Becoming a Coach
Everything You Need to Become a Coach
Thinking about becoming a coach, but overwhelmed by your options? In this first episode of The Craft of Coaching podcast, we break down exactly what it means to join an accredited coach training program—and how to avoid getting pulled into hype-heavy, underwhelming alternatives. You'll learn what separates legitimate programs from marketing spin, why certification matters (and when it doesn’t), and how to choose a path that aligns with your values.
If you’re serious about becoming a coach, this episode will help you make an informed, confident decision about your next step.
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Deciding to Become a Coach
Most people who are interested in becoming a coach are people who are invested in doing personal growth work, deeply curious about what makes humans tick, and have a desire to help. One important distinction to make up front is that coaching is not about giving people advice or “fixing” people. At its core, powerful coaching supports clients to think more clearly and make decisions that are aligned with their goals for their lives—and it all stays client-lead, meaning the coach does not jump in to try to guide where clients are “supposed to” go next. The client is always the one deciding that. If you are more interested in telling people “here’s what you should do” then coaching is likely not a fit for you.
Factors to Consider When Becoming a Coach
Some factors to consider include: do you have the time and willingness to invest in coach training? Are you willing to grow your coaching business over time (coaching is not a “get rich quick” scheme, something we explore in this episode on coaching salaries). Are you willing to do your own personal growth work, so that you can develop as a professional and better support your clients?
If the answer to that is “yes”—if you are willing to treat this like a real growth pathway that you train for and invest yourself in, and you’re excited about doing work that lights you up and also supports others—then coaching could be a career for you and we invite you to learn more about our ICF-accredited coach training program.