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June 30, 2006 - West Chester, OhioThe 2006 Sherpa Recertification Conference
For everyone involved, the 2006 Sherpa Coaches' Conference was a time of reunion and renewal. Along with a member of the original Bridgeway Pointe Sherpa class, the conference drew graduates from Xavier University '05, the University of Cincinnati '06 and Kent State '06 classes. Certified Sherpa Coaches (CSC's) who had studied together had a chance to renew their friendships. Beyond that, it was the first time that multiple classes had gathered together.
Held at the Workforce Academy at Voice of America Centre, in West Chester, Ohio, the Sherpa Coaches' Conference drew 70 percent of all existing CSC's. Those who participated were re-certified until July 2007.
Two practitioner keynotes, by Julie Thomas (University of Cincinnati class of '06) and Vivian Kist (Xavier '05) showed "how brilliant people are coming into this profession, and the depth of experience they have." Sherpa author Brenda Corbett said. "This conference lets us all learn from each other."
"We'll continue with practitioner keynotes in the years to come.", said author Judith Colemon. "This helps Sherpa coaches gain status as industry experts. Practitioner keynotes allow our students to help us to shape this industry."
John Eckberg, author of "The Success Effect"
John Eckberg delivered the luncheon keynote, and presented every attendee with an autographed copy of his book, now going into its second edition.
Conference organizers tapped Eckberg for the keynote because "Coaches need to learn from the best in business. Whether they are starting their own business or an in-house coaching operation, they have to focus on what's going to make them successful.", according to Brenda Corbett.
Author Eckberg shared his personal conversations with business luminaries, saying: "Their stories offer Sherpa coaches a new angle on what success means, and how to achieve it. Every successful person I've met is resourceful, relentless and gracious. I placed a call to Donald Trump on a Monday, and missed the callback for an afternoon phone interview. First thing Tuesday, Trump called me personally, to see if everything was all right, and to make sure I had what I needed. That's professional courtesy at the highest level."
Corbett and Colemon offered new material on finding client weaknesses in an afternoon session. "The book is a finished work, but the Sherpa Process will only get better as we add new insights. We have a body of work that we and our Certified Sherpas will add to, year after year. That's really exciting.", Judith Colemon commented after the conference.
Two client case studies of work in progress were offered up as well, with a "fishbowl" format that allowed everyone in attendance to offer advice and encouragement to the presenting coach. "It was phenomenal, hearing about a challenging coaching assignment, and then helping to shape the course of an actual coaching engagement," offered one participant. "It made for compelling drama, yet it was a real life situation."
An afternoon session on coaching tools, led by Corbett and Colemon was called "Digging Deeper", and offered ways to make better use of the tools in the Sherpa Client Journal. "Coaching is an art, and this session freed me to create additional exercises for my clients. It was great to learn how other coaches are using the toolbox." one coach commented.
The conference closed with two surprises:
the naming of the first "Sherpa Coach of the Year" (more below), and the debut of "The Sherpa Song", written and performed by Charles Clute (Cincinnati '06).
One attendee's thank you note says it well: "Thanks so much for organizing the first annual Sherpa meeting. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I know from speaking to my fellow Sherpas that they did too. The agenda was well thought out and we all gained valuable information to enhance our coaching skills. The ability to network with each other and to meet Certified Sherpa Coaches from your other classes was invaluable. It not only gave us the ability to share experiences and contact information, but it gave all of us a boost of confidence and energy in building our practices. Of course, being with Brenda and Judy is always special. It was like coming home for us all."
Ohio Entrepreneur Wins First Annual Sherpa Executive Coach AwardWhat’s an annual trade show without an awards ceremony? As the first annual Sherpa Executive Coaches’ Conference at Voice of America was winding down on the last day of June, anticipation was high. A wide range of coaching talent, graduates from Xavier University, Kent State and the University of Cincinnati wanted to know if they might be selected as the first "Sherpa Coach of the Year."
The award went out to an executive coach who had effectively solved client issues, delivered great customer service and followed the Sherpa Coaching process most closely. Authors Brenda Corbett and Judith Colemon saw one clear winner: a former hospital CEO who’s making a new career in the world of business coaching.
As the field of executive coaching comes together around a single process, only one coach would be named ‘Sherpa Coach of the Year’. Bill Smith, CEO of Pinnacle Coaching in Millersburg, Ohio earned the industry nod.
Bill Smith, CEO, Pinnacle Coaching,
receives the Sherpa of the Year award
from authors Colemon (left) and Corbett (right)Smith said: “The more time I spend using the Sherpa process, the more my clients benefit from this dynamic methodology. As a former hospital administrator and health care leader, I have solved people problems for decades. Now, I help organizational leaders find answers for themselves, and the results are dramatic. I’m honored to accept this award, and I’ll be back at the Sherpa Coaches’ conference next year. "
