Decolonising Coaching

This week I am sharing some insights from the recent Black Voices in Coaching Research Conference. It was an incredible gathering of minds, hearts, and spirits, all dedicated to reshaping the coaching landscape.

But before I share, I wanted to ask you a few questions:

Who are the coaches in our organisation? What are their backgrounds, lived experiences, and cultural perspectives? Does our coaching pool reflect the diversity of your workforce? If not, what systemic barriers might be preventing you from attracting and retaining diverse coaches?

Whose voices are we missing? When you offer coaching to your employees, are you ensuring that they have access to coaches who understand their unique challenges and aspirations? How might you expand your coaching network to include voices from underrepresented groups?

Are you perpetuating Western-centric coaching models? Do your coaching frameworks and tools reflect diverse cultural values and perspectives? How might you incorporate Indigenous knowledge, practices, and wisdom into your coaching approach?

One of the key takeaways for me from the Black Voices in Coach Conference was the urgent need to decolonise coaching. For too long, coaching has been dominated by Western perspectives, often overlooking the rich wisdom found in ancestral and indigenous knowledge from around the world. This narrow approach has left many clients feeling unheard and their unique experiences unaddressed.

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During the conference, I hosted a panel discussion where we had the privilege of hearing from Dr Jummy Okoya PhD, FRSA, FCMI, SFHEA, MCIPD, ICF (PCC) , an academic and HR professional, who emphasised the importance of Ubuntu, a Nguni Bantu term meaning "humanity towards others." It emphasises the interconnectedness of all people and the importance of community.

Ubuntu reminds us that we are not isolated individuals but part of a larger whole.

By embracing this philosophy, we can create a more inclusive and supportive coaching environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

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Another powerful theme that emerged was the importance of recognising and honouring the diverse identities of our clients. We must move beyond simplistic labels and acknowledge the complex intersectionality of race, class, gender, and other social identities. Bryan Bonaparte , a senior lecturer on psychology, reminded us of the importance of language and how it can be weaponised.

He encouraged coaches to be mindful of the language they use and to ensure that it reflects the diverse perspectives of their clients.

The conference also highlighted the need for greater diversity in the coaching profession itself. We need more coaches from marginalised communities, and coaches who are willing to challenge the status quo and advocate for systemic change. By diversifying the coaching landscape, we can ensure that all clients have access to coaches who understand their lived experiences and can provide culturally relevant support.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the conference was the emphasis on collective healing. We explored how coaching can be a powerful tool for addressing the generational trauma that many communities carry. Martha Cuffy , an executive coach, led us through a powerful exercise that connected us to our ancestors and reminded us of the collective wisdom that we carry within us.

Dr. Mohammed Amirhosseini , a senior lecturer in computer science, shared his insights on how AI can be a valuable tool in decolonising coaching. He emphasised the importance of using AI to enhance cultural sensitivity, personalise the coaching experience, and facilitate access to coaching for underserved communities.

Finally, Tsietsi Telite , Coach and ICF South Africa President, reminded us that decolonising coaching is not just a theoretical concept but a practical reality that requires us to challenge existing power structures and create our own spaces for dialogue and growth.

?As Leaders and Coaches, we have a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of staff and clients. By decolonising our practice, embracing diversity, and fostering collective healing, we can create a more equitable and empowering coaching experience for all.

I encourage you to reflect on your own coaching pool or coaching practice and consider how you can integrate these principles into your work. Let's work together to break down barriers, challenge assumptions, and create a coaching landscape that truly reflects the richness and diversity of our world.

A huge thank you to all of the speakers and organisers of the conference, it was groundbreaking

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