About the International Coaching Federation (ICF)

Professional Coach, Thomas Leonard, started ICF in 1995 as a nonprofit organization for fellow coaches to support each other and grow the profession.  Over the following 25+ years, ICF grew to become the world's largest organization of professional trained coaches and the leading voice for the coaching community.

In 2020 the International Coach Federation became the International Coaching Federation. This was not just a new name; it was a new way of serving coaches, coaching clients, our communities and the world, in pursuit of the vision of coaching as an integral part of a thriving society.

In 2021 International Coaching Federation unveiled a new ICF brand and the ICF ecosystem. The ICF ecosystem reflects ICF’s interests in many areas of the coaching industry, represented by six unique family organizations that make up the whole or “One” ICF. It’s an extension of our change in philosophy – a better illustration of how all stakeholders in our sphere can relate to and be a part of ICF.

ICF is active in representing all facets of the coaching industry, including Executive, Life Vision and Enhancement, Leadership, Relationship, and Career Coaching.  Its 57,000-plus members, of whom almost 50,000 hold a credential, located in 150 countries work toward the common goal of enhancing awareness of coaching, upholding the standards, ethics and integrity of the profession, and continually educating themselves with the newest research and practices.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. ICF exists to lead the global advancement of the coaching profession.  Its Mission is grounded in these Core Values.

Today, the International Coaching Federation is recognized around the world for:

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