Let’s talk about something that often flies under the radar: credentialing.
The truth is, anyone can call themselves a coach—life coach, executive coach, ADHD coach, you name it. Coaching is an unregulated industry in many countries, which means there are no legal requirements or formal oversight for who gets to say they’re a coach.
And while that freedom can be great for innovation and accessibility, it also means there’s a wide range in quality, training, and ethics. So no—not just anyone should be your coach. Especially if you’re putting real time, trust, and money into the process.
Why Credentials Matter (and Not All Are Equal)
The coaching world isn’t completely without structure. There are professional bodies, like the International Coaching Federation (ICF), that set standards, establish ethical guidelines, and accredit coaches who meet rigorous requirements.
I trained through Royal Roads University, completing their 9-month Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching. It’s an intensive, hands-on program rooted in real-world leadership development and coaching psychology. After that, I earned my Certified Executive Coach designation and passed the exam to become an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the ICF. I’m now working toward my Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential.
Why all this? Because you—and every client I work with—deserve to know you’re working with someone who’s trained, tested, and held accountable to the highest standards in the field.
So, What’s the Big Deal with ICF?
The ICF is the gold standard for coaching certification globally. When a coach is ICF-credentialed, it means they’ve:
• Completed formal coach-specific training
• Logged hundreds of hours working with real clients
• Passed a rigorous exam
• Agreed to follow a strict Code of Ethics
• Committed to ongoing professional development
In short, it means you’re getting someone who’s serious about doing this work well—ethically, skillfully, and with intention.
It’s Not Just About Skills—It’s About Ethics
Coaching isn’t just about good conversations—it’s about creating a space that’s safe, respectful, and rooted in trust.
An ICF-certified coach is trained to:
• Center you—your autonomy, your goals, your growth
• Respect your lived experience, identity, and values
• Protect your confidentiality
• Provide honest feedback without judgment
• Maintain clear boundaries and professional conduct
Ethical coaching is the difference between feeling coached and feeling seen—between advice-giving and true transformation.
Why Credentialing Should Matter to You
If you’re considering coaching—especially executive or leadership coaching—you’re making an investment in yourself. And that means the person guiding you through that journey should be trained, experienced, and operating with integrity.
Choosing a credentialed coach is one way to protect that investment. It’s not about elitism or gatekeeping—it’s about making sure you get the kind of thoughtful, skilled support you deserve.
Final Thought
Coaching is powerful. It can be career-shifting, life-changing, perspective-altering work. But not all coaching is created equal.
So yes, technically anyone can call themselves a coach—but that doesn’t mean just anyone should be your coach.
Ask questions. Check credentials. Make sure your coach is walking the talk.
✨ This is where brilliant minds come to thrive. Make sure yours is in good hands.