Coach Lab for March 2025
2025-03-17 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
Join Kerry Donati and Christy Stuber for this event.
Living the Coaching Mindset

How has the coaching mindset impacted your life outside of coaching sessions?
What elements of coaching do you practice in your daily life?

How have those practices impacted your experience of life?

Perceptions
Emotions
Physicality
Interactions / relationships
Presence

How can you further leverage the coaching mindset in your daily life?

What benefits do you see in doing so?

For yourself.
For others.

In your coaching practice

What are you taking away from this discussion?
What are you inspired to practice or ponder further?
What are the benefits of practicing the coaching mindset more intentionally in your daily life?

Neurodiversity and Coaching: Systems We Swim In
2025-04-04 12:00 - 13:30 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Deborah Shukyn-Plageman, PCC
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
CCEs: 1.5 (0.5 core/ 1.0 resource)
This webinaris an introduction to the coaching neurodiversity, reflective practice and the ICF coaching competencies
PRIMARY LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Explore:

The concepts of neurodiversity and neurodivergence
Socio-political-economic issues related to neurodivergence including recognition, diagnosis, treatment and workplace adjustments
Where and how neurodivergence shows up in coaching
The wisdom from the field as it relates to the ICF coaching competencies
How the reflective practice of supervision can support neurodiversity and coaching

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

Create a plan for how the coach’s reflective practice can support neurodiversity and coaching.
Define the difference between neurodiversity and neurodivergence.
Understand What pathways or systems have brought neurodivergent clients to your coaching practice.
Learn to align the ICF competencies where it relates to neurodivergence and coaching.

Speaker: Deborah Skukyn- Plageman, PCC is a dedicated ally and member of the neurodivergent community, bringing over 18 years of coaching experience as a credentialed coach (ICF-PCC) and mentor coach (ICF-PCC Assessor trained). As the co-founder and co-host of the podcast and professional development community “Neurodivergently Coaching,” she focuses on empowering individuals who face barriers to full participation in society
With a Master’s Degree and three years of Doctoral candidacy centered on coaching for marginalized communities, Deborah is also a certified ADHD Coach and coaching supervisor (EMCC-ESIA-EIA). Currently, she leads research on diversity, equity, and inclusion in coaching supervision in collaboration with a community employment organization founded by a neurodivergent member.
A program development professional, she supports clients with intersectional identities and is passionate about fostering inclusive coaching practices.
REGISTRATION
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

Coach Lab for April 2025
2025-04-14 18:00 - 19:00
Join Kerry Donati and Olivia Payne for this event.
Our topic is: “Coaching through resistance: Helping clients move past mental blocks and limiting beliefs”.

The Ethical Advantage: How Integrity Sets You Apart as a Coach
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Jordan Mercedes, MCC
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
CCEs: 1.0 Core
This session explores how coaches can seamlessly integrate their ethics into their practice, creating a strong foundation for coaching with purpose and integrity. Ethics aren’t just about avoiding legal trouble – they reflect who we are at our core. When we truly embody our ethical principles, we gain a professional edge and build deeper connections with our clients, creating trust, care and long-term success.
Benefits to the Audience

Understand the benefit from making our ethical stance a part of the foundation of our work. This session will support coaches in crafting their own ethical position.

How to make ethics a relationship building part of our work.

Speaker: Jordan Mercedes is a Master Certified Coach (MCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and a trusted partner to leaders seeking meaningful growth and transformation. With over two decades of experience, Jordan has worked with executives, school and corporate leaders to help them achieve their highest potential while navigating the complexities of leadership.
REGISTRATION:
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

The Neuroscience of the Extended Mind
2025-05-01 18:00 - 19:30 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Ursula Pottinga, PCC
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
CCEs: 1.5 (1.0 core/ 0.5 resource)
In this fascinating and highly interactive webinar we will dive into the amazing research by Annie Murphy Paul and the “Extended Mind”. We’ll explore the neuroscience of why extending the mind is absolutely necessary in a world where our brains can no longer deal with the ever increasing demands and complexity of life. And how we as coaches can support our clients by finding three ways to off-load and therefor extend the mind. We’ll share a coaching tool that weaves these three ways, creating relief, increases creativity and decreases overload.
LIST THREE TO FIVE PRIMARY LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Why extending the mind is one of the best arguments for coaching
What it means to “extend the mind” and three focus areas that are relevant to coaching
The many ways coaching helps clients extend their mind
The neuroscience of why extending the mind is making clients more effective

LIST THREE TO FIVE EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
Participants will

Get a greater understanding of the neuroscience rationale behind extending the mind
Learn the many ways coaching already supports clients’ in extending their minds
Experience a coaching tool that weaves three focus areas together that will help clients’ overcome overwhelm and lack of finding new solutions to complex problems.

SPEAKER: Ursula Pottinga, CPCC, PCC, MNTC is the co-founder of BEabove Leadership and is the co-developer/leader of its ground breaking training program for advanced coaches: Neuroscience, Consciousness and Transformational Coaching.
Ursula also has her own consulting and coaching company, Profound Growth. In this capacity she supports highly successful leaders break out of patterns that have held them back from claiming the best version of themselves, impacting culture, relationships and creating new paths forward. She speaks and coaches internationally and has co-authored a number of books. She is the co-author of The Guide to Getting It: Remarkable Management Skills, Create a New Normal and the spiritual journal: Universal Intentions.
REGISTRATION
CF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

The 6 Key Areas To Build a Solid Coaching Foundation
2025-05-09 12:00 - 13:00 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Kelly M. Jefferson, PhD, MCC
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
CCEs: 1.0 (0.5 core/ 0.5 resource)
Over 50% of Coaches fail in the first 2 years because they only focus on the coaching skillset instead of that AND the business of coaching. In this 60 minute workshop to learn the P6 Coaching Formula, my signature framework of the 6 key areas you need to build a solid coaching foundation to position yourself to be in the successful 50% of coaches.
Benefits to the Audience:

Understand the Root Causes of Early Coaching Business Failures: Identify why over 50% of coaches fail within their first two years and recognize the importance of balancing coaching skills with business-building strategies.
Master the P6 Coaching Formula Framework: Learn the six key areas of the P6 Coaching Formula to establish a strong foundation for a sustainable and successful coaching business.
Apply Business Strategies to Enhance Longevity: Discover actionable steps to implement the P6 Coaching Formula and position yourself among the top 50% of thriving coaches within your first two years.

Speaker: Kelly M. Jefferson, Ph.D. aka ‘Coach Kelly J’ is THE Coaches CoachTM! She is a Master Certified Life & Business Coach, as well as a Master Certified NLP Practitioner.
Her mission is straightforward but profound: “She teaches the people that reach the people.” With over 12 years in the coaching industry, she has had the honor of guiding more than 12,000 coaches, helping them thread the needle between their vast aspirations and the concrete steps needed to achieve them. As a master certified life and business coach, Coach Kelly J specializes not just in developing successful coaches but in creating coaching leaders who themselves become a guiding light for others in their fields. Her approach blends strategic business tactics with transformative personal development, ensuring that every coach who works with her not only learns how to build a successful practice but also how to sustain and grow it emotionally and ethically.
Coach Kelly J is a seasoned life coach, mentor, and motivational speaker with over a decade of experience in the field. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice & Psychology and a Doctorate degree in Executive Leadership & Business, which has given her a deep understanding of human behavior. From laying the foundations of a coaching business to scaling it to new heights, Coach Kelly J has been there as a strategist, a cheerleader, and sometimes, a tough-love giver.
Her comprehensive programs and virtual and in-person workshops, conferences, and retreats are crafted with the understanding that great coaching transcends traditional teaching—it involves deep empathy, sharp intuition, and an unwavering commitment to the success of others.
REGISTRATION
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

You’re invited: “Legacy & Vision” – Celebrating 25 Years of ICF Pittsburgh
2025-05-12 17:30 - 20:30 | CoHatch, South Side Works, 2681 Sidney Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203, United States
Dear ICF Pittsburgh Members,
As part of International Coaching Week, and in celebration of the 25th anniversary of ICF Pittsburgh and the 30th global anniversary of the International Coaching Federation, we warmly invite you to a special community gathering:
Legacy & Vision: Celebrating Our ICF Pittsburgh Presidents
Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
Time: 5:30–8:30 PM
Location: CoHatch SouthSide Works
Address: 2681 Sidney St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Please RSVP by noon on Thursday, May 8th.
This event is a heartfelt celebration of the leaders who have shaped our chapter and the coaching profession in our region. It’s also a chance for us to gather as a community—to connect, reflect, and look ahead together.
The evening will include:
– Light refreshments and mingling
– Reflections from past ICF Pittsburgh presidents
– Community conversation and celebration of our shared journey
Whether you’ve been part of ICF for years or are new to the community, we’d love for you to join us.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Warmly,
ICF Pittsburgh
REGISTRATION:
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $25.00
Non-members – $40.00

Impostor Syndrome
2025-05-14 18:00 - 19:30 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Carolyn Herfurth
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
CCEs: 1.50 (0.75 core/0.75 resource)
Up to 82% of people — CEOs and entry-level professionals, first year college students and PhDs, artists and programmers — secretly worry they’re not as smart or talented or qualified as other people “think” they are.
It’s called impostor syndrome.
Left unchecked, it can lead to costly consequences not only for individuals but for their organizations as well.
This multifaceted topic has been oversimplified — yet demands a nuanced solution from those we turn to most often: coaches.
PRIMARY LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Understand what impostor syndrome is — and what it is not
How impostor syndrome is easily confused with low self-esteem, self-doubt, or other factors that hold clients back
How to identify impostor syndrome in your clients
The costs and consequences of impostor syndrome
The mistakes coaches make that actually harm instead of help your clients progress — and what to do instead

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

Understand the Nuances of Impostor Syndrome – Develop a clear understanding of what impostor syndrome is — and what it is not differentiating it from factors like low self-esteem and self-doubt. As well as an introduction to competence distortions.
Recognize Impostor Behaviors in Clients – Learn to identify specific behaviors and thought patterns that indicate impostor syndrome in clients, including perfectionism, procrastination, over-preparation, and externalizing success.
Explore the Costs and Consequences – Examine the individual, team, and organizational impacts of impostor syndrome, enabling coaches to articulate its importance to their clients and stakeholders.
Avoid Common Coaching Pitfalls – Understand why common strategies, such as achievement lists or over-psychologizing, often fail and how they can inadvertently harm client progress. Learn about alternative evidence-based approaches.
Shift Clients Toward a ‘Humble Realist’ Mindset – Discover how to help clients reframe their impostor thoughts, fostering healthier attitudes toward competence, failure, and self-doubt through proven techniques like contextualizing and reframing.

SPEAKER: Carolyn Herfurth is co-founder and managing partner of Impostor Syndrome Institute, the world’s leading source of impostor syndrome solutions.
As a nationally recognized business growth strategist, speaker and award-winning entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience, Carolyn is uniquely qualified to guide the Institute’s mission to address the (avoidable) impact of impostor syndrome on individuals and organizations.
Carolyn understands that change requires more than a pep talk. She brings a unique ability to inspire her audiences to take real action so they finally feel as bright and capable as they really are.
In addition to presenting to audiences from diverse organizations like Dyson, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Everest Reinsurance, Bridge Industrial, Simon Data, Professional Women in Construction, Arquitectos, and more, Carolyn oversees the Institute’s training programs for organizations, coaches, and speakers seeking to be an impostor syndrome-informed resource for their employees and/or clients.
REGISTRATION
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

Coach Lab for May19, 2025
2025-05-19 18:00 - 19:00
Join Kerry Donati and Terrie Sackett as we explore this topic.
Topic: What is your coaching style and focus and how do you explain it to clients?
Join us to share your perspectives, ideas, and questions — or simply listen and reflect on these topics.
Below are examples of several styles and focus areas practiced.
Styles:

Holistic: Looking at all parts of a person’s life (mind, body, spirit) instead of just one goal.
Motivational: Lots of energy, encouragement, and “you’ve got this!” energy.
Accountability-focused: Very goal-and tracking-oriented.
Transformational: Focused more on deep inner growth and long-term change than quick fixes.

Focus Areas:

Goal-Oriented Coaching: Career/Executive/Performance/Business/Productivity Coaching
Mindset & Emotional Coaching: Mindset/Confidence/Motivational/Stress-Management/Emotional Intelligence
Holistic & Lifestyle Coaching: Wellness/Health/Spiritual/Intuitive/Lifestyle
Relationship & Identity Coaching: Relationship/Dating/Parenting/Divorce or Breakup/Identity
Transformational: Life/Transformational/Shadow/Somatic/Narrative

Leadership Coaching: Leading with Compassion
2025-06-04 12:00 - 13:00 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Hongguo Wei, Ph.D., ACC
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
CCEs: 1.0 (0.5 core /0.5 resource)
In today’s rapidly changing and unpredictable environment, organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of compassion. Research has highlighted the transformative effects of organizational compassion, prompting industries like healthcare, education, and technology to incorporate compassion into their culture, leadership, and management practices. However, our understanding of how to effectively integrate compassion into leadership coaching is still developing. In this webinar, the presenter will explore recent research and offer frameworks and strategies for incorporating a relational perspective of compassion into leadership coaching. By focusing on compassion, both the coach and the client (leaders) can cultivate compassionate awareness, connect with authentic emotions, and take meaningful actions that address organizational challenges and support employees during times of changes and uncertainties.
In this seminar, we will:

Define compassion from a relational perspective;
Explore the organizational settings where compassion is mostly valued;
Distinguish between coaching with compassion (as a coach’s competence) and compassionate leadership (as an area of focus for the client)
Show how coaches can help coachees develop compassionate awareness and take compassionate actions.

The expected outcomes from the learning objectives are to understand how to apply the information presented to support clients in:

Leading employees with compassion during challenging situations (such as pains, sufferings, or changes)
Cultivating compassionate awareness;
Building strong relationships with employees by connecting with authentic emotions;
Developing effective, compassionate actions.

Speaker: Hongguo Wei, Ph.D., ACC earned her Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from Case Western University, and obtained the Weatherhead Executive Coaching Certificate and the Emotional Intelligent Leader Certificate. Her research has been published in respected journals such as the Journal of Business Ethics, Journal of Management Education, Human Resource Development Quarterly, Asia Pacific Journal of Management, and Journal of Business and Psychology. Currently, Hongguo is a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Management at Robert Morris University. Prior to her academic career, she worked as a part-time management consultant for three years in China.
REGISTRATION
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

Coach Lab for June 16, 2025
2025-06-16 18:00 - 19:00 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
Join Kerry Donati and Sidrah Mohyuddin as we explore this topic.
Topic: How Transformational Coaching Really Works
Join us this month for an engaging Coaches Lab session, where we’ll explore the *how* of transformational coaching. Whether you’re refreshing your understanding or diving deeper into the psychology of change, this session is for you.

We’ll unpack the core theories that drive meaningful and sustainable change in coaching:
Self-Determination Theory – What truly motivates people to change?T
The Transtheoretical Model – How do clients move through stages of change, and how can we meet them where they are?
Immunity to Change – What hidden commitments hold people back, even when they want to grow?
Intentional Change Theory – How can we help clients connect with their ideal selves and move toward them with purpose?

This is an interactive, learner-centered session. Bring your curiosity, questions, and real-world coaching experiences. Facilitated by Sidrah Mohyuddin, the session will flex to the group’s interests—whether we dive deep into one framework or explore them all.
Let’s explore the heart of transformational coaching—*together*.

Exploring the Cultural Dimension in Coaching
2025-07-08 12:00 - 13:30 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Erroline Williams, Ed.D., PCC and Renée Zabela, MSOD, PCC
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
CCEs: 1.5 (1.0 core/0.5 resource)
Cultural differences can cause immense frustrations and represent a real mystery to many of us. Integrating the cultural dimension into coaching is not only necessary to increase coaching’s validity and applicability in today’s intercultural environment. Bridging coaching and interculturalism leads to a more creative and global form of coaching. The International Journal of Coaching in Organizations. Philippe Rosinski. 2003.
In this workshop, we will explore cultural differences and sensitivity, addressing strategies for coaches to recognize cultural assumptions and bias in their coaching. By being aware of these influences, coaches can strive to adopt a more culturally sensitive approach. This means actively listening, asking questions to understand the client’s unique context, and reflecting on their own biases. It’s not about erasing differences but rather embracing them to create a more inclusive and effective coaching experience.
LIST THREE TO FIVE PRIMARY LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Understand that:

All human endeavors are influenced by culture
We belong to multiple cultural groups, and they leave visible and invisible imprints on us that shape and influence our mindsets and behaviors
Hidden cultural assumptions and bias will shape our coaching

LIST THREE TO FIVE EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

Recognize cultural influences in ourselves and our clients
Identify how ICF competencies and cultural competency align
Desire to integrate the cultural dimension into our own reflective practice
Identify one action to take to improve your own cultural sensitivity competence

Speakers:
Erroline Williams, Ed.D, PCC, is a certified leadership coach and consultant. Her coaching practice engages executives, emerging leaders, university faculty and those individuals seeking transformational growth and development, both personally and professionally. She serves as an executive coach with the Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise (PACE) Executive Coaching Program, the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation and Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business for The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI). Dr. Williams tailors coaching with leadership development to identify blind spots and elevate communication skills.

Renée Zabela, MSOD, PCC, Zabela Coaching & Consulting, LLC, is a certified professional coach and organization development practitioner. She divides her professional time between engineering and coaching. As a coach and OD practitioner, Renée helps individuals and relationship systems navigate change with greater clarity, confidence, and self-integrity. She is passionate about exploring the interrelationship of culture, identity, and the “mental filters” we develop that influence our perceptions, mindsets, and behaviors.

REGISTRATION
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

ICF Pittsburgh in Person Summer Social
2025-07-15 16:00 - 20:00 | Roosevelt Shelter in North Park
Please RSVP by July 7th
REGISTRATION
Dietary needs:
None
Vegetarian
Vegan

Rooted and Resilient: Stoic Foundations for Transformational Coaching
2025-08-08 12:00 - 13:30 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Kerry Donati, ACC
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
CCEs: 1.50 (0.75 core/ 0.75 resource)
In this session we’ll explore how the timeless wisdom of Stoic philosophy can flip the script on how our clients perceive and respond to life’s challenges. Far from being abstract theory, Stoic principles offer deeply practical tools for cultivating clarity, emotional resilience, and intentional action. This session will unpack how concepts like the Dichotomy of Control, daily reflection, and value-based living can guide clients toward consistent habits of thought, word, and action—empowering them to shape the life they truly want. You’ll leave with actionable techniques to integrate Stoic insights into your coaching practice, helping clients stay grounded in chaos, purposeful in progress, and resilient through change.
In this webinar we will:

Understand Core Stoic Principles
Apply Stoicism to Client Mindset Shifts
Integrate Thought-Word-Action Alignment
Develop Tools for Habit Transformation
Enhance Your Coaching Presence

Participants will gain knowledge on how:

Coaches will leave with a toolkit of Stoic strategies they can immediately apply in sessions to help clients reframe adversity and take empowered action.
Participants will be equipped to guide clients through mindset shifts that emphasize control, clarity, and emotional resilience, fostering greater self-leadership.
Attendees will demonstrate the ability to align Stoic concepts with coaching goals, such as behavior change, habit formation, and value-based decision-making.
Coaches will embody a more grounded coaching presence, modeling the calm, rational, and purposeful energy Stoicism promotes.
Participants will integrate daily Stoic practices into their coaching frameworks to support ongoing client transformation and growth beyond the session.

Speaker: Kerry Donati is a certified professional coach and divides her time between private coaching and her corporate work in digital sales enablement in the Life Sciences industry. As a coach and mentor, she supports individuals and groups in cultivating awareness, compassion, resilience, and aligned action for transformational growth. Kerry serves as a mentor participant and instructor in the Benedictine Life & Leadership Coaching Program for Religious Women and on the Board of ICF Pittsburgh. She is passionate about the power of language, humor, and self-inquiry to shift mindsets, deepen connection, and ignite sustainable change—both personally and professionally.
REGISTRATION:
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

ICF-P August Coach Lab
2025-08-11 18:00 - 19:00
ICF-P August Coach Lab
August 11 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Join ICF-P board members Kerry Donati and Tom Sullivan on August 11 at 6pm in the Coach Lab. The topic is Growth and Mastery in Coaching. This free session invites meaningful dialogue, peer learning, and reflection to support our growth as coaches. By exploring challenges, sharing experiences, and gaining practical insights, coaches deepen self-awareness and renew their commitment to continuous improvement grounded in the values of learning, discovery, and progress.
Discussion Questions:
Challenges We Face as Coaches:
What do you find most challenging in your coaching practice right now? Is it related to client relationships, setting boundaries, personal confidence and something else?
Growth Areas:
What is one aspect of your coaching that you’re currently working on but haven’t quite mastered yet?
Fee: No charge for this lab; no CCEs provided

ICF Pittsburgh Coffee Chats
2025-08-17 10:00 - 13:00
We’re excited to launch ICF Pittsburgh Coffee Chats, casual, in-person gatherings hosted by our board members at local cafés throughout the region.  These relaxed meetups are a chance to talk coaching, share experiences, and build community—one cup at a time. There’s no agenda, just meaningful conversation in a warm, welcoming space.  Whether you’re new to ICF Pittsburgh or a longtime member, we’d love to see you there.  We’ll be hosting chats in different neighborhoods throughout the fall, so stay tuned for more dates!
First Coffee Chat:

Date: Sunday, August 17
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Convive Coffee, 960 Adams Shoppes, Mars, PA 16046
Host: Kerry Donati, ICF-P Board Member
Note: This session is limited to 8 participants—please register early to reserve your spot.

Coaching for Happiness and High Performance
2025-08-28 18:00 - 19:00 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Jackson Kerchis, ACC
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
CCEs: 1.0 (0.5 core / 0.5 resource)
In this session you’ll learn about Jackson Kerchis’s approach to coaching individuals around happiness and wellbeing. He will share a case study working with a burnt-out CFO and in doing so illustrate the framework you may apply to supporting your clients in this capacity. You will learn research-based determinants of happiness and how to support your clients’ flourishing.
LIST THREE TO FIVE PRIMARY LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

A framework for assessing your own or a client’s happiness levels (focused on behavioral inputs).
An approach to scoping an effective engagement with respect to quantifiable outcomes around wellbeing.
Factors and practices that support happiness grounded in positive psychology.

LIST THREE TO FIVE EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

You will be able to assess and improve your own level of happiness (even if you’re already doing well).
You will be able to help clients to assess and improve their levels of happiness.
You will be able to structure a coaching program focused on personal wellness.

Speaker: Jackson Kerchis, ACC is a former startup exec, operations leader, and Zen monk. He created the world’s first major in Happiness. He did research at the University of Alabama on happiness and taught the first course on happiness in school history. He holds a diploma from Emory’s Goizueta Business School in executive coaching. He operates two companies that bring wellbeing solutions into organizations: Happiness Means Business serves businesses while Warrior Leader serves military and first responders.
REGISTRATION
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

Join the Trauma SIG Group! - Sept 10, 2025
2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
Are you a coach and/or someone processing trauma? We are creating a Special Interest Group (SIG) designed to provide a safe space for discussion and support. Whether you specialize in DEI, leadership/executive coaching, trauma-related coaching, or simply want to normalize and understand trauma, this session is for you.
What to Expect:

A welcoming environment to be heard and share experiences.
Insightful discussions on managing trauma and secondary trauma.
No limit on the number of attendees; breakout groups may be used.

Details:
Date: September 10
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Platform: Zoom
Topic: Overview of what Trauma SIG is and is not; develop agreements; set cadence
Facilitator: Steve Wendell, PhD, ACC, TIPC is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh and Associate Faculty with Lodestar Consulting and Executive Coaching. Since completing his coach training in 2012, Dr. Wendell has designed and led innovative coaching programs, including Foundations of Successful Career Planning and Development- a course for graduate students and postdocs- and the ADAPT career coaching course for professional coaches. He also serves as an ICF Coach Mentor.
Fee: Free – $25.00
No CCEs provided
Don’t miss this opportunity to develop deeper connections and gain valuable insights. Register now and be part of our supportive community!
Register below:

“The Immunity-to-Change Process: When Change is Hard to Make”
2025-09-12 12:00 - 13:30 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Deborah Heisling, Ed.D
CCEs: 1.50 (0.75 ocre/0.75 resource)
Why is change so difficult, even when our clients are genuinely committed to it? What can we do to better support them to succeed in changing? The Immunity-to-Change (ITC) process is designed to enable individuals to identify assumptions they currently hold that are likely to interfere with their personal effectiveness. This chapter introduces the ITC process, illustrating how it works with examples of client work. Readers can gain their own powerful picture, or “diagnostic,” of the systematic way they unintentionally work against the wanted behavior (this is what we call the “immunity to change”), and what they can do to disrupt that system.
LIST THREE TO FIVE PRIMARY LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will:

Understand what a psychological immune system is and how it operates
Gain a picture of the process for how to diagnose a psychological immune system
Consider how to begin the process of overturning an immune system

LIST THREE TO FIVE EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
Participants will gain knowledge on:

Draft their own immunity to change
Identify one or two limiting assumptions that support their immunity to change
Consider a couple of possible strategies for investigating their assumptions to assess their accuracy

Speaker: Deborah Helsing, Ed.D is Director of Minds at Work, where she coaches, consults and provides training on the Immunity to Change approach. Deb designs leadership development programs and learning experiences that are “deliberately developmental,” going beyond technical or informational approaches to engage transformational or adaptive learning and change.
She also holds a faculty position at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, teaching courses in Adult Development and Immunity to Change. Deb has co-authored several articles and books, including: An Everyone Culture: Becoming a Deliberately Developmental Organization (2016, with Robert Kegan, Lisa Lahey, Andy Fleming, and Matt Miller) winner of an 800-CEO-Read Business Book Award; Right Weight, Right Mind: The ITC Approach to Permanent Weight Loss (2014, with Robert Kegan and Lisa Lahey); The Immunity to Change Coach’s Guide (2011, with Lisa Lahey and Robert Kegan) and “Unlocking Leadership Potential: Overcoming Immunities to Change” (2010, with Lisa Lahey) in Extraordinary Leadership: Addressing the Gaps in Senior Executive Development.
REGISTRATION
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

Coach Lab via Zoom - Coaching in the Age of AI
2025-09-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
The topic this month is “Coaching in the Age of AI”. Come prepared to discuss how AI is impacting coaching.
Discussion Questions:

Will AI disrupt or deepen coaching?

Tools like ChatGPT, journaling apps, and personalized AI mentors: competition or complement?

Are clients evolving faster than we are?

Addressing digitally fluent clients who expect on-demand support and hybrid experiences.

Personal Practice: Discuss how each coach is (or isn’t) using AI in their practice.

no CCEs will be provided

Mastering Client Conversion: Empowering Coaches to Transform Skeptics into Committed Clients
2025-09-23 11:00 - 12:30 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Chris Kenney
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
CCEs: 1.5 (0.5 core/ 1.0 resource)
Coaches know how transformative coaching is—but when it comes to selling, even the best struggle to get potential clients to say “Yes!” The problem isn’t price or timing. It’s how you’re showing up in the sales conversation. In this talk, Chris shares The I-Help Selling System, a 5-step process for conducting sales calls that make potential clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Most coaches unintentionally create objections. That’s why they get ghosted or hear “I need to think about it.” Learn how to sell with confidence, integrity, and a “coach approach”—so the right clients say yes without hesitation.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

Master the “Coach Approach” to Sales Calls – Learn how to conduct sales conversations that make potential clients feel seen, heard, and understood, leading to confident buying decisions.

Identify and Eliminate Hidden Objection Triggers – Recognize how traditional sales tactics (and even well-intended coaching habits) create resistance and objections—and what to do instead.

Prevent Ghosting and “I Need to Think About It” Responses – Understand the deeper reasons potential clients hesitate and gain a proven process for guiding them to a clear and confident yes.

Speaker: Chris Kenney has spent the last two decades as a master sales coach, multi-million dollar business owner, and sought-after wealth mentor. He teaches brilliant coaches, consultants, and creative service providers how to break their money rules, rapidly accelerate their income, and live with uncommon freedom & choice. When he’s not coaching his private clients, you can find him speaking on stages around the world, sharing his 7-figure sales secrets with talented entrepreneurs, teaching them to step into their legacy work by shedding the chains of money shame and undercharging. His true gift is to show you how to become totally present to and accepting of your ability to impact the world.
REGISTRATION
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

ICF Pittsburgh Coffee Chats - Sept 26
2025-09-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Coffee Etc, 3754 Willow Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15234, United States
We’re excited to launch ICF Pittsburgh Coffee Chats, casual, in-person gatherings hosted by our board members at local cafés throughout the region.  These relaxed meetups are a chance to talk coaching, share experiences, and build community—one cup at a time. There’s no agenda, just meaningful conversation in a warm, welcoming space.  Whether you’re new to ICF Pittsburgh or a longtime member, we’d love to see you there.  We’ll be hosting chats in different neighborhoods throughout the fall, so stay tuned for more dates!

Date: Friday, September 26
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Coffee Etc., 3754 Willow Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15234 (Castle Shannon)
Host: Tom Sullivan, ICF-P Board Member
Capacity: 6 participants 👉 Please register early to reserve your spot.

The Secret CORE of our Core Competencies
2025-10-01 18:00 - 19:30 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
The three principles that will multiply, expand, grow and deepen our Coaching Core Competencies (and all the Markers) to MasterFull levels—instantly and easily.
by Ben Dooley, MCC
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
CCEs: 1.50 (1.25 core/ 0.25 resource)
If you don’t know the CORE of our coaching, the deep nucleus of what we do, then you are missing out. Your coaching is unnecessarily hard, and you may not even recognize all the traps and stickies going on. The CORE has activated, enhanced, expanded, and exploded hundreds of coaches—from ACC to MCC—and has instantly made their coaching deep, effective, flowing and powerful..
It’s simple. ICF has defined the 8 Core Competencies to establish and define what coaching is, but it can be tricky to powerfully evaluate and supervise as we prepare for our credentialing or to grow our coaching. Why? Because we are actually tracking 37 markers within those competencies. And when your attention is on all those checkboxes, where is your focus NOT. You got it. You’re not truly with your client. Not only that, but focusing on the markers is unnecessarily making your coaching journey so much more difficult and complex.
And you want your coaching to be eeeeeeeasy and smoooooooth, right?
It’s time to discover the CORE of our Core Competencies—a tremendously simple, yet massively powerful model and design that focus on the three principles of MasterFull Coaching. This training goes underneath and supports and magnifies the Core Competencies in amazing ways. This is how coaches of ALL levels watch their coaching instantly expand, deepen, solidify and sharpen and the coaching experience is instantly enhanced. Your clients will notice the difference immediately.
WHO IS THIS IDEALLY FOR?

New coaches will love how this clarifies and explains what they are learning in their course training, allowing them to deepen their education and also help support their coaching as they practice their skills with their clients.
Intermediate coaches will thrive on the extra solid structure that provides complete support and clarity for their coaching, along with reminders of how they can easily and effortlessly deepen their coaching experience even further.
Advanced coaches will go nuts over how this formula helps them not only get back to the basics, but also deepen and refine their own already developed process and system.

COACHES WHO ATTEND THIS WORKSHOP WILL DISCOVER:

Coaches will discover a deeper level of the Core Competencies and Markers
Coaches will be able to access their deeper coaching power, range and presence.
Coaches will instantly strengthen and grow EVERY core competency in minutes.
Coaches will be able to listen deeper and fuller, create a richer awareness, establish trust more easily, and get their clients moving into action more easily.
Coaches will watch their coaching expand, enhance, deepen and grow faster
Coaches will know how to coach the Uncoachable
They will also be able to recover their coaching when they get stuck, lost or fall out of coaching.
They’ll also have a solid and clear design that defines coaching so they can easily identify if they are coaching powerfully or not (and how to get into powerful coaching
This also makes the ICF Exam soooooooooooo easy.
In other words, this simple, yet extremely powerful structure/design will open up new levels and allow the coach to show up more confidently and truly BE the coach they are here to BE

Speaker: Ben Dooley, MCC for over 22 years, has devoted myself to the excellence of coaching—for myself and the coaches I train, mentor, support and grow.
Since I began my coaching journey, I have created so many amazing resources and experiences for all coaches: The bi-weekly “COACHING SKILLS FORUM” telecalls (amazing), the BeDo Bits Newsletter (insightful) and my “MasterFull IS as MasterFull DOES” workbook series (powerful). I have created a wide range of interactive and engaging coach growing workshops, webinars and courses for ALL coaches, like the one you’re going to get today. And I can’t recommend highly enough the powerful and unparalleled Level 3/MCC, “MasterFull YOU Advanced Coach Training Program” targets “the Science, Artistry and Performance of our coaching,” and has catapulted many coaches to their next level and beyond. I have trained and grown hundreds of coaches of all levels—from ACC to MCC—and presented to over 50 ICF chapters and conference events around the world. In fact, just about everything I do in the coaching world comes from my overwhelming commitment to helping coaches discover their powerful coaching magnificence, confidence and success. It’s simple: the world needs us to show up and BE the MasterFull coaches that we are here to BE and DO the MasterFull coaching that the world needs us to DO.
And your journey towards your own MasterFull Coaching continues to deepen right now.
REGISTRATION:
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

ICF Pittsburgh Coffee Chat - Oct 10
2025-10-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Tazza D’Oro, 1125 N Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, 15206, United States
We’re excited to launch ICF Pittsburgh Coffee Chats, casual, in-person gatherings hosted by our board members at local cafés throughout the region.  These relaxed meetups are a chance to talk coaching, share experiences, and build community—one cup at a time. There’s no agenda, just meaningful conversation in a warm, welcoming space.  Whether you’re new to ICF Pittsburgh or a longtime member, we’d love to see you there.  We’ll be hosting chats in different neighborhoods throughout the fall, so stay tuned for more dates!

Date: Friday, October 10
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Tazza D’Oro, 1125 N Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Host: Christy Stuber, ICF-P Board Member
Capacity: 5 participants 👉 Space is limited—register soon to join us.

Coach Lab - October
2025-10-15 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
ICF-Pittsburgh Webinar, Free, No CCEs
Hosts: Kerry Donati and Tom Sullivan

From SMART Goals to Sustainable Transformation: SMART goals work well for projects—but what about goals that spark lasting personal change? The DIVE-IN Goals™, a framework introduced by coach Hélène Thériault, MCC, centers goal setting around heart and values. When goals align with values, motivation becomes internal and sustainable. Unlike SMART goals, which focus on structure and measurable outcomes, DIVE IN Goals™ guide clients to connect goals with identity, purpose, and long-term growth. The result? Greater success, motivation, and personal investment.

Crystal-Clear Communication
2025-10-22 12:00 - 13:30 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Max Polec, PCC
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
CCEs: 1.50 (1.00 core/ 0.50 resource)
Organizations grow at the speed and quality of their communication channels. In this interactive workshop, learn how to:

Have effective 1:1s that turn your team into problem solvers (not problem creators)
Give & receive feedback that promotes effective actions and lessens ineffective actions
Delegate clearly so key actions are done and you don’t run into “I thought so-and-so was going to do that.”

.Attendees will learn:

Coaching questions to ask when their clients come with a challenge or opportunity about how to communicate.
Frameworks to use to help a client in a work setting with things like having an effective 1:1 meeting, giving/receiving feedback, and delegating clearly to inspire action.
Common friction points that arise in organizations, what trouble they cause, and how to proactively prevent them.

Attendees will leave the workshop:

With a greater sense of confidence around serving their clients around communication challenges and opportunities.
With frameworks and coaching questions ready to use in their coaching calls.
With a direct understanding of how communication drives action, both inside of a coaching call with a client and in our client’s work-life outside of the coaching call.

Speaker: Max Polec, PCC has over a decade of experience across startups and businesses where his background was in growth strategy, operations, and talent development. To date, Max has coached hundreds of startup founders and CEOs. He has worn many, many hats and blends his background as an accelerator director, business owner, and executive coach to help leaders unlock their potential through focused coaching and strategy frameworks that scale.
Max believes that leaders are one of two things for their organization:

A ceiling that caps their organization’s ability to drive impact.
A multiplier that brings out the best in the organization to maximize impact.

REGISTRATION:
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

All Member Board Meeting
2025-11-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
November 5, 2025 (Wednesday)
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
We invite all members (those who belong to ICF-Global and ICF-Pittsburgh) to join our extended ICF-P board meeting on November 5 at 6:00 pm via Zoom.
We’ll review our vision, outline chapter priorities for 2026, and introduce the newly elected board team.
Key takeaways:
* Meet your 2026 board members and directors
* Learn about our vision
*Learn about chapter priorities
* Hear about new developments for 2026
This event is free to attend. No CCEs, RSVP is required to attend.

Coach Lab - November
2025-11-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Zoom
ICF-Pittsburgh Webinar, Free, No CCEs
Hosts: Kerry Donati and Olivia Payne

Client Transformation Stories and How to Create Them: A dynamic forum where life coaches connect to both share and learn the strategies, tools, and real-world experiences that drive meaningful client breakthroughs. Together, we’ll explore how coaches guide individuals from feeling stuck to achieving extraordinary results, while exchanging approaches to navigating challenging situations with confidence and integrity. Through open discussion, case studies, and proven techniques, you’ll not only contribute your own insights but also gain fresh perspectives and practical methods to spark lasting change. Join us in the Coach Lab and discover how to turn every coaching relationship into a story of success.

Pathways to Consciousness: A Neuroscience inspired Coaching Journey
2025-11-12 18:00 - 19:30 | ICF Pittsburgh Webinar
by Ursula Pottinga, PCC

6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

CCEs: 1.50 (1.00 core/ 0.50 resource)

In this highly inter-active and fascinating presentation we will dive into the question of “What is consciousness?” Is it an off or on switch or rather are there different levels of consciousness. We will explore how coaching inspires and activates the four key ways of the consciousness journey. We will clarify and identify each of the four: of realization, regulation, integration and stabilization, look at what the neuroscience tells us about these stages and explore how we can support our clients through each of these, leading to sustainable transformation.
ttendees will learn:

Exploring the question of “what is consciousness”?
Understanding the four key ways and what neuroscience tells us about them and
Which coaching strategies support clients through these stages

Participants will

Explore the four key ways that contribute to consciousness
Get a greater understanding of the neuroscience rationale behind the four key ways on our clients consciousness journey
Learn the many ways coaching already supports clients’ toward the consciousness journey and
Which other strategies might also be useful.

Speaker: Ursula Pottinga, CPCC, PCC, MNTC is the co-founder of BEabove Leadership and is the co-developer/leader of its ground breaking training program for advanced coaches: Neuroscience, Consciousness and Transformational Coaching.
Ursula also has her own consulting and coaching company, Profound Growth. In this capacity she supports highly successful leaders break out of patterns that have held them back from claiming the best version of themselves, impacting culture, relationships and creating new paths forward. She speaks and coaches internationally and has co-authored a number of books. She is the co-author of The Guide to Getting It: Remarkable Management Skills, Create a New Normal and the spiritual journal: Universal Intentions.
REGISTRATION
ICF Pittsburgh Member/Affiliate – $0
ICF Global Affiliate Chapters – $15
Non-members – $25
Recording only – $25

ICF Pittsburgh Happy Hour Chat
2025-11-19 16:30 - 18:30 | Cadence Clubhouse, 9999 Kummer Road, Allison Park, PA, 15101, United States
We’re excited to launch ICF Pittsburgh Coffee Chats (though this one is at happy hour!), casual, in-person gatherings hosted by our board members at local cafés throughout the region. These relaxed meetups are a chance to talk coaching, share experiences, and build community—one glass at a time. There’s no agenda, just meaningful conversation in a warm, welcoming space. Whether you’re new to ICF Pittsburgh or a longtime member, we’d love to see you there. We’ll be hosting chats in different neighborhoods throughout the fall, so stay tuned for more dates!

Date: Wednesday, November 19 (rescheduled date)
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Cadence Clubhouse, 9999 Kummer Road, Allison Park, 15101
Host: Terrie Sackett, ICF-P President
Capacity: 10 participants  Space is limited—register soon to join us.
