Changes to ICF Mentor Coaching August 31, 2026Anna de Valk ICF Mentor Coaching Is Changing in 2027: What Coaches Need to Know The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is introducing changes to Mentor Coaching and credentialing from 2027. The biggest shift...
Coaching Insights - Open Conversations, Honest Reflection, Shared Insights April 30, 2026Anna de Valk Coaching Insights If you’ve worked with NZIC through mentoring, supervision, coach training, or an Under the Spotlight session, you’re invited to join Coaching Insights - a welcoming space for coaches...
Seeing the Holes We Keep Falling Into: Lessons from Portia Nelson March 19, 2026Anna de Valk Portia Nelson’s “Autobiography in Five Short Chapters” is a deceptively simple poem about walking down a street and repeatedly falling into a hole. On the surface, it’s about literal holes,...
Contracting - The Chemistry Check and Contracting Discussion July 31, 2025Anna de Valk The relationship between the coach and the client is at the heart of any successful coaching engagement. When the coach contracts well to begin with and understands how to re-contract...
ICF ACC Credentialing and the Updated ACC Exam June 12, 2025Anna de Valk ACC Credential Gaining an ICF credential is a sign of professionalism and commitment to high coaching standards. It’s also a meaningful personal achievement and symbol that reflects your development as...
When Words Get in the Way: Language to Avoid When Coaching April 03, 2025Anna de Valk The language a coach uses has a significant impact and influence over the relationship and therefore the outcomes for the client. Mindful use of words helps cultivate productive, supportive, and...
The Impact of Presence in Coaching April 28, 2024Anna de Valk The Essence of Presence To be present in conversation with someone is to be fully engaged and attentive in the moment. Being open, receptive and non-judgmental allows for authentic communication...
Self-Leadership: Paving the Way for Inspiring Leadership April 26, 2024Anna de Valk Self-leadership is the ability to lead and influence yourself, take initiative, make decisions, and guide yourself towards your personal and professional goals by clearly understanding your values, strengths and objectives. Think...
To Credential or Not to Credential: Deciding on Your Professional Pathway January 06, 2024Anna de Valk With the expansion of the coaching industry, coaches embarking on their coaching training are weighing up the value of earning an ICF Credential for their practice. Because the coaching industry is...
Navigating the Storm: Understanding Stress and Effective Management Strategies December 19, 2023Anna de Valk At the end of this article you’ll find a technique called "Dropping Anchor" to help ground yourselves when experiencing difficult internal thoughts and feelings. How We Experience Stress We experience...
The Synergy of Career, Leadership and Wellbeing Coaching December 18, 2023Anna de Valk A powerful approach to leadership coaching includes career development and overall wellbeing. By drawing on these coaching specialisms, the interconnected aspects of a person's life are valued and addressed. This holistic approach supports leaders to prioritise their...
Plan for the New Year with Reflection December 12, 2023Anna de Valk In my work as a coach, I see the positive outcomes in my clients as they focus their attention on what truly matters. This focus leads to increased confidence, personal growth,...