Coach Academy

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Coach Academy We mentor world-class coaches. Join the Ivy League in Coach Education. Become an ICF-accredited coach ➡Why Coach Academy? Connection is a skill.

Coach Academy doesn't just teach you how to coach. You will learn the language of connection, influence and inclusion. The kind of skill that changes how you lead a team, raise a family, navigate conflict, and show up in every conversation that matters. And right now, it's the most underdeveloped skill in leadership, education, and life. That's the idea Coach Academy was built on. Founded in 2016 by Nathalie Blais, CEO and Head of Training. Nathalie is an ICF Master Certified Coach, earned a MA in Psychology from Harvard University, is a TEDx speaker, and host of the Connection Experiment Podcast. In a world that's becoming more automated and more reactive by the day, Nathalie's work focuses on the thing AI can't replace: the ability to create the conditions for real insight, real responsibility, and real growth in another person. That's what coaching is. And it's what you'll learn here.

➡What makes us different from every other program?

50,000+ hours of expertise, distilled into your training. Nathalie has spent decades in facilitation, learning design, research, and education development. She personally architected every program at Coach Academy. You're not learning from a curriculum someone licensed — you're learning from the person who built it. Change starts from day one. No passive learning. Every class is live, interactive, and experiential because coaching is a practice, not a theory. You build confidence by doing the work, not watching someone else do it. A community no other school can match. Over 4,000 graduates. World-class facilitators and students from every corner of the globe. We curate 10–15 specialized live workshops every single month embedded in community to add to your program. Grounded in research, not trends. Nathalie's work explores fear, motivation, grief, compassion, and connection — the deep psychology behind why people change. Her forthcoming 2027 book examines why human-centered connection is becoming the critical skill of our time. Everything you learn here is built on that foundation. ICF-accredited at every level. ACC, PCC, MCC and a series of intensive programs offering CCEs. Coach Academy is setting the global gold standard in coaching credentials. Coaching is not about fixing people. It's about creating the conditions for them to see what they couldn't see before. That changes everything, starting with you.

10/13/2026

Most team coaching efforts fall flat when leaders treat a group of people like a single entity and ignore individual room dynamics.

Group coaching builds a shared capacity for clear listening and honest feedback.

When team members move past standard polite updates, conversations shift. People start listening to receive rather than respond. Trust stops being an abstract exercise and becomes a practical daily habit.

At Coach Academy, our Team and Group Coaching program combines ICF-accredited standards with evidence-based frameworks. You learn how to navigate real-time conflict and guide room momentum into tangible work.

Whether you manage an executive team or guide cohort groups, learning to coach collective spaces changes how your people show up for each other.

Our next cohort of Team & Group Coaching Skills starts Saturday, October 17 at 11 AM EST. Talk to admissions today: https://canadacoachacademy.com/enroll/

10/06/2026

Coach Academy Partners with Up With Women / Exponenti'elles to Expand Access to Coaching Across Canada

Coach Academy and national charity Up With Women / Exponenti'elles (UWW/EXP) have announced a strategic partnership to support women and gender-diverse individuals building pathways out of poverty across Canada.

The collaboration connects graduates of Coach Academy’s ICF-accredited coach training program with UWW/EXP’s 11-month coaching initiative. Through this partnership, qualified coaches will volunteer their time and expertise to support clients navigating career reintegration, financial independence, and personal growth.

Up With Women / Exponenti’elles supports clients working through complex life and career transitions, including prolonged workforce absence, systemic inequities, and personal barriers. The organization's approach delivers clear, lasting outcomes: over 60% of clients exit social assistance after completing the program, along with seeing gains in income stability and self-reliance.

"Coach Academy exists to elevate the standard of qualified coaching and deepen human connection," said Nathalie Blais, Founder of Coach Academy. "Every person we coach creates a ripple effect. Partnering with Up With Women / Exponenti’elles allows our graduates to apply their training where it matters most, supporting individuals as they realize their full potential and rebuild their careers."

Coach Academy-trained coaches have previously volunteered with UWW/EXP, establishing a strong record of alignment between Coach Academy’s evidence-based curriculum and UWW/EXP’s client-centered, trauma-informed model. Under the expanded partnership, Coach Academy coaches joining the program receive specialized Trauma-Informed Practice (TIP) training accredited by the ICF, mentor coaching, and access to a national community of practice.

"Over the years, Coach Academy graduates have brought exceptional rigor, empathy, and care to our community," said Lia Grimanis, Founder and CEO of Up With Women / Exponenti’elles. "As we scale our programs nationally in both English and French, this partnership helps ensure our clients receive high-quality, thoughtful coaching regardless of where they live or the language they speak."

The partnership is actively recruiting both Anglophone and Francophone ICF-trained coaches across Canada.

Authenticity asks, "Is this true to me?" Genuineness asks, "How do I express what is true in a way that serves this conv...
10/05/2026

Authenticity asks, "Is this true to me?" Genuineness asks, "How do I express what is true in a way that serves this conversation?"

Unfiltered authenticity feels comfortable. Say what you think, react as you feel, and label it as "just who I am." But when a leader hides behind authenticity, it often becomes an excuse to avoid self-regulation and intentionality.

Genuineness combines sincerity with judgment, presence, and care. You regulate your reactions and choose your language to take responsibility for your impact on the person in front of you.

Self-regulation gives you more choice. It allows you to lead with curiosity over assumptions, step back as the problem-solver, and build trust in the thinker across from you.

Before your next important conversation, pause and ask:

➖ What is my intention?

➖ What does this person need from me right now?

➖ Am I making room for their thinking, or preparing to replace it with mine?

Your authentic reaction is the first thing that arises. Your genuine response is the one you choose with awareness. That choice is where connection begins.

Read the full post from Coach Academy: https://canadacoachacademy.com/authentic-vs-genuine-leadership-communication-skills/

Today marks an important milestone in the growth of Coach Academy.We are delighted to welcome Stephanie McGill as our ne...
09/24/2026

Today marks an important milestone in the growth of Coach Academy.

We are delighted to welcome Stephanie McGill as our new People & Culture Coach.

We created this role because growth carries responsibility. As our global community expands, we want every student, graduate and member to feel supported, connected and inspired to continue learning.

Stephanie is a graduate of Coach Academy with extensive experience in organizational development, people relations and culture. She brings a warm, thoughtful and human-centred approach to creating environments grounded in connection, belonging and growth.

In this role, Stephanie will focus on building relationships across our student and alumni communities, strengthening the support surrounding our coaches and helping people remain connected to continuous learning.

Her work reflects something we believe deeply at Coach Academy:

When we change the conversation, we can change lives.

The strength of an academy is measured by more than the education it delivers. It is also found in the relationships it nurtures, the opportunities it creates, and the way people feel throughout their journey.

Stephanie loves engaging with people, helping others thrive and creating opportunities for people to come together. She is also an avid reader—proudly, a book nerd—and spends her free time with her family, two golden retrievers and a wonderfully opinionated ragdoll cat named Bernice.

Please join me in welcoming Stephanie to this significant new role.

Stephanie, we are so happy you are here.

If you want to earn an ICF credential, the terminology can feel confusing fast.The standard distinction comes down to th...
09/21/2026

If you want to earn an ICF credential, the terminology can feel confusing fast.

The standard distinction comes down to this: education providers earn ICF accreditation for their programs, while individual coaches earn ICF credentials.

Earning a certificate from a school prepares you for the work, but the ICF awards the credential after you meet their education, mentoring, and client-hour requirements.

The core credential paths break down into three distinct stages:

•ACC (Associate Certified Coach): Requires 60+ education hours and 100 client hours. Built for new coaches, managers, and professionals setting a foundation in coaching conversations.

•PCC (Professional Certified Coach): Requires 125+ education hours and 500 client hours. Designed for practicing professional coaches, internal organizational leaders, and executive coaches. Note: You do not need an ACC before earning a PCC.

•MCC (Master Certified Coach): Requires 200+ education hours, 2,500 client hours, and a prior PCC credential. Reserved for experienced coaches refining their practice at the highest core standard.

When choosing where to study, look beyond total training hours. Focus on live practice, direct feedback, cohort sizes capped under 18 students, and a strong community that stays connected after graduation.

At Coach Academy, we build Level 1, 2, and 3 accredited programs with small cohorts, live practice, and continuous learning. Explore our pathways to find the fit for your experience and ambitions.

We broke down everything you need to know about credentials, accreditation, and choosing the right pathway. Read the new post on our blog: https://canadacoachacademy.com/icf-coaching-certification-acc-pcc-mcc/?_gl=1*kvoniu*_up*MQ..*_ga*Mjk3MDE5NDg5LjE3OTAwMDEzMjA.*_ga_KNNN32GCZ5*czE3OTAwMDEzMjAkbzEkZzEkdDE3OTAwMDEzMjIkajU4JGwwJGgyMDM0MjI4NDcx*_ga_65MJYZ4KQ2*czE3OTAwMDEzMjAkbzEkZzEkdDE3OTAwMDEzMjIkajU4JGwwJGgw

Still deciding if Coach Academy is the right next step for you?Join us for a live Coach Academy Q&A on Wednesday Septemb...
09/17/2026

Still deciding if Coach Academy is the right next step for you?

Join us for a live Coach Academy Q&A on Wednesday September 23 at 12:00 PM EST, where we’ll answer your questions so that you can make a confident decision. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/anA81oQiR8KcCDLCanTu2Q?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9xsqOB8Cjiyun4QDRkYAYoQWHQTG5vJb8QFnsLBL7dApANZ2QgLPkDBeP9wdnK1v-iT_P9p-wmAX1kgAA9taajj18aj0Tmi2FkJEuDYk1p1QE1ojU&_hsmi=2&utm_content=2&utm_source=hs_email #/registration

This session is designed for prospects who want clarity before enrolling.

What You’ll Get From This Live Q&A
-Clear breakdown of our Coach certifications
-What the training experience is really like
-How certification translates into real-world coaching opportunities
-Time commitment, expectations, and outcomes
-Live answers to your specific questions

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just real answers.

Event Details
Date: August 19
Time: 6:00 PM EST
Format: Live online Q&A

Save Your Spot

Seats are limited to keep the session interactive. Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/anA81oQiR8KcCDLCanTu2Q?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9xsqOB8Cjiyun4QDRkYAYoQWHQTG5vJb8QFnsLBL7dApANZ2QgLPkDBeP9wdnK1v-iT_P9p-wmAX1kgAA9taajj18aj0Tmi2FkJEuDYk1p1QE1ojU&_hsmi=2&utm_content=2&utm_source=hs_email #/registration

If you’ve been on the fence, this is the fastest way to get clarity and decide your next step.

We’d love to see you there.
Coach Academy Team

How do you describe an experience that transcends words?In 2018, Eurico Da Silva walked into Coach Academy as a student....
08/25/2026

How do you describe an experience that transcends words?

In 2018, Eurico Da Silva walked into Coach Academy as a student. At the time, he was already one of the most accomplished jockeys in Canadian Thoroughbred racing history.

We were fortunate enough to stand at Woodbine Racetrack for his final race before his 2019 retirement. What has been even more extraordinary is watching what he has built since.

Eurico has spent the last several years building his dream ranch, one horse at a time. It is a sanctuary rooted in presence, healing, and deep human connection.

Every horse on his ranch is a retired racehorse. After years of intense physical and emotional stress on the track, these horses receive a second chapter.

Eurico and his team have created a haven for these animals to heal, and a space for people to heal right alongside them.

Raised in poverty in Brazil, Eurico fell in love with racing at age five after watching a race on an old black-and-white television. He went on to win over 500 races in Brazil, succeeded in Macau, and made Canada his home. His career includes two consecutive Queen’s Plate victories, seven Sovereign
Awards as Canada’s Outstanding Jockey, and over 2,200 North American wins.
Today, he has dedicated his life to stillness, trust, and presence.

There is a gentleness on his ranch that cannot be manufactured. A quiet settles over you the moment you arrive. For a man whose life was once measured in fractions of a second, Eurico has built a place where time disappears.

Eurico, thank you for opening your home, your pastures, and your vision to our team: Nathalie Blais, Eric Arsenault, and Christopher Sherman.

Watching you step into your coaching calling and live this dream is a privilege we will never forget.

Learn more about Eurico Da Silva's work Equine Experiential Connection here: https://www.eec.horse/

Photography by Paula Lima

Still deciding if Coach Academy is the right next step for you?Join us for a live Coach Academy Q&A on August 19 at 6:00...
08/13/2026

Still deciding if Coach Academy is the right next step for you?

Join us for a live Coach Academy Q&A on August 19 at 6:00 PM EST, where we’ll answer your questions so that you can make a confident decision. https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-F1acf6MRTash2y0PN9UjA #/registration

This session is designed for prospects who want clarity before enrolling.

What You’ll Get From This Live Q&A
-Clear breakdown of our Coach certifications
-What the training experience is really like
-How certification translates into real-world coaching opportunities
-Time commitment, expectations, and outcomes
-Live answers to your specific questions

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just real answers.

Event Details
Date: August 19
Time: 6:00 PM EST
Format: Live online Q&A

Save Your Spot

Seats are limited to keep the session interactive. Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-F1acf6MRTash2y0PN9UjA #/registration

If you’ve been on the fence, this is the fastest way to get clarity and decide your next step.

We’d love to see you there.
Coach Academy Team

Ready to bridge the gap between ACC and PCC?Advanced Skills is our Level 2 ICF Coach Certification, a 15-week virtual pr...
08/04/2026

Ready to bridge the gap between ACC and PCC?

Advanced Skills is our Level 2 ICF Coach Certification, a 15-week virtual program that qualifies you for your PCC and, more importantly, builds the confidence to coach anyone.

You will learn from MCC-level facilitators, each with over 2,500 hours of coaching practice. They will guide you, provoke you to go deeper, and walk with you across the distance between foundations and expertise. Along the way you will refine your presence, sharpen your observation, and learn advanced strategies for coaching through complex client challenges.

The program is designed by our founder, Nathalie Blais, a Master Certified Coach with an MA from Harvard. Her grounding in adult education principles makes this program, like everything we teach, experiential and dynamic... even for the most distracted learner.

Through coaching observation clinics, live faculty demos, recorded session breakdowns, and real-time mentoring, you will refine your technique alongside a community of dedicated peers.

You graduate with 65 hours of ICF Coach Education and a Level 2, PCC-qualifying diploma.

And because coaching skills grow in community, every Coach Academy learner gets exclusive access to our Community of Practice: unlimited peer coaching hours, supplemental skills workshops, coaching clinics, and live demos every month.

Starts August 25, 2026, at 12pm ET. Expand your impact and sharpen your coaching edge. Every graduate will tell you the same thing: the first life to change is yours.

Learn more about the program: https://canadacoachacademy.com/advanced-icf-coach-training-program/

Talk to a real person. Book a call with admissions: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jessica-derksen/round-robing-admission-coach-meeting?uuid=7e65cf84-afdd-4581-912c-02c16f92c2df

06/16/2026

So, you want people to notice you.

The secret isn’t command or flash. It is presence.

Ask an open-ended question, and then stop talking. Let silence do the heavy lifting.

Listening attentively is a skill, and it can be learned. When you master it, you don't just stand out in a room... you completely change the dynamic of it.

At Coach Academy, we are a community of people growing with purpose. We practice what we teach, sharpening the communication skills that build genuine human connection.

Want to turn your natural instincts into world-class skill?
Let's start the conversation. Speak with our admissions team today: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jessica-derksen/round-robing-admission-coach-meeting?uuid=3fc3b082-8586-413e-a747-a2eed792f920

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44C Byron Avenue
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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

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