In this heartfelt final episode of 2024, we pay tribute to Thomas J. Leonard, often called the "Father of Coaching." Thomas was a pioneer in the field of life coaching and made significant contributions that shaped the profession as we know it today. He founded Coach U in 1992, one of the world's first coach training schools, and was instrumental in establishing the International Coach Federation (ICF), which has become the global standard for coaching credentials.
This year, we launched the special series Coaching with Mastery and Elegance with Tijen Genco, exploring the essence of mastery with masterful coaches worldwide. We began the journey with a discussion on mastery with Marion Franklin, a highly influential mentor during my coach training. To close the year, I reunite with Marion to reflect on Thomas Leonard's profound influence on her approach to coaching.
Join us for this very special episode as I speak with Marion Franklin, founder of the Laser-Focused Coaching program. Marion shares her fond memories of Thomas, reflects on his lasting influence on the coaching profession, and discusses how his approach to coaching and teaching has impacted her and her work. She also highlights the success of his original group, which included notable names such as Jay Perry, Cheryl Richardson, and Laura Berman Fortgang.
Tune in to discover more about Thomas's legacy, his emphasis on continuous growth, self-care, and the importance of relationships in coaching. This episode celebrates his dedication to helping others unlock their true potential.
You can also read Marion's two tribute posts in the show notes after his passing and find links to additional helpful resources, as well as our initial episode aired in January 2024.
Join us to honor and celebrate the life and contributions of a true pioneer in coaching.

Resources

Thomas Leonard, Lineages of Mentors and Mastery Episode

Marion's Posts About Thomas Leonard⁠