President’s
Message- Nahid Casazza
Coaches - Agents of Inspiration
Returning from the International ICF Conference this month, what I heard over and over from coaches was how glad they were to have gone – how “just this one thing” made it worthwhile. Everyone came back with something different. Some were moved by the keynote presentations, others made powerful connections with coaches in different countries, and some came back brimming with ideas about how to grow their businesses.
What we all had in common is that we were inspired. In fact, we were so inspired that many of us made life-changing decisions based on our experience there. That got me thinking about inspiration. How does it happen? What triggers it? And what connects it so strongly to coaching?
I closely watched the speakers who most inspired me, and it was something more than charisma that I connected to. It seemed that each of these people had the willingness to share their truth, even if it might be controversial. They had stepped forth to make a contribution based on their convictions, but they were also humble and human and honest, which allowed the audience to identify with them. And, they each offered a path to share in the contribution. They opened the door, so we could also feel the possibility of making a difference. I’m not sure if this describes the “equation” of inspiration or not – but it’s what I noticed, and I also notice these elements in coaching.
As coaches, we relentlessly challenge our clients to face, share, and stand for their truth, even when it isn’t popular. We encourage our clients to live life according to their values, follow their dreams, and design lives of fulfillment and contribution. And, we open the door of possibility by witnessing and holding them accountable to their vision of success. We are agents of inspiration!
I don’t know about you, but I love being inspired. It’s one of the greatest feelings I know – and it’s also a productive feeling, because it leads to positive action. It stands to reason that getting a group of coaches together is like having an infusion of inspiration – the kind that changes lives, organizations, the community, and the world.
Please come to our December meeting. I imagine that our event will evoke more than holiday magic, the casino games will facilitate more than competitive fun, and the people you meet will be more than interesting professionals. I would imagine that as this group continues to grow and connect, we also may be creating a major source of inspiration in this community. Who knows what you will experience, and what you will create in your life as a result? I hope to see you there!

ICF-OC Election Results
It is my honor as outgoing 2007 Immediate Past President to congratulate the newly elected 2008 Executive Officers of ICF-Orange County Chapter!
Our incoming:
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President, Doug Gfeller |
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President Elect, Randy Tabor |
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Secretary, Emily Woodman-Nance |
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Treasurer, Lee Pound |
Come join us when we welcome our new ICF-OC Elected Officers, along with Doug Gfeller, 2008 President, and Nahid Casazza, 2008 Immediate Past President, at the upcoming ICF-OC Holiday Party and 2008 Kickoff!
Patricia E. Hirsch, NCOC™, MCC, MBA
2007 Immediate Past President
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LUCKY YOU!
You’re invited to
“The Coaches Casino Night Holiday Party!”
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Everyone’s a winner this holiday season! Come join your ICF –OC friends for a special Coaches Casino Night on Thursday, December 13.
Hit “Black Jack”, try your luck at the Roulette Wheel and shoot Craps! This could be your lucky night. No cash involved but plenty of fun prizes to win. If you don’t know how to play trained casino staff will show you. You may bring a guest or fly solo. This will be an engaging evening filled with fun, food, laughter and great conversation. Don’t miss this special opportunity to enjoy the company of your fellow coaches and friends in a more playful environment.
Let’s usher in the New Year with joy, laughter and a vision of abundance.
Where: The Sports Club/ LA – Orange County
When: December 13, 2007
Event Schedule:
5:30 - 6:30 Cocktails & Games
6:30 - 7:30 Dinner & Announcements (passing of the torch, recognition, etc.)
7:30 - 8:45 Games
8:45 - 9:00 Cash in chips for raffle tickets and prizes given out to winners.
Let the Games Begin!

Event Registration Here

Assessment 101
by Glenn Stevenson
In the October issue of Insights, we began a series on assessments that coaches use to understand their clients better and to help their clients understand themselves. This article is the second in the series. Each month we will examine another assessment, what it measures, what it costs, and what training and certification are available.
Last month, we began with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. This month, we will review the DiSC, another widely used assessment tool, especially in business settings.
In future months, Insights will provide an “assessment of the month” on the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II, Enneagram, Birkman Method, Personal Style Indicator, Peoplemap, Real Colors, MAPP, OSI Polaris 360, Cerny Smith Adjustment Index, and Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument.
So let’s get going with the assessment of the month, the DiSC!
Assessment: DiSC
Description: The DiSC types people into four primary dimensions. It provides nonjudgmental language for exploring behavioral issues across these four dimensions:
Dominance: Direct and Decisive. D’s are strong-willed, strong-minded people who like accepting challenges, taking action, and getting immediate results.
Influence: Optimistic and Outgoing. I’s are “people people” who like participating on teams, sharing ideas, and energizing and entertaining others.
Steadiness: Sympathetic and Cooperative. S’s are helpful people who like working behind the scenes, performing in consistent and predictable ways, and being good listeners.
Conscientiousness: Concerned and Correct. C’s are sticklers for quality and like planning ahead, employing systematic approaches, and checking and re-checking for accuracy.
More info on the DiSC

Coach Spotlight
Bill Hayward
Email - whayward@aol.com
Phone - (562) 544-2208
1. How did you get started as a life coach?
I feel my past experiences and personal development have led me to become a life coach. For example, in my current and past corporate positions, I have coached and mentored employees within my department. I have also led initiatives where I have had the opportunity to focus on enterprise employee development. I have engaged in some personal development which includes training and personal assessments. One assessment identified three of my top strengths which are developer, relater, and connectedness which completely resonate with me.
2. What do you enjoy most about coaching?
I really enjoy partnering with my clients and guiding them to discovering more about themselves. I also enjoy helping them look at situations from different perspectives and developing their own solutions and actions, and taking steps to achieving their desired outcomes. Watching my clients grow, develop, and transform is such a life rewarding experience for me that I sometimes wonder who is getting the benefit from the coaching, me or my client.
3. Who is your ideal client?
My ideal client is someone that is willing to make transformation in his/her life. This person is someone that will have a desire to take risks and move forward towards their future selves. He/she is willing to be their authentic self and really want to make a positive impact in his/her life and the lives of others.
4. Do you have a specialty area?
I am not currently looking to having a specialty area; however, my background is in management with an Information Technology emphasis. Although, these are definitely clients I would normally draw, I still have interest in coaching anyone that wants to make a change in his/her life.
5. What do you like to do in your own spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I value the people that I have in my life and treasure the time I have with them. I also enjoy my time with my two little Shih-Tzu’s (dogs), Asia and Kyoto. They are my “kids” and they bring me so much love, joy, and laughter. I also enjoy reading, tennis, and walks along the beach.
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