The ICF Coaching Impact Awards are more than a recognition of individual achievement, they are a celebration of the transformative impact that individuals and organizations have in crafting a brighter, more empowered future for all through coaching.
ICF is grateful to the dedicated team of volunteer evaluators who selected the winners after a rigorous evaluation process.
The 2024 ICF Coaching Impact Awards honorees demonstrate how to use coaching as a force for good, impacting lives and societies in a lasting way. They come from regions around the world and reflect the gold standard of the coaching profession.
“Coaching Education” recognizes the visionaries shaping tomorrow’s coaches. These coach educators and ICF-accredited providers are leading and innovating coaching education, lighting a spark that will spread coaching’s impact.
Winner: Erickson Coaching International (Canada)
For nearly 45 years, Erickson Coaching International has made a profound impact on the coaching profession, transforming lives worldwide. With over 55,000 graduates from 125+ countries, Erickson has set the gold standard for coaching education through its solution-focused approach, rooted in social, psychological, and neurological research. Delivered in more than 14 languages, these programs empower individuals and organizations, fostering growth, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment, particularly in emerging regions like Africa and South America.
Erickson’s commitment to realizing human potential has established coaching cultures globally, while its partnerships and research-driven approach continue to shape the future of leadership and coaching. Erickson Coaching International remains a leader in human transformation and proudly upholds its mission of “changing the world one conversation at a time.”
Honorable Mentions: The Somatic School (United Kingdom) and Orchid International Coaching & Consulting Ltd. (Taiwan)
Winner: Priya Ramesh, ACTC, MCC (India)
Priya Ramesh, a seasoned coach educator from India, has led more than 300 learner coaches toward ICF credentials, leveraging multiple modalities and emphasizing the highest ethical standards of practice and personal development. She has contributed significantly to coaching education locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, including mentoring, curating master classes, supervision sessions, and speaking at forums. Priya’s impact extends to fellow educators, students, and corporate leaders, creating competent coach practitioners, creating awareness of coaching as a means of fostering transformation in both personal and professional lives, and promoting coaching as a key leadership skill.
She is an avid advocate of building a coaching culture within organizations. She embodies ICF’s core values of professionalism, equity, collaboration, and humanity, and is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Priya takes an integrated approach to coaching education, operating with a learner mindset. Her dedication is further enriched by her background in Buddhist psychology and applied psychology. Her compelling vision is to foster a coaching culture that positively impacts individuals, organizations, systems, and society.
Honorable Mentions: Mina Brown, MCC (United States) and Shiny Burcu Unsal, MCC (United States)
Shariann Tom, PCC (USA)
As the founder and lead instructor of the first accredited cancer coach training organization in the U.S., Shariann Tom, PCC, has made groundbreaking contributions to the field. Since 2012, Shariann’s pioneering curriculum has integrated essential mental, emotional, and spiritual support for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, bridging a crucial gap in conventional medical care.
From Shariann’s perspective, the impact of her work is profound. The program’s global expansion, including the shift to live-Zoom sessions, has made cancer coaching accessible worldwide. The success of her graduates, who are applying their skills in various countries and integrating coaching into cancer centers, underscores the vital role of this specialized support. Shariann’s commitment to equity, professionalism, and collaboration continues to advance the field, ensuring comprehensive care for individuals affected by cancer.
Honorable Mention: Cherie Silas, ACTC, MCC (United States)
“Organizations” celebrates innovative businesses and organizations that weave coaching into their very being. They prove that strong coaching cultures create positive ripple effects that can transform a workplace.
Winner: University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center (United States) | Read Case Study
Coaching has been a key driver of MD Anderson Cancer Center’s success, delivering measurable returns in leadership development, team performance, and retention. As the president stated, “We advance our institution’s progress by advancing the professional and personal growth of our people.” Over the past five years, new leaders have benefited from onboarding coaching, with 95% reporting improved goal achievement and effectiveness due to coaching. The institution’s focus on team development has also yielded impressive results, as shown by an 86% favorability in teamwork in 2023, up from 65% in 2017. Employee engagement in leadership has surged from 61% in 2017 to 84% in 2023, and team collaboration has improved from 65% to 86%. Coaching has reduced turnover by 48% and increased promotions by 41%. These results highlight the significant impact and ROI of coaching, reinforcing leadership excellence and driving long-term institutional success.
Honorable Mention: Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (United States)
AEON (Vietnam) | Read Case Study
AEON Vietnam exemplifies the transformative power of coaching through its unwavering commitment to fostering a coaching culture that empowers individuals and drives success. By embedding coaching into its core values, the organization has not only enhanced employee engagement and retention but has also emerged as a pioneer in the Vietnamese market. With significant management support, leaders have embraced a collaborative decision-making approach, enabling teams to thrive even during the challenging pandemic period. Their substantial investment in coaching initiatives has led to impressive outcomes, including a notable increase in employee satisfaction and a remarkable sale growth. Additionally, their commitment to sharing best practices and collaborating with the broader business community positions them as a role model for other organizations in Vietnam. This dedication to coaching has not only shaped a culture of development within the organization but has also established a sustainable coaching environment throughout the country, making them a deserving winner of the ICF Coaching Impact Award.
Honorable Mention: Standard Chartered Bank (United Kingdom)
The “Professional Coaches” category honors the extraordinary individual coaches who are elevating the profession, transforming lives, and leaving their mark on coaching and ICF.
Winner: Vijayalakshmi S, ACTC, MCC (India)
Vijayalakshmi S is a distinguished Master Certified Coach (MCC) whose work embodies passion, vision, and unwavering commitment to the coaching profession. Aligning her contributions with her life’s calling, she founded CoachesForYou during the COVID-19 pandemic, a pro bono coaching movement that united over 350 global coaches to provide crucial emotional and mental support to 900 clients and growing, while making a substantial financial “coaching grant” to society. As president of ICF Chennai, Vijayalakshmi played a pivotal role in organizing the ICF India Conclave 2021, a landmark event that elevated India’s presence on the global coaching map.
Her innovative contributions, including initiatives like Single Coaching Conversation, All Things Coaching, peer coaching programs integrating MCC mentoring, and a Chapter Associates and Ambassadors program, showcase her status as a thought leader and her dedication to making coaching accessible and impactful. Through her dynamic leadership and volunteer spirit, she has fostered opportunities that transcend local boundaries, exemplifying strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. She is a celebrated global coach-mentor, speaker, writer, and change-maker who uses her voice for good – bringing together coaches, leaders, and coaching-bodies. Vijayalakshmi’s profound impact continues to inspire and shape the future of coaching worldwide.
Honorable Mentions: Sackeena Gordon-Jones, MCC (United States) and Neena Newberry, MCC (United States)
Winner: Ken Ng, PCC (Malaysia)
Ken Ng’s seven-year journey with ICF has established him as a thought leader and advocate for making coaching a part of everyday life. As a PCC certified coach and president of ICF Malaysia, Ken has led initiatives to democratize coaching across sectors like government, education, and NGOs. He has been a pivotal in initiating and influencing coaching standards with the Human Resource Development Corporation of Malaysia and expanding coaching programs in universities, workplaces, and communities. Ken’s commitment to social impact is evident in his volunteer work, strategic partnerships, and mentorship of emerging coaches. His philosophy of embedding coaching earlier in life, along with his work with the ICF Foundation, corporate social responsible leaders, social enterprise entrepreneurs, and various NGOs, underscores his dedication to global change. His leadership has empowered board members, mentees, and clients, driving projects from schools to government initiatives. Ken’s vision for accessible, diverse, and impactful coaching continues to shape the profession and uplift individuals and organizations across Malaysia and the APAC region.
Honorable Mentions: Carolyn Hamilton-Kuby, PCC (Canada) and Goldie Uttamchandani, PCC (Spain)
Winner: Koushik Chatterjee, ACC (India)
Koushik Chatterjee, an ACC credentialed coach and established ICF member, exemplifies the spirit of transformative coaching through his extensive work with more than 150 clients across five countries. With over 1,400 coaching hours, his commitment to democratizing coaching is evident in his pro-bono efforts and initiatives to make coaching accessible to diverse populations. Koushik is a thought leader who actively contributes to the coaching community through speaking engagements, webinars, and publications, while also mentoring others and volunteering on impactful projects such as ICF Research and Ignite. His leadership within the ICF Delhi NCR Charter Chapter showcases his dedication to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in coaching practices. Koushik’s vision to create equitable and inclusive coaching opportunities resonates through his not-for-profit work, supporting career navigation for students from economically weaker sections. The well-documented nomination highlights Koushik’s clear vision of expanding his transformational impact across regions, countries, and continents. Koushik is also a board member of his local ICF chapter with active contribution to marketing and partnerships programs.
Honorable Mention: Asila Calhoun, ACC (United States)
“Social Impact” showcases individuals and organizations who are coaching for a better world. These change-makers are using coaching as a catalyst for social progress, contributing to a more just and thriving experience for all.
Winner: Comunidad y Servicio Newfield Network Foundation (Chile)
The impact of Comunidad y Servicio Newfield Network Foundation through coaching is truly transformative. Reaching over 1,500 individuals annually across eight countries with the support of 700 volunteer coaches, the foundation has significantly advanced sustainable development and well-being. From empowering micro-entrepreneurs to supporting women’s leadership and facilitating educational retention for vulnerable youth, the foundation’s coaching programs equip individuals and communities with the socio-emotional tools needed to thrive. Their work in social reintegration programs for prisoners has made remarkable strides in reducing recidivism. Through their innovative and adaptable coaching methodologies, Comunidad y Servicio continues to foster positive social change, embodying the spirit of collaboration and empowerment in their mission to create a fairer, more equitable world.
Honorable Mentions: Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences (India)
Winner: Refugee JumpStart Coaching (Greece, USA, Global)
Refugee JumpStart Coaching (RJS) exemplifies the transformative power of coaching by empowering refugees to navigate the challenges of displacement and successfully integrate into their new communities. Through personalized coaching and mentoring, RJS has impacted over 116 individuals to date, helping them regain confidence, strengthen their well-being, and develop job search strategies that empower them to secure meaningful employment. By addressing key UN Sustainable Development Goals such as reducing poverty, promoting decent work, and fostering peaceful and inclusive societies, RJS has facilitated the social and economic integration of refugees across multiple countries and continents Their strengths-based, holistic, and trauma-informed coaching approach ensures that each individual is supported not only in rebuilding their professional lives but also in fostering personal well-being and resilience, proving that coaching can be a beacon of hope and empowerment in times of great adversity.
Honorable Mention: Britta Wulfekammer, PCC (Kenya)
Are you creating positive change? Don’t let your achievements go unrecognized. Your story could inspire others, pushing the boundaries of what coaching can achieve. Nominate yourself, a colleague, or an organization that’s making a real difference.
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