Welcome Message From Our President, Valeska Martins |
| Dear ICF South Florida Community, |
March arrives as a quiet invitation: not to do more, but to be more. As the world stirs with new life, I find myself reflecting on a question that feels both urgent and personal: as coaches who champion growth, resilience, and human flourishing, how well are we caring for ourselves?
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We live in a moment when the very concept of work-life balance is being publicly debated, questioned, redefined, and at times dismissed by powerful voices in business. And yet, here we stand: professionals who fundamentally believe in the wholeness of the human being, in the power of sustainable energy, in the wisdom of rest and renewal. So, I ask with genuine curiosity and compassion: do we walk the talk?
This is not a question of judgment; it is an invitation to honest reflection. We cannot pour from an empty vessel. We cannot model what we do not practice. If we advocate for our clients’ wellbeing, for their mental clarity, physical vitality, spiritual grounding, and meaningful social connection, then our own lives must become our first and most authentic case study. |
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At ICFSFL, we hold a deep belief: a healthy practice is built on a healthy life. Not a perfect life, a healthy one. Nurtured through small, intentional actions taken consistently, with self-compassion and purpose. A morning walk. A boundary honored. A conversation that restores rather than depletes. A moment of stillness before the next client call. These are not luxuries; they are professional responsibilities.
We honor Core Competency 2.07- “Maintains emotional, physical, and mental well-being in preparation or, throughout, and following each session”. That is why wellbeing is woven into the fabric of everything we create for you. From our social gatherings that nourish in-person connection, to our Barter Coaching Practice sessions that remind us to receive as well as give, to our educational and pro bono offering, every initiative carries this intention: that you thrive, not just professionally, but as a whole person. |
This month, we invite you into that conversation. How are you caring for your mental, physical, spiritual, and social health? Progress does not demand dramatic transformation, it asks only for one honest step, and then another.
We are committed to walking alongside you creating spaces and connections that support not only your professional excellence, but your personal flourishing. Because when our coaches are well, our clients are better served, our communities are stronger, and the coaching profession rises to its fullest potential. |
| Here’s to a March of tender self-leadership, meaningful connection, and the quiet courage it takes to put ourselves on our own agenda. One small, beautiful step at a time. |
Warmly,
Valeska Martins
President, ICF South Florida Chapter |
| Meet our Committee of the Month |
| The Wellbeing Committee is the Chapter’s operational arm for wellbeing, translating wellbeing into practical experiences, tools, and learning that coaches can apply immediately with clients and in their own lives. Our focus is to strengthen connection, energy, and sustainable performance across ICFSFL through community-based programming and evidence-informed wellbeing practices. |
| Wellbeing Committee Team (2026): Katherina Capra (VP Wellbeing), Shakti Radhakishun, Claudia Ramírez, Rosario Kaune, Javier Torres, Malu Duhau, Pablo Augusto Perazzo, Lisa Bell |
| What’s Ahead for the Committee |
2025 (Foundation): Built momentum through consistent wellbeing activations and cross-Chapter collaboration—creating community spaces where coaches could recharge and take practical insights back to their clients.
Now (March): Delivering two key March moments: March 14 Physical Wellbeing activation (community walk + coffee connection in Coral Gables) and a week of March 20 UN International Day of Happiness gathering at Books & Books featuring a conversation on How We Flourish (details to be confirmed).
Next (Early 2026): Strengthening visibility and engagement through our Wellbeing newsletter contribution and targeted promotion to increase participation.
Planning ahead (2026): Running a repeatable operating model—quarterly SPIRE-aligned wellbeing rhythm plus simple measurement (participation + a 60-second pulse) to continuously refine impact.
In the coming weeks, we will drive registrations and strengthen member engagement for our March 14 Physical Wellbeing activation, ensuring a strong, welcoming turnout. We will also confirm logistics and communications for our week of March 20 International Day of Happiness event at Books & Books featuring a conversation on How We Flourish (details forthcoming). |
| Celebration shout-out to the Wellbeing Committee for the consistency and heart you bring to our Chapter—your service makes wellbeing tangible for our members. A special recognition to Shakti Radhakishun, a foundational team member who consistently brings fresh ideas, strong ownership, and end-to-end support that elevates our programming. And a heartfelt thank you to Claudia Ramírez, whose attention to detail and behind-the-scenes coordination keeps our initiatives moving smoothly—she is the operational backbone that makes execution reliable and polished. |
| A light or human touch (e.g., why they enjoy volunteering, coaching passion). |
| Celebrating Our Wellbeing Member | |
Meet our Dedicated Wellbeing Committee Member
Shakti Radhakishun
Wellbeing Committee Team Member & Strategic Support Lead
Shakti has been with the Wellbeing Department since its inception (foundational member).
She consistently supports the Wellbeing Committee Team Member through strong ideas, practical action planning, and dependable execution. Her commitment and service mindset elevate our programming and strengthen our community. | | |
The Business Show Miami 2026
What if your next client, partner, or growth opportunity is one conversation away?
ICF South Florida invites you to join us at The Business Show Miami 2026, where business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators come together to learn, connect, and scale.
Date: April 29–30, 2026
Location: Miami Beach Convention Center
By registering through ICF South Florida, you gain access to a powerful environment designed to support business growth, visibility, and meaningful connections.
What You’ll Gain by Participating:
- Expand your professional network with high-level business decision-makers
- Increase your visibility within the business and coaching ecosystem
- Discover tools, strategies, and trends driving business success
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| ICF South Florida would like to give a warm welcome to our newest members this month! |
Zandile Blackett
Chrisanne Dagit
Tanu Gulati
Lisa Rigoli |
| Happiness
We have learned from various scholars in the Science of Happiness that happiness permeates all areas of life. It is not the absence of difficulties nor the constant accumulation of pleasant experiences. Life also includes uncomfortable, painful, or frustrating moments, and this is a natural part of the process. Happiness is an inherent and subjective human capacity; it belongs to us from birth. What truly matters is understanding that, in this natural cycle of ups and downs, we all possess inner resources that help us cushion life’s blows, recover more quickly, and reduce suffering.
One of these scholars, Tal Ben-Shahar, defines happiness as the balance between pleasure and meaning, achieved when we live in alignment with our values and goals. From this perspective, he proposes an integral model of well-being (SPIRE) composed of five interrelated dimensions: spiritual well-being (living with purpose and presence), physical well-being (caring for the body and nurturing the mind–body connection through nutrition, rest, and movement), intellectual well-being (engaging in meaningful learning and opening ourselves to curiosity and transformative experiences), relational well-being (cultivating authentic relationships with oneself and others, considered the strongest predictor of happiness), and emotional well-being (allowing the full range of emotions while developing resilience and optimism).
| | SPIRE is a framework that, through practice, helps us reduce unpleasant emotions and increase pleasant ones. It works more like a compass than a fixed route. Because each of us has a different personality, we may naturally be stronger in some dimensions than in others, and that is completely okay, as long as we do not neglect any of them. When we intentionally care for all five dimensions, we are more likely to experience greater well-being.
Throughout 2026, this newsletter will explore each of these dimensions, inviting you to reflect on your own sources of balance and to discover how cultivating all five can support a more integrated and fulfilling sense of well-being.
Claudia Ramírez
Javier Torres
ICFSF – Wellbeing Team
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International Coaching Week 2026 is just around the corner ( May 11–17), and we at ICF South Florida are already gearing up for one of our favorite initiatives of the year — the Coast-to-Coast program! This is a beautiful opportunity to give back to our community by offering three pro bono coaching sessions to individuals who can truly experience and benefit from the power of coaching. Last year, over 12 of our coaches collectively logged 36+ hours of coaching through this initiative, and we're hoping to make 2026 even more impactful.
This year, we're being more intentional about connecting coaches with committed coachees — leaning on referrals and partnerships with organizations like United Way Miami to get more individuals genuinely ready to engage in the full three-session experience. This means your time and energy might go even further. The Coast-to-Coast program runs from April 1st through May 17th, giving you a wonderful window to make a real difference in someone's life.
We're currently in the first phase: recruiting our volunteer coaches! If you'd love to be part of this and share your coaching gift with someone who needs it, we'd love to have you on board. The deadline to sign up is March 15th, so don't wait too long — simply fill out the form using the link below and you're in. In parallel to building our coach roster, we'll initiate the client recruitment through social media and partner organizations, and we'll also be calling on our whole community to help spread the word, so stay tuned for that!
CLICK THIS LINK TO VOLUNTEER
Please remember that in order to volunteer for this (or any ICFSFL Outreach initiative), you need to be a current chapter member. If you're not sure about your membership status, just reach out — we're happy to help! You can contact us at outreach@icfsouthflorida.org or our Membership team, led by Dorothy Richardson, at membership@icfsouthflorida.org. And if you're not yet a member, this might just be yet another great reason to join (on top of many other benefits of being part of our chapter)! 😊
Thank you so much for being part of this community and for the passion you bring to coaching every day. We can't wait to see the ripple effect your generosity will create this ICW season!
With gratitude, the OUTREACH ICW 2026 Team | Book Corner by Bari Schanerman |
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Tiny Experiments – How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World
Anne-Laure Le Cunff
The story of the messages the author heard from her parents about the importance of education were mixed, and the linear path she was on was not working. The framework that is shared in the book of making pacts with yourself to experiment and try new things by setting up “an actionable commitment you will fulfill for a set period of time” is a way to learn as well as try new things.
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Tracking the consistency of taking the action, over the period of time you designate, will provide information to make decisions. Using curiosity and patience to try new or different things is a way to discover preferences and so many other possibilities. What if you discovered a new passion that allows you to do what you love and achieve success?
The author goes from an amazing career at Google, to Founding a Tech start-up to losing the support of the accelerator and needing to shut down the company, the story continues on to finding a new way to success and the Founding of Ness Labs.
This book is a great opportunity to take a pause from all the noise and get curious as to what is really needed to achieve your own definition of success, define the metrics that are important to you and discover what really matters to you. Have fun experimenting if this idea resonates with you.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts about this book and would love any recommendations that you have on books that have made an impact in your leadership or business. Bari@yourmeetingplace.com |
| Trust, Transformation and Technology: Coaching in the Financial and Professional Services Sectors
From banks supporting customers to insurance companies providing protection, the financial and professional sectors reach across the global economy. As these industries navigate upheaval, meet new risks, and adapt to new technologies to protect and meet the needs of consumers, they must maintain trust while transforming the industry. Read more . . . | | | | 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!
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ICF South Florida Coffee & Connections
Join us on March 3 | 8:30–9:30 AM (Zoom) for a warm and energizing hour of connection.
Bring your favorite coffee or tea and engage in authentic conversations, shared insights, and meaningful networking with fellow coaches. These informal meet-and-greet sessions are designed to spark collaboration, strengthen relationships, and deepen your sense of belonging within the ICF South Florida community.
It’s the heart of what makes ICF South Florida so special—genuine connection.
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ICF South Florida New Member Orientation
If you’re a new member—or ready to become more engaged in our vibrant coaching community—join us for our New Members’ Orientation on March 11 at 12:00 PM (virtual).
This welcoming and interactive session will help you connect with fellow coaches, explore member benefits and resources, discover ways to get involved, meet chapter leaders, and begin building meaningful professional relationships right away. Whether you are newly credentialed, transitioning into coaching, or expanding your network, this orientation will set you up for greater connection and success within the chapter.
Come curious. Leave connected.
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ICFSFL WE Power Coaching Program: Nonverbal Strategies for Building Trust in Communication
In this practical and insight-driven session, Tetyana Didenko explores how trust is built—or broken—within seconds through nonverbal communication. Learn how posture, eye contact, gestures, and tone shape credibility and rapport from the very first interaction.
Participants will gain actionable tools to strengthen first impressions, align body language with their message, and recognize common trust-breaking signals and red flags. Through video analysis and interactive practice, you’ll leave with skills you can immediately apply in leadership, business, and everyday conversations.
Free registration.
No CCEUs provided.
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Walk to Wellbeing
Pause • Pace • Purpose
Wellbeing is something we cultivate—together.
Join ICF South Florida for a guided Walk to Wellbeing, a restorative morning designed to recharge you physically, mentally, and emotionally while connecting with fellow coaches in a relaxed, natural setting.
🗓 Saturday, March 14, 2026
⏰ 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Coral Gables Golf & Country Club
Meeting Point: Le Parc-Bonjour Café, 990 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables, FL 33134
The morning includes a brief grounding practice, a 2–3 mile mindful walk at your own pace, reflective group conversation, and optional coffee to close.
ICFSFL members only. Registration required. Limited spots available.
Suggested registration deadline: March 11, 2026.
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We are excited to invite all ICF Credential holders to apply for speaking opportunities during International Coaching Week (ICW) in May 2026 (May 11-15), hosted by the ICF South Florida Chapter. This is a wonderful chance to contribute to our virtual ICW program and share your knowledge with a vibrant community of professional coaches.
If you have written a book, possess a proven tool, methodology, or practical framework that can enhance and elevate your fellow practitioners, we warmly encourage you to submit your proposal. We look forward to learning about your approach and the value you can offer—please complete the application form below to be considered.
Warm regards,
Claudia Flores Loucel
VP - Programming |
A Fun and Memorable Kick-Off at Books & Books!
Our in-person kick-off event, Happy Hour: Connect & Kick Off the Year, at Books & Books in Coral Gables was a huge success—and so much fun! Attendees laughed, connected, and fully enjoyed the vibrant energy of the gathering while engaging with fellow coaches. It was a joyful start to our year, filled with conversation, inspiration, and meaningful connections that left everyone smiling.
We look forward to meeting more of you, ICF South Florida Community! | |
MasterClass by Master Coaches
with Connie Kadansky, MCC
Is This a Real Opportunity -- or Just a Conversation?
📅 Wednesday, March 4 | 8:30 AM
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MasterClass by Master Coaches
with Fernando Celis, MCC
MCC Coaching Demo
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 • 5:30 PM
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The ICF South Florida Barter Coaching PRACTICE Lab
Be part of our 3rd Friday Barter Coaching sessions with Fernando Celis, MCC — where practice, learning, and new perspectives on competency development come together.
📅 Friday, March 20 | 8:30 AM
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3 ICF South Florida Coffee & Connections
4 MasterClass by Master Coaches with Connie Kadansky, MCC
11 ICF South Florida New Member Orientation
12 ICFSFL WE Power Coaching Program: Nonverbal Strategies for Building Trust in Communication
18 Group Super-Vision Opportunity with MCC Paulette Rao
18 MasterClass by Master Coaches with Fernando Celis, MCC
20 The ICF South Florida Barter Coaching PRACTICE Lab
| Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors
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