LeaderBridge is partnering with Access Coaching Collective again this fall to connect 10 nonprofit leaders to equity-centered leadership coaching. The leaders include three LeaderBridge alums and two Crimsonbridge community partner leaders.
After the first year of coaching in the fall of 2023, each of the eight leaders reported that the program was very effective in helping them achieve their goals, and would recommend this program to their peers.
One leader shared:
“This experience was beyond my expectation. There are a lot of transitions taking place in the organization. It was great being able to discuss the challenges, concerns, and the need to gain clarity. It was also very helpful to get coached on a couple of situations in how I led certain conversations with my team to address issues and get to solutions/clarity.”
We have consistently heard from LeaderBridge alumni that coaching is a highly desired resource to support their continued growth and development as leaders. Coaching can provide individualized, tailored support for leaders in a way that other professional development opportunities cannot. However, there are barriers to accessing coaching, including the time needed to research and identify a qualified coach who is a good match for the leader’s goals and personality. For some leaders, approaching their board about devoting organizational resources to leadership development can be an intimidating barrier to participation.
Another leader reflected on their experience:
“Coaching helped me articulate what I do in an effective way. I've had trouble developing the language to talk about what I do daily. But more than that, I've often felt uncomfortable about claiming certain attributes. This process allowed me to reflect on how others see me and to work on making my ‘confidence match the competence.”
Access Coaching Collective recruits and vets a diverse roster of coaches, and coaching participants can choose a coach that resonates with their interests and growth areas. Leaders participate in six virtual coaching sessions over four months.