Circle of Distinction Honoree: Patrick Williams, ED.d., MCC - International Coaching Federation
New Member-Exclusive Benefit: ICF Engage

Circle of Distinction Honoree: Patrick Williams, ED.d., MCC

Posted by Savannah Patton | December 5, 2018 | Comments (0)

The ICF Circle of Distinction program celebrates the best of the coaching profession and ICF. Circle of Distinction members are experienced coach practitioners who have made their mark on ICF and the coaching profession. This year, ICF inducted the first Circle of Distinction class, and we want to showcase our winners through profiles. Here is inductee Patrick Williams.

The Founder of The Institute for Life Coach Training, Patrick Williams, Ed.D., MCC (USA), has been executive coaching since 1990 and is a founding member of ICF.

Perhaps his most impressive accomplishment (at least, in his eyes) was being one of the keynote speakers in Brisbane, Australia at an ICF conference. Williams is very interested in different cultures and countries, and loves being an international coach.

With a background in psychology, Williams said that coaching has given him opportunities psychology could not.

“I could not have done this ethically as a therapist and the ICF and its coaching conferences allowed me to be a presenter and keynoter around the world.  I also became a key presenter at popular psychotherapist conferences,” said Williams.

For Williams, the key to making a lasting career in coaching is to stay passionate.

“Keep your skills sharpened and adapt and change to keep your passion alive.  I don’t want to stagnate as a coach, so it’s important to add new skills or approaches to my repertoire,” said Williams.

Though, this is not the first coaching award Williams has received (he won the Global Visionary Fellowship in 2006), this one is a big honor for him.

“It’s a great idea for the profession, and I am proud to be in the inaugural class,” said Williams.

On what’s next, Williams said that he doesn’t think he’d ever retire but only partly work and considers himself a coaching “tribal elder.”

“Maybe a coaching department for the State Department?  It will continue to grow and replace much of what has been called therapy or counseling and be available and affordable through various offerings and agency availability,” Williams said on where he thinks coaching will go in the next 10-20 years.

savannah patton headshot

Savannah Patton

Savannah Patton is the ICF Communications Assistant and a freelance writer for Kentucky Sports Radio. She graduated in May 2016 from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor's degree in Integrated Strategic Communications with a focus in Public Relations.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts featured on this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of the International Coach Federation (ICF). The publication of a guest post on the ICF Blog does not equate to an ICF endorsement or guarantee of the products or services provided by the author.

Additionally, for the purpose of full disclosure and as a disclaimer of liability, this content was possibly generated using the assistance of an AI program. Its contents, either in whole or in part, have been reviewed and revised by a human. Nevertheless, the reader/user is responsible for verifying the information presented and should not rely upon this article or post as providing any specific professional advice or counsel. Its contents are provided “as is,” and ICF makes no representations or warranties as to its accuracy or completeness and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law specifically disclaims any and all liability for any damages or injuries resulting from use of or reliance thereupon.

Leave a Reply

Not a member?

Sign up now to become a member and receive all of our wonderful benefits.

Learn more