THE BUSINESS OF COACHING
ICF Level 1 — ACC Pathway
Unlocking Potential. Elevating Performance.
The Business of Coaching is an ICF Level 1 coach education program providing a pathway to the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential. It is designed to build the thinking, skills and capability required to coach effectively, while developing the professional and commercial capability to build and grow a coaching practice.
Grounded in human psychology, positive psychology and behavioural science, the program combines coaching theory, practical application, feedback, reflection and mentor coaching. Learning is aligned with the ICF Core Competencies and Code of Ethics, providing participants with the knowledge, skills and professional standards required to coach ethically and effectively.
Whether you are looking to strengthen your leadership through a coaching approach or are ready to build a career as a professional coach, the program provides the education, practical experience and support to help you achieve your goals.
WHO IS THE PROGRAM FOR
The program is designed for:
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Business leaders and executives seeking to strengthen their leadership.
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Professionals wanting to develop coaching capability.
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Coaches seeking an ICF credential.
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Individuals transitioning into coaching.
PROGRAM CONTENT
The program builds coaching capability through seven core areas:
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Coaching Foundations
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Human Psychology
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Coaching Mindset
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Coaching Structures
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Behaviour Change
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Ethical Practice
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The Business of Coaching
Together, these areas develop the theoretical understanding, practical capability and professional standards required to coach ethically and effectively.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The program combines self-directed learning, live workshops, coaching practice, mentor coaching and reflective development.
Pre-program Learning
Participants complete learning activities before each program block, introducing the key concepts and frameworks that form the foundation of the live workshops.
Live Workshops
The core program is delivered through two interactive learning blocks. Participants engage in facilitated discussions, coaching demonstrations, practical coaching exercises, peer learning, observation, mentor coaching and feedback.
Practice and Development
Learning continues beyond the workshops through co-coaching circles, reflective practice, ethical scenarios and mentor coaching. Coaching is observed throughout the program, with developmental feedback and competency review forming part of a cumulative mentoring process.
Each cohort is supported through a dedicated WhatsApp group, providing a simple way to connect, collaborate and share learning throughout the program. The group remains active following completion, supporting continued peer connection and professional development.
Graduates are invited to join the Focus Community, providing access to professional development events, industry discussions, learning opportunities and a broader network of coaching professionals.
WHY TOTAL FOCUS
At Total Focus Institute, we believe coaching capability is built through learning, practice, reflection, mentoring and feedback.
Participants benefit from:
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Experienced faculty with extensive coaching, mentoring, facilitation and business expertise.
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Small cohorts that support participation, coaching practice, mentoring and individual feedback.
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An evidence-based approach grounded in human psychology, positive psychology, behavioural science and ethical practice.
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Individual and group mentor coaching throughout the program.
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Observed coaching, developmental feedback and cumulative competency review aligned with the ICF Mentor Coaching Competencies and Mentor Coach Specialization standards.
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Ongoing connection and professional development through the Focus Community.
Our goal is to build the capability, insight and presence participants need to coach ethically, effectively and with professional confidence.
