August 2026 Newsletter 
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
CELEBRATING A NEW BOOK RELEASE
Gail Southwell, Ph.D., PCC
Past ICFTN board member, Gail Southwell, Ph.D., PCC, is the author of the new release Lessons in Leadership, Laughter, and Love. Southwell’s book is not just an enjoyable read; it’s a powerful collection of stories that impart valuable lessons. It chronicles the journey of Medford Q. Lee, a Black American labor negotiator recognized for his significant contributions to Ford Motor Company.
Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement in Louisville, Kentucky, this book reveals his innovative approach to negotiation during a pivotal time for the American automobile industry. Through anecdotes shared by many of the labor leaders he mentored, readers will find themselves laughing, crying, and gaining insights into effective negotiation techniques that foster sustainable agreements.
Copies of the book are available for purchase here.
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
In the latest episode of the Coaching Community Podcast, host Hannah Finrow sits down with Brenda Baird, MCC and former ICF Tennessee Chapter President, to talk about her path from organizational development into executive coaching, her years leading the chapter, and what she sees ahead for the coaching profession.
Brenda shares how a cut budget for external coaches at her company led her to coach training at IPEC—an experience she describes as life-changing, both for how she led at work and how she moved through her own stress and frustration. She graduated in 2015 and has coached executive leaders ever since, tracing the milestones that shifted her focus from individual client work to building the profession itself: earning her MCC credential, stepping into the chapter presidency, and directing education at the University of Tennessee's coach training program.
The conversation also covers Brenda's time leading ICFTN, including guiding the chapter through the shift to virtual meetings during COVID, launching a statewide Listening Tour to hear directly from coaches across Tennessee, and the governance and DEIB work that helped the chapter grow and win an ICF award. Brenda and Hannah reflect on what makes the ICF Tennessee community distinct, and share their perspective on AI's growing impact on the coaching industry—and why community and ongoing inner development matter more than ever as the profession adapts. Brenda closes with advice for coaches earlier in their journey: don't rush the process, and don't skip the inner work.
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Interested in being a guest? Email [email protected].
MEMBERSHIP
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Tim Steinke, ACC
HOW DO I FIND A MENTOR?
In response to a number of questions, we want to make sure everyone knows that you can find Mentor coaches on the Find A Coach page of our website. That page is accessed under the ICFTN Coaches tab.
ICFTN WANTS TO CONNECT WITH YOU!
There are amazing things happening in the chapter and we want to keep you in the loop. In addition to the newsletter, we are on social media and text messaging!
Keep up to date with your fellow members on our Community News page. You can find Member Kudos, the New Member Corner, and Welcome to New and Renewing Members here.
EVENTS
ICFTN NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
August 14, 2026 11 a.m. (ET) / 10 a.m. (CT) / 60-Minute Program Register Now>>
UPCOMING ORIENTATION DATES
ICFTN CO-HOSTED MEETING: The Resonant Coach: A Focused Refresh of Listening
Aug. 19, 2026 3 p.m. (ET) / 2 p.m. (CT) / 90-Minute Program Register Now>>
ICFTN CO-HOSTED MEETING: The Thing Beneath the Thing: Mastering Agenda Setting with The Genco Method
Aug. 26, 2026 1 p.m. (ET) / 12 p.m. (CT) / 90-Minute Program Register Now>>
ICFTN CHAPTER MEETING: Social Capital Playbook: Build Consistent Revenue Through Strategic Relationships
Sept. 11, 2026 12:45 p.m. (ET) / 11:45 a.m. (CT) / 75-Minute Program Register Now>>
ICFTN CO-HOSTED MEETING: Ask Better Questions, Get Better Results
Sept. 23, 2026 1 p.m. (ET) / 12 p.m. (CT) / 60-Minute Program Register Now>>
2026 Coaches Conference
November 4-5, 2026 Register Now>>
ICFTN CHAPTER MEETING: The Embodied Coach: Ethics as a Way of Being
Nov. 13, 2026 12:45 p.m. (ET) / 11:45 a.m. (CT) / 75-Minute Program Register Now>>
BOARD OPPORTUNITIES
BOARD OF DIRECTOR POSITIONS FOR 2026
If you are interested in being a leader, now is the time to consider joining our Board of Directors as an elected board member.
Board members are elected for two-year terms (except for the Past Presidents, who may be elected to serve one year after their term).
Each Board role plays a unique part in moving the chapter forward. Below are more specific descriptions of how each Board role contributes to the overall leadership of the chapter.
In addition to the information detailed below, the Directors of Membership, Marketing and Communication, Events, Partnerships, and DEIB, also recruit and lead committees, offering members opportunities to engage, contribute, and grow as leaders.
Board Positions Open for 2026>>
