At The Coaching Guild, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowering space for individuals seeking coach training. We understand the importance of representation and recognize the unique challenges faced by students of color and in the LGBTQIA communities within the coaching industry.

Our organization is committed to providing high-quality training that not only meets but exceeds industry standards. Although training requirements at The Coaching Guild exceed ICF program certification standards, we have made a conscious decision not to pursue ICF certification for our program. On many core issues, we are not values-aligned with ICF.

The Coaching Guild believes in embracing diversity, inclusivity, and social justice, and we strive to create a training environment of inclusion that fosters these principles putting diverse individuals in trainer and leadership positions. We have tailored our program to address historically marginalized communities' specific needs and experiences as best we can and to provide non-marginalized students a deeper understanding of the experiences of others and how to serve historically marginalized clients better. 

It has come to our attention that the International Coaching Federation is holding its annual 2023 conference in Orlando, Florida. We note that on May 20, the NAACP announced a travel advisory for Florida, citing concerns over safety and racial justice issues. 

That statement reads in part: "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color." 

Despite this advisory, the ICF has chosen not to consider changing the location of its event, citing its classification as a non-partisan organization, inferring ICF believes the safety of some of its members is nothing more than a political issue. 

We find it deeply concerning that the ICF's decision not to acknowledge the travel advisory and consider the safety concerns of its members may indicate a lack of prioritization regarding the well-being and safety of all its attendees. Such attitudes are dangerous not only to our coaches but also to coaches from all walks of life who may not identify as straight or white. 

These types of attitudes perpetuate harm within the coaching profession, and all coaches are caught in the shadow of that bigotry.

We realize The Coaching Guild is one smaller training program, and our convictions might seem irrelevant on this issue in light of the reach and scope of the International Coach Federation. However, we believe that speaking out is required of us, of all of us, and that systemic change always starts somewhere that seems small. We firmly believe that every voice and every action matters in creating a more equitable and diverse landscape within the coaching profession.

At the Coaching Guild, our commitment to providing training to students of color and in the LGBTQIA communities remains unwavering. We actively seek to create a diverse and inclusive community where all individuals can thrive and bring their unique perspectives to the coaching profession. However, more than anything, we must prioritize the safety of our marginalized students above all else. If ICF will not do this, it is simply one more reason they do not represent us. 

We encourage our students not to attend the ICF event and hope all coaches will join us and boycott it. If one of us is not safe, none of us are. We are strongest when we stand together. We hope all coaches dedicate their work to creating a more equitable and diverse landscape in coaching.

Thank you,

Lisa M. Hayes, Founder, The Coaching Guild