September 2026 Newsletter - ICF-North Texas

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SEPTEMBER 2026

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Board Message

Lisa Seay, PCC
ICF North Texas President Elect

pres-elect@icf-nt.com

Creating Momentum - Together

As I look ahead to stepping into the role of President of ICF North Texas in 2027, I’ve been thinking a lot about momentum—what creates it, what sustains it, and what becomes possible when people move forward together.

Maybe that’s why this year’s Celebrate Coaching theme feels especially meaningful to me.

On October 9, we’ll gather for Celebrate Coaching 2026: Creating Momentum Through Coaching, a morning designed to explore the unique role coaching can play in helping people move from insight to action and possibility to progress.

Welcome New Members!

We are so happy you have joined us.

Full Members:
Kristin Her
Edward Stewart, ACC
Brittany Hall, PCC

Congratulations to Our New Credential Holders!

PCC Credentials:
Ling Hua, PCC

MCC Credentials:
Valerie Pelan, MCC

Call for Nominations: 2027 Board of Directors

Are you passionate about our mission and ready to help shape the future of our ICF North Texas? We're now accepting nominations for the 2027 Board of Directors!

Serving on the Board is a meaningful way to give back, build your leadership skills, and help strengthen our community. We're looking for dedicated individuals who bring diverse perspectives, talents, and experiences to our chapter.

What We're Looking For:

A strong commitment to our mission and values
Leadership and strategic thinking
Willingness to actively participate
A collaborative spirit and passion for making an impact

Board Member Responsibilities:

Attending regular chapter meetings and board meetings
Guiding the strategic chapter direction
Managing local chapter operations
Fostering community connections

How to Nominate:
You may nominate yourself or someone else who you believe would be a great fit for the Board.

Submit your nomination by: September 30, 2026

Nomination form: Click here for the 2027 Board Nomination Form.

Help us build a strong, diverse, and engaged Board to lead us into 2027 and beyond. We look forward to reviewing your nominations.

Questions? Dara Rossi (dara@workplace-joy.com)

Learn More!

You're Invited: Get Involved in Our Community!

September 16, 2026 | Time: 5:00-6:00 pm

Location: Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/yEmGMRzoSV-8rQtmOYiNLA

Join us for a special information session on ways to get more involved—including opportunities to serve on our 2027 Board of Directors.

Curious about how you can play a bigger role in our community? Whether you're looking to volunteer, join a committee, or step into a leadership position, this webinar is your chance to learn what's available and how to get started.

Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in giving back, building community connections, or exploring a leadership role!

What We'll Cover:

Current volunteer opportunities and community roles
What it means to serve on the Board of Directors
Time commitment, responsibilities, and skills we're looking for
How to apply or nominate yourself (or someone else!)
Live Q&A with current board members

We'd love to have you join the conversation and explore how you can make a difference.
See you there!

Contact Dara Rossi with questions (dara@workplace-joy.com).

2026 ICF Credential Webinar Series

ICF recently launched a credentialing webinar series to provide information on the credentialing process. This series offers clear, accessible guidance on the credentialing journey—from your first application to renewal and everything in between. Dates and information can be found on the ICF Learning Portal.

This Year’s Topics Include:

The Value of the Credential (On-Demand)
Credentialing Requirements – A Deep Dive (On-Demand)
Journey to the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential (On-Demand)
Validate Your Coaching Competence as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) (June 24)
Achieving the Master Certified Coach (MCC) (July 15)
From Prep to Pass: Navigating ICF Credential Exams With Confidence (August 25)
Advance Your Career With the Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (ACTC) (September 16)
Renewal Requirements & The Importance of Professional Development (October 24)

Sessions will be offered at varying times to support our global community. Can't attend live? You're still covered. Recordings will be available in the ICF Learning Portal within three weeks of each event, so learning stays on your schedule. The cost is free to all members.

2026 Credentialing Q&A Calls
ICF Credentials and Standards staff will host quarterly Q&A calls to answer your questions about applying for your credential, finding Continuing Coach Education (CCE) credits for renewal, preparing for the exam, and much more. These are one-hour calls and are not recorded. Individuals must register for the call in order to receive the link to attend. Sign up to Join a Credentialing Q&A Call.

Need one-on-one support for your credentialing journey? Reach out to our support team anytime by emailing support@coachingfederation.org.

ICF North Texas members-only Business Building Series

Business Building Session 4
Networking, Follow-Ups, Proposals, and Referrals
Beverley Wright

September 3, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM CT

CCEUs: 1 Resource Development

Beverley (Bev) Wright—“Coach Bev,” is a seasoned ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), facilitator, and leadership development expert, renowned for her ability to empower professionals at all levels through impactful, collaborative learning experiences. brings over 30 years of executive experience from leadership roles in administration, sales, marketing, and talent development at a Fortune 100 technology and software services company. As a respected speaker, leadership advisory, and sought-after podcast guest, Coach Bev is known as a connector, motivator, and truth-teller whose quiet confidence transforms individuals and teams.

Bev's methodology centers on the power of peer leadership facilitation, fostering interactive and engaging environments that encourage growth, accountability, and sustainable behavioral changes. She and her teams designed and facilitated a successful internal coach business from startup to steady state, peer learning offerings, allowing organizations to extend development opportunities to a broader range of employees more affordably. Additionally, they implemented "coach on call" options, providing on-demand guidance and support for leaders facing specific challenges.

Throughout her tenure at IBM, Bev led award-winning internal leadership development programs, significantly enhancing sales performance, and cultivating exceptional leaders. Her expertise in team facilitation and her nuanced understanding of leadership challenges across diverse environments enables her to create tailored learning experiences that drive meaningful growth and development.

We can’t wait to see you! To help us get the most out of our time together, if possible, please have your camera on and join from a quiet, well-lit spot with your notifications silenced. If you’re using a phone, just prop it up so you can be fully present and enjoy networking with your fellow coaches!

September Hybrid Chapter Meeting and Program

The Foundation of Great Coaching: Establishing and Maintaining Agreements (Core Competency #3)
Sara Smith, MCC

September 11, 2026

Hybrid Meeting | 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM

Networking begins at 11:15 AM | Meeting begins at 11:30 AM

In Person at Las Colinas Country Club or Virtually Via Zoom

In-Person Attendees Registering by Sept 6: Members – $40 / Non-Members – $50
In-Person Attendees Registering after Sept 6: Members – $50 / Non-Members: – $60
Virtual Attendees: Members – $30 / Non-Members – $40

CCEUs: 1.5 Core Competency | 0.5 Resource Development

In just reading the third ICF Core Coaching Competency, you might wonder if it is talking about creating a contract or beginning a coaching call. We will answer that question, along with showing how behind that title lies the keys to great coaching. You will learn about the dual nature of the competency and how it invites all the other competencies to be a part of creating masterful coaching. During the session, Sara will provide an overview of how Establishing and Maintaining Agreements supports a coach and their client through the coaching process. You will have the opportunity to see a demonstration of setting a clear agreement, debrief what you’ve seen with experienced coaches at your table, and end with a Q &A session with MCC, Sara Smith.

We can’t wait to see you! To help us get the most out of our time together, if possible, please have your camera on and join from a quiet, well-lit spot with your notifications silenced. If you’re using a phone, just prop it up so you can be fully present and enjoy networking with your fellow coaches!

Upcoming Webinar

Magnetize Your Messaging: How to Explain Coaching to Attract New Clients Faster
Mary Cravets

September 17, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT

CCEUs: 1.0 Resource Development

Coaching is amazing. It’s transformational. And…it can be REALLY hard to explain!

How do you describe the value of what you do so you're attracting new clients, instead of confusing or overwhelming people?

In this class, we will have a frank discussion about the counter-intuitive leap you'll need to make in order to speak directly to the deepest desires of your prospective clients.

Come ready to challenge your assumptions and make a big shift in how you're talking about your business!

Participants will:

Dig into why you feel it’s so important to explain what you do, and shine a light on when (with the best of intentions) you’re making the conversation about you instead of your prospect.
Discover the right time to explain the specifics of coaching, and why this timing is so important.
Develop a clear, compelling answer to the question “what do you do?”.
Step back and look at the bigger picture by assessing the 6 essential elements of client generation so you can attract more great clients, without social media.

To help prepare for the session, please check out Mary's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAudJ1-tJXU

Register here

Celebrate Coaching 2026

Creating Forward Momentum Through Coaching

Find more information and register here:
October 9 Celebrate Coaching

Join the ICF North Texas Alliances Team

The Alliances Team is looking for a few volunteers to support our upcoming community activities and partnerships.

What is Alliances?

The ICF North Texas Alliances Team, also known as “Partnerships” in other ICF chapters, builds relationships with organizations throughout DFW. Our goal is to help the community understand and experience the value of professional coaching in three primary ways:

Pro Bono Coaching: Partnering with nonprofits and other organizations that have limited access to professional coaching.
Community Collaborations: Representing ICF North Texas through Coaching Corners, conferences, community fairs, and similar events.
Speakers Bureau: Speaking to organizations about coaching through relevant topics such as managing conflict, strengthening communication, and leading through change.

We are currently seeking volunteers for two types of roles:

Alliances Committee Members: Help identify opportunities, build relationships, and explore meaningful ways to serve our local community.

If you know of a local non-profit that might be a valuable partner for us to offer pro bono coaching, we would greatly appreciate your introduction.

Relationship Managers and ICF North Texas Representatives: Develop and maintain relationships with specific partner organizations and represent our chapter in the community.

The estimated time commitment is approximately two to three hours per month.

If you are interested in volunteering as a coach for a future pro bono coaching program, please complete this Alliance Coach Application form.

We do not have any active pro bono coaching opportunities at the moment, but we are developing new partnerships and expect additional opportunities soon. If you haven’t been selected yet, we are doing our best to find opportunities for you.

Please reach out to Sheryl Chacko sheryl@innovativeengage.com for more information.

All Texas Retreat and Conference
March 4 – 7, 2027

The All Texas Retreat and Conference, hosted by the Texas Coaches Coalition, is the premier statewide gathering created by coaches, for coaches. From March 4 – 7, 2027, coaches from across Texas will come together at the Omni Las Colinas for four days of immersive learning, collaboration, and community. Attendees will earn CCEUs while experiencing a dynamic keynote from Dr. Robert Biswas‑Diener, engaging workshops, coaching demos, hands‑on interactive sessions, and access to pre‑conference webinars that jump‑start the learning experience.

Interested in speaking at the event? Applications are open through September 15 to be a speaker, with opportunities to present a 60‑minute conference session or lead a free pre‑conference coaching webinar.

Interested in getting your business in front of this statewide audience? Consider being a sponsor—a great opportunity to connect with coaches, consultants, and business owners.

Whether you’re new to coaching or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat delivers fresh insights, practical tools, and meaningful networking

Learn more and register today!
www.TexasCoachesCoalition.org

Coaches Circle

Mark your calendars and join an ICF North Texas Coaches Circle across DFW and beyond! Based on your feedback, we launched informal gatherings in smaller spaces—Coaches Circle. These small-group gatherings are a great way to connect, learn, support one another, and have fun with fellow ICF North Texas coaches.

Check out our calendar for the next scheduled Coaches Circle. If one interests you, simply show up! Each event has a designated contact person for RSVPs and any questions.

Don’t see one in your area? Would you like to start your own Coaches Circle in your area? Contact Dara Rossi at past-pres@icf-nt.com to get started.

We’re getting smaller to thrive together!

ICF North Texas LINC Overview

LINC groups are one of the most valuable ways members Learn, Interact, Network, and Contribute in small, special-interest groups designed to foster meaningful engagement among coaches at every stage of their professional journey.

What Are LINCs?
LINCs are member-driven communities built around shared interests, specialties, or developmental goals. They provide a welcoming, discussion-based environment where coaches can deepen skills, exchange insights, and build authentic relationships. As a core benefit of chapter membership, LINCs strengthen both professional capability and community connection.

Why Members Love LINCs

Targeted learning: Dive deeper into topics such as credential support, advanced mastery, business building, digital marketing.
Group Mentor Hours or CCEUs: Some LINC groups support credentialling requirements by offering group mentoring or CCEUS.
Collaborative connection: Engage with peers in a safe, supportive space that encourages multiple points of view.
Ongoing growth: Many LINCs include skill drills, demonstrations, guest speakers, and peer practice opportunities.
Community building: Members expand their professional network while contributing their own expertise.

Explore the current LINC offerings on our website here and find the group that supports your goals and interests.

If you don’t see one that fits your needs, or have an idea for a new LINC, let’s chat.

For questions or suggestions, please Dara Rossi, Past President, at dara@workplace-joy.com.

The Person Behind the Goal or Cura Personalis
By Sheryl Chacko

I just got back from dropping off my twin sons for their senior year of college. How did the time go by so quickly? I remember high school graduation and freshman year as if they were yesterday.

During the final parent welcome activities at Creighton University, we attended a session about the university’s approach to education. They shared that their philosophy is rooted in the Latin phrase cura personalis, meaning “care for the whole person.” It means attending to a person’s mind, body, spirit, and emotions, rather than focusing solely on achievement or academic output.

I began thinking about how deeply this philosophy applies to coaching.

What a gift it is to see another person as whole: resourceful, creative, and capable of greatness. Sometimes people do not yet hold that belief for themselves. A coach can help them reconnect with that belief. And sometimes, the coach may be the first person willing to hold that possibility with and for them until they can begin to hold it for themselves.

Applying cura personalis to coaching shifts our focus from outcomes alone to the development of the whole human being.

Coaches look beyond an executive’s quarterly goals or a client’s immediate task. We become curious about the person carrying those goals: their thinking, emotions, well-being, relationships, values, and life outside the arena in which they are striving.

That does not make results less important. It may make them more sustainable.

A leader’s difficulty navigating conflict may be connected to exhaustion. A client’s uncertainty about a next step may be less about strategy and more about competing values. A professional’s reluctance to pursue a bigger role may be connected to an old story about worthiness.

As coaches, perhaps our role is not simply to help people accomplish more, but to dive deeper into the beliefs, patterns, and internal tensions shaping how they lead, relate, and make decisions.

What might change if we approached the people in our lives with cura personalis—with care for the whole person?

New Badge Distribution for Members

New badges for ICF North Texas members will be available for in-person pickup at:

September 11 ICF North Texas Monthly Meeting
Celebrate Coaching on October 9

Any badges not picked up at these events will be mailed in November to the address provided on the form.

Thank you for helping us ensure our records are accurate and for being a valued member of ICF North Texas. We look forward to continuing to Thrive Together as we embrace this exciting new chapter of the ICF brand.

October Building a Thriving Coaching Business

The Digital Confidence Gap
Staci Witten

October 5, 2026 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM CT

Our Business Building Series continues with Session 5: The Digital Confidence Gap – The 4W Framework for Building an Online Presence That Grows Your Coaching Business.

If creating a consistent online presence feels overwhelming—or you’re unsure what to post, how to stay visible, or how to avoid sounding salesy - this session is for you.

Staci will introduce her 4W Framework, a practical approach for creating content that builds credibility, connection, and business growth. You’ll leave with a completed worksheet and ideas you can put into action right away.

Ready to join us? Complete the sign-up form below to join the program and gain access to past session recordings, then register for individual sessions through the Chapter Events Calendar.

Building a Thriving Coaching Business
Chapter Events Calendar

NOTE: Dates are subject to change. Visit the Chapter calendar to confirm details and register.

November Hybrid Chapter Meeting and Program

Grateful and Connected
Presented by ICF North Texas Programs Committee

November 13, 2026

Hybrid Meeting | 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM

Networking begins at 11:15 AM | Meeting begins at 11:30 AM

In Person at Las Colinas Country Club or Virtually Via Zoom

In-Person Attendees Registering by Nov 8: Members – $40 / Non-Members – $50
In-Person Attendees Registering after Nov 8: Members – $50 / Non-Members: – $60
Virtual Attendees: Members – $30 / Non-Members – $40

CCEUs: TBD

In response to your feedback—and as part of our 2026 theme, Thriving Together: Celebrating Strengths & Expanding Opportunities—we're bringing back one of our favorite chapter networking experiences with a seasonally inspired focus on gratitude, reflection and possibility.

Move beyond traditional networking through guided conversations that foster authentic connections and meaningful dialogue. Whether you join us in person or virtually, you'll celebrate professional and personal wins, reflect on the people and experiences that shaped your year, and explore the opportunities and challenges you're grateful to embrace next.

You'll leave with fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and stronger connections with fellow coaches and potential collaborators. If you've participated in one of our networking events before, you know how energizing and meaningful they can be. If not, you're in for a treat.

Join us as we continue Thriving Together by celebrating our strengths, expanding our possibilities, and strengthening the connections that make our chapter so special.

ICF-North Texas Organization Sponsors

Learn more at nextconversationconsulting.com

Learn more at simplygetclients.com

Learn more at SMU.edu

September Monthly Observances

Holidays and Observances:

September 8: Labor Day
September 11: Patriot Day (9/11 Remembrance)
September 11: Rosh Hashanah begins (at sundown)
September 13: National Grandparents Day
September 20/21: Yom Kippur begins
September 22: Autumnal Equinox (First day of fall)

Contact Information

President Natalie Mendez, PCC	Pres-Elect Lisa Seay, PCC	Secretary Tara Hesson, ACC
Treasurer Rory Brannum, ACC	Past President Dr. Dara Rossi, PCC	Alliances Sheryl Chacko, ACC
Communications Reeshemah Davis, PCC	Diversity Equity Inclusion Belonging Nicholas Dillon, ACC	Membership Lara Burnside, ACC
Sponsorships Kimberly Spikes, ACC	Programs OPEN