Holding Space for Equity: The Transformative Power of Coaching Presence
May 05, 2025The Role of Coaching Mindset in Advocacy
Coaching we are taught is more than a method—it’s a mindset. And when that mindset meets the important work of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), something powerful happens. Coaches who bring presence, curiosity, and non-judgment into DEI spaces become catalysts—not for directives, but for sustainable change.
The coaching mindset is grounded in respect, empathy, and belief in our client’s potential and the transformative power of presence—and it extends beyond the session. To those we do not coach, it means showing up in the world with curiosity instead of judgment, listening to understand rather than to reply, and holding space for possibility, even when there's no formal agreement or agenda. In advocacy work, this means we don’t push for outcomes—we hold space for insight. Coaches working in DEI help individuals and organizations reflect deeply, challenge long-held assumptions, and implement actions that are authentic, not performative.
Coaching supports DEI not by setting the agenda, but by helping people explore theirs:
- What does inclusion feel like in your workplace?
- How do your values show up in decision-making?
- Where might your systems reflect unintended bias?
This kind of inquiry unlocks sustainable shifts in mindset and behavior. It empowers clients to own their evolution rather than adopt someone else’s playbook.
The coaching mindset doesn’t drive the change—it invites it, honors it, and helps it take root.
Why not pause today and consider: Where can I bring more presence and partnership into my DEI conversations?
We welcome your thoughts in our upcoming webinar.
The Role of Advocacy in Coaching
ICF Ethics, Values and DEI in an Uncertain and Polarized World
đź“…May 13th at 2pmET
