When we asked our community of iPEC Coaches to share something they're grateful for that coaching made possible, we expected to receive meaningful responses. But what arrived was a stunning collection of stories that span the full spectrum of what this work can do—from shifts in awareness to career transformations, from profound healing to the simple gift of seeing the world differently.
Here's what our grads told us about the gifts coaching has brought into their lives.
Seeing New Possibilities in Every Connection
Coaching opens doors we didn't know existed—and often, those doors show up in how we engage with the people around us.
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Arne Ogaard Las Vegas, Nevada |
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I'm grateful for the awareness coaching has brought into my life—an awareness that keeps growing and reshaping how I see the world. It's helped me move through challenges with more clarity, connect with others on a deeper level, and live with greater purpose. What I'm most grateful for is knowing this journey continues to unfold; coaching keeps opening doors to new possibilities and gives me the opportunity to help others rise, reflect, and move forward with intention and gratitude.
Photo courtesy of Arne Ogaard |
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Elise Park Missouri |
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I've been able to approach conversations more holistically since my coach training. Being able to recognize the 7 Levels of Energy helps me have insight into what kinds of questions I can ask to get a better understanding of where they're coming from, instead of jumping to conclusions.
Photo courtesy of Elise Park |
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Finding Your Way to Work You Love
Some of coaching's greatest gifts show up when we find work that lets us integrate all of who we are, and experience the joy and possibilities that follow.
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Libby Trausch Des Moines, Iowa |
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[I experienced] two major transformations: I was finally able to see two major desires as win-wins and stop wishing for them so I could make them happen. I initiated and sold my business to my business partner right after Mod II and embarked on my own individual entrepreneurship path. Then during Mod III was able to see how going to France to be a middle-aged foreign exchange student wasn't selfish. I've had a big year! I've LOVED being able to use my new coaching skills and iPEC frameworks to teach people how to not believe everything they think—it has been a pure joy to watch people blossom by combining my physical therapy and extensive holistic health knowledge with coaching.
Photo courtesy of Libby Trausch |
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Marissa Burdett Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
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There are so many things that coaching has brought into my life—from best friends to amazing clients to powerful personal growth—but one unexpected gift has been a pathway to a new, blossoming career! I'm not only a certified coach now, but I also work for iPEC, developing and writing the trainings that I got to enjoy as a student alongside the world's best colleagues. After a rollercoaster of a career journey, I'm grateful to have found a creative role that marries all of my interests, skills, and experiences and I continue to be surprised by the opportunities that unfold as a result.
Photo courtesy of Marissa Burdett |
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The Connections That Sustain Us
One of coaching's most beautiful surprises? The relationships and collaborations that form along the way, and last long after Mod III.
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Jennifer Florida |
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I'm grateful that iPEC offered my sister Julie an opportunity to bring a guest to Mod I back in 2008. I'm grateful she picked me as her guest, and I took a leap of faith and accepted even though I had no idea what coaching was about back then. She completed her journey in Chicago while I completed mine in Tampa. Now I'm grateful that we have both been coaching clients globally for the same company, and for the support, knowledge and tools we share. I'm also grateful to other iPEC coaches that I've volunteered with, work for, and support—shout out to Bill, Elise, Lori, and Sunni! Finally to Sherri, whom I met at Mod 4, she challenged me then and continues to challenge and support me now, for that, I'm grateful! The training and the coaches I met along the way gave me a rewarding career I didn't know I wanted! |
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The Healing We Find in Unexpected Places
Some stories remind us that coaching can show up as an unexpected source of healing and connection exactly when we need it most.
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Lisa Wilson Fort Collins, Colorado |
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Personally, the relationships that were created through the iPEC coaching program helped me move through one of the most heartbreaking times of my life, when my son took his life. I went on to become a grief coach, helping those move through any transition in their life. My very first client had also lost a son to suicide. What I thought would be challenging for me, and I doubted myself that I could truly help her, I was aligned with her in such a way that we could both feel the healing energy. She stayed with me for four years, before she moved away and we still connect with text. My clients have been the most courageous and loving humans I've ever known. My colleagues are also the most unique and heartfelt individuals that I simply could not imagine my life without them. My gratitude runs deep.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Wilson |
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Julie O. Perkins Fayetteville, Pennsylvania |
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While coaching a woman with breast cancer, I acknowledged her courage and resilience during her journey. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I was immensely thankful for her sharing that with the world. In that moment of deep gratitude, I perceived the energy of gratitude from others around my own cancer journey. Gifting gratitude allowed me to perceive and receive gratitude in an exponentially expanded way! |
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Gratitude for This Community
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Larnette Winston Las Vegas, Nevada |
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Coaching has kicked the gratitude door wide open in every area of my life. If I were to highlight one area, it would be the ability to meaningfully connect with individuals, whether family, friends, clients, or teams under my leadership. Coaching has notably transformed my approach to interactions, particularly when navigating conflict or difficult circumstances. As a 2016 iPEC graduate, I extend my sincere appreciation to all of YOU.
Photo courtesy of Larnette Winston |
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A Final Thought
Reading these stories, we’re struck by their breadth and their depth—the way they capture both the profound and the practical, the sweeping shifts and the quiet, tender connections. To every grad who shared their gratitude with us: thank you for your vulnerability and your willingness to let us celebrate what coaching has made possible in your life.
iPEC Grads: what are you grateful for that coaching made possible? We'd love to hear your story—drop us a note or share in the Coach Community Facebook group!
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