Transcend’s approach to coach training is particularly geared to equipping coaches to help their clients respond adaptively to the challenges of what might be termed as the “PAID” (Pressured, Always-on, Information-oveloaded, Distracted) reality (Hougaard, Carter, & Coutts, 2016, p. x) sometimes also known as VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) world, resulting, in turn, from profound and simultaneous changes in systemic complexity (including demographic, social, cultural, technology, governance, consumer expectations, regulatory and so on.

In other words, we train coaches who can support their clients to adapt to profound, accelerating and simultaneous change.

To paraphrase Ronald Hiefetz, we believe that treating modern “adaptive challenges”as if they were “technical” problems underpins our inability to move on our aspirations and goals in modernity, whether these be professional or personal aspirations. Instead of simply applying existing skills or knowledge to solve these modern challenges, we help coaches develop the ability to facilitate deeper, transformative change in their clients, where necessary (spoiler alert, it often is necessary!). Our training focuses on developing coaches who can see beneath the surface and address the underlying beliefs and behaviours that may support (or hinder) the growth of their clients (and indeed, themselves).

Our training programme emphasises “development”—the process by which individuals become wise through the cultivation of more expansive, less distorted, less egocentric, and less “reactive” thinking and emotional responses. Through this developmental journey, individuals gain acute and actionable self-awareness and self-management skills that enable them to respond optimally in any situation. They are thereby able to bring their best to their work, their relationships and their lives, no matter how overwhelming, changing or stressful the context. Such development leads to increased wisdom through patience, presence, trust in oneself and others, acceptance of what cannot be changed,and the ability to “let go” of unhelpful mindsets.

To ensure our coaches stay on track with their clients' goals, we provide them with a number of advanced frameworks and tools. Our programme includes the 4 Balances framework known as the MACE model, which focuses on cultivating what we call the ‘4 Capabilities”, namely motivational, attentional, cognitive, and emotional that underpin our ability to stay on track and being our best to our lives. These capabilities empower coaches to support their clients as they discover their true aspirations, overcome distractions and manage their emotions effectively, all leading to wise moment-by-moment choices that best serve professional and personal success and well-being.

In addition to the 4 Balances framework, our training covers a range of core mental strategies that support our ability to achieve desired outcomes. These strategies include the qualities presence, patience, curiosity, acceptance, trust, and positivity. By developing these core mental qualities, coaches can guide their clients in staying focused on what truly matters and taking appropriate actions aligned with their values.

Throughout our training programme, we provide students with a comprehensive set of tools and models to enhance their coaching practice. From topics of concern (TOC) tool to the integral model and from well-formed goal model to emotional episode journaling tools—the resources we offer enable coaches to facilitate deep transformational change in their clients.