PROFESSIONAL Coach
Training Program

Who is this program for?

• Business professionals who want to use coaching skills to enhance their effectiveness in their current role
• Managers and supervisors looking to develop their leadership and team-building abilities
• Human resources professionals who want to offer coaching services to employees or help managers develop their leadership skills
• Entrepreneurs, consultants, and other independent professionals who want to offer coaching services to clients
• Educators, trainers, and facilitators who want to add coaching to their skillset

Delivery: 

Online – live training online via Zoom or a similar platform.

Video (recorded) – Video-based, asynchronous training with online assessments

Location: Virtual

Language: English

Prerequisites: Have a great a passion for helping others maximize their personal and professional potential.

Semester of Entry: Fall 2023, Spring 2024 

Meet Your Facilitators

Nathan Mellor, Ed.D., PCC

Nathan Mellor is the CEO of Strata Leadership. He began as a professional executive coach in 2011. Since that time, he has provided more than 4,000 documented coaching sessions for clients from a broad range of industries. A passionate educator, Dr. Mellor has taught undergraduate and graduate courses since 1997. He is known for his relatable teaching style which blends stories, practical examples, and key concepts. He is a two-time TEDx speaker and author of “Sleeping Giants: Authentic Stories and Insights for Building a Life That Matters.”

Dr. Mellor holds the PCC credential through the International Coaching Federation and is a fellow with the Institute of Coaching.  He earned the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Education from Harding University, the Master of Dispute Resolution from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution from the Pepperdine School of Law, and the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. He received his formal coach training through the College of Executive Coaching.

Linda Zelnik, MBA, ACC

Linda Zelnik is a Strata Coach Educator and CEO of ALTA Coaching. She began as an internal performance coach in 2015. After seeing it foster significant leadership development more quickly than anything else, Linda launched her coaching business to serve leaders in more industries. She’s taught and trained on five continents and also teaches coaching courses through Harding University and Lipscomb University. Linda is known for her energetic style, practical examples, storytelling and hot seat coaching within the learning environment. She is the author of “Burnout to Boom! Strategies for More Energy and Less Stress TODAY.”

Linda earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in international business from Harding University and a Masters of Business Administration in leadership from Lipscomb University. She is ICF ACC-certified and a 2023 PCC candidate. Linda is also certified as a Maxwell DISC Consultant and a evaluator, administrator, and trainer for the Polaris Competency Model by OSI and earned certificates in Online Teaching by the Online Learning Consortium and Thunderbird’s Global Mindset Inventory.

Strata Leadership has worked diligently to provide high quality content in each course. Below are descriptions of the current courses offered in the Coach Training Program. To help ensure the quality of each course, students are invited to provide feedback about their learning experience at numerous opportunities throughout the program. We are committed to nurturing a growth mindset and we are continually seeking opportunities to enhance the quality and depth of our courses.

The following courses satisfy the requirements for the ICF Level One (ACC) credential. This includes 60 hours of coach specific training of which at least 30 hours must be taught live. All courses are designed to be in alignment with the competencies and ethical standards established through ICF. In addition to the training below, applicants must also complete 100 hours of coaching, and successfully complete a performance evaluation and the ICF credentialing exam. The specifics for ICF credentialing can be found here.

Course Descriptions

C100 – Mentor Coaching (10 Hours – Live) – One of the greatest opportunities for personal and professional growth is through our mentor coaching program. Delivered via Zoom, participants are placed in a small cohort (10 participants or fewer) in which you will work directly with a mentor coach. The course consists of four group mentoring sessions and three individual sessions for a total of eleven hours. In the group sessions, you will build lasting relationships with the other members of your cohort while coaching one another and receiving meaningful feedback from your mentor coach and colleagues. In the individual sessions, the topic of the sessions is determined by the student. This is an ideal opportunity to spend time with a seasoned coach and ask questions about coaching and the coaching profession. For many participants, their mentor coaching experience is considered one of the highlights the overall program. They often reference the sense of community they feel with the members of their cohort and the supportive nature of their individual sessions.

C101 – Introduction to Coaching (5 Hours – Video) – Participants in this program come with a broad range of experience with coaching. While some are new to coaching, others have been coaching for many years. To help level the playing field, the first few courses are offered online via video. This approach ensures everyone has a solid understanding of the key concepts prior to their first live course. In addition, utilizing video allows each learner to choose the pace that works best for them while completing the foundational courses. In this course, participants will be introduced to the ICF Core Competencies and the GROW model of coaching. Following the completion of the course, participants will complete an assessment over the key concepts introduced through the course.

C102 Coaching Methods I (5 Hours – Video) – Through this video-based course, participants are guided through key foundational concepts to successful coaching beginning with identifying the differences between internal and external coaching. In addition, there is an overview of the fixed and growth mindset and a discussion on the process of building trust and rapport. Following the introduction of these foundational concepts, participants are then invited to review practical coaching tactics designed to help clients identify a topic, define goals, consider the reality of their situation, identify options, and develop a viable plan for the way forward.

C103 Coaching Methods II (5 Hours – Video) – This class is a favorite for those who are seeking a deeper understanding of the psychology of change. A video-based course taught in thirty-minute segments, participants are introduced to some of the key concepts identified by Strata coaches as helping them understand the needs of their clients. The first module focuses on the concept of Immunity to Change, which is followed by a review of the SCARF Model and then two modules on Emotional Intelligence. Modules five and six highlight the role of positive psychology in coaching followed by a review of how to identify and reach goals. The final modules focus on the basics of strategy and the development of resilience. Each session is packed with personal examples and direct examples of how the theoretical concepts add value to the coaching experience.

C104 Facilitating Client Growth (7 Hours – Live) – At the heart of coaching is cultivating learning and growth. This is why facilitating client growth is one of the core competencies identified by ICF as essential for coaches. Through this course, you will learn to identify obstacles to growth and tactics intended to help your client experience a personal or professional breakthrough. During the program, participants will review how to assist their clients integrate new concepts and to contemplate the role of coach in holding a client accountable. In addition, participants will explore the importance of client autonomy when pursuing results. The program then considers how to facilitate their client in moving forward and summarizing lessons learned. The day concludes in emphasizing the value of celebrating wins and adopting practices that result in a coaching relationship concluding well. The final modules are set aside for application of the key concepts through coaching. Participants finish the day on a high note by serving as a coach, client, observer, or all the above.

C105 Co-Creating the Relationship (7 Hours – Live) – Effective coaches are highly aware of the importance of co-creating the relationship with their client. Through this course, participants are invited to take a deep dive on three core competencies that are foundational for ICF coaches. The day begins with a practical review of the importance of coaching agreements and then flows into a review of the essential competency of establishing and maintain agreements. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to how coaches cultivate trust and create a context of safety. The day concludes with a practical consideration of the tactics utilized by coaches to help maintain presence throughout their coaching sessions.

C106 Effective Communication (7 Hours – Live) – The key to establishing any relationship is communicating effectively. This is perhaps even more important in the relationship between a coach and their client. Through this course, coaches will consider the role of communication throughout the ICF core competencies and review the ethical responsibilities of coaches to strive for clear communication. The topics for the day include an overview of the neuroscience of coaching, identifying common communication challenges in coaching and how to cultivate curiosity by using great questions. The day concludes by having participants consider approaches that can help a client work around mental roadblocks and the opportunity to apply the key concepts through coaching exercises.

C107 Marketing and Sales for Coaches (7 Hours – Live) – This course is helpful for all coaches but is especially useful for internal coaches who are considering how to share the value of coaching to their organization’s leadership and for external coaches who are seeking to build their practice. Each module is facilitated by ICF credentialed coaches who also have a successful track record for marketing and selling coaching services, this course is considered a game-changer for those wanting to launch or expand their coaching companies or gain additional buy-in for internal coaching within their organization. Through this course, participants will define their brand statement, create a client profile, and design marketing and sales strategies aligned for success. In addition to an introduction to the key concepts of marketing and sales, participants will also consider their pricing structure and the ethical considerations for effective negotiation. The final modules review the coaching agreement, the importance of client management and the opportunity for sales role-play. Participants are invited to select between C107 Marketing and Sales for Coaches or C108 Internal Coaching.

or

C108 Internal Coaching (7 Hours – Live) – The future of coaching is promising, and we are especially excited about the future of internal coaching. Although the techniques used by effective external and internal coaches are largely interchangeable, there are some aspects of the coaching profession that are unique to internal coaches. Through this course, participants are provided an in-depth review of the ethical considerations of internal coaches, how to launch an internal coaching program, and an overview of the best practices utilized by internal coaches. Participants are invited to select between C107 Marketing and Sales for Coaches or C108 Internal Coaching.

C109 Coaching Ethics (7 Hours – Live) – Effective coaching is built on ethical coaching. Ethical coaching legitimizes the profession and helps ensure quality coaching from client to client and coach to coach. In Coaching Ethics, participants will learn the most common ethical dilemmas and be equipped to respond to them when they arise. This course trains coaches to embody the first five ICF core competencies to build a solid foundation and co-create the coaching relationship based on ethical standards, values and the coaching mindset.

C110 Observed Coaching – The best way to become great at the craft of professional coaching is practice! Throughout this program each participant will have the opportunity to coach in a live setting a minimum of five times. Across these five instances of coaching, participants will receive written feedback on their coaching from an ICF credentialed coach, highlighting their strengths and opportunities for development considering the ICF Core Competencies and ICF Code of Ethics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is working toward certification from the International Coaching Federation valuable?

• Getting a coaching certification through the International Coach Federation (ICF) is essential for several reasons:
• Professional Recognition: The ICF is the leading global organization for coaching professionals, and its certification is widely recognized as the gold standard in the industry. By obtaining an ICF certification, you will demonstrate to clients, employers, and other professionals that you have met rigorous standards for coaching knowledge and competency.
• Ethical Standards: The ICF sets high ethical standards for its certified coaches and requires them to adhere to a strict code of ethics. This helps to protect clients and ensures that they receive coaching services from professionals committed to providing high-quality, ethical, and effective coaching.
• Continuous Professional Development: The ICF requires certified coaches to engage in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest research, trends, and industry best practices. This is important to ensure that coaches have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide effective coaching services.
• Networking Opportunities: The ICF provides networking opportunities and resources to help certified coaches connect with other professionals in the coaching industry. This can be invaluable for those looking to grow their coaching practice and increase their visibility in the industry.
• Access to resources and professional development: ICF credentialed coaches have access to exclusive resources and professional development opportunities only available to ICF members.

Does this program include the required mentor coaching to apply for ICF certification?

Yes, mentor coaching is included in this program. 

Can I make monthly payments?

Yes, consult with your Strata Leadership representative.

How long does it take to finish the program?

Thirteen weeks.

What happens if I miss a live session? 

We understand life happens, however, unless there are extreme circumstances you will forfeit your fee and will have to make it up in the next cohort. 

What if I don’t want to focus on leadership or business coaching?

This program is designed for those that wish to focus on executive, leadership, and internal workplace coaching professionals. If you are passionate about life coaching this may not be the program for you.

Program Materials

All the program materials are included in the price of your registration.

Program Path

The Strata Leadership Coach Training Program is a Level 1 ICF-Accredited Coaching Education Program. 

Please note that participating in the Strata Leadership Coach Training program does not guarantee or imply that you will be offered a position as a Strata Leadership executive coach. The program is designed to provide comprehensive training and development opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing a career as an internal or external coach, but the selection of coaches for employment for Strata Leadership opportunities is a separate process entirely. While we encourage and support our program participants in pursuing their career goals, we cannot guarantee any specific job or position within our organization or elsewhere. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to working with you in the program.

Policies

Please ensure that you read the Coach Training Enrollment Policy prior to registering. By registering you acknowledge you have read these policies and procedures.