Frequently Asked Questions
What type of coach training is this?
Students will learn the ICF non-directive model of coaching (not consulting/mentoring) to allow clients a safe space to process client’s thoughts and concerns, co-create goals, and keep them accountable. The curriculum primarily focuses on leadership executive coaching, life coaching, and interpersonal team dynamics.
How long is the program?
The Royal Telos Startup Coach Certification Program is approximately a 4-month program, consisting of 36 hours of live experiential workshops supplemented with individual learning. After the the 36 virtual experiential workshops, the virtual self-study component continues until the end of the 2 months. There are a total of 70 hours of study, made up of 36 live hours and 34 hours of self-study. This program is ICF-aligned for 70 hours of coach- specific training.
How much time do I need to block off on my schedule for the live components of the program? Are there any specific dates?
During Phase I of the program will be five live workshops covering ICF requirements such as the Core Competencies and Ethical Standards. These are all-day online workshops held on Saturdays.
During Phase II, there will be 2 Group Mentor Coaching sessions. Options for these dates will be communicated prior to the start of Phase I so that students have ample time to make scheduling arrangements.
There will also be optional Business Development Workshops. Options for these dates will also be communicated at the start of the program.
Do my coaching clients have to be in the startup space?
Absolutely not! Some of our materials focus on founder-specific challenges, but over 80% of the program focus on ICF-aligned best coaching practices.
Upon completion of the program, does that mean we are ICF-certified? Or will we need to complete the remaining 75 hours of coach practice on our own outside of the program?
The StartUp Coach Program fulfills the training requirements of ICF. Out of the required 100 hours of coach practice, we are happy to offer the first 25 hours within the program. Majority of coaching programs do not offer coach practice at this scale. The remaining 75 hours of practice needs to be completed on your own outside of the program. Once this is complete, you can fill out your ICF certification application and take the Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA). Then the ICF will update you if you have passed.
What if I’ve already fulfilled some credits towards ICF certification? Can I only take a portion of your program?
To ensure a consistent experience for our cohort members, we generally would like all participants to go through the program from beginning to end. However, in certain rare cases, we can adjust some components to better your experience, however it is not advised to do so. Adjustments will not affect program pricing. Contact us so we can help you determine what is possible based on your situation.
What is the benefit of a coaching program with a cohort model?
Cohort structure is a safe, community-like environment that fosters growth & learning. A previous student coach once praised,“It's such an unexpected value-add that each of the cohort members had so much personal development happen throughout the Startup Coach program, even though the program was meant for training them to help others. Overall, we loved how personal it was, the level of integrity, and the fresh way the information was presented.”
Will I receive any feedback on my coaching?
Yes. You will receive feedback during the live workshops, during your mentor coaching sessions, and written observations on 2 submitted recordings of your practice coaching sessions with clients.
I believe there's a cost to the actual ICF certification if I'm not mistaken. Does the program cost include any of the ICF certification cost?
This program does not include the $300 assessment cost. We only validate that the coach in training has taken an ICF approved program with us.
Who will we be coaching during the practice hours?
Founders, C-suite executives, leaders, and communities in need of impact development.
What if I'm not sure if I want to be an executive coach? From an objective lens, would participating in this program be the best way to see if I like it, or is it for people who are at least 90% sure they want to be an executive coach?
The decision is really up to you. But what’s great about this is that you can always have credit for the instructional hours completed in the workshop if you choose to get ICF certified later. You also will learn many valuable skills that can cross over to many personal and professional environments.
To clarify - is the whole goal of this program to create ICF-certified coaches AND help them build their business?
Yes and no. Our robust program primarily focuses on rigorous training and certifying coaches. We do introduce coaches to the business aspects only after the workshop training component. Our program includes 5 hours of business development training. This will include templates for coaching relationship contracts, practices for establishing credibility, guidance on creating webinars and more. Some of the business topics include:
Drafting business plans
Operational Documents
Social Media Strategy
Marketing
Resource Mapping
Partner Development
Agreement / Contract Drafting
What type of participants fit into this program?
We ask that all participants be at least 18+ years or older, and have had some experience in leadership roles.