When I first signed up for the Coach-To-Transformation ICF Level 1 program, my only goal was to complete my certification. That’s it. I wasn’t expecting anything beyond that. I just wanted to tick that box and move on. I honestly had no clue what to expect from the program itself or what kind of learning experience it would be.
But by the time we reached Session 8, I realized how much more this program actually offers. The sessions aren’t just theoretical or lecture-based — they’re genuinely interactive. Every class involves exercises, peer interactions, and even small reflections or sharing moments where we discuss what we’re learning. Because of that, it’s almost impossible to zone out, even in a three-hour class. And the facilitator is thoughtful enough to include short breaks so we can refresh ourselves.
What really stood out to me were the topics. When we first looked at the ICF Code of Ethics and the Coaching Mindset, I was honestly overwhelmed. It felt so detailed and high-standard that I remember thinking, “How am I ever going to do this?” But our mentor coach guided us step-by-step — both in the main classes and during individual mentoring — showing us how to practically embody each coaching competency in real conversations. That’s when it started to sink in: this is not just about learning to coach, it’s about becoming one.
And that’s the part I didn’t expect.
Somewhere along the way, I realized I’m actually changing as a person.
For example, one of the things we’re constantly reminded to do is to really listen — not interrupt, not jump in with our own ideas or questions too soon. Just listen. Practicing that in coaching sessions has somehow carried over into my daily life. I find myself listening to people differently now, with more patience. It’s subtle but powerful. The way I show up in my coaching practice is now influencing the way I show up in life.
It feels almost like spiritual development — a slow but steady inner shift that’s reshaping how I relate to others and to myself. That’s not something I ever expected from a certification program.
Even though I came in with about three years of prior coaching experience and exposure to different modalities, this one feels different. In most programs, the emphasis tends to be on learning techniques or tools to “help the client.” But here, the focus is much deeper — it’s about being fully present with the client, making the session truly client-centric, and helping them take responsibility for their outcomes.
And then, there’s this other layer — who we need to become as coaches in order to do that. That question alone has changed how I see coaching. It’s not just about “doing coaching right,” but about “being” the kind of person who can hold that space for another human being. That’s where the real transformation is happening.
The funny part is, I thought 14 weeks would be more than enough for a Level 1 course, but now it feels like too little time for the amount of depth we’re going into. Every session opens up something new to explore, reflect on, and practice.
Thankfully, our mentor coach keeps reminding us not to get overwhelmed. We’re encouraged to pick one competency at a time — just one small area to improve — and build from there. That approach makes it manageable, and it also helps the learning stick in a very real, embodied way.
So if I had to sum up my experience so far, I’d say this:
I joined CTT just to get certified, but I ended up discovering a whole new layer of personal growth. This program is not just training me to be a better coach — it’s helping me evolve into a better human being.
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Author Name: Moumita Paul
