Diploma alumni reflect on training as a coach with Catalyst 14

We are often asked about what our past participants think of our programmes — what they got from the training, why they chose Catalyst 14 and what sort of time commitment was involved.

So, late last year, I spent some time interviewing a selection of our recent Coaching Diploma graduates about their experiences of the programme — and I’m pleased to say that you can read these on the new ‘alumni interviews’ section of our website.

In this post, however, I’m going to highlight some common themes that came out of the interviews.

Common themes

There were some common themes that emerged when I asked past participants to share top tips for people considering coach training, and to explain why they came to it. Many were motivated by a desire to drive change — both in their organisations and personally.

In looking at content and delivery, theoretical knowledge alone was not seen as sufficient — real-world practice and experiential learning were valued more. Getting formally accredited (e.g., via EMCC Global) was repeatedly mentioned as crucial.

Interviewees advised thoroughly researching training programs to find the right fit, including evaluating the depth of content, teaching style, trainer experience and class size:

“So you have small groups, small classes of  15 or 16 people. So you really do get that tutor time. The tutors know you. You know your group, you get to deepen those relationships.”

Impact of the programme

Our alumni also talked about how the Diploma programme had impacted them. Common themes emerging were:

• Increased confidence and self belief; stronger sense of self assurance as a coach; validation of personal instincts and unique strengths
• Broader and more refined coaching toolkit; mastery of nuanced skills (e.g. holding space, knowing when to challenge); better ability to foster independent thinking in clients
• Lifelong learning and resources; ongoing access to materials
• Expanded coaching network; built valuable connections with skilled coaches
• Shift in self perception and purpose; deep personal development as both coach and individual
• Having a clearer, more sophisticated coaching framework; Commitment to professional standards: supervision, CPD, self-reflection
• Confidence to coach authentically in their own voice; overcoming comparison and self-doubt

“I felt a shift over time in myself; the self assuredness to be able to establish a coaching practice in my own authentic way.”

Investment of time

Lots of people ask us what investment of their time is needed for the Diploma programme, so this was a natural question to ask recent participants.

One put an exact time on it – around 3-4 hours preparation and reflection for each workshop, although this response was varied amongst other respondents (many mentioned a1-hour range).

Others mentioned that consistent effort was required over time, especially amidst busy professional and personal schedules. A key time investment was in building a habit of reflection — before, during, and after coaching sessions, and the time taken was seen not just as work, but as a meaningful and personal learning journey.

The portfolio itself was seen a major time commitment, especially the organising, editing, and checking of materials, with the whole experience demanding self-discipline and accountability. Knowing that help was available made the process less daunting and more manageable.

“I’d say to people considering it – don’t go into this unless you are prepared to commit. Doing the reflective forms as I went along made a big difference.”

It was a real pleasure to talk to recent participants and hear how much value they got from attending the programme. I finish this blog with the words of Mark Olivier, who had this to say about his experience:

“It’s made me a better person. I know it may sound a bit corny, but it’s actually made me a better person, a better partner, a better professional, able to see an A-ha moment, as we say, of clarity, of someone breaking away from being stuck or troubled by something — for me that’s so rewarding. And I think, on another level, it’s the human connections we make, the trust, the bond we have.

I think we have lasting impressions with individuals that we work with, but it’s quite true that being a coach has transformed my own well-being. My ability to manage and process stress resiliency, deal with obstacles. All of these things through the coaching programme have provided me with the motivation, the energy, the desire to help myself and others in different ways. So I’ve seen this great change in myself and those that I partner with. And I know that that many coaching programmes use this word, but it truly is transformative on so many levels.”