Q: When & where does the coaching circle take place?
A: 6 months, January through June 2024. Beginning January 18. A group of 8 peers + 1 coach Ellen will meet virtually via Zoom on the third Thursday of every month from Noon – 1:30PM CT. (*If needed: see, Q: What if I can’t make that day/time below)

Q: What does a 90-minute group coaching session focus on?
A: Great question! The short answer is, we’ll co-create the agenda together, so we focus on the current goals & challenges of those on the call. See next FAQ for longer answer. 

Q: What is included in a typical agenda for a session?
A: The agenda will vary depending on what is arising for the group. A typical agenda could include some or all of the following…

• Guided centering 
• Check-ins on progress & obstacles from each individual
• Co-create agenda & focus for session
• Live coaching for volunteers (coaching to help with challenge/perspective/insights/ways forward)
• Exercises, resources, templates to assist in goal setting and leadership capacity growth
• Breakouts for discussion, peer coaching, and experiential learning
• Develop individual field work plan for the month (your personal goals/intentions)
• Close with personal commitment for action

Q: Will I have time for this in my busy schedule – what exactly am I committing to?
A: These 90 minutes per month will be a respite in your otherwise busy week. It will be a dedicated time to focus on what matters most to you with a trusted group of peers cheering you on. You’ll use the sessions and the times in between to set specific goals for your leadership development and carry out actionable plans that will ensure you thrive and succeed in your life & work. In between sessions you’ll also meet with a peer from the group for additional relationship building and accountability support – another bit of respite and support). 

Q: I know the program begins Jan 18. What does the onboarding process look like?
A: Here are the steps for the onboarding process:

• Purchase your program via the Join Now button on the Freedom, Growth & Joy website (pay by check, bank transfer, CC, Paypal, or Venmo; 3.5% fee for non-cash payments). Receive downloadable invoice in auto-generated follow-up email. You’ll need to follow instructions for cash payments.
• Receive virtual IANA Welcome Packet: 
  • Coach & Client Agreement via (DocHub) with basic responsibilities of each party & confidentiality/NDA clauses
  • Onboarding questionnaire (via Google Forms) to gather basic information & key areas of focus
  • Link to schedule a 30-minute 1:1 onboarding call with Ellen prior to Jan 18 start
  • Calendar invites for all 6 sessions, January through June.
  • Agenda for session 1, so we get off to a great start together! 
• Receive tangible IANA Care Package in mail (some goodies to support your IANA journey)

Q: You mentioned monthly peer pair match-up coffee dates, what exactly are those?
A: These monthly peer pair match-up ‘coffee dates’ are a chance to deepen your relationships with the other fierce female leaders in the groups and get support outside of our group coaching sessions. Each month you’ll be paired up with a peer from our group. The two of you will coordinate a time to meet for an hour during the month between our group sessions. During that ‘coffee date’ you’ll put into practice what you’re learning throughout our program, e.g., you’ll center together in your commitments, check in on progress and provide each other with some spot peer coaching to support you in moving through roadblocks. Don’t worry, I’ll give you a draft agenda and some coaching questions to help support you! 

Q: I’m not sure if I feel comfortable airing my ‘dirty laundry’ or specifics about my life and work. Is this group really confidential?
A: Yes! Confidentiality is extremely important to create the honest and vulnerable space we need to get to our personal game-changer moments. Each member of the IANA Leadership Circle will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement that includes an NDA section. 

Q: What if I miss a session? Will the virtual Zoom sessions be recorded?
A: Since the sessions are confidential, we will be recording the sessions and share them with only group members for a limited time (1 month). In case you do have to miss a session, watching a replay of it will give you an opportunity to not miss out! Oftentimes, the conversation will lend itself to what you’re currently experiencing. 

Q: I want my employer to pay for this leadership development program because I know they will receive a high ROI – my win, is their win. Can you provide an invoice and a W9?
A: Yes! I am happy to provide an invoice and a W9. It’s part of the onboarding process. Just click the Join Now button and you’ll be guided through to get everything you need to have your employer make this investment on your behalf. I’m here if you need further assistance!

Q: Is enrollment open? Is there an early bird offer?
A: Yes! Enrollment is officially open! Click the Join Now button to get started. Sign up on or before December 22 and receive 10% whatever package you choose! 

Q: Since there is a max 8 members in the group, how do I ensure I get a spot in the IANA Leadership Circle?
A: Great question! Space is limited. I encourage you to click the Join Now button and sign up today. Paying by Dec 22 will guarantee you a 10% early bird discount. 

Q: I want to help more womxn in climate & energy access this program. How do I share this amazing IANA Leadership Circle opportunity with them?
A: Ah, you’re the best! I’m so grateful you are in this with me – women empowering women is my jam! There are many ways to share (below), but the most beneficial are one-to-one, person-to-person. Feel free to have folks reach out to me directly if helpful! 

• EMAIL/CALL: Forward this URL to a friend or colleague with a personal message of what is drawing you to the program, asking them to join you.
• SOCIAL: Share one of my related posts you can find on my LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook. Direct message the post to a friend or colleague with a personal message, like above.
• ORGANIZATION: If you have a women’s leadership group or internal chat-board within your org, share this URL with them. Let me know if you’d like a summary to share! 
• NETWORK: If you belong to any climate & energy women-focused professional associations, share this opportunity with them by sending the URL and letting them know enrollment is open and the program begins Jan 18. If they want a short write-up, I’d be happy to provide it!

Q: The third Thursday of the month from Noon – 1:30PM CT doesn’t work for me, but I really want to ensure I get a spot in the IANA Leadership Circle?
A: First, let’s explore here. It may seem like an either/or choice right now – X is preventing me from making this time work, so I can’t do Y. Is there a third way? What else is possible here? 

If it’s really a hard no on that day/time slot, there could be another path. If demand for the program grows (e.g. 16 folks want to join), I’ll expand to offer two IANA circles which would open up an additional time slot offering. Dreams can come true! See, “how to share with friends & colleagues” above. 

Q: What is your cancellation & refund policy?
A: Since each IANA Leadership Circle is limited to 8 members, it’s critical that each slot is filled for the success of the group. Therefore, cancellations or refunds will not be offered. By signing up for the program, I ask that you fully commit to the six months and trust the process. Like everything in life you get out, what you put in. Your measure of success is in your hands. Growth and development is not an overnight process. It takes time & effort to build relationships, find clarity on what can best help you further your impact, and do the inner work to iterate your personal growth. Sometimes progress means stewing in your discomfort and challenge – your growth edge. Sometimes it means forward momentum and growth – your leap. While you may not arrive at “the” answer within a group coaching session, you should feel that you have made noticeable progress over the course of the program. To surface challenges you may have with the program &/or process, candid feedback & conversations throughout the 6 sessions are welcome.

Q: My question is not addressed here. How can I get it answered?
A: I’d love to answer any remaining questions you have! Feel free to email me: ellen(at)freedom-growth-joy.com or if you would benefit from a live conversation schedule a 15-minute or 30-minute check-in with me using these Calendly links.