July 2025 FLA Newsletter
📰 The Courageous Coach Chronicle
Your Monthly Guide to Coaching Education
July 2025 Edition
Here is your July 2025 edition of the Courageous Coach Chronicle, continuing in the same heartfelt, professional style as the June edition—with fresh ICF updates, community celebration, and an exciting new Flatter initiative:
Delivering lessons, tools, and updates to inspire growth in yourself, those you lead, and those you coach.
🎓 J.R.’s Corner
Every Great Coach is an Explorer
Someone just asked me yesterday – “What does it take to be an amazing coach?” My response without hesitation was “a genuine interest in the growth of EVERY leader they coach,”
This genuine interest will require the courage and boldness of a pioneer. You will venture into uncharted territories, navigate uncertainty with empathy, and help others discover their best selves.
And in a world where leadership requires not only knowledge, but adaptability, the best guides are the ones still learning, still curious, and still willing to explore.
This month, I’m stepping into new terrain myself: I’ve joined Flatter Inc.’s AÇAI- AI Champions to Accelerate Innovation, a cross-sector cohort committed to shaping responsible and strategic applications of AI in leadership and learning. We’re exploring how tools like generative AI can support—not replace—the uniquely human art of coaching.
If you’ve ever wondered how cutting-edge technology meets coaching integrity, stay tuned. There’s good, bold work ahead.
Coach with Courage.
J.R.
🌟 Coach Spotlight: Andrew Peloquin, ACC
Please join us in celebrating Andrew Peloquin, who recently earned his ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential! Andrew’s thoughtful presence and relentless commitment to growth have made him a standout in our coaching community—and now, an ICF-certified professional.
Congratulations, Andrew. You’ve built this success with intention, and your courage to keep learning inspires us all.
🧠 ICF Updates: Exam Policy Refresh
The ICF has released a refreshed FAQ and preparation guide for both ACC and PCC/MCC exam-takers. If you’re planning to test in the next few months, note:
- Exam logistics remain unchanged, with both in-person and remote options via Pearson VUE.
- Ethics and Power Dynamics continue to be the most challenging areas—don’t neglect those review sessions.
- AI simulations, like the ones used in FLA’s training program, are proving invaluable for scenario prep.
📘 New Resource: The ICF now recommends dedicating 12–15 hours of structured exam prep, including group study and simulation practice. View the official guide »
Need help creating a prep plan? Our team is here—reach out at FLA@FlatterInc.com.
🚀 Flatter Launches AÇAI AI Accelerator
Dr. J.R. Flatter has joined the Flatter AÇAI AI Accelerator—AI Champions for Accelerating Innovation, a forward-focused initiative bringing together federal contractors, technologists, and human development leaders to explore AI’s role in workforce transformation.
This work isn’t theoretical—it’s practical. From coaching simulations to AI-enhanced learning paths, we’re helping shape the future of human-centric, AI-informed leadership development.
More to come in future newsletters as this work unfolds!
🛠️ This Month’s L.T.C. (Lesson, Tool, Case Study)
There Are No Absolutes in Coaching
In coaching, the only constant is context.
What empowers one Leader might overwhelm another. A strategy that unlocks discovery today may fall flat tomorrow. This fluidity isn’t a shortcoming; rather it’s a freedom.
Coaches don’t operate with formulas like physicists. We operate with curiosity. The ICF calls this “embodying a coaching mindset,” one that is open, curious, flexible, and client-centered. True coaching meets each person exactly where they are and trusts them to co-create their way forward.
There are no universal templates, only timeless themes. Our courage guides us. We ask, we listen, and we adapt.
When we let go of the need for absolutes, we make room for growth, authenticity, and sustainable change.
🗓️ Upcoming FLA Events
📅 July 14 2025
FLA Brown Bag Lunch
Noon – 1:30 pm (Eastern USA time)
No registration necessary, just hit the link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1604130114?from=addon
To continue our dialogue about anything and everything coaching.
📅 July 21–24, 2025
Coaching Culture Advantage Seminar (Eastern U.S. Time)
Ready to deepen your organizational coaching skills? Join us live or invite your team.
To register or inquire about tailored offerings for your agency or company, email FLA@FlatterInc.com.
☕ Coaches & Coffee
As the sun shines brighter and the days stretch longer, our beloved Coaches & Coffee Meetings are taking a well-deserved summer break! These cozy conversations have been a highlight of our community rhythm—where ideas percolate, stories are shared, and inspiration is always on tap.
Mark your calendars! Coach’s Coffee returns in September, ready to stir up fresh ideas and reconnect over warm cups and warm conversations.
Until then, enjoy your summer adventures, stay curious, and don’t forget to savor the little moments—just like that perfect first sip.
☀️ See you in September!
💬 Final Thought: Exploration Over Perfection
Whether you’re preparing for your credential, mentoring a peer, or figuring out where you belong in this profession—remember:
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be in motion.
Learning. Asking. Reflecting. Adjusting.
We’re honored to be with you on the path.
💙 With appreciation,
The FLA Team
