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TRANSFORM 
BEHIND THE BREAKTHROUGH: The Invisible Skills of Transformational Coaching

Breakthrough moments in coaching may look effortless from the outside—but beneath the surface, masterful coaches are practicing a set of invisible skills that make transformation possible.

In this session, we’ll explore what truly distinguishes transformational coaching from transactional conversation: deep, attuned listening that reflects a client’s brilliance back to them without rescuing, repairing, or oversteering. Drawing from the ICF Core Competencies, the Karpman Drama Triangle, the Stages of Competence, and a powerful note-taking tool inspired by the Johari Window, this framework helps coaches stay rooted in presence while holding space for identity, self-awareness, and agency to emerge.

We’ll examine how unconscious competence, social conditioning, and internalized power dynamics can keep clients disconnected from their own wisdom—and how coaches can listen for what’s unspoken or invisible, not just what’s said. Participants will also reflect on their own “rescue reflexes,” the unconscious patterns that often lead coaches to advise, fix, or over-function when discomfort arises.

Whether you’re mentoring new coaches or seeking to deepen your own mastery, this session will challenge you to coach from presence, not performance. You’ll leave with tools to support deeper client insight, more skillful reflection, and braver, more identity-affirming conversations.

Because the real breakthrough? It happens when the coach stops trying to lead—and starts listening with reverence.

About the Speaker: Joanna Davis, MCC

Joanna Davis, MCC, is a visionary thinker and life strategist who explores the intersection of creativity, self-development, and human potential. Known for her ability to pose thought-provoking questions, she goes beyond solutions—celebrating the transformative power of discovery. With over 5,000 hours of professional coaching experience and more than 15 years coaching founders and top executives, Joanna combines strategic insight with a deep commitment to inspiring others to think bigger. She is now VP of Programming for ICF South Florida and Lineage Holder for Coach For Life Education, LLC, where she continues to shape the future of coaching.