Welcome Message From Our President, Valeska Martins |
| Dear ICF South Florida Community, |
September arrives as nature's master coach—teaching us that transformation happens not through dramatic upheaval, but through intentional recalibration and purposeful connection. As we transition from summer's restorative pause into autumn's focused energy, I'm inspired by our community's remarkable ability to evolve, adapt, and flourish together.
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This month embodies the essence of what coaching represents: the power to transform recalibration into achievable goals, turning reflection into purposeful action. Just as September bridges seasons, we're bridging vision with reality, creating pathways that seemed impossible just months ago.
August brought extraordinary momentum through meaningful transitions that are already reshaping our chapter's landscape. I'm thrilled to celebrate Claudia Flores stepping into her role as VP of Programming, bringing fresh energy and her distinctive style to elevate our Programming Committee. Her vision is already transforming how we create learning experiences that truly serve our community's growth. |
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Our Strategic Alliances continue to be unstoppable, opening doors we never imagined possible. Our participation at The Music, AI and Coaching Conference at Miami Dade College exemplified this innovative spirit, while our exciting new partnership with the renowned BoldHaus demonstrates our commitment to expanding coaching's reach into unexpected territories.
The power of in-person connection has been beautifully evident through our Coach-A-Latte, Wellbeing Gathering events. These moments remind us that while virtual connection serves us well, there's irreplaceable magic in sharing physical space, exchanging ideas, and building relationships face-to-face.
Because we believe our events should be transformative experiences—not merely learning opportunities—we've created something truly special: our Volunteer Host Training program. We want every gathering to be a space where ideas flourish naturally, where every participant feels they truly belong, and where both speakers and attendees experience that beautiful state of flow that makes learning effortless and connection inevitable.
Looking ahead, I'm particularly excited about our Core Competencies Summit in October, featuring an incredible lineup of speakers who will deepen your professional mastery. This commitment to excellence in professional development continues with the return of our beloved Fishbowl session with MCC Paulette Rao this September—a powerful opportunity to refine your coaching skills in real-time.
Because building a community is part of our mission, will keep offering in-person events and even more virtual gatherings, each designed to promote authentic connection and meaningful networking. Whether you prefer the intimacy of face-to-face conversations or the accessibility of online participation, we're creating multiple pathways for you to engage, learn, and grow within our community.
This month, I invite you to embrace September's gift of intentional recalibration. What goals from earlier in the year are ready for renewed focus? What new connections await your attention? What aspects of your coaching practice are calling for fresh perspective?
As we step into this season of purposeful transformation, remember that every great achievement begins with the courage to recalibrate, reconnect, and recommit. Together, we're not just building a coaching community—we're creating a movement that ripples far beyond South Florida's borders.
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| Here's to September's promise of meaningful connections, transformative recalibrations, and the kind of purposeful growth that turns vision into vibrant reality! |
Warmly,
Valeska Martins
President, ICF South Florida Chapter |
| Book Corner by Bari Schanerman |
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Leading Well from Within
Daniel Friedland, MD |
As leaders, this next book builds on the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership and the foundational principle of knowing where you are leading from (last month's recommendation). This book uses the 4 in 4 Framework to Lead Well from Within. The 4 in 4 Framework is a system that enables you to effectively navigate and harness your stress and self-doubt to focus your attention on what matters most to you", along with other benefits. |
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The following are the 4 steps in the 4 in 4 Framework:
- Recognize and manage reactivity - Do you fight or take flight in reaction to stress and self-doubt?
- Reappraise stress and self-doubt - How do you shift your perceptions and neutralize to examine the underlying triggers?
- Cultivate creativity - What would be different if you could focus on what is truly important in your life to be flourishing using your potential and passion
- Catalyze growth - What would be possible if you had a practice that allowed you to think in a way that energizes all aspects of your life?
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When demands exceed resources it is easy to become stressed and reactive. Understanding where we go when we are feeling depleted and stressed, gives us the opportunity to pause and reset to focus on what matters most at that moment.
As coaches the more we are leading well from within, the more we can model what is possible for our clients, as well as family, friends, colleagues and everyone else we interact with daily. Please reach out if you would like to discuss this book further or any of the other books I have recommended this year. Books are a great place to get ideas and open our minds to what is possible. bari@yourmeetingplace.com |
| Meet our Board of Director Member - Eric Goeres |
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Eric Goeres is the VP of Communications and Marketing at ICF South Florida. Previously, he served on the Outreach and Programming committees. He helped plan International Coaching Week, The Business Show Miami, and was host of the Coach’s Corner podcast. Before coaching, Eric was a digital media and publishing executive in New York and Miami. Today, he coaches executives at Fortune 100s, small business owners, and those in career transition. He is always looking for good clients, so send in those referrals!
This September, I find myself reflecting on how quickly the year has passed. Maybe you do, too — looking back at all we’ve done (or wished we’d done), and forward at the time we still have to close out the year with something meaningful.
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What’s one project or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
I’m in my fifth year of coaching, and while my business doesn’t look exactly like the dream I once envisioned — high-paying clients, exotic retreats, and ripple effects everywhere — it is working. I’m coaching and helping a lot of people. Some are on coaching platforms, some are private clients, some are corporate engagements, and some are pro bono. A good bit of my work is also supporting other coaches. It’s not the practice I imagined, but it’s the practice I have — and I love it. |
Fun Fact!
Most people are surprised to learn that I split my time between Miami and Valencia, Spain. Coaching has given me the flexibility to design a life where I can live and work internationally while staying connected to the people and projects I care about here in South Florida. |
Favorite coaching experience or moment with the team
My favorite moments are always when coaches come together — whether at a committee meeting, a networking event, or even in a casual conversation — and someone has that “aha” moment. You can feel the energy shift. That spirit of curiosity, encouragement, and growth is what makes this chapter so special. |
Looking ahead!
I’m deeply curious about what’s next for coaching. AI, corporate spending shifts, and the uncertainty of our industry give me pause. I’ve learned to “surf the waves” more than try to control them — while still doing the business-minded things coaches must do (marketing, networking, speaking). I still believe in an old-fashioned truth: if you do good work, and make sure people know it, more work will come. |
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| ICF South Florida would like to welcome our newest member to the chapter! |
Eli Encamacion
Sofia Ward |
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| Be our hero: Make a difference as a volunteer with ICF South Florida! |
There are many ways in which you can bring your superpowers for a good cause and help us bring to life initiatives designed to increase the reach of coaching, connect with key sectors, and create meaningful impact to the communities we serve!
Read more . . . |
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| Join Us at ICF Converge 2025! |
ICF Converge is the world’s largest in-person coaching conference, bringing together the brightest minds and boldest hearts in coaching. Whether you want to elevate your skills, connect with peers from across the globe, or celebrate ICF’s 30th anniversary, this is the place to be.
📅 October 23–25, 2025
📍 San Diego, California, USA |
ICF South Florida is excited to share that we’ve secured a Group Special of 20% off per person!
Please reach out so we can attend as a chapter and experience this amazing event together. |
Why Attend Converge?
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Expand Your Knowledge – Explore the latest research, tools, and strategies to sharpen your practice.
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Connect with a Global Community – Meet coaches and thought leaders from around the world.
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Learn from the Best – Gain insights from MCCs, industry experts, and innovators.
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Celebrate 30 Years of ICF – Be part of a milestone moment for our profession.
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👉 Learn more about ICF Converge 2025
Let’s go as a community — stronger together, and better connected! 💙 |
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ICF – Coaching in Education
by Chris Delboni |
Coaching in education was very organic for me, as my experience with coaching really came through academia, in education.
I have been a journalist for more than 30 years and a journalism educator for half that time, after moving from Washington, D.C., to South Florida. I have taught at the University of Miami and built and directed two academic newsrooms, at Florida International University and now at Nova Southeastern University. Working with students in the classroom, I realized I was not just teaching but also “coaching” them instinctively, so I decided to pursue my credentials through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC) and ICF in order to develop and learn the necessary techniques to be an effective coach – as well as a professor.
Colleges and universities focus on teaching, but students need much more than an education to succeed in life. They need more than professors or mentors. They need to understand, above all, their purpose, their passion, their motivation through their academic choices and journey. Only coaches can partner with them to help these young people make the right choices for them, and only them.
At NSU, for the first time in my academic experience, I work with students from every level -- from incoming freshmen to graduating seniors. Many are 17-year-olds, coming in fresh from high school, with little clear idea of what they want to pursue. They might have a declared major, but many times, it follows more a family wish than their own. They might be passionate about music or art but are majoring in business, or pre-law. Only coaching can help them develop their own journey that matches their life purpose and brings them happiness along with a successful career.
As we launched the ICF-South Florida Coaching in Education program a few years ago, we have tried different formats and formulas but didn’t yet find the perfect academic partner. That would be the biggest challenge for this incoming committee. To succeed, we need an inside partner that would bring commitment from the students and buy-in from administrators. I would encourage the new coaches in education to narrow the focus to finding that one partner. It’s the first step to grow the program to every college, just like academic advising exists today. You have the vision and the passion. As I tell all my students, I come with a lifetime warranty. Count on me always and best of luck!
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Award-winning Brazilian journalist Chris Delboni, communications and life coach, had been a foreign correspondent in Washington, D.C., since 1993 before moving to Miami, where she has taught journalism at the University of Miami and Florida International University. At FIU, she was the first news director for the South Florida News Service, serving local mainstream newspapers, such as the Miami Herald, and currently teaches broadcast journalism. In 2018, she has started Delboni Communications. Among other projects and programs, she holds workshops on media training and mobile video training. Delboni is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) by International Coaching Federation and a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP) through iPEC – Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. As a life coach, she has developed two methodologies: “The Happiness Code”, to help people find their sense of life purpose and plenitude, and “Your Road to Success” for college students. |
| | Catch up on what you have missed!
Now is the perfect time to experience the transformative insights and expert advice from Master Coaches and speakers from our past events. Dive into highlights of these powerful sessions and discover why ICF South Florida is the key to unlocking your true potential!
| | | Celebrate Success of Past Events | Coach-A-Latte @La Boulangerie Boul’Mich
We’re excited to share the success of our recent Coach-A-Latte gathering, where 12 wonderful coaches came together at La Boulangerie Boul’Mich. It was an afternoon filled with connection, meaningful conversations, and the joy of celebrating our coaching journeys over coffee. These moments remind us of the power of community and the importance of supporting each other’s growth.
Because we’d love to connect with even more coaches, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of Virtual Coffee & Connections! ☕✨ This new initiative will bring the same spirit of warmth, inspiration, and networking into a virtual space—making it easier for coaches near and far to join in, share experiences, and build stronger bonds within our community.
Stay tuned for details on our first session—we can’t wait to see you there! |
| The Music, AI and Coaching Conference at MDC |
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The AI & Music: Building Bridges through Innovation and Empathy Conference was an inspiring collaboration where creativity, technology, and human connection came together. Through engaging conversations and live experiences, participants explored how music, AI, and Non-Violent Communication can transform the way we relate to ourselves and each other.
Highlights included the Fireside Chat on Practicing Non-Violent Communication in a Connected World with Valeska Martins, Jean Marie Altema, and Diana Figueroa; the Creators & Human-Centered AI Panel featuring Pedro Santos Acosta, Adriana Machado, and Martu Freeman Parker; the Creative Segment on Soundscapes and Emotional Regulation led by Diana Figueroa and singer-composer Leguis Trespalacios; the Mental Health, AI & Conscious Creativity Panel with Shakti Radhakishun, Sebastian Mourra, and Katherina Capra; and the Panel on Identity, Music, and Social Consciousness through the Lens of NVC with Fernando Celis, Mushy Widmaier, and Juliana Faus.
ICF South Florida is profoundly grateful to have partnered with the AI Music Conference, visionary founder Jean Marie Altema, and the AI Center at Miami Dade College, with special thanks to Pedro Santos, for making this unique event possible. We also thank our wonderful coaches, the President of ICF South Florida Chapter, Valeska Martins, and all the speakers and artists for sharing their wisdom and talent.
Together, this event showcased the unique impact that coaching, music, and technology can have when united by a shared purpose: to build bridges of empathy, innovation, and collective growth.
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From Coach to Leader: Bridging the Skills Gap
Leadership shows up everywhere—in our teams, initiatives, boards, and even our families. Yet, unlike coaching, many of us have never received formal leadership training.
That’s why ICF South Florida created the Emerging Leaders sessions, facilitated by Bari Schanerman and Claudia Flores. These dynamic 1-hour monthly gatherings help you transform your coaching strengths into confident leadership skills.
Every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 PM ET
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Shaping the Future of Coaching in Education
Join us for a collaborative virtual session to co-design the Coaching in Education Program—an initiative showcasing the power of coaching for students, leaders, faculty, staff, and more.
Facilitated by Iryna Kurii, Life & Career Coach and Job Developer, who brings a rich background in teaching, coaching, and cross-cultural collaboration to drive meaningful impact in education.
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| ICF South Florida's Coffee & Connections (Virtual!) |
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Hey there, wonderful ICF South Florida Community!
Join us for a delightful hour of mingling, networking, learning, and energizing discussion virtually.
It’s a chance to shake up your routine and meet amazing chapter members as we brew connections and pour into our community. Whether you're a new face or a familiar friend, we’d love for you to be part of this inspiring gathering.
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When & Where
📅 Date: September 18th
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM EST
📍 Where: Zoom - Your cozy living room or favorite coffee nook!
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Here's a chance to sip on some smooth conversations, top off your knowledge, and leave with a full cup of encouragement. You'll love this opportunity to connect with and support each other’s coaching journey paths.
So, get your calendars synced, alarms set, and let's make this time magical! Eager to see your radiant smiles on screen soon. |
| Bring your best and let’s network! |
| Register here |
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Get Shift Done: Coaches Accountability Call Series
with Sophia Casey, MCC
Sept 2 & 16, 2025 | 1:30 PM
Happening 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the Month!
International Coaching Federation South Florida Chapter (ICFSFL) and Sophia Casey, Master Certified Coach (MCC) and CEO of ICLI RISING coach training school, are excited to offer the Get Shift Done: Coaches Accountability Call, a biweekly power hour!
Sept 2
Sept 16
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The ICF South Florida Barter Coaching PRACTICE Lab
with Fernando Celis, MCC
September 19, 2025 | 8:30 AM
Happening every 3rd Friday of the Month!
Come join us as we expand our Barter Coaching Program with a dynamic encounter of Practice, Learning and New Insights on Competency Development.
Register here
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| Coach-A-Latte In-Person!
In-person is back!
Join us for coffee, conversation, and connection with Dr. Loubna Noureddin, MCC.
Sept 19 | 1:30 PM
📍 La Boulangerie Boul’Mich, 1549 Sunset Dr, Miami, FL 33143
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MasterClass by Master Coaches
PCC to MCC: From Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery
Sept 3, 2025, 8:30 AM
| | MasterClass by Master Coaches
Using the Body in Coaching and Coaching Supervision
Sept 3, 2025 | 5:30 PM
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2 Get Shift Done: Coaches Accountability Call Series
3 MasterClass by Master Coaches with Camilla Cesari, MCC
3 MasterClass by Master Coaches with Donnell Green, MCC
9 Emerging Leaders Sessions
12 Outreach Committee Monthly Call
15 Coaching in Education - Working Session
16 Get Shift Done: Coaches Accountability Call Series
18 ICFSFL Coffee & Connections (Virtual!)
19 The ICF South Florida Barter Coaching PRACTICE Lab
19 Coach-A-Latte In-Person!
29 Coaching in Education - Working Session
| Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors
| Advertising and Partnership Opportunities
Want to share your story? Become a partner and share your unique program or service in all ICF South Florida's media outlets, including, email, Facebook, and Instagram. | Jobs Opportunities
Members – we now have a page on our website with jobs/work opportunities for you. When you log in to our website, you can find the link with posted opportunities.
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