Happy New Year!

President's Letter for January 2013 

New Years is my favorite holiday. I enjoy the annual entry into a new year that is wide open for possibility and opportunity. 

ICF Chicago is also anticipating a new, fresh year of programming and strategic partnership with our members, guests, Chicagoland, and beyond. Our World Café event during the December 10^th chapter meeting was full of people (50+), ideas and input from this community of coaches and we are excited to share what was “harvested” from the event.  See our website for the specific takeaways from the event, as well as more on the World Café process that you can use for your own gatherings.

We will be using this input as we plan and implement programming and more throughout this new year…stay tuned!

Speaking of harvest, one of the things I like to do at the transition of a year is to spend time looking back on what I want to harvest and take with me into the new year, and what I want to let go of and leave behind.

What do I want to take with me? I’m reminded of week one of graduate school back in the fall of 2008 where I was introduced to three questions that were to be a theme for the whole program:

·         Vocation: “What is your vocation?” Hint: “Vocation is the place where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.” Frederick Buechner

·         Values Based Leadership: “Why not dedicate the rest of my life to my three core values?” (This provides my great distinction.)

·         Active Reflection: “How are we/I becoming instruments of innovation, healing, renewal and wholeness for the world?”

These three questions have stayed with me and are something I have taken into each new year since 2008.

What about you…what would you like to harvest and intentionally bring into 2013?

What will you leave behind?

With Appreciation,
Wendy Balman

President's Letter for December 2012

Who Are Your Strategic Partners?

According to Inc magazine’s article “Choosing Strategic Partners that Really Partner” (http://www.inc.com/articles/1999/11/19511.html) by Lisa H. Buksbaum, strategic partners are ones who create alliances that are mutually beneficial, that are non-competitive, and that extend the reach, visibility and impact of both partners.

When considering a strategic partner, Buksbaum presents the following questions to consider:

“What's your gut feeling about the partner you're considering? Is there synergy? Is there a natural fit in terms of values, integrity, and personality? Do your potential partners "get it"? That is, do they have a solid understanding of your objectives and goals, and are they genuinely excited about joining forces for an alliance?”

With strategic partnership in mind, ICF Chicago will be hosting a World Café event on Monday, December 10^th as a way to better form our organization as a strategic partner to coaches, coaching organizations, and businesses and organizations that want to hire coaches in 2013.

Whether you are a coach, looking into the coaching profession, or want to hire a coach, join us for our World Café event so you can have a voice in co-creating ICF Chicago as your strategic partner in 2013.

Click here to sign up: http://icfchicagodecember2012.eventbrite.com

Hope to see you there!

With Anticipation,

Wendy Balman

President's Message for November 2012

Learn. Earn. Engage.

These three words (ICF Chicago’s theme for 2012-13) were voiced during our board retreat in August 2012, as we considered what was important to pay attention to for this next season as an organization.

Since that board retreat, we have had a transition happen on our team. In October, after thoughtful consideration, Teresa Saxton decided to step back as President of the board. As President Elect at that time, I stepped into the role of Interim President with the intent to transition to President in January 2013. Although there has been a transition in leadership, our focus and intention as a board and as an organization has not changed.

I wonder…what transitions are you experiencing in your work and life? Whatever they may be, don’t go through them alone. Participate in the ICF Chicago community through our monthly programs and coach café meetings, as well as our yearly conference and expand your personal and professional relationships and resources. 

Our next program is November 12, where you’ll be sure to be encouraged and enlightened. The topic is "The Emotion of Money: Building Wealth from the Inside Out" with Julie Murphy-Casserly   

Wishing you all the best,
Wendy Balman, MA, CPCC, ACC

 

ICF Global Liaison

Opportunities Abound at ICF Global in London this October –
 by Kam Gupta ICF Global Liaison. ICF-Chicago. citkam@gmail.com

Dear ICFC members and coach community. Below are a few of the
InfoPoints worthy of your immediate attention.

Volunteer at ICF Global 2012Registered attendees are invited to volunteer on-site in a number of roles, including: room hosts and tube station greeters. Choosing to volunteer allows attendees to meet new people and give back to the profession. How do you volunteer? Simply access the Volunteer Portal to sign up.

Official conference app coming soon!
For the first time ever, the ICF International Conference will offer an interactive app to conference attendees! The app will include an interactive show schedule; sponsor and advertiser listings (and product searches); session and event schedules; show alerts; and social media interaction.

It will be available for download from Coachfederation.org/ICFGlobal2012 and the application stores as a native application for iPhone/iPod Touch and Android users, a hybrid version for BlackBerry, and as a Web-based application for all other smartphone users. Bookmark Coachfederation.org/ICFGlobal2012 to know when the app is available for download!

Meet our Provocateur! 

Neil Mullarkey, co-founder of the Comedy Store Players (Europe's top improve troupe)
is serving as Provocateur at ICF Global 2012.

In previous years, a master of ceremonies (MC) has made introductions and observations during conference general sessions. This year, the MC role will expand into a role known as Provocateur. Basically defined, a provocateur is a challenger. Neil will challenge us by provoking our limits, and urging us to stretch beyond the natural boundaries of our comfort zones to stimulate and enhance connection and growth. The Provocateur (Neil) will truly be an extension of both the educational and inspirational experience at ICF Global 2012.

Learn more about Neil.

Begin planning your conference schedule
Before even stepping foot inside the Novotel London West, attendees are encouraged to have an idea of the educational sessions they would like to attend while at ICF Global 2012.

There are 42 different breakout sessions over the course of three days (led by 70 catalysts from 12 countries)—sessions, corresponding catalysts, and CCEU (Continuing Coaching Education Units) requirements are outlined at Coachfederation.org/ICFGlobal2012. Take time now to peruse these sessions and determine which will benefit you and your practice most.

Important Conference hot links Register for ICF Global 2012. Peruse ICF Global 2012 catalysts and sessions. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities. Promote ICF Global 2012 with promotional flyers and postcards; and Web banners. Tentative ICF Global 2012 schedule-at-a-glance is now available. Peruse items in the ICF Virtual Bookstore. Make a recommendation for the virtual bookstore. Make travel to England seamless. What to see and do while in London. Join the ICF Global 2012 event on Facebook. Join the ICF Global 2012 event on LinkedIn. Follow ICF Global 2012 news and updates on Twitter: #icfglobal.

President's Letter for September 2012

Dear ICF-Chicago Members,

I’m delighted to be kicking off a brand new year with ICF-Chicago!!  I’d like to thank Kam Gupta for his leadership and generous spirit as President last year and I look forward to working with him in his new role as Past-President.  His sage wisdom is a gift.  I’m also excited to be stepping into the role of President.  I am humbled to be taking the helm of a great organization in a thriving community and am committed to you, our membership, in making ICF-Chicago the place for “All Things Coaching”.

I recently completed with a client who successfully found her passion and pursued a new career.  At the end of our last session she said, “when my friends ask me about coaching I really don’t know how to explain it to them”.  WOW!!!  And, this was after ten coaching sessions!  What if we could engage every member of our community in a conversation about coaching that would inspire potential clients to commit to coaching?  What would your coaching practice look like?  My guess is clients would be knocking down your doors.  So this year our stake for ICF-Chicago is Connecting Coaches & Clients & Community to Learn, Earn & Engage.  What the heck does that mean???  It means a commitment to engaging with our communities to really get the message out about the essential need for coaching…NO KIDDING , connecting our master coaches to our newly minted coaches via a powerful mentor relationship and supporting all coaches in developing thriving coaching practices (clients and $$$). 

I’m blessed to be working with a Board of talented volunteers committed to the ICF-Chicago community.  Each board & committee member brings their unique energy, abundant talent and amazing creativity to make sure all our members have a great experience with ICF-Chicago and I’m thrilled to be teaming up with them.  Please contact any board member or Denise Bouchard if you’d like to join us in our great adventure.

BTW…You may be wondering what happened to “CCF”.  We’re still here…just undergoing a little face lift which includes a realignment of our branding with ICF.  As one of the largest chapters in North America, we want ensure that the community knows that we are part of an international organization dedicated to the support and advancement of the coaching profession.  We’re also introducing our new membership program which promises some great benefits…more info to come.

I’m looking forward to supporting each of you as we Connect Coaches & Clients & Community to Learn, Earn & Engage.

Namaste

Teresa Saxton

President

Outgoing President's Letter

1. Farewell and Aloha

I learned in my coach training and in personal development seminars, “When one door closes, many other doors open as disguised opportunities.” My year as ICF- Chicago Chapter President has been a living example for me to highlight that perspective. That is so exciting because it has also given me the strength to push or pull open doors that are now visible to me, which I did not see before.

I am so thankful, so energized, and so humbled by the fact that I was able to follow my dreams and my vision as a chapter leader and enable other Board members to avail of the same opportunities. I thank our Board members who are fantastic individuals. [For a complete list of the current Board members, look up http://www.icf-chicago.org/]

I have heard from many chapter members words of encouragement, enthusiasm, and support. They experienced value, freedom, and liberty while attending the meetings and other chapter-sponsored events. I thank our ICFC members for being the pioneers to create a powerful entity by choosing/ electing the board member who represents integrity and courage.

Coaches on the Board bring diverse and different perspectives and create something unique together. The ICFC has a mission of being ‘all things coaching’. A premier resource for the coaches, aligned with the Chicago coaching community and with its parent organization – ICF.

Soon you will hear about your new board. Please welcome them. I am sure you will also give them your full support, as well as challenge them to make sure they are at their best as coaches, and as leaders. I will continue to remain on the Board as immediate past president and support the new President and the Board in as many ways I can. I encourage you to frequently visit the web site http://www.icf-chicago.org/.

2. ICF Global 2012 (A fairy tale kind of conference)

Well, pretty close. ICF is having their ICF Global conference in London on October 3-6, 2012. Visit: http://coachfederation.org/London2012/. This is perhaps the first time ICF is holding its conference outside of  the USA and it is bound to bring lots of international and interesting coaches together. So go ahead and register early at specially discounted rates.

Break out of your routine and recharge this October. Return to work with a fresh perspective and new knowledge. And while you're in London, take some time to enjoy some of the area's many attractions - there's so much to choose from! This year, TripAdvisor has named London the "best place to visit on the planet." Millions of travelers have spoken, elevating London to destination number 1 in the Travelers' Choice Award for Top 25 Destinations in the World. 

Who knows, a glimpse of the Queen or a visit with one of the princes or princesses might be an intentioned encounter. After all, we are coaches and capable of making our dreams come true.

As an ICF Global conference liaison, I will be periodically updating you with the latest news about the ICF Global Conference on the ICFC website and other social media. In case of any questions, please feel free to contact me citkam@gmail.com. Let me know when you decide to become London bound!

3. Question for the Coaches

What have you been doing more of ‘changing’ or ‘growing’? Changing does not necessarily lead to growth. Growing always leads to change. So the question is, ‘how are you growing and in what ways are you changing?’

See you at the chapter meeting in September.

Wishing you always the best path in realizing your dreams with love, admiration, and joy to all my fellow coaches and guests of ICF-Chicago.

Kam Gupta. citkam@gmail.com. 847-612-4244

Why Are You Sorry?

President’s Message

By Kam Gupta

The world has taught us how to judge people and label them. We label people based on our filters. Based on those labels, we begin to mold our behaviors, our expectations, and our actions. We live in a world of reactions.

One such often-used reactionary word is “sorry”.  For many, it is one of the measures of being polite and cultured. “Sorry” compensates for many of our ills, willful or not. Some people use the word” sorry” to reflect humility.

Take some of the examples below:

Late for a meeting – “I’m sorry…”

An unpleasant argument – “I’m sorry, didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”

After a poor performance – “I’m sorry for letting you down.”

Self-promotion – “I’m sorry IF it sounds like bragging, I am only stating the facts.”

At someone’s loss – “I am sorry…”

And just to be on the safe side, for about everything else, “I am so sorry”.

And this one I love – Watching a couple after an argument and then reconciliation efforts by one of the spouses where sorry has been lavishly showered only to leave one further frustrated, “I am sorry for saying that I am sorry.” Or “This is the last time I am saying sorry….”

In many cases, “sorry” will be supported with a long-winded story or reasons behind the situation. Such as bad traffic, weather, medical issues, indisposition, equipment breakdown, God’s will, mental instability, etc. 

You will also notice that people who get away by saying “sorry”, use the word repeatedly and without any feeling of responsibility, for they have mastered the art of being in a sorry state of flux (Watch them repeat the same situation over again).

We consider them cultured, well-mannered, and someone who is sensitive. 

I explored this topic further and spoke with people and experts as to why people use the word sorry. It was interesting to learn that there were many motives behind the “I’m sorry”.

To preempt the other party’s becoming upset by our act or action.

To avoid further questioning.

To minimize the risk of escalation.

To reflect as someone being sincere and real and mean it by taking responsibility and further action.

Someone also said, “Sorry is a perfect cover up for a perceived imperfect act.”

What are your reasons to say or be “sorry”?

When someone doesn’t say “sorry” as expected, we consider him or her to be rude, ungrateful, egotistic, and pure out of line.  Surprisingly, coaches were no different. They were just more elaborate.

As coaches, how we live our lives very much determines how we have transformed ourselves towards our natural being. Why do we say “sorry” and why do we expect others to say “sorry”? That is a question, which will raise our awareness about the meaning of un-conditionality in many aspects of our lives. As our power of coaching grows, so does the probability of eliminating the “sorry state of sorry” from our vocabulary.

Wishing you a life filled with the joys of summer. Love and laughter until next time.

Kam Gupta. citkam@gmail.com. 847-612-4244

Another First by Marggie Paris, LSW BCC

I have been a member of ICF for the last 4 years and finally, this past Monday evening, crossed another item off my “Get To Do List” and attended an ICF Chicago Chapter meeting. What took me so long! Not only was the speaker [Dr. Laura Belsten] engaging and the subject relevant, the group that was present for the meeting had great energy. Just being present in the company of other coaches is invigorating and inspiring. I even had the opportunity to meet and talk with the Chapter Board members. The topic was Expand Your Coaching Business by Coaching Social & Emotional Intelligence and it confirmed what I have believed for many years that the importance of  Intellectual Intelligence in the workplace alone is overrated and what Social and Emotional Intelligence bring to bear on productivity and performance is greatly underrated. There is really a lot of opportunity for business and executive coaches to add value to there clients bottom line with this powerful tool. Did I mention that they served Panera Bread salad and sandwiches and that the drive out to the Triangle Plaza was really straight forward and there is plenty of parking. So for those of you, like myself, who have been really curious about these meetings…mark your calendar for next month’s meeting and come join us…I for one, will definitely be attending.

June President's Letter

Greetings and Welcome!

I am very excited and honored to serve you with such talented and dedicated board and committee members this year. Our board and committees, together with your support have set the stage to catapult CCF to the next frontier in providing member value and opportunities. There are only five (5 ½) brief messages below that request your attention.

1. The Field of Strengths and the Boardroom (an invitation):

Today, I’d like to invite you to join us as we plan for next year and begin the CCF 2012-13 nominating process.  I am really looking forward to working with you and the Nominating Committee to ensure another home run.

We’re looking for board and committee members who are eager to contribute their energy, ideas, creativity and action, and connect with their community; who want to be part of a team; and want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Scan your field of strengths. Imagine the possibilities!  What could be better than participating on the Board or on a committee, sharing your ideas and contributing to your own success?

We have never been more focused on delivering programs and initiatives that bring value to our membership and honor our mission. We have set the groundwork for success. Now we need you, the membership, to help us to continue to improve and achieve our goals. We want your input, your enthusiasm and your involvement. CCF is your organization. Only with your help, can we truly be “the premier resource of all things coaching” and ‘Connect & Grow’ in the Chicagoland area.

We hope to hear from YOU! Please contact "Denise Bouchard" <phoenixdmb@aol.com> or "Kam Gupta" <citkam@gmail.com>.

2. Midwest Regional Conference MRC (from dream to reality): Just a few months ago, MRC did not even exist on paper. And then, a few daring leaders chose to dream big and dream MRC. It is a shining reality of the collective and individual hard work of many Midwest Region chapter leaders and volunteers. I am inviting at least 200 members from Chicagoland to come and attend this great event; first of its kind and largest in the region; and twelve CEUs in all. I am going there and would like to welcome you, in person.

ICF leadership has taken notice of this historic happening. Janet Harvey – ICF President and her Leadership Team members are going to be at the conference and actively participating throughout, interacting with the attendees and sharing and soliciting information of value.

Explore www.icf-midwestregionalconference.com and register. You can still save $100.00 if you register before June 9, 2012.

3. New Chapter Name:

ICF-CHICAGO! is our new name, which rightfully reflects our alignment with ICF. You may have noticed that our logo has been updated to reflect our new name.  You’ll be seeing ongoing updates on our website as we continue to freshen up the content to reflect the changes in our membership programs and increase our alignment with ICF. Very soon, we might be switching to our new acronym: ICFC.

 4. New Membership Programs:

As a brand new summer approaches, we at Chicago Coach Federation are pleased to announce some exciting new changes. As one of the largest charter chapters in the US, we continue to strive to align ourselves more closely with the International Coach Federation and add value to our members’ experience.  We will be rolling out an amazing new membership program on September 1^st that will provide access to new programs and tools in addition to the existing great meetings, speakers, networking opportunities and workshops.

As the coaching community continues to grow in the Chicago area, we are committed to providing our members with diverse services and opportunities to support your continued growth as leaders and coaches.  Stay tuned for more details about these exciting changes.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Teresa Harris Saxton or Shawna Myers. 

5-A Next Meeting: Come join us at our next Chapter meeting on June 11, 2012. www.chicagocoachfederation.org

5. Connect and Grow (Here are some lessons learned)

Nothing can and will move forward for us if you fail to connect first. Connect with our intentions, connect with our thoughts, connect with our feelings, and connect with our actions; and keep them in alignment with who we are. If we feel hurt, betrayed, complaining, or otherwise disconnected – we can change that through the many choices available to us as coaches, including direct communication and action.

How have you been connecting and dealing with the situations you do not feel connected with, consciously? How have you been growing from such interactions? It’s a challenge, worthy of highly effective coaches.

Wishing you a summer filled with warmth and wonders.

Love and joy until next time.

Kam Gupta. citkam@gmail.com. 847-612-4244

Who's Who by Marggie Paris, LSW BCC

I recently read an April 20, 2012 Chicago Tribune article (Bills for Outside Help Stack Up at U. of I.) that cited a “coach” when referencing a firm that had worked with the recently resigned U of I president, Michael Hogan. The “tone” of the citing was truly negative. Not great press for our profession.  

Further into reading the article, I learned that the title of the firm in question has the word “coaching” in it….so the writer of this article assumed that the individual that was engaged by this U of I president was a coach….later in the article the “coach” is referred to as a management consultant…confusing.  Was it a professional coach or a professional consultant that was working with Michael Hogan? The answer is definitely not clear from this article.

Upon further investigation, a larger issue emerges. Who is a coach and who isn’t?

A good question that, if we are to continue to grow as a profession that has integrity, is taken seriously and has merit, needs an answer.

As much as the general confusion about what exactly constitutes “a coach” concerns me, I truly believe this question is being addressed by the ICF and the CCF in their efforts to standardize and legitimize our profession. This, in my humble opinion, is absolutely necessary to gain the respect of the general public.

Meanwhile, what can each one of us do to help with this effort?  We must make sure that our own coaching credentials are up-to date and clearly communicated in our marketing materials.  When we hear about other coaches and coaching firms, we must inquire as to their credentials, what are they specifically? Start a conversation. These are opportunities for discussion and education.

When we know that someone looking for a coach, we can educate them, one person at a time, that there are standards and ethical guidelines that must be adhered to in our profession. And finally, we can encourage coaches and coach seekers alike to contact the ICF /CCF and become more informed about coaching credentials and ethical standards.

If you read or have read the Tribune article referenced above, and have an opinion you would like to share please submit it to me at crosby.coach@yahoo.com and we will add it to the CCF Blog.

May President's Letter

Dear CCF Coaches:

Hola de Mexico.

This week I am teaching Leadership course to the MS level class of about 60 graduating students at the University of Celaya in this sunny Mexico. I have chosen to apply the power of coaching to the teaching process. I changed my role from that of a teacher to facilitator of learning. Students have become my customers. And understanding their needs, modes and abilities to learn has become more relevant to me. I am no more lecturing. I find the students are learning more by doing and interacting. I am applying the principles of coaching such as trust, non-judgment, acceptance, empowerment, being present, each student having unlimited potential, and energetic engagement as the means of learning. It is proving very motivating and effective.

The more I apply coaching aspects in my life processes, the more I find the Universe opening up to me. I am finally getting it and seeing it happen. Mexico becomes another step for me to bring me closer to my journey in becoming a ‘living’ coach.

In addition to facilitating learning, I will also be speaking to a group of leaders about the power of coaching; to a graduating high school class about taking responsibility and leadership moving forward; and as a chef, to the students at the school of gastronomy about the culinary aspects of Indian cooking; all as a service to the human society.

I believe it all happens because I have embraced ‘Connect and Grow’ in its true form. Connect in every interaction, and grow with each connection. (Note: I have used the ‘I’ word predominantly this time to indicate my taking personal responsibility for my transformational process)

Where is your journey as a coach taking you personally?

MRC is inviting you. The Midwest regional conference pre-registration was a hit. We are still focused on the two hundred number (attendees) from Chicago-land alone. Let me know as soon as you register for the conference. The web site is complete and very informative. Remember, it is your conference, for the people like yourself, and organized by the people like yourself. Check it out and visit www.icf-midwestregionalconference.com. Any questions, feel free to contact me directly at 847-612-4244. Ps. After registering, do not forget to volunteer for couple of hours of your time; great opportunity to network and gratitude.

Hope you have already renewed your ICF membership. There is still time to do so without losing any continuity (www.coachfederation.org). Become a regular at the chapter meetings. The board members are always there and ready to welcome and cheer you up. The speakers are great. And the value is superb. Every second Monday of the month, that’s when we meet. See you on Monday the 14^th of May. For more information Connect: www.chicagocoachfederation.org.

Wishing you another wonderful month ahead. At your service, Kam Gupta. President. Chicago Coach Federation.citkam@gmail.com. 847-612-4244.

Thank you.

Earning an ICF Credential, Teresa Saxton

Earning an ICF Credential

Here at CCF we get a lot of inquiries about ICF credentialing and the impact it has on the coaching community.  As many of you already know, ICF has recently updated its credentialing program to reflect the rapid changes in the coaching industry and to ensure a standard of competency among coaching professionals.

Many coaches I’ve spoken with have expressed concerns over the impact this will have on them and their ability to either gain or maintain their ICF credentials.  Attached is a link to an excellent webinar and presentation created by ICF to help clarify the credentialing process.  The presentation also contains the steps to gaining an ICF credential and some great tips on preparing for the oral exam.

For coaches who currently hold an ICF credential, CCF offers an excellent CCEU program to deepen your coaching skills at a very reasonable rate.  We are approved by the ICF to issue 1.0 CCEU (Continued Coach Education Unit) credit under “Core Competencies”.   To get more information on this valuable program click on the link to the CCF page:  http://chicagocoachfederation.org/meetings-events.cfm?id=66 

As always, the CCF board is here to serve you:  The Chicago Coaching Community!  Please feel free to reach out to any of the CCF board members if you have any questions about ICF credentialing or the benefits of becoming a member of the Chicago Coach Federation.

Teresa is President Elect of the Chicago Coach Federation and Founder & Principal of Saxton Coaching & Consulting Services focusing on professional financial organization and coaching individuals around their personal relationship with money. Her company advises coaches, professionals, entrepreneurs and small businesses in financial best practices, including optimal legal entity selection, accounting system conversion, implementation, training & support, budgeting and goal setting.  Her goal:  to ensure that all her clients can focus 100% of their attention on growing successful businesses.

Message from the President April

Message from The President

April 2012

Early Spring or Early Summer?

1.      Life is full of miracles. This year is no exception.  We have actually enjoyed the Midwest winter in earnest, including sporadic snowfalls. My life has completely turned around because of my association with CCF.  Our intention of ‘Connect and Grow’ has really begun to grow on me. Connect in every interaction and grow with every connection is becoming a conscious choice. As president of CCF I have met many great leaders on the board, speakers and coaches of high acclaim, new and experienced coaches, students from around the world, and great coaches like you. Here are some of the amazing things I have learned so far. Do not take anything for granted. Life is given, living it is a choice. Keep an open mind. Do what my heart says, and let the head support it. Do not judge people based on my experiences. Remain open to any opportunity to learn. Do things I have never done before. Learn from every critiques, advice and opportunity. It has put me in a place where I experience joy and peace more frequently, and make forward movement more sustainable.  How about you?

Midwest Regional Conference (MRC)

2.      Just heard that the deadline for early bird has been extended to April 6, 2012. Whew! Just if you were on the fence, jump right in. I am going to the MRC (icf-midwestregionalconference.com). The website is complete and information packed. – the keynotes, session presenters, exhibitor opportunities, volunteer opportunities and registration information are all there. You can register at will. Registering before April 6 2012 makes it Early Bird and saves you $100/- off the already low registration investment. Having attended ICF conference last year in Las Vegas, I can sense it is going to be at par in coach experience and value. I feel the excitement in the air. Join my team of, at least,200 coaches from Chicago land.

a.       While there, you can enhance you joy even further by giving a fraction of your time to volunteer for one of the sessions – a minimum of two hours of your time. Two hours to know and introduce one of the presenters and facilitate the session. Imagine meeting someone you have not known before, learning from them, learning about their audience, and meeting them. I think it will be cool. If you have never been in public light before, here is your first chance to start out slow and feel the feel. Who knows, you might become one of the speakers next time around because of this experience. We need 50-60 kind hearted and energetic coaches (my heroes) to come forward and experience joy. Want to rise even higher – become the general coordinator to manage this entire activity. Let me know and I can explain more about it.  Volunteering has its own rewards.

Renew Your Membership

3.      Membership renewal is in full swing. Hope you have already renewed your membership or are in the process now to continue the membership benefits uninterrupted. I find ICF to be a great organization where I can learn a lot in becoming a very effective coach and benefit the coach community. Remember at CCF we love you and will continue to work for enhanced value for the coach community. We are ‘all things coaching’ and we mean it.

4.      Its that leadership time, again at CCF. Want to make a difference in the Coaching community? Are you ready to show up as a leader? Are you full of ideas and inspiration that you have wanted to share? Then perhaps it’s time to be a part of the 2012-13 CCF board. There’s an easy way to see if it’s a right fit for you. Jump in and try out one of our committees. Make a big splash!

Here are a few team opportunities to think of…

a.       Programming—first hand interaction with top names in the Coaching industry as you help our team locate, schedule, and coordinate our monthly meetings and special events.

b.      Alliance—foster and explore relationships with other organizations as well as regional chapters.

c.       Membership—design new ways to engage with our coaching membership.

d.      Marketing—effectively spread the word of all our opportunities and events through our website and newsletter, as well as Facebook and Twitter.

e.       And many more like the blog master, etc.… just ask.

f.       If you know of someone who you would want to nominate, please let us know that too.

Chicago Coach Federation is the place where you matter. Tell us what you think and what else we can do to make your membership much more exciting and worth your while. Weam ready to listen. E-mail me: citkam@gmail.com.

Let me conclude with one of the frequently used term from the movie Hunger Games, “May the odds be always in your favor’.

Sincerely,

Kam Gupta

CCF 2011-12 President

Message from The President

April 2012

Early Spring or Early Summer?

1.       Life is full of miracles. This year is no exception.  We have actually enjoyed the Midwest winter in earnest, including sporadic snowfalls. My life has completely turned around because of my association with CCF.  Our intention of ‘Connect and Grow’ has really begun to grow on me. Connect in every interaction and grow with every connection is becoming a conscious choice. As president of CCF I have met many great leaders on the board, speakers and coaches of high acclaim, new and experienced coaches, students from around the world, and great coaches like you. Here are some of the amazing things I have learned so far. Do not take anything for granted. Life is given, living it is a choice. Keep an open mind. Do what my heart says, and let the head support it. Do not judge people based on my experiences. Remain open to any opportunity to learn. Do things I have never done before. Learn from every critiques, advice and opportunity. It has put me in a place where I experience joy and peace more frequently, and make forward movement more sustainable.  How about you?

Midwest Regional Conference (MRC)

2.       I am going to the MRC (icf-midwestregionalconference.com). The website is complete and information packed. – the keynotes, session presenters, exhibitor opportunities, volunteer opportunities and registration information are all there. You can register at will. Registering before April I, 2012 (no fools day here) makes it Early Bird and saves you $100/- off the already low registration investment. Having attended ICF conference last year in Las Vegas, I can sense it is going to be at par in coach experience and value. I feel the excitement in the air. Join my team of at least 200 coaches from Chicago land.

While there, you can enhance you joy even further by giving a fraction of your time to volunteer for one of the sessions. Just two hours of your time, to know and introduce one of the presenters and facilitate the session. Imagine meeting someone you have not known before, learning from them, learning about their audience, and meeting them. I think it will be cool. If you have never been in public light before, here is your first chance to start out slow and feel the feel. Who knows, you might become one of the speakers next time around because of this experience. We need 50-60 kind hearted and energetic coaches (my heroes) to come forward and experience joy. Want to rise even higher – become the general coordinator to manage this entire activity. Let me know and I can explain more about it. Volunteering has its rewards.

Renew Your Membership

3.       Membership renewal is in full swing. Hope you have already renewed your membership or are in the process now to continue the membership benefits uninterrupted. I find ICF to be a great organization where I can learn a lot in becoming a very effective coach and benefit the coach community. Remember at CCF we love you and will continue to work for enhanced value for the coach community. We are ‘all things coaching’ and we mean it.

Chicago Coach Federation is the place where you matter. Tell us what you think and what else we can do to make your membership much more exciting and worth your while. We am ready to listen. E-mail me: citkam@gmail.com.

Let me conclude with one of the frequently used term from the movie Hunger Games, “May the odds be always in your favor’.Let’s stay connected and grow from our experiences. Stay in the positive.

Sincerely,

Kam Gupta