Why Choosing a Credentialed Coach Matters in a Growing Coaching Industry
- Susan Chu
- Aug 21, 2024
- 5 min read
The coaching industry has seen remarkable growth, especially in recent years.
According to the International Coach Federation (ICF) Global Coaching Study 2020, there were approximately 71,000 professional coaches worldwide in 2020. Today, that number has surged, with estimates ranging between 80,000 to 90,000 coaches globally. This growth is driven by an increasing demand for personal and professional development, leadership coaching, and the pursuit of work-life balance.
With this rapid expansion comes a vibrant and diverse community of coaches, each bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to the field. The challenge—and the opportunity—for coaches lies in how we stand out while maintaining a shared commitment to professionalism and ethics. There is room for more coaches, and together we bear the responsibility of presenting ourselves authentically and ethically in this ever-evolving industry.
Credentialing and certification demonstrate this commitment, not just as a formal requirement but as a personal commitment to our clients, the coaching community, and the broader world.
What Does a Credentialed Coach Bring?
For me, holding an ICF credential is not just about adhering to external guidelines; it’s a personal commitment to excellence. While I am bound by the ICF’s code of ethics, my dedication to maintaining professionalism and ethics stems from a deeper responsibility—to my coaching community, to the broader world, and most importantly, to my clients.
As more coaches enter the field, credentialing enhances the quality of coaching by providing an added layer of accountability and professionalism. Credentialing requires coaches to undergo extensive training, demonstrate a high level of skill, adhere to a code of ethics, and pass an exam. According to the International Coach Federation (ICF), “ICF Credential-holders represent the highest quality of professional coaching. They are recognized worldwide as experts in their field, with a commitment to lifelong learning and the highest ethical standards.”
More importantly, it’s also about contributing positively to the collective reputation of the coaching industry.
High-Performance Coaching: It Works!
One way I differentiate myself in the crowded coaching space is through my specialization in high-performance coaching. I believe that reaching the next level in your career or personal life isn’t just about making incremental improvements; it’s about transformative growth that propels you forward.
High-performance coaching is grounded in proven methodologies that focus on clarity, energy, courage, productivity, and influence—key pillars that drive sustainable success. My approach integrates these various evidence-based frameworks.
Whether you’re a mid-level professional looking to advance or a senior leader facing new challenges, my coaching is designed to help you break through barriers and achieve your highest potential.
Client Success Stories
The impact of my coaching through the words of my clients. My clients highlight the personalized, high-impact coaching that I offer, tailored to their unique needs and goals.
"The sessions with Susan were transformative. I gained a new level of clarity about my career direction and the confidence to pursue it. The tools and frameworks we used were practical and effective, helping me navigate a major career transition smoothly."
"I was struggling with balancing my role as a leader with my personal life. Through our work together, I was able to set clear boundaries, increase my productivity, and still maintain the energy I needed for my family. This coaching was a game-changer for me."
"What sets Susan apart is her ability to ask the right questions that really make you think. She doesn’t give you the answers but guides you to find them yourself. It’s empowering and has had a lasting impact on how I approach challenges."
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Curiosity-Driven Growth
Curiosity, learning, and growth are at the heart of who I am, and these values guide every aspect of my coaching practice. My journey has always been fueled by a desire to understand the world more deeply, whether it's through exploring different industries, embracing new challenges, or immersing myself in continuous learning.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working in various sectors, experiencing firsthand the complexities of corporate leadership and the importance of strategic thinking. My curiosity led me to entrepreneurship, where I co-founded a SaaS company, ran a consulting business, and launched a retail business. These experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of diverse perspectives.
Driven by a passion for evidence-based approaches, I’ve sought out coaching programs that offer robust, research-backed frameworks. Beyond earning my certification from Lumia, I pursued additional training in Positive Intelligence and Certified High Performance Coaching. These programs have deepened my understanding of how structured methodologies can support meaningful personal and professional development.
This ongoing pursuit of knowledge isn’t about collecting credentials; it’s about ensuring that I bring the most effective tools and insights to my clients. My experiences—whether in the boardroom, in business ownership, or through formal education—are all part of a broader commitment to curiosity and growth. They enable me to offer a coaching approach that is both well-rounded and deeply informed by a lifelong drive to learning.
Why I Choose Credentialing
For me, credentialing is not just about gaining a title; it’s about ensuring that I bring the best practices, latest methodologies, and ethical standards to every coaching session. It’s about being equipped to handle the complexities of human growth, whether it’s guiding a mid-level professional through a career transition or helping a senior leader navigate the challenges of executive leadership.
Credentialing is something that I value deeply, but I recognize that it’s up to you to decide what is important in a coach. My role is to support you as you take the driver’s seat, making the decisions that will best serve your growth and development while also ensuring that we are consistently moving toward your goals.
Connecting Beyond Shared Experiences
One of the most important elements of coaching is that shared experiences are not a prerequisite—or even a factor—when it comes to establishing a good client relationship. My clients come from a variety of backgrounds, industries, and life experiences, many of which differ greatly from my own. Yet, I have found that I can still connect deeply with them, helping them tap into their own insights and learnings.
Have you ever wondered how you could benefit from someone who might not share your exact life experience?
Coaching is less about what I’ve been through and more about helping you explore what you’re going through. My curiosity about the world and people, combined with my diverse experiences, equips me to ask the right questions, guiding you to discover your own answers. It’s your journey, and I’m here to help you navigate it in a way that feels authentic, empowering, and results-driven.
What This Means for You
My approach is straightforward: we focus on where you want to be, using proven frameworks and methods that are designed to get you there. This isn’t about wandering aimlessly; it’s about having a clear path forward, with someone who is committed to seeing you succeed.
While I hold space for my clients to find their voice and make their choices. Our work together leads to tangible outcomes - moving toward goals with intention and purpose, ensuring that you’re making progress and achieving the milestones you’ve set for yourself. The choices we make in our coaching journey are always centered around your needs, values, and goals, but with a clear focus on forward momentum and results.
While there are many talented coaches out there, the combination of certification, credentialing, experience, and a focus on outcomes sets our work together apart. You can trust that with me, there’s a direct line to your goals, and we’re moving towards them with purpose and clarity. This is about helping you overcome obstacles, take meaningful action, and achieve the results you’re striving for.
If you’re ready to take action, get unstuck, and move forward toward your goals, I invite you to schedule a discovery call with me today.
Let’s work together to identify what’s holding you back and develop a clear plan to move past it.
Whether you’re looking to make a significant career transition, develop your leadership skills, or simply want to break through whatever’s preventing you from moving forward, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
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