A: That's a very valid concern, and it’s why credentials and professional affiliations matter so much in coaching. At 'Lead with Community,' our founder, Adam Bower, is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC). This isn't just a fancy title; it's a hard-earned credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), globally recognized as the gold standard for professional coaching. Choosing an ICF PCC coach is your assurance against 'cowboy coaches' because it signifies a commitment to rigorous standards, ethical practice, and proven expertise.

A: 'ICF' stands for the International Coaching Federation, the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing ¹ independent certification, and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.

PCC' stands for Professional Certified Coach. To achieve this, a coach must:     

• Complete extensive, accredited coach-specific training.
• Demonstrate hundreds of hours of client coaching experience.
• Pass a comprehensive performance evaluation, where their coaching is assessed against specific competencies.
• Pledge to uphold the stringent ICF Code of Ethics. For you, this means you're partnering with a coach who has invested significantly in their professional development, has a proven track record, and is accountable to a respected global body.

A: The difference is significant. An ICF PCC coach, like Adam:

• Operates within a proven framework: We don't just make things up. The ICF Core Competencies provide a robust structure for everything from co-creating a trusting and safe environment to facilitating deep awareness and fostering your growth. This ensures a consistent, high-quality coaching experience.
• Is committed to ethical guidelines: This includes crucial aspects like confidentiality, understanding the distinction between coaching and other professions like therapy or consulting, and always acting in your best interest.
• Has verified experience and skill: The PCC credential isn’t handed out lightly. It’s an objective validation of a coach’s ability to effectively partner with clients to achieve their goals.
• Engages in ongoing professional development: ICF coaches are committed to continuous learning to refine their skills and stay current with best practices. Essentially, you're not just relying on someone's charisma; you're benefiting from a structured, ethical, and proven approach to helping you achieve transformational growth and unleash your collective human potential.

A: Our 'Lead with Community' philosophy is all about fostering connection, safety, drive, and energy to unleash collective human potential. The ICF's coaching principles perfectly align with this. For example, ICF competencies like "Cultivates Trust and Safety" and "Listens Actively" are fundamental to building the kind of open, supportive environment where true community and authentic leadership can flourish. My ICF PCC training and adherence to these standards ensure I can effectively guide you and your teams in building these powerful communities, grounded in proven best practices, not just good intentions.