ICA’s approach to online learning aligns very well with emerging and future trends in coaching as explained by this Forbes article:
“As our culture changes, so will the delivery methods of coaches to clientele. The days of in-person coaching are dwindling. Webinars, online training, and digital coaching delivery methods for clients will become the norm. Professionals will want coaching that is easily accessible and fits into their schedule. Be prepared to diversify in order to remain valuable and relevant.”
Interactive and participatory learning experiences form a major part of our programs: students receive coaching, coach others, gain expert advice from mentor coaches and participate in group learning via technologies such as Zoom. Inevitably, students and trainers form close bonds as they support each other to develop coaching skills and achieve personal transformation.
Of course, face-to-face ICA meet-ups also play a role in our community. Even within the last 12 months, there have been meet-ups in China, USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Italy, and Greece. Our most recent event, held in France, was hugely successful and warrants a special thanks to ICA student, Vivian Theodoropoulou, whose planning and hosting was exemplary!
Well over 20 ICA students and trainers from across the world – past and present – descended on Paris for drinks under the stars at the foot of the Eiffel tower and then a beautiful outdoor meal in the heart of vibrant Halles district. The conversation naturally turned to all things coaching: the launch of careers, the publication of new books, the realisation of long-held dreams and the excitement of meeting people who had played a key part in each others learning journey.
Yet the Paris meet-up also revealed how online technologies are intrinsic to the human desire to connect, share and learn. While students and trainers chatted over nibbles and wine, an IPAD was handed around the table to allow remotely located students and trainers to join in the experience. The result? A delightful mix of real-time, face-to-face, global and virtual……and all of it was fun and heartfelt!
ICA is a community made up of people who are excited by the convergence of coaching, technology and betterment in an increasingly globalised world. Technology plays a vital and welcome role in our learning and that will never change, and nor will the desire connect. Vive la France. Vive la ICA!
