“I expected this conference to be good. I didn’t expect it to be life-changing.”
“Best conference I’ve ever been to.”
“Highlight of my career.”
That last line was mine. I’ve been a life and leadership coach for the past 17 years, and I have known for the last several months that of all the things I have done in my career, this was going to be a key experience, a “core memory.”
And let me say, this conference did not disappoint.
The Ignite Global Gathering was hosted by our team here at Coach Training EDU and brought people from across the country and around the world to Denver, Colorado. Italy, Ireland, and the Netherlands were represented, along with countless attendees from around the US.
A Small Flame, a Blazing Fire
Our Ignite theme stems from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book IV, and our keynote on Thursday centered on that same theme.
“A small flame is stifled by what is thrown upon it, but a blazing fire assimilates whatever is cast on it and, consuming it, rises higher as a result.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book IV
John Andrew Williams, President and Founder of CTEDU, challenged us all to look for and embrace our “highest aim.” To be present in this moment while still working toward tomorrow. To find room for failure and to be antifragile while never giving up. And to trust ourselves and our allies as we gather support toward our dreams.
Ignite Coaching Question: What do you feel called to do in this lifetime?
Thirty Voices, One Room
The hours and days that followed built on that inspiration. We heard from 30 incredible speakers, each sharing a unique perspective on coaching. From PhDs to actors and producers, from a Chief Master Sergeant and a Senior Director of News Publishing at Hearst Newspapers to doctors, product leaders, PCC and MCC coaches, and so many more, we were motivated and challenged to go further.
Coming soon: Look for blog posts and videos from all of these talks in the weeks ahead.
We ate meals together, face to face, no longer on Zoom. We networked and connected. We launched our local coaching chapters so we can continue to stay connected. We watched the premiere of Top Coach. We were human together, as the CTEDU Community, shaped by love and belonging.
And at its core, Ignite brought us together as family.
New coaches, having just decided to take this path, were connected to experienced coaches and encouraged as they begin.
Friends who had only known each other on Zoom embraced in real life.
Long-time coaches rode the high of finally being around other entrepreneurs and solopreneurs, with the incredible reminder that we are not alone.
The Heartbeat of Coaching
The heartbeat of coaching is a radical belief in another human being: that they have the spark they need to achieve their biggest hopes and dreams.
Belief in each other.
Belief in ourselves.
Belief in the power of humanity to show up a little better than we’ve done before. To be present and to listen.
Belief that anything is possible with intention and hope and the support of another person alongside you as your biggest champion, cheering you on.
Belief that coaching has the potential to truly impact and change the world for good.
That belief ignited us this weekend. I have complete confidence that belief will continue to inspire us for months and years to come.
Until Next Time
To all of us who were gathered in that room: thank you. It was incredible. I can’t wait to see you all again in two years.
For those who couldn’t join us, we missed you. We hope you also find a space of love and belonging in your coaching work.
For all the coaches outside the CTEDU Community, we hope you always remember that you are part of a larger movement, and that the work you do has incredible impact. Here’s to continuing to make the world a better place.
As I conclude, I can’t think of a better way to end than this powerful quote from Howard Thurman:
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
Howard Thurman
Ignite Coaching Question: What’s the spark that’s going to make you come alive?
