In this episode of FARSIGHT Chats, host Farah Bala, founder and CEO of FARSIGHT, discusses the critical aspects of inclusive coaching with three expert leadership coaches: Dr. Towanna Burrous, Carolyn Chan, and Dr. Victor McGuire. They explore foundational principles of leadership, the significance of executive coaching for inclusion, and the importance of proper coaching certifications. The conversation delves into the necessity of diverse representation in coaching, methodologies, and the coach approach versus mentoring. The impact of cultural, behavioral, and personality assessments and the importance of adapting these tools for more diverse contexts is emphasized. The nuanced differences between coaching and other advisory roles, the importance of rigorous coaching training, the challenges and opportunities in integrating AI into coaching, and the critical role of inclusion in fostering innovative and effective leadership are all packed into this conversation. This episode is for aspiring and practicing coaches, as well as those looking to leverage coaching for personal and professional growth.

| KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED |

Coaching Essentials

• Coaching is transformational, forward-looking, and different from mentoring or therapy.
• Certification builds credibility, skill, and trust.
• Leaders benefit from using a coach-like approach to foster accountability and growth.

Coaching for Inclusion

• Inclusion coaching supports diversity, innovation, engagement, and better decision-making.
• Focus on both visible and invisible diversity (e.g., culture, values, thinking styles).
• Leaders often include selectively; inclusion must become consistent and intentional.

Organizational Impact

• Inclusive coaching boosts retention, performance, and leadership pipelines.
• Lack of inclusive leadership leads to lost talent and organizational stagnation.

Assessments in Coaching

• Assessments are useful starting points, not definitive.
• Coaches must interpret through a DEI lens and focus on behavioral tools over personality-based ones.

Coaching Industry Challenges

• The field is still predominantly white and male.
• Programs like Coach Diversity Institute and Coaching for Everyone aim to diversify coaching and increase access.

Certification Tips

Choose programs based on:

• Rigor
• Alignment with DEI goals
• Real-world coaching practice

AI & Coaching

• AI is a tool, not a replacement.
• Use AI for pre/post coaching support while staying mindful of bias and representation.

| SHOW NOTES |

00:00 Introduction to FARSIGHT Chats

02:51 Meet the Expert Coaches

04:20 Understanding the Coach Approach

06:31 The Importance of Certification

11:40 Coaching for Inclusion

27:28 The Role of Assessments in Coaching

33:42 The Role of Authenticity in Coaching

35:54 Challenges in the Coaching Industry

36:54 Addressing Diversity Gaps in Coaching

43:18 Global Perspectives on Coaching

46:49 Choosing the Right Coaching Certification

53:20 The Impact of AI on Coaching

01:01:54 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

| WORKS CITED |

Assessments (Behavioral & Personality)

• MBTI
• StandOut Assessment
• Leadership Assessment
• Influence Style Indicator Assessment
• 360 Assessment Tool

Connect with our guests:

• Towanna Burrous | President & Founder, CoachDiveristy Institute
• Carolyn Chan | Senior Principle, Korn Ferry
• Victor McGuire | Executive Director & Founder, Coaching For Everyone. Founder, Coach-Like Leadership

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