From Legacy to Leadership: ICF at 30 and Beyond

For decades, coaching has transcended borders, bridging cultures and connecting leaders in ways that transform lives and communities. This global impact has always been at the heart of ICF’s mission, born from the belief that powerful conversations know no boundaries.

At our recent annual Global Board Meeting in Paris, France, leaders from 21 nations gathered, not only to reflect on 30 years of impact at ICF, but also to chart our path forward. It was more than a meeting. It was a powerful reaffirmation of who we are, what we stand for, and where we are headed together. A future where the ripple effects of transformative coaching extend deeper and wider, touching lives in ways we are only beginning to imagine.

Our discussions were rich, future-focused, and grounded in our shared mission: to elevate coaching to the highest standards and expand its impact across individuals, organizations, and communities around the world.

As we reviewed our progress and looked ahead, one message was clear: excellence is not just a value, it is our everyday standard. Together, we are shaping a coaching profession that is credible, inclusive, and powerfully transformative. We are setting the stage for a global movement — one conversation at a time.

Coaching Without Borders

ICF is global in every sense of the word. Our members and credential-holders span over 160 countries. Our staff represents 20 nationalities. Our Board brings together leaders from 21 different nations. This global reach is not just a measure of scale, it is the foundation of our strength.

We don’t simply operate globally; we think, evolve, and lead globally. And with that comes responsibility. At our board meeting, we reaffirmed our collective commitment to advancing the standards that define coaching, ensuring quality, integrity, and impact across all regions, from emerging markets to established communities.

Strategic Steps Forward

Looking to the future, we’re building on our legacy and taking bold steps to shape the next 30 years of leadership.

• Launching a New Digital Experience: We’ve recently launched a reimagined ICF website centered on the unique journeys of our diverse audiences. Designed for accessibility and connection, it’s a more intuitive platform to engage, learn, and grow.
• Leading the Future of AI in Coaching: Among the most dynamic conversations at our board meeting was the future of AI in coaching. ICF is championing progress through a new inclusive AI Council, ethical governance frameworks, and clear guardrails to ensure responsible innovation, protecting what makes coaching distinctly human while embracing technology that can expand its reach and relevance.
• Unveiling a Refreshed Brand: Get ready to see ICF in a whole new way. We are introducing a new visual identity and language system that deepens emotional connection and reflects the spirit of coaching across cultures and generations.
• Expanding the Global Reach of Our Flagship Event: We are expanding ICF Converge, our signature global event, to new international locations — bringing ICF’s energy and insights to more communities and creating space for vibrant, cross-cultural exchange through different formats.
• Introducing a New Body of Knowledge: A comprehensive new body of knowledge is in development — a structured collection of essential concepts, practices, and standards that reflects the evolving science and practice of coaching. It will serve as a foundation for growth, learning, and global alignment in our profession.

Enduring Mission, Evolving World

While global dynamics shift, our mission remains constant. ICF’s commitment is long term — to you, your region, and the global coaching community — grounded in inclusivity, resilience, and meaningful support.

We are not just responding to change, we are also helping shape it. By leading with integrity, listening with empathy, and acting with vision, we ensure coaching remains a powerful force for personal, organizational, and societal transformation.

The Next 30 Years — Together

As we look ahead, ICF is committed to:

• Raising the bar for quality, accessibility, and innovation.
• Listening deeply and responding meaningfully to global needs.
• Leading with ethics, clarity, and courage.
• Ensuring coaching remains a respected, human-centered profession in a rapidly changing world.

While we honor our legacy, we are actively defining what comes next.

To all ICF members, credential-holders, and coach educators, thank you! Your work, your values, and your belief in our shared vision fuel our momentum and shape our collective future.

Together, we are building a truly global coaching culture — diverse, inclusive, and deeply committed to making a difference. This is not a conclusion. It is the beginning of a new chapter.

With gratitude,

Magdalena Nowicka Mook
CEO, International Coaching Federation