ICF Credential Spotlight: Jerry Snider, MBA

By: ICFTN Director of Credentialing, Renee Fluty, MBA, PCC

I have been meeting with chapter members both individually and in groups this past month to talk about ICF credentialing. We have discussed a wide range of topics including the benefits of becoming an ICF Certified Coach, what credential to pursue, how to navigate the ICF website, what are the requirements of different credential levels, how to prepare for the exam part of the process, and how to renew ACC and PCC level certifications. I invite anyone interested or curious to come to our monthly Credentialing Roundtable to meet with others, compare notes, ask questions and learn about resources. You can find the Roundtable on the ICFTN calendar coming soon. And, of course, please reach out to me for a private conversation if you wish.

Last month, I interviewed a seasoned credentialed coach who earned his PCC (Professional Certified Coach) level utilizing the portfolio method. Bill Burtch had been coaching full time for years before he pursued the ICF credential. This month, I interviewed a coach who is pursuing his PCC credential as a first step into coaching through the ICF Level Two training program process. Jerry Snider completed his written and oral exams in April and is waiting to hear results. Learn more about Jerry at https://www.unlockleaders.com/

Jerry Snider, MBA

LinkedIn

With 30 years in the automotive industry with over 20 years as an executive leading teams and projects in the US, Asia, Europe, and Mexico, Jerry realized he especially enjoyed mentoring those coming behind him in the organization. He decided it was time to step away and revisit what he wanted to do with the remainder of his working years. Interested in mentoring, teaching, and consulting, Jerry was not 100% clear how he wanted to proceed. Being someone who thinks outside the box, Jerry gave himself time to think: a solo hike of the entire 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail. Jerry came to many realizations on his trek; perhaps the most relevant is recognizing his natural inclination toward mentoring and combining it with the wish he had several years ago for the existence of ADHD coaching for a family member. 

After months of researching the coaching industry and how to transition from corporate executive to coach, Jerry reached the conclusion that the International Coach Federation sets the gold standard for the profession of coaching and coach education; he believes the structure and ethical guidelines of ICF establish coaching as a legitimate profession.  As a leader in the corporate world, this was important to him. 

Next was researching how to prepare for his transition into coaching. After carefully comparing the different avenues, he decided on the ICF Level Two path believing the rigor required by ICF for this path would facilitate transitioning from theoretical learning to practical coaching. He discovered it did, indeed, help him to be a coach rather than merely being someone who added a set of skills to their repertoire. Jerry explained that a big advantage of this path is the ease of pursuing his credential. 

Jerry observed that he hears complaints about the ICF requirement that at least 75% of the client coaching hours be paid hours. He explained that he appreciates how having actual paid clients has helped to cement the professionalism and business of coaching for him.

Reaching the end of his coach training, Jerry says he appreciates the ease of the process: knowing that when he met the standards and requirements of his coach training program, he also met those of ICF has been very reassuring. Upon successful completion of program requirements, Jerry will submit the certificate of completion as part of his application to ICF and will be eligible to quickly take the ICF exam.

Key take-away from my interview with Jerry: There are many paths to earning an ICF Certified Coach credential. Some use earning the credential as a launchpad for their coaching career. Others pursue credentialing after years of working as a coach to confirm what they already know: they meet the standards of ICF professional coaches. There is no one right reason for pursuing credentialing.