Coaching as a profession

Our passion for coaching means striving for the highest standard

As a relatively new field experiencing rapid growth, coaching brings unique challenges

The ICF is the world's largest and most recognized nonprofit organization of professionally trained coaches with more than 41,000 members in 145 territories. Representing executive coaches, life coaches, leadership coaches, relationship coaches, career coaches and more, ICF's mission is to promote coaching so that it becomes an integral part of a thriving society.

ICF stands for the standard in coaching

Today, ICF is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing the coaching profession. We do this by setting high professional standards, providing independent certification, and building a network of certified This is what we do by setting high professional standards, providing independent certification, and building a network of certified.

ICF is the only globally recognized, independent certification body for coaches. Certification is awarded to professionally trained coaches who meet the requirements for training, experience, a thorough understanding of ICF's core competencies and ethical guidelines. Achieving certification within ICF signifies that the coach has demonstrated commitment, integrity, understanding, coaching skills and dedication to their clients.

ICF accredits also training programs that provide coach-specific training. Accredited training programs must undergo a rigorous review process and demonstrate that the curriculum is consistent with ICF's core competencies and ethical guidelines.

teamwork
Today, ICF is specifically recognized by professional coaches around the world for its work in:

Ethics

ICF is a leader in the development and definition and philosophy of coaching and has established ethical guidelines for all members. Through the ethical guidelines, an audit process for ethical conduct, an established program grievance process, and an Independent Review Board (ICB), ICF sets high standards for professional coaching standards. At the same time, clients/clients have a place to file ethical complaints about ICF members, ICF certificate holders, or ICF-accredited training programs.

Our trademark

As the world's largest trade association for professionally trained coaches, the ICF brand creates immediate credibility.

ICF ensures that member coaches meet requirements and established standards, follow guidelines and continue to develop their coaching skills.

ICF stands for the fact that as a client/client, you expect professional, quality-assured coaching that follows clear ethical guidelines.

ICF has clear guidelines for the use of the brand for members, training programs, certifications and accredited educational companies.

Business Coach
Cheerful Business People in Meeting

Brief history of ICF

When ICF was founded in 1995, the goal was to give credibility to an emerging profession and to give coaches a place to connect with each other. In the 25 years since, ICF has grown to become the world's largest organization of professionally trained coaches and the leading voice for the global 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 to serve coaches, clientele, our communities and the world as we pursue our vision of coaching as an integral part of a thriving society.

ICF Chapters are local communities of ICF members. The ICF Netherlands Chapter brings our global organization to life at the national and local level. We build, support and maintain the integrity and standards of the coaching profession in the Netherlands.

All members of ICF Netherlands have completed coaching training accredited by ICF, are continually developing their skills, follow our ethical guidelines, and most members choose to safeguard their coaching through the certification system. ICF certifies professional coaches who have met training and experience requirements and demonstrate a thorough understanding of coaching skills and ethical guidelines.

About ICF Netherlands

We, ICF Netherlands, are the official Dutch Chapter of the International Coaching Federation. We offer our members a community that is supportive, opportunities for professional development, networking, and an enjoyable way to connect with coaches of all backgrounds and specialties.

We strive to be the best resource in the Netherlands for clients to find (internationally) certified coaches that match their expectations and needs.

team agreements

Our members

Our members are professional coaches with their own coaching practices or active as in-house coaches, as well as business professionals who use coaching as a development and performance tool in their work.

Are you building with us?
Join us, learn from and with each other, and be part of the continued development of a wonderful profession.

Would you like to help build volunteer capacity in areas such as member engagement, programs & education, sales & sponsorship, finance & operations, and communications & marketing? Then send an email to: info@coachingfederation.nl.

Meet our board

President

Hajni Sagodi, MCC

I am a mother, author, leadership, team, and organizational coach. During the 25+ years working experience as a coach and consultant to leadership (teams) in international companies during transformations, I had the opportunity to work in all corners of the world: from Canada, the US, Nigeria or Oman, to India, the Philippines and Japan, and many more countries.

I love learning about and using innovative coaching tools and methodologies. For example, I have certification for CPCC, ORSCC, MBTI, Hogan, Kantor, IOpt, TDS, ValueDrives. In recent years I have also experimented with using Design Thinking tools and techniques in team coaching and change management.

In my free time, I write books. With my first two books (Me Map Teens and Me Map Young adults) I aim to help young people discover and develop themselves, and with the We Map books I like to support parents to build deeper relationships with their children.

I used to be a Board Member of the European Organization Design Forum where I experienced the power of the community and how much I enjoy connecting people to people and people to ideas.

Secretary

Cora Kreijkamp, ACC

As an independent coach and consultant, I combine over 15 years of experience in marketing and communication with a broad business perspective (MBA). I believe that equality and safety form the foundation for meaningful collaboration and sustainable results. Open, effective communication is indispensable for achieving connection and growth, both at an individual and organisational level.

Throughout my career, I have worked in leadership roles within family businesses, SMEs, and corporate organizations. I have introduced with enthusiasm new ways of working, developed services and products, and refined strategic goals. With a sharp eye and a practical approach, I ensure that organisations not only improve but also grow and thrive. As a coach, I support leaders, teams, and organisations in leadership development, team dynamics, and organisational growth. Even in complex situations, such as reorganisations, refinancing, or business sales, I provide structure and guidance, ensuring that everyone can see the way forward.

As Secretary of ICF Netherlands, I am committed to actively contributing to the development of a solid foundation and clear structures for our ICF organisation.

Treasurer

Marjolein Gerritsen, ACC

My purpose is to empower leaders, teams and organizations to magnify their transformational impact in our continuously changing world.

As an international business leader, I was based in Europe and in New York for global companies. A true explorer at heart, I have led significant transformations, and know first-hand the rocky road of realizing change, adapting culture and helping people to grow.

A few years ago, I chose to focus full-time on coaching and transformational leadership development. In doing so, I discovered a deep interest in systemic team coaching, earning various qualifications and am continuing to deepen my knowledge and expertise in this evolving field.

People say that they experience me as open, non-judgmental, intuitive, lateral thinking and inviting to see new perspectives. My two young-adult children would probably add that I am caring, loving and fun to be with (that is, on most days). I hope to bring all that into my role as Board member and Treasurer of ICF The Netherlands, helping to prepare our chapter for its next exciting phase.

Board member

Olivier Akkerman, PCC

Community Engagement

As a Life & Business Coach I guide individuals and teams in their search for new insights, which can both help and heal to stimulate inner growth, and achieving new goals.

After 25 years of several management and directorial functions (at Holland Casino, Sligro and Hanos among others) I went self-employed in 2014.

I found my true passion during my Coach Training at The MMS Institute. Apart from this I help people and teams find patterns and dynamics that might stand in the way of personal growth or business development as a professionally educated systemic coach at the Instituut voor Systemisch Werk (IVSW).

As the board member for Community Engagement I strive to better the image of our field as coaches by encouraging more involvement and cooperation between our members and other professionals.

I was born in '63 and am happily married to Ankie. We share a home in Bavel (NL) and have two kids: Maurits and Vera.

Board member

Winda Evers, PCC, ACTC

Community & Communication

I believe in unleashing the power of humanity in business. As a leadership and team coach, I help people lead from purpose and love, not fear, and bring more wholeness into how we work, live, and lead.

Born and raised in Indonesia, I now call the Netherlands home. My professional roots run deep in Organization Development, Change Management, and Leadership — with over 20 years of experience supporting leaders and also leading global teams and communities myself. These days, my heart beats strongest for coaching — especially systemic work that illuminates what’s beneath the surface.

I’m certified in CPCC, ORSCC, Leadership Circle Profile, TDS, Kantor, and Breathe to Heal, and I continue to explore the rich terrain of constellations and systemic interventions. I’m always learning, always evolving.

Colleagues and clients often describe me as a warm wind of love — calm, creative, grounded, and purpose-driven. I’d say I’m a grateful world citizen, a consciousness-expander, a calm-infuser, a blessed partner, and a proud mother of three teens, who continues to dance with the beautiful tension between a fulfilling life at home and meaningful impact in the world.

I’m proud to be part of the ICF Netherlands chapter community, honoured to serve on the board, and together with many of you, look forward to contributing to our growing, diverse, and inspiring coaching community.

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