The Credentialling journey - ICF PCC

8 months in the making, and last week I achieved my next level of credentials as a coach last week, yay!

To be honest, I was well overdue. I had accumulated the required coaching hours a while back and have now accumulated more than double the amount required. If you know me personally, you would know how much of a dislike I have against systems and institutions. You would also know that I am not someone who thinks a certificate, credential or degree is worth more than what the person can actually do. After all, who is to say that a credentialled coach is better than one without as results and repeat customers speak volumes in my book.

Then why did I spend 8 months attending late-night virtual classes run overseas, submitting assignments and recordings then studying intensely for two weeks to pass a three-hour credentialing exam that often felt more like a test of comprehension and educated guesswork?

Despite the countless moments of frustration with the process, I'm grateful for what it gave me. It has made me a better coach because it strengthened my understanding of ethics, professionalism, and boundaries. I am clearer in how I am applying coaching techniques in the moment and what I am eliciting from the client for them to achieve what they want. I am also able to discern when I need to stay firmly in the role of coach and when it is better to refer.

What genuinely surprised me at the beginning of this journey was how much my ego got in the way. Being challenged to examine how I coach was more uncomfortable than I expected. The process of trying new coaching techniques, gaining feedback from mentors and integrating it into my coaching practice is not to be understated. At times, it felt like open surgery.

The credential itself is not what matters. It is the learning and growth that came with earning it that do. Maybe that is a healthier mindset for me to take on going forward when it comes to systems and institutions. While I wouldn't jump into another round of certificate collecting, they have their place too.

I am grateful of Ben Koh Master Certified Coach (MCC), Azadeh Entezami, Anne Zhang , MCC (ICF) and the team at Coach Masters Academy Global guiding me through this journey!!

https://www.credly.com/badges/bf1cda38-fcfa-496d-9f25-b6e950aa74f9/public_url