In today’s rapidly changing business environment, leaders are facing unprecedented challenges that demand enhanced skills in adaptability, decision-making, and emotional intelligence. As the complexity of the workplace increases, it becomes crucial for leaders to continuously develop their abilities to navigate these changes effectively.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF), a non-profit organisation dedicated to professional coaching, is committed to building the leaders of the future. Each year, ICF supports charities that aim to accelerate the growth and development of their leaders, ensuring they are equipped to meet the demands of the modern business world.

Lisa Skofic, Head of Talent at World Vision Australia, reflects on their experience with ICF Coaching Partnerships. 

“The programme enabled WVA to develop a cohort of 15 high-potential leaders while demonstrating a commitment to continued growth, opportunity, and the strengthening of talent pipelines.” 

Overall, the outcomes achieved by the programme show there has been a significant and positive impact on coaches’ development across several areas, including increased confidence, enhanced communication skills, greater leadership perspective and clarity, and the utilisation of reflective practices and insights leading to more focused and impactful actions. 

On average, more than 60% of respondents reported they achieved their goals as a result of the programme, and a further 24% reported partially hieving them. These results within the space of a 3-month programme show that the coaching has had the desired impact on accelerating people towards their goals.

ICF Australasian President Tim Sprague says pro bono work like this helps shine a light on the importance of capable, experienced, and ethical coaches to raise capability across the country.

“We love to work with organisations like World Vision that are helping people around the world. It allows us to learn from them and provide some high-value coaching that they can then repurpose and take on internally.”

Christian Castaneda, Head of Retail Programme Management and Strategy, reflected on the impact the coaching had on his clarity, confidence, and communication. 

“My ICF coach supported me in developing greater awareness, clarity, and understanding around my desired development areas as a leader, challenging my typical ways of thinking to provide new perspectives. These perspective shifts helped to reshape the beliefs I held about myself and subsequently improve how I approach my day-to-day leadership and management responsibilities.”

Another participant, Patrick Thomas, Head of Fragile States and Humanitarian, states that reflection is the most valuable aspect he has taken from the programme. 

“As my ICF coach was an independent expert in leadership, they enabled me to see my management challenges from a distance and to choose courses of action that were not only targeted and realistic but also aligned to how I want to show up as a leader in my workplace.

The ICF coaching experience helped me identify the principles that I want to underpin my leadership style. It challenged me to lead in a way that was authentic to who I am and what I value.”

Tim Sprague

CEO at International Coach Federation | Website | + posts

Tim Sprague, the CEO of the International Coach Federation, is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in coaching, psychology, and human resources. With his unique skill set, Tim has made a significant impact in the fields of human development and organisational management. As a coach, he excels at helping individuals clarify their goals, expand their skills, and build effective strategies. His expertise as a psychologist allows him to guide individuals towards overcoming self-imposed limitations. Tim’s versatility is evident in his ability to work with individuals and facilitate groups, as well as his broad consulting capabilities in addressing HR issues and reviewing organisational structures.

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