Member Spotlight - June 2025

Walter Slade, PCC, SHRM-SCP

Hello, community! My name is Walter Slade, and I’m honored to share my story with you. I live in Bridgewater, New Jersey, with my wife. We have four children, and seven grandchildren. My roots are deep in New Jersey, I was raised in Newark, a city that shaped my perspective through experiences of social change, community pride, resilience, and self-determination.

I hold a degree in political science and sociology from Drew University and have over 30 years of experience in corporate America, specializing in people and organization effectiveness, culture, and change. But my true calling has always been coaching and helping others to unlock their best selves. After leaving the corporate world, I became a certified coach through IPEC and started my new chapter. As I like to say, “I’m not retired, I’m rewired!”

What’s been the most challenging aspect of your coaching career, and how did you overcome it?
Even after all these years, I sometimes wonder if I’m truly making a difference. That inner critic/saboteur voice is always there, but I have learned to listen without letting it take the lead. 

Can you describe a time when a client's breakthrough was particularly meaningful for you?
When a coaching partner realizes they are wiser and more capable than they thought, and that they should be kind to themselves. It’s a win for both of us! Those moments remind me why I chose this path.

How has your coaching style evolved over the years?
My core style has not changed, but the dials have shifted. I used to overemphasize rules, never give advice, perfect questions, etc. Now I trust the process more and let it flow naturally. Coaching is as much about being present as it is about technique. 

What are some common misconceptions about coaching that you have encountered, and how do you address them?
A major misconception is that coaching must follow a single linear model. There’s freedom in the framework, and coaching looks different for everyone.

What piece of feedback from a client has had a lasting impact on you?
Clients have told me repeatedly, “Walter, you’re easy to talk to.” They feel they can share openly without judgment. That feedback affirmed that my natural presence, my humor, my energy, my willingness to be vulnerable and authentic creates safety and trust.

How do you balance your professional life and personal well-being? 
I don’t try to balance, I integrate. I call it work-life integration, not balance. Wherever you go, there you are. When I integrate instead of trying to balance, I show up more fully in every aspect of my life. That shift in language and mindset has made a huge difference for me and for my clients.

What are some of your go-to resources for staying current in the coaching field?
I am a member of various large and small professional and business organizations.  These groups provide learning opportunities, community, and resources that keep me informed, engaged and continuously learning.

What is one opportunity that you get from ICF New Jersey Charter Chapter?
I love sharing, learning, building community and giving back. 

What is the best reward as an ICF New Jersey volunteer?
To be a Difference Maker!

What ICF community group do you co-lead?
I co-lead the DEIB/IDEAS Community of Practice with Ellen Wagner, and I co-lead the Executive Leadership Community of Practice with Shefali Raina and Michael Tiger. I also co-lead the IDEAS Campaign POD with Dorisse Shakir-Ullah and Ellen Wagner. 

What is one of your favorite quotes that you live by?
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” (Theodore Parker - popularized by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). I’m proud to be an arc bender, dedicated to fostering positive change!

What is the best way for people to contact you?
The best way is through my LinkedIn profile: https://linkedin.com/in/walterslade. It has my phone number and email. I’m always happy to connect, learn and share! 

Let’s engage, celebrate, and get involved in our community’s transformation! — Member Engagement

Interviewed by Nicole Mosby