ICF Announces 2026 Coaching Impact Award Winners, Celebrating Excellence and Meaningful Change

Lexington, Kentucky, USA — The International Coaching Federation (ICF) has announced the winners of the 2026 ICF Coaching Impact Awards, celebrating individuals and organizations whose work demonstrates the meaningful and lasting impact coaching can have on people, organizations, and communities around the world.

This year’s honorees demonstrate the breadth of what coaching can make possible. In Argentina, Fundación Multipolar’s “Coaching en Zapatillas” initiative has brought coaching to more than 1,200 people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion, with 80% of participants reporting greater self-confidence and greater clarity about their future. In India, Shoolini University’s Project Pragati is helping rural women build self-agency, make informed decisions, and move toward financial independence. Organizations are seeing measurable impact, too: At Brandix Apparel (PVT) Ltd., a coaching initiative contributed to a 25% reduction in meeting time and an 88% retention rate among participants.

“Professional coaching has become increasingly recognized and valued over the years,” said Magdalena Nowicka Mook, CEO of ICF. “As professional coaching continues to grow around the world, it is more important than ever to share examples of excellence, reach, and impact. This year’s winners are a powerful reminder of the difference coaching can make when it is practiced with excellence, purpose, and care.”

The ICF Coaching Impact Awards recognize excellence and impact across four categories, with this year’s winners representing six countries and the many ways coaching is creating positive change around the world.

2026 ICF Coaching Impact Award Winners

Coaches: Recognizes individual coach practitioners whose work demonstrates excellence, leadership and impact in the coaching profession.

• Distinguished Coach: Jonathan Reitz, MCC, ACTC (USA)
• Accomplished Coach: Sharmi Roy, PCC, ACTC, MCS (India)
• Emerging Coach: Brian Arao, ACC, EdD (USA)

Coaching Education: Recognizes educators and ICF-accredited providers advancing the quality, accessibility and innovation of coaching education.

• Distinguished Provider: SolutionsAcademy (Germany)
• Distinguished Educator: Heru Yuwono Liem, MCC, ACTC, MCS (Indonesia)

Organizations: Recognizes organizations that are using coaching to strengthen cultures, develop people and create meaningful organizational impact.

• Distinguished Organization: Brandix Apparel (Pvt.) Ltd. (Sri Lanka)
• Emerging Organization: ABB India (India)

Social Impact: Recognizes individuals and organizations applying coaching principles to address challenges and create positive change in communities and society.

• Distinguished Coaching Catalyst: Shoolini University – Project Pragati (India)
• Emerging Coaching Catalyst: Fundación Multipolar – “Coaching en Zapatillas” (Argentina)

“Year after year, our award winners demonstrate true resilience,” said Lise Bruynooghe, MCC, 2026 ICF Global Board Chair. “It takes courage to keep showing up. The impact of their work creates beautiful ripple effects that extend far beyond their line of sight. That is the gift of this work: It transforms lives.”

The winners gathered in Lisbon to receive their trophies, celebrate their achievements, exchange perspectives, and reflect on the future of coaching and its potential for continued impact.

They will also be recognized at ICF Converge 2026 on October 28 in Washington, D.C., USA.

To learn more about the 2026 ICF Coaching Impact Awards and the stories behind this year’s honorees, visit coachingfederation.org/awards.

About the ICF Coaching Impact Awards
The ICF Coaching Impact Awards celebrate excellence across the coaching profession and recognize individuals and organizations whose work demonstrates the positive impact coaching can have on people, organizations, and communities worldwide.