential.

How long does it take to integrate transformational coaching into our work and lives? 

Level One is 3-6 months. It is a variable timeframe because mentoring and certification are self-paced. Training is typically over 12 weeks.

Ever wondered if you could just take a weekend workshop and get the same results? 

In my twenty years of being in the professional coaching space, I’ve never seen transformational coaching come to life in a weekend workshop.

This is because coaching is a counterintuitive approach to the brain (HERE). We are wired to provide answers, locate answers, and we love giving people direction and support. 

Coaching invites us to do the opposite.

Just a few examples of what coaches are proficient at: Instead of guiding and providing, we become masterful at inviting. Instead of listening to respond, we listen to hear what is not said. Instead of knowing, we sit in the unknown until the coachee has grown. We no longer provide wisdom, but instead we use our hard-earned wisdom to draw out the wisdom in others. 

Learning coaching is one of the most intentional pivots you will ever make in your life. It does take time, but just like the results coaching yields, the skills go with you for a lifetime and across all areas of your life. 

We Invite You

If you are a therapist, consultant, physician, or leader who is responsible for the success of others and you are ready to elevate lives by providing sustainable results, our Level One ICF-accredited coach training begins in three weeks. 

On September 24th, we open the doors to a program that has launched hundreds of professionals into meaningful work, elevating lives worldwide.

If you feel called to move beyond surface-level tactics and step fully into the impact you were meant to make with excellence and confidence, we invite you to SUBMIT an Application Today.

Ready to elevate lives?

Completely new to coaching others, ready to learn theory and practice? 
     ✅ Join us for Coaching Fundamentals!

Or, are you a Leader, Consultant, or Holistic Therapist who is responsible for the success of others? 
    ✅ Join us for Coaching Foundations - ICF LEVEL ONE.

Are you ready to take on private clients and build a coaching practice full-time, part-time, or as a future retirement legacy? 
    ✅ Join us to learn advanced coaching in the Certified Professional Coach - ICF LEVEL TWO.

If you’re ready to lead others into elevated potentials, we've created these pathways exactly with you in mind.
​
Have a question? 

Email Angela Bylo, Admissions Coach: [email protected]

Or, click below to schedule a Discovery Call with Angela. During a Discovery Call, Angela will review program options to consider, discuss financial aid, and support you in your decision-making process. ​

Tactics are great! They offer us immediate help in the moment. A tactic is a formula or approach that we can implement to place us in greater alignment with the results we seek to produce.
 
According to Oxford Languages, the definition of tactic is: “An action or strategy carefully planned to achieve a specific end.”

To invite the big transformations, it is time we move beyond tactics. 

In Integrative Coaching, our ultimate goal as the coach is to foster "sustainable success" in our client’s life and work. 
 
Sustainable, meaning that the results our clients, teams, or employees experience stand the test of time. Results are maintainable and lasting. 
 
Have you ever experienced the success rollercoaster? You have a win and then a loss and then a win, and then a loss. This is frustrating. When we rely on tactics alone, we often find ourselves repeating the same challenges again and again. Tactics help us get back to the wins, but they don’t help us get off the rollercoaster.

True transformation comes from competency in five skills: 

• Listening for what is not being said 
• Asking more powerful questions
• Respecting timing 
• Identifying avenues for growth 
• Inviting self-generation
  
  

Those three competencies invite the big transformations! 
 
Over time, with the application of consistent coaching, transformations progress from hit-and-miss to sustainable and lasting results. 
 
Case Study:  Tactics vs. Transformation
 
A leader of a Fortune 500 company was being reported for having an abrasive communication style that led to complaints and high-turnover.
 
Applying Tactics: Teaching the leader a better communication formula to follow enabled the leader to communicate in positive ways. The issue? The moment stress hit, the habit returned, and the leader was back to square one.
 
What does Integrative Coaching teach us? When under stress, we naturally disintegrate. Our reactivity heightens. It often isn’t pretty, and the impact can leave long-term scars.
 
Applying Integrative Coaching: This leader was coached on the deeper beliefs and habits. The leader not only was able to shift their way of being with others, but they also grew different stress responses that were positive. This leader also developed a new leadership philosophy that was rich and rewarding. The transformation not only stuck, but also changed the entire company culture and greatly reduced turnover.
 
Employees went from avoiding working with this leader at all costs to feeling relieved and excited to work with this leader. 

Sustainable success does not happen overnight. It emerges when multiple transformations integrate together, becoming the new norm. Growth takes time because whenever we are invited to stretch in new ways, resistance and obstacles naturally surface.

One of the most inspiring aspects of transformational coaching is that while the coaching itself is temporary (occurring over weeks or months), the results last a lifetime. Like learning to ride a bike, once the skill of transformation is learned, it cannot be unlearned.

Consistent coaching over 3–6 months provides enough space for new perspectives and behaviors to take root, so they can bear fruit for years to come.

In essence, Integrative Coaching doesn’t just spark one change. It cultivates ongoing, sustainable success so that transformation endures.

What is up next?

We will explore how to gain the transformational coaching skills that take you beyond tactics. Stay tuned!!