John Sweetnam, Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching, 2009

I was 65 when I started the Executive Coaching program at Royal Roads University – probably the oldest person in our class – although there were 3 students in their 60s. At the time I was managing four operating companies and had previously spent about 2500 hours doing life and business coaching; at first as a ‘hobby’ to support  entrepreneurs,  especially  the second  generation members of our family business who were looking to move into increasing leadership and ownership positions. Even with all the hours I had accumulated in coaching, I learned some really valuable new methodology in this program that changed my coaching commitment and presence significantly.

The program gave me so many new ideas; from instructors, classmates and especially my small team of five. This community of colleagues was so valuable – in fact, we still meet monthly on the phone and connect with each other to continue our learning as we travel across Canada. I now have my Professional Certified Coach credential with the International Coaching Federation and am being mentored for the Master Certified Coach level.

My partner and I think so highly of the Royal Roads experience that we are co-sponsoring one of our coach team who, like me, has coached for a number of years and now wants to get the quickest route to the ICF Coaching certification process.  As a business professional entering my 42nd year in business, I can say with confidence the investment in this program is worth every penny.

John Sweetnam, PCC
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