An Introduction to Barefoot Coach Training

Why did you take this course?

"After 10 years working in charity communications while on maternity leave, I started thinking about how I would combine work and having school-aged children. I’d started managing people and loved using some skills from a short training in coaching, so I spoke to my coach about her training, and she trained with Barefoot.

I tried out a few providers taster days - Barefoot stood out to me. I loved the breadth, Barefoot had adapted best to remote training (I did a taster sometime in 2020, I think), and finally, there was no hard sell! "

Sam Kennedy Christian
Executive Coach

What did you love about it?

“With Barefoot you learn all the ‘rules’, tools and techniques; but you’re also there to find your own strengths and figure out who you are as a coach. I didn’t go into the programme with a clear plan for my next steps, but all the coaching from my cohort helped me to figure it out. "

Where did it take you?

“I set up my private coaching practice, The Float Space , in 2021. I’m now a PCC and I’ve coached over 130 people, 750+ hours through a mixture of my private practice and associate coaching work (around 50% from each). I work four days a week during school hours and mostly term-time too. This year, I’m training as a coach supervisor, and I just started supervising my first practice clients."

Why did you take this course?

"Although I was already a qualified coach, I kept hearing outstanding things about the Barefoot course from people I respected. I decided to join the programme to deepen my practice and reconnect with the core foundations of great coaching. I work in leadership and executive coaching across corporate, SME, public and voluntary sectors, and I wanted a programme that brought together theory, reflection and real-world application with other experienced professionals."

Gary Buxton PCC, MBE
Executive Coach, Coaching Psychologist and Non-Executive Director

What did you love about it?

“The Barefoot programme was an energising mix of psychological insight, practical tools and thoughtful reflection. I loved the diversity and depth of the group, who brought perspectives from a wide range of disciplines. It offered a valuable opportunity to refine my coaching style in a supportive and stretching environment. The quality of the teaching and the encouragement to stay curious and keep learning has had a lasting impact on how I coach and how I work with others."

Where did it take you?

“On completion, I was invited to become a tutor on the programme, which I continue to love. I completed the Postgraduate Certificate, which revitalised my interest in Coaching Psychology and led me to take the Accelerated Route to Chartered Coaching Psychologist status, having secured Graduate Membership of the British Psychological Society many years before.

I went on to complete Barefoot’s Supervision Postgraduate course and qualified as a Mentor Coach and PCC assessor with the ICF. Barefoot helped me grow and extend my practice in exciting new directions which means I can both coach, teach coaching, supervise coaching practice and mentor new coaches… I feel very lucky to be part of the ever growing community!"

Why did you take this course?

"I took this programme out of curiosity to know a bit more about Coaching to support my Leadership role. I wanted to explore coaching to enhance my leadership skills and lead with focus on human connections instead of managing teams. Barefoot was recommended to me by one of my friends. So I attended a taster session and was drawn to Barefoot’s unique blend of soulful presence and academic rigour. The style of training and ethos also matched with my personality and my work place that places a lot of focus on humans and human connections."

Deepali Deshpande
Investec Bank Plc. : Product Manager The Unstuck Unicorn : Director

What did you love about it?

“I loved how each session felt like sacred space held with warmth, understanding, and an ever-present thread of ethical awareness. The tutors were not just knowledgeable, they were deeply human, embodying the ICF principles in every interaction. We learnt tools and techniques for coaching, but always through the lens of values, presence, and reflection. It was a place where voices were heard and confidence quietly grew. Most of all, it was a learning journey that felt like coming home to who I am and who I’m becoming as a coach. By the end of the programme I felt I belong to this beautiful community with a shared purpose."

Where did it take you?

“It took me inward and outward. Inward, to meet parts of myself I had silenced or forgotten. Outward towards the world of professional coaches, with more presence, curiosity, and humility. It deepened my capacity to patiently listen beyond the words and to walk alongside others with reverence. I have grown in confidence not just to coach but also to lead at work and speak my mind with courage and empathy.

I hold the ICF framework not just as a set of guidelines, but as a compass for every conversation. It’s taken me to a place of readiness, where I can walk into conversations grounded in confidence. I have since launched my coaching practice, The Unstuck Unicorn and also registered for PG in Coaching at Chester University. I have been volunteering at We Speak to offer coaching to students to enter the workforce with confidence. Barefoot has opened a path that extends beyond self to wider communities allowing me to make a contribution towards a responsible and connected society."

Why did you take this course?

"After years in senior leadership, I was ready for a new challenge and adventure - one with more space for creativity, connection, and broader impact. Coaching had always been part of how I worked, but I wanted to do it as a new career and chapter in my own development. Barefoot stood out as the perfect place to learn, reflect and grow. It offered the right balance of stretch and support, grounded values and helped me take the leap into a whole new way of working."

Sandra Whiles
Business and Leadership Coach, Author

What did you love about it?

“I loved the richness of the learning, both from the tutors and the amazing cohort I was part of. The programme encouraged me to be curious, courageous and reflective, and helped me find and trust my own coaching style. It was practical and energising. I felt valued, seen and supported, and came away more confident, creative and clear and ready to start to use what I’d learned to make a difference for others."

Where did it take you?

“It launched my coaching career that’s been brilliant. I now work as a thinking partner with leaders and teams, helping them build confidence, clarity and momentum. I also support coaches through a regular newsletter, a peer network, and now The Coaching Tools Compendium - a book I’ve written to share tools that help coaches bring their best to others. Barefoot gave me the foundation to grow a business that is making a difference - to me and to my clients."