Your Monthly Guide to Coaching Education
November 2025 Edition
Delivering lessons, tools, and updates to inspire growth in yourself, those you lead, and those you coach.
Welcome to the November 2025 edition of the Courageous Coach Chronicle! This month brings you the latest updates from the ICF, a celebration of the vibrant coaching community, and updates on the inspiring initiatives recently launched by Flatter. Whether you’re here to stay informed, feel connected, or be inspired, this edition is packed with meaningful insights and opportunities to grow together.
🎓 J.R.’s Corner
Steady progress, cohort milestones, and what’s next.
Running a Marathon – Literally!
As I write this note, I am preparing myself mentally to run the Marine Corps Marathon. The actual race isn’t until next Sunday the 26th but due to travel preparations, I am running “virtually” starting at “zero-dark thirty” in the morning. The physical preparations are complete; long runs, sprints; eating well, sleeping enough. Now is “Go” time! If I am moving a little slow over the next few days, you now know why.
Our PersonaOPPs strategy is maturing well. I just sat through a meeting that left me impressed and optimistic. Thanks to all who are building and all who will tell its story. We have had several successful test deployments and demonstrations over the past few months with more to come in the coming days. In a nutshell, any challenge that involves conversations – workflows, education, interviews, etc. – PersonOPPs can help. We will be conducting internal information sessions for everyone as the project continues.
Please get out there and enjoy this time of year. I heard a quote this morning regarding the value of “touching earth and feeling sun.” It reminded me how often the most profound forms of grounding are found in the simplest gestures. These moments reconnect us with what matters. Let this season be an invitation to slow down, breathe deeper, and return to the rhythm of nature.
Coach with Courage,
J.R.
🌟 Coach Successes 🌟
🎉 Congratulations to FLA Alum Jody Shouse!
We’re thrilled to celebrate FLA Alum Jody Shouse, who recently earned his Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation (ICF)! This accomplishment reflects not only Jody’s dedication to professional excellence, but also his perseverance, integrity, and passion for helping leaders grow with direction, clarity, and purpose. As a veteran and leadership coach, Jody exemplifies the values of service and continuous learning that define our coaching community. Congratulations, Jody — your journey inspires us all!
📣 ICF Pulse 🔄
👉 ICF Unveils 2025 Core Competency Updates: CF released a refined version of its Core Competency framework, building on the 2019 model with improved clarity, updated sub‑competencies, and a new glossary of terms.
👉 New Minimum Skills Requirements for ACC & MCC AnnouncedOn October 9, 2025 ICF published updated Minimum Skills Requirements for both ACC and MCC credentials to increase clarity and strengthen quality standards for credential-holders.
👉 Credentialing Exams Evolving (Pilot Programs Underway)ICF is piloting a redesigned exam experience for PCC and MCC candidates to more closely align with evolving coaching realities and the new competency framework.
👉 Implications for Practitioners & ProgramsWhile current exams and evaluations are still based on the 2019 model, coaches and coach education programs are encouraged to begin familiarizing themselves with the 2025 updates to stay ahead of the curve.
Need help creating ICF coaching certification prep plan? Our team is here—reach out at FLA@FlatterInc.com.
🎨 AÇAI Live: Drawing the Future with AI 🎨
Earlier this month, Flatter hosted its monthly AÇAI Live event — a dynamic, hands-on lab focused on exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance visual creativity and communication across federal, defense, and mission-driven sectors.
Over two immersive days, participants: 🖌️ Created AI-generated images and illustrations using advanced generative tools 💡 Experimented with prompts and design workflowsto bring concepts to life faster and with precision
🤖 Explored multimodal GPT-5 capabilities, combining text, images, and data into cohesive storytelling assets. 🧭 Discussed ethics and boundaries of visual AI— from authenticity and bias to intellectual property and creative integrity.
The result? A vibrant exploration of how AI can expand human creativity while upholding ethical, people-centered innovation. Participants left inspired and equipped to use AI as a visual collaboratorin design, training, and leadership communication.
💡Spotlight: Winsome Culley (PACAF Senior Development Advisor) – Let’s Grow Together – Reconnect with Your Coaching Community
From the heart of Okinawa and the spirit of PACOM, I’m reaching out with an invitation that’s close to all of ours – coaching, connection, and community.
We’ve launched a Peer-to-Peer Coaching program that’s already thriving, with coaches actively supporting leaders across the region. But something is missing: YOU. Our alumni network is a powerful force, and now is the time to reignite that energy.
Whether you’re looking to earn coaching hours, mentor others, or simply reconnect with fellow coaches who share your passion, this is your moment. We believe that when coaches come together, we don’t just grow—we flourish.
🌐 Join Us Here- https://tockify.com/kadenadevelopment/detail/286/1756407600000
This link connects you directly with our Kadena Coaches and opens the door to meaningful coaching opportunities.
Let’s lift each other up, share our wisdom, and continue the journey we started together. If you’re interested or have questions, I’d love to hear from you personally and help coordinate your involvement.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community. I can’t wait to see how we grow—together.
🛠️ This Month’s L.T.C. (Lesson, Tool, Case Study)
Illuminating the Shadows
Even in the darkest place, a single candle can provide magnificent illumination!
As coaches, we are that illumination.
Darkness isn’t always hiding trauma; it can just as easily be hiding joy.
So, we shed our light with courage to discover whatever may be hidden.
Changing lives; creating discovery; opening new pathways.
What a magnificent opportunity!
🌟 Calling All Volunteers! 🌟
Are you looking for an opportunity to give back, grow your skills, and earn education hours toward your ICF coaching certifications?
We’re looking for volunteers to co-facilitate sessions beginning in January 2026. Each volunteer will contribute 2–3 hours on Thursday’s for 11 weeks, helping to support and guide Leaders as they begin their coaching journey through engaging discussions and activities. Even if you can not support the entire 11 weeks but want to help let us know how many weeks you are able to support.
In return for your time and expertise, you’ll receive education hours that can be applied toward your continuing education or certification requirements.
This is a wonderful way to: ✅ Strengthen your facilitation and coaching skills ✅ Connect with like-minded professionals ✅ Make a meaningful impact in our community
If you’re interested in volunteering or would like to learn more, please reach out to Gary Goss; Gary.Goss@flatterinc.com by 12 December 2025.
Let’s make 2026 a year of growth, service, and connection — together!
🗓️ Upcoming FLA Events 🗓️
📅 Mark Your Calendar: AÇAI Champion Meeting Join us on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 1:00–2:00 PM ESTfor a fast-paced, hands-on session designed for professionals eager to bring AI capabilities into their organizations. Expect practical training, live demos, and real-world insights to help you lead responsible AI integration with confidence and clarity. This month, our session will focus on AI in Meetings—How to Best Leverage AI to Prepare for and Conduct Meetings.
☕ ICF Fredericksburg Chapter: In-Person Coaches & Coffee – October Our monthly Coaches & Coffee gatherings! Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Metro Diner (2068 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401)from 9-11am – These sessions offer space for in-person connection, learning, and shared growth within our coaching community.
🎖️ 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration – Legacy of the Few
Join us on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 1:00–5:00 PM EST at the A&B Creative Events Center (5012 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA) as we honor 250 years of Marine Corps excellence. This free community eventcelebrates the courage, legacy, and continued service of the Few and the Proud.
What to Expect: Inspiring Keynote speaker General (Ret.) John M. Paxton & community tributes, Marine Color Guard presentation, Annual USMC Birthday video & new commemorative tribute, Live DJ, Food & Beverages, and patriotic celebration, A moving table ceremony honoring the fallen. Business casual attire | RSVP required – REVP here: https://www.eventsabcreate.com/event-details/250th-marine-corps-birthday-celebration
🍽️ ICF Fredericksburg Chapter: In-Person Coaches & Coffee– November (Time & Place TBD)
🍁 Final Thought: The Rhythm of Leadership in Autumn
November brings with it a quieter kind of energy – a moment to take stock before the rush of year’s end. The air feels still, the days shorter, and gratitude comes to the forefront as we reflect on what has shaped us this year.
In leadership, gratitude isn’t just appreciation – it’s awareness. It helps us recognize the people, lessons, and challenges that have strengthened our resolve. When we lead with gratitude, we foster trust, connection, and purpose that ripple outward.
This November, may we pause to notice what’s working well, acknowledge those who walk beside us, and give thanks not only for our progress, but for the growth still ahead.
💙 With appreciation,
The Flatter Leadership Academy Team