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Rest and Rejuvenate: A Message from ICF Thought Leadership Institute

Leading by example, the ICF Thought Leadership Institute team is embracing rest as a foundation for renewal. In her article, Alicia Hullinger, Executive Director/VP of ICF Thought Leadership Institute, emphasizes the value of pausing to rejuvenate fully and invites professional coaches, who serve others, to join in this restorative practice.

As the year comes to a close, we at the ICF Thought Leadership Institute invite you to join us in embracing a season of rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. Over the past year, we have navigated an evolving coaching landscape, explored transformative ideas, and worked together to shape a brighter future for the profession. But in all this progress, we are aware of one thing: transformation requires intentional pauses. So, as we head into the final weeks of this year, we will be stepping back for a well-deserved break—and we encourage you to do the same.

We all know the demands of the coaching profession. As you guide, support, and uplift others, the demands on your energy, time, and attention often increase. The very nature of this work can be fulfilling, yet it may also leave your well-being on the back burner. The end of year, however, offers an opportunity to restore balance, reconnect with what recharges you, and set intentions for the year to come. After all, caring for yourself is not only foundational for your well-being but also impacts the quality of support you provide to others.

As you pause to recharge, we encourage you to embrace self-care practices that restore and rejuvenate, recognizing that a well-rested coach is better equipped to support others. To support your journey, we have curated a selection of articles on rest, renewal, and the vital role of self-care in coaching. This curation highlights topics like “Healing the Self, Healing the Earth: The Role of Inner Development in Climate Restoration,” which explores how coaching can empower sustainability leaders to combine personal resilience with pro-environmental action. Other articles cover themes such as preventing caregiver burnout, supporting women in the workplace, and helping clients redefine their relationship with technology. From breathwork to reflective journaling, these resources invite you to prioritize your well-being, cultivating the energy needed to serve others and contribute to flourishing societies and ecosystems.

As we prepare to step into 2025, we are thrilled to share that big changes are on the horizon for the ICF Thought Leadership Institute. Our team has been working to shape a new vision for The Institute, one that reflects our commitment to foresight and innovation. In January, we will relaunch as a dynamic futurist hub dedicated to advancing coaching through cutting-edge insights and future-ready perspectives. This transformation is about creating a go-to resource for forward-thinking ideas that anticipate and respond to the evolving needs of our community.

One of the most exciting additions to our new direction is the Annual Futures Report, slated for release in 2026. This report will provide an in-depth look at key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of coaching, equipping you with the knowledge to anticipate change and adapt with confidence. Also starting in January, you can expect quarterly updates filled with actionable foresight, helping you stay agile in an ever-evolving world. As always, our aim is to deliver insights that are not only visionary but also practical, empowering you to bring futures thinking into your practice and better support your clients.

While we will be quiet over the next two months, we are committed to our mission of inspiring and empowering the global coaching community. Rest assured, we will return in early 2025 with renewed energy and a refreshed perspective, ready to bring you a suite of resources designed to open up new possibilities in coaching. Together, we will continue to build a resilient, compassionate, and innovative future—one that honors the well-being of coaches, clients, and communities alike.

In the meantime, we encourage you to make space for the moments that bring you joy, meaning, and rest. Take this time to nurture your well-being, reconnect with what inspires you, and set the foundation for a new year filled with purpose and possibility. Remember, the work you do is important, but so is the well-being you bring to it. And when we gather again in January, we look forward to a year of exploration, growth, and transformation. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and resilience. May this season of rest rejuvenate you in all the ways you need most, and may 2025 bring new insights and exciting opportunities for us all. Until then, take care of yourself and know that we are cheering you on as you recharge, reflect, and ready yourself for a bright new chapter in coaching!

Alicia Hullinger, Ph.D.
Executive Director/VP, ICF Thought Leadership Institute
November 25, 2024

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