that point due to my novice status as a coach (love that inner critic!), I put aside joining as I worked through my certifications.
As I moved closer to certification status, I began to look again at ICF Austin. As I'd progressed through certification, I had kept hearing this buzz about the coaching community in Austin. So finally, I applied and the Membership Director at the time, our current President Tracy Winter reached out to schedule some time to meet. And I couldn't tell you exact details from that conversation - but I'll never forget how welcomed Tracy made me feel in such a short time. That led to me signing up for Virtual Coaching Conversations and after an hour with that group, I was hooked.
All that to say - I signed up because it was recommended, but I've found increased purpose, power, connection, community, inspiration, and more in having signed up.
What is your #1 goal for the membership committee during your tenure as communications director?
If you know me, you know it's never going to be just one thing! BUT increasing the engagement and connection of our member base, bringing more in-person events back, and continuing to grow ICF Austin are some of the main objectives we want to achieve this year.
What makes the Membership Committee so special?
Couldn’t tell you as we have yet to make one! But, if we do get committee members, I would hope that it is a warm welcoming crew to the ICF Austin community.
Share a day-in-the-life of a membership director.
Depends on the day! I have a few monthly standing meetings with the rest of the North American chapter, as well as our Board meetings/workshops, and other ICF Austin events like the VCC. I usually travel to meet a new member once a week (one of the best perks of the position!), and I try to approve all member requests within a 2 hr time window as they come in.
Why coaching?
I believe it's one of the most powerful and important professions we have as humans. Especially in our current climate, it feels we're needed more than ever.
Nothing in my life has spoken to me the way coaching has spoken to me. It was apparent when considering jumping into the field with my mentor, it was apparent during my first session, my first course, all of it. It is the thing I knew I needed to be but never gave myself permission to be.
What are your favorite things about Austin?
I'm a huge fan of unique, outside the box experiences - something I think Austin offers in abundance. In addition, I'd list the food, music, outdoor activities, and comedy scene as some of my favorite things about our beautiful city.
What is your favorite place to visit in and around Austin?
In Austin - LOVE the speakeasies and secret bars in the city
Outside - Fredericksburg + New Braunfels/Canyon Lake.
Share something about you that might surprise others.
Hmmmm depends on how long you’ve known me - but I am a DIEHARD Philadelphia Eagles fan and have been as long as I can remember. I usually make at least one game a year, have half of a man cave decked out in Eagles gear, and took a train from DC at 2am to get to Philly in time for the Super Bowl parade in 2018 - a top 3 experience in my life (and it’s not 2 or 3!)
Thank you Phil! Each month, we’ll spotlight a committee so you can learn more about what’s going on with the chapter, our board members, and our current volunteers. And, we’d love for you to join a committee to further your connection with your fellow coaches in meaningful ways.
If you want to join the membership committee, Phil would love to hear from you at [email protected]!
