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Credibility. Legitimacy. Authority. Confidence. Competance. Mastery. Community. Connection. Opportunity and Growth. 100% Online and Global. Quality. Relevance. Rigour. Structure. Measurement. Accountability. Value.
Professionalising the coaching you already do.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a coach, or even if you already are a coach, there’s one truth that might sting a little:
Coaching alone is hard.
You can spend months or even years learning techniques, watching videos, attending workshops, and reading books…
…and still feel like you’re nowhere near being a professional coach with paying clients.
Why?
Because most coaches try to build the plane while flying it.
Here’s what coaching alone usually looks like:
Confusion about what counts toward ICF or COMENSA accreditation
Overwhelm from scattered resources and conflicting advice
Low confidence and imposter syndrome
No clarity on niche, pricing, or client acquisition
Slow progress and wasted time
Little to no paying clients or testimonials
Sound familiar?
This is why I created Level123 Coaching — a program designed to help coaches:
Get accredited faster and with confidence
Gain clarity, skills, and professional identity
Build a business that attracts paying clients
Avoid costly mistakes, overwhelm, and wasted time
Unlike traditional courses, this isn’t just theory. It’s a complete ecosystem:
Structured Certification Roadmap – step-by-step guidance for ICF & COMENSA
Core Coaching Skill Development – frameworks, role plays, supervision
Business & Marketing Strategy – niche, packages, pricing, client acquisition
Practical Application – real client experience, portfolio building, testimonials
Tools & Templates – ready-to-use scripts, intake forms, and trackers
Community & Accountability – grow alongside peers and get expert feedback
Before Level123 Coaching:
Lost in the process
Overwhelmed and unsure
Few or no paying clients
After Level123 Coaching:
Clear roadmap to accredited coaching
Mastery of essential coaching skills
Confidence to coach and charge
Defined niche and unique offer
First paying clients with real testimonials
Marketing systems that work
Level123 Coaching is more than a course. It’s a launchpad for your coaching career:
Credibility – build authority with recognized accreditation
Community – learn, practice, and grow with peers
Mastery – internalize coaching skills that work in real life
Growth & Opportunity – attract clients and increase income
Time-Saving & Clarity – know exactly what counts and how to do it
Accountability – stay on track and actually finish
The result? You go from aspiring coach → accredited professional with clients faster and smarter.
Stop guessing. Stop wasting time. Stop struggling alone.
If you’re ready to finally become a confident, accredited, and paid coach, Level123 Coaching is your roadmap.
Your next step: Learn more and join a community of coaches who are building careers, not just skills.
Join the waiting list by clicking the yellow banner above
The reality is that becoming a successful coach on your own is slow, expensive, and confusing. Most coaches waste months or years trying to figure it out.
Here’s why joining Level123 Coaching is the obvious choice:
You get a clear roadmap to ICF & COMENSA accreditation, so you don’t waste time guessing what counts. You go from “aspiring coach” → “recognized professional” faster than trying to do it alone.
No more solo struggle. You’re supported by peers and mentors who keep you on track, give feedback, and celebrate wins — accountability that actually works.
You don’t just learn theory — you practice with real clients, get feedback, and refine your skills. This is how coaches become confident and competent.
You’ll learn how to attract paying clients, price your services, and grow your coaching business, saving months of trial-and-error experimentation.
You avoid the endless cycle of taking random courses or wasting money on unclear programs. This is the fastest, most efficient path to becoming a professional coach.
You’ll leave with:
Accreditation-ready coaching hours
Paying clients and testimonials
Marketing system and business plan
Clarity, confidence, and purpose
Bottom line:
You can struggle alone and hope it works… or you can join Level123 Coaching and fast-track your credibility, skills, and income with a proven system.
It’s literally the easiest, smartest, and highest value, lowest cost decision you’ll make for your coaching career.
Transform Your Clients. Transform Your Career.
Level 1 Accreditation | COMENSA & ICF Recognised. Starts 1 April
Imagine a coaching session where everything clicks. Your client gains sudden clarity, commits to bold action, and you can see the shift happening right in front of you.
Now imagine every session feeling that way.
That level of consistent, repeatable breakthrough is not reserved for a gifted few.
It is the result of structured mastery, and it is exactly what the Level123 Coach Training Programme is designed to build.
Even the most naturally talented coaches reach a point where growth stalls. You’ll recognise the signs:
• Sessions start to feel formulaic, and breakthroughs become less frequent
• Clients plateau before reaching the deep, identity-level change you know they’re capable of
• You sense there are tools and techniques just beyond your current reach
• Without recognised credentials, you’re left out of premium corporate and executive opportunities
Accredited training is not just about adding letters after your name. It is the structured pathway that transforms a good coach into a truly transformational one.
This is a 20-week, 40-session immersive programme — two 90-minute live sessions per week. Every element is designed to meet the standards of COMENSA, ICF, EMCC Global, and QCTO simultaneously.
Build the bedrock: ethics, coaching mindset, presence, and core skills aligned to ICF Level 1 and COMENSA Practitioner standards.
• Global codes of ethics and ethical decision-making frameworks
• ICF Core Competencies and EMCC Competence Framework in depth
• Psychological safety, trust-building, and client contracting
• Active listening (Levels 1–3) and somatic awareness
• Powerful questioning techniques with live triad practice
• Coaching presence and working with silence
Go deeper into coaching models, neuroscience, and identity work — aligned to ICF Level 2 and EMCC Practitioner.
• Advanced coaching structures beyond GROW: developmental and solution-focused models
• Neuroscience and brain-based coaching for lasting client change
• Values elicitation, identity work, and limiting belief transformation
• Emotional intelligence — working with emotion without crossing into therapy
• Systems thinking, ecosystem mapping, and team coaching foundations
• Cultural intelligence and diversity-aware coaching practice
Step into professional-grade coaching — supervised practice at EMCC Senior Practitioner and ICF PCC level competency.
• Organisational contracting and stakeholder management
• Measuring and demonstrating coaching ROI to corporate clients
• Advanced questioning, pattern recognition, and shadow coaching
• Trauma-aware practice and referral boundaries
• Supervision models and peer supervision circles
• Observed coaching assessment to PCC-level standards
Reach the highest level: intuitive, systemic, research-informed coaching aligned to ICF MCC, EMCC Master Practitioner, and COMENSA Master Coach benchmarks.
• Masterful presence — working with intuition and complexity
• Systemic constellations introduction and advanced team coaching simulations
• Evidence-based practice and research literacy for coaches
• Writing reflective case studies for portfolio and assessment
• Business development, professionalisation, and credential pathways
• Final observed coaching assessment and individual CPD planning
• 60 contact hours of live training (40 sessions × 90 minutes)
• Mentor coaching hours and group supervision
• Portfolio guidance: reflective logs, recorded sessions, and case study templates
• Ethics viva preparation and knowledge assessment practice
• All preparation required to achieve Level 1 Accreditation with COMENSA and ICF
• Pathway mapping for Level 2 and Level 3 progression
• Global Recognition: Your credential signals credibility and professionalism to clients and organisations worldwide.
• Structured Mastery: Develop coaching skills aligned with internationally recognised competency frameworks.
• Deepened Presence: Learn advanced listening, reframing, and questioning techniques that create real-time shifts.
• Consistent Client Impact: Move from occasional breakthroughs to reliably creating identity-level transformation.
• Career Flexibility: Unlock access to corporate, executive, leadership, and private coaching markets.
• Ethical Excellence: Train to the highest ethical standards across four internationally recognised bodies.
• Community & Network: Connect with accredited coaches and join a community of committed lifelong learners.
• Continuous Development: Access ongoing CPD pathways to maintain and grow your credential over time.
• Confidence & Authority: Clients invest more, refer more, and trust more when you bring validated expertise.
• Fully present in every session — noticing subtle shifts in energy before your client can name them
• Asking questions that unlock entirely new perspectives and possibilities
• Guiding clients to breakthroughs they didn’t know were available to them
• Confidently delivering sessions recognised to COMENSA and ICF standards
• Building a coaching practice with the credibility to command premium fees
This is what masterful coaching feels like, and this programme is designed to take you there.
You have a choice: continue coaching at your current level, or step into a new standard of mastery, where every session creates real transformation and your career reaches new heights.
Ask yourself:
• What would it mean for your clients if every session moved them forward in a meaningful way?
• How would global accreditation change your credibility, your reach, and your income?
• Are you ready to claim your place among the world’s most recognised coaches?
If the answer is yes, I invite you to join the next exclusive cohort. Spaces are strictly limited to ensure each participant receives personal attention and meaningful progress. Training begins 1 April.
➡ JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE — Secure Your Spot Now
Coaching isn’t just about asking questions.
It’s about creating breakthroughs, shaping identities, and making a lasting impact. With COMENSA and ICF accreditation from Level123 Coaching, you gain the framework, the credibility, and the mastery to make it happen, consistently, and at every level.
Hey coaches! Let me ask you something… Are you tired of clients questioning your credibility? Are you putting in the hours, delivering results, but still feel like you’re stuck in the shadows of the coaching world? If that hits home, then listen closely — because today, I’m going to show you how to change that in weeks or months, not years.
Here’s the truth… Most coaches struggle to stand out because there’s no universal standard of credibility. You could have the best skills in the world, but without a recognized certification, clients often choose someone else. That means lost opportunities, wasted time, and frustration.
I get it — I’ve been there. I’ve seen amazing coaches feel invisible, unsure how to get recognized, and constantly chasing clients. It’s not about your skill — it’s about how the world sees your skill.
Here’s the good news. There’s a solution: The COMENSA Level 1 Certification. And the best part? You don’t have to wait years to earn it. With our Level123Coaching program, you can get fully certified while learning practical, actionable coaching strategies that you can apply immediately with your clients.
COMENSA Level 1 Certified → Credibility → More Clients → Higher Fees
Benefits
Once you’re COMENSA Level 1 certified through our program, you’ll get:
Instant credibility recognized by clients and industry peers
Proven coaching frameworks you can use immediately
Access to a network of professional coaches to grow your business
Confidence to charge higher fees and attract premium clients
And the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re officially recognized
Hundreds of coaches just like you have already taken this step. Coaches who were struggling to find clients are now fully booked, commanding premium fees, and growing their businesses faster than they ever imagined.
Here’s the deal — our next cohort for Level123Coaching is limited. If you’re serious about growing your coaching business, getting certified, and finally standing out… this is your moment. Click the link below, join the program, and let’s make this your breakthrough year.
Stop waiting. Stop wondering. Get certified. Get clients. Get results. I’ll see you inside.
COMENSA Level 1 Certification – Limited Spots Available → Sign Up Now
Click below to secure your spot and join the next Level123Coaching cohort. Your coaching business will thank you.
Let me ask you something.
If someone Googles your name right now…
What proof do they see that you’re a professional coach?
Not testimonials.
Not a Canva certificate.
Not a weekend course.
I’m talking about recognized, regulated, accountable certification.
If you want to be taken seriously in South Africa,
you need to understand one word:
COMENSA.
The coaching industry is unregulated.
Anyone can wake up tomorrow and call themselves a coach.
That’s the problem.
And it’s your problem — whether you realize it or not.
Because when everyone is a coach…
nobody trusts coaches.
Clients are skeptical.
Corporates won’t onboard you.
HR won’t approve you.
Procurement won’t sign you.
Why?
Because there’s no standard.
No governance.
No accountability.
And when something goes wrong?
Guess who looks unprofessional?
All of you.
Professionals don’t compete on price.
Professionals compete on standards.
Doctors have councils.
Lawyers have bars.
Accountants have boards.
Coaches in South Africa have COMENSA.
Level 1 certification isn’t about ego.
It’s about legitimacy.
I know what you’re thinking.
“It’s paperwork.”
“It’s complicated.”
“It takes too long.”
“I don’t know how to prepare.”
Exactly.
That’s why most coaches never do it.
And that’s why they stay small.
Here’s the reality:
COMENSA Level 1 is not hard.
It’s structured.
You need:
Documented coaching hours
Competency alignment
Ethics understanding
Reflective practice
Mentor confirmation
That’s it.
But without guidance?
It feels overwhelming.
That’s why we built this.
A structured pathway.
Clear templates.
Mentor guidance.
Portfolio preparation.
Application review.
No guessing.
No confusion.
No delays.
We help you prepare, align, and submit properly the first time.
Because professionals don’t “try.”
They execute.
Let’s talk ROI.
One corporate contract can pay for this process 10 times over.
One retained executive client can cover your certification.
But here’s the bigger ROI:
Authority.
Confidence.
Standards.
Protection.
You stop defending your pricing.
If you want to be a hobby coach,
this isn’t for you.
If you want to post quotes on Instagram and hope clients come…
this isn’t for you.
But if you want:
Corporate access
Ethical credibility
Long-term positioning
Real professional standing
Then it’s time.
The industry will mature.
Standards will tighten.
Clients will demand proof.
The only question is —
will you already be positioned?
Or will you scramble later?
Join the Level 1 COMENSA Certification Cohort.
Build the portfolio.
Submit with confidence.
Get recognized.
Professionals don’t wait for permission.
They decide.
If you’re a coach in South Africa and you’re not COMENSA Level 1 certified…
you’re making it harder to get clients.
And you’re definitely charging less than you could be.
Here’s the reality.
Corporates don’t hire “Instagram coaches.”
They hire credentialed professionals.
HR departments need:
Governance
Ethics compliance
Registered bodies
Accountability structures
If you don’t have that?
You don’t even get past procurement.
And if you’re not in the room…
You can’t close the deal.
Let’s talk numbers.
One corporate coaching contract: R60k – R250k+.
One retained executive client: R10k – R30k per month.
Now compare that to:
The cost of getting properly prepared for COMENSA Level 1.
It’s not an expense.
It’s a positioning upgrade.
And positioning increases price.
Here’s why most coaches never apply:
They don’t track hours properly.
They don’t understand the competencies.
They submit weak portfolios.
They procrastinate.
Not because it’s hard.
Because they don’t have structure.
Certification isn’t about ego.
It’s about:
Increasing perceived value
Reducing buyer risk
Creating differentiation
Unlocking higher-paying markets
If two coaches look the same,
but one is COMENSA certified?
Guess who wins.
So here’s what we built:
A step-by-step system to get you to Level 1.
Not motivation.
Not theory.
Execution.
We help you:
Audit your coaching hours
Align your competencies
Build your portfolio
Prepare your submission
Avoid rejection
We remove friction.
And when friction goes down, action goes up.
What you’re really buying:
Confidence when you pitch
Authority in sales calls
Credibility in corporate decks
Protection under a professional body
And long-term career positioning
This is an asset.
Not a workshop.
If you want to stay small —
skip it.
If you’re fine competing on price —
ignore this.
But if you want to:
Raise your fees
Enter corporate markets
Be taken seriously
Build a real career
Then this is the move.
You can stay uncertified and hope clients trust you.
Or…
You can increase trust before you even speak.
That’s leverage.
Join the Level 1 COMENSA Certification Cohort.
Build the asset.
Increase your positioning.
Charge accordingly.
Simple.
Let me ask you something.
Why did you become a coach?
Was it to make a little money?
Or was it because you felt called…
to change lives?
Because if you’re called to lead…
then you must be willing to step in to it.
Right now, coaching in South Africa is growing fast.
But growth without standards creates chaos.
Anyone can call themselves a coach.
Anyone can print a certificate.
Anyone can claim authority.
And when there’s no standard…
People get hurt.
Trust gets broken.
The profession gets weakened.
Is that who you are?
Or are you here to elevate the profession?
Leaders don’t wait for regulation.
Leaders set the standard.
COMENSA Level 1 certification is not about paperwork.
It’s about identity.
It says:
I am accountable.
I operate ethically.
I meet professional standards.
I am committed to mastery.
That’s a different coach.
That’s a different energy.
I know some of you are thinking…
“It feels overwhelming.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready.”
“What if I don’t qualify?”
Let me tell you something powerful.
Growth only happens when you stretch.
If you feel resistance…
that’s not a stop sign.
That’s a signal.
It means you’re stepping into your next level.
Imagine this.
You walk into a corporate boardroom.
You’re not hoping they take you seriously.
You KNOW they will.
Because you are aligned with the professional body of your country.
You’re not just a coach.
You are a recognized practitioner.
That changes how you speak.
That changes how you price.
That changes how you show up.
That’s why we created this Level 1 Certification Cohort.
Not just to help you submit an application.
But to help you rise.
We guide you:
Through your competencies
Through your documentation
Through reflective practice
Through ethics alignment
Through proper submission
So you don’t walk alone.
Because proximity creates power.
Stand strong. Slow down.
The future of coaching in South Africa will belong to those who decide to lead.
The question is not:
“Can you do this?”
The question is:
“Who must you become?”
If you are serious about impact…
If you are serious about legacy…
If you are serious about this being more than a hobby…
Then step up.
Commit.
Join the COMENSA Level 1 Certification Cohort.
Raise your standard.
Raise your identity.
Raise the profession.
Because when you elevate yourself…
You elevate everyone you serve.
Many aspiring coaches are frustrated by the traditional coaching certification journey. Becoming a fully credentialed coach often takes years—sometimes up to 5 years—or costs a large amount of money- some over R200,000. This makes it difficult for passionate individuals to start making an impact, earn a living, and help clients sooner. They want a faster, more affordable path to credibility and results without compromising quality.
I know how frustrating it feels to dream of becoming a certified coach and then hit every roadblock. You’re passionate, ready to help others, but everywhere you look, the path seems slow, expensive, and overwhelming. Five years of courses, endless fees, and uncertain results—it’s exhausting just to think about. You start to wonder if you’ll ever get the credentials, the confidence, or the credibility to actually start making a difference. It’s disheartening when all you want is to step into your purpose, yet it feels impossible. You’re not alone in this struggle, and I understand how it weighs on your time and your spirit.
Now, there’s a better way. You don’t have to wait five years or pay a fortune to become a credentialed coach. Our program fast-tracks your certification in just months, giving you real skills, credibility, and confidence to start helping clients right away. It’s designed to be affordable, structured, and practical, so you can focus on what matters—making an impact—without getting lost in endless courses or unnecessary costs. Finally, you can step into your coaching career faster, smarter, and fully prepared to succeed.
• Training programmes are confusing
• Credentialing paths aren’t explained clearly
• People spend years without getting certified
• You’re unsure what really counts with ICF or COMENSA
• Nobody explains the business side of coaching
Not yet accredited → struggle to be taken seriously
Are you unsure how COMENSA compares with ICF or other bodies
Are you confused about what Level 1 actually qualifies you to do
Do you have difficulty explaining your credentials to clients or employers
Do you have a fear of being seen as “unofficial” or inexperienced
Do you not yet have a clear professional identity as a coach
Don’t understand the full COMENSA pathway
Unsure about required training hours, supervision, and mentoring
Confused by assessment criteria
Don’t know how to log hours properly
Unsure where to get ethical supervision
Overwhelmed by multiple providers and options
Lack of step-by-step roadmap
Scattered info across websites and PDFs
No idea how to turn certification into income
No simple coaching business model
Unsure whether to go corporate, private clients, or NGOs
No marketing plan
No pricing strategy
No offer structure (packages vs single sessions)
No sales process
No brand positioning
No financial projections
Imposter syndrome
Fear of charging money
Doubt about being “ready”
Anxiety about assessment recordings
Nervous about being evaluated
Overthinking competence standards
Comparing themselves to seasoned coaches
Unsure of your coaching style
This webinar shows you how to avoid traps — and move forward with confidence.
- The real difference between ICF Level 1, 2 and 3
- How COMENSA accreditation works in South Africa
- How to choose a programme that actually gets you credentialed
- How long it really takes (and what to avoid)
- How to start coaching ethically and professionally
- How to build momentum as a new coach
- And the fastest path from beginner to professional coach
You will receive:
- A clear certification roadmap
- Information about how we provide Integrated business-building support
- Information about how we help you get your first paying clients
- Supervision + ethics guidance
- Information about our Assessment preparation
- Confidence and identity as a professional coach
- Information about how our course is COMENSA + ICF aligned
- Information about our templates, trackers, scripts, and systems
Can coach well but can’t convert prospects
Relying on free sessions with no progression to paid work
No consistent lead generation strategy
Unsure how to price coaching ethically at beginner level
Low confidence selling before accreditation
No testimonials or case studies
Competing with fully credentialed coaches
Unclear niche → marketing too generic
Gavin Dick - Skills Development Facilitator and Coach Trainer
Meet Your Host: Gavin Dick
Gavin Dick is an experienced coach and trainer dedicated to helping aspiring coaches build confident, ethical, and professional coaching practices. With years of experience guiding individuals toward COMENSA and ICF Level 1 readiness, Gavin combines practical insights, proven frameworks, and personalized support to accelerate learning and skill mastery. His approach emphasizes both technical competence and the human side of coaching, ensuring that every coach not only passes certification but thrives in real-world coaching with integrity and impact.
Story: “From Project Manager to Professional Coach: My Journey” by author Gavin Dick
I’ve loved helping people for as long as I can remember. For 24 years, I thrived as a project manager—leading teams, solving problems, and delivering projects successfully. But five years ago, I realized there weren’t many older project managers in IT as a profession. I stepped into coaching, and I felt called to explore it seriously.
I started small, listening to Life Coaching 101 by Transformation Academy on Udemy while working for a bank. From that audiobook, I discovered that coaching was an unregulated industry. Curious and motivated, I consumed more courses and resources. Eventually, I got my first client—I was neither particularly successful nor unsuccessful in that first engagement—it was a start.
I also ‘coached’ friends. Over time, they became irritated. I realized I didn’t yet know everything about coaching or how to do it properly. I knew I needed guidance, so I approached a business coach, who referred me to an ICF-aligned coaching school. I paid what I thought was an enormous sum, only to realize that the real depth of learning I wanted was in the next course. I invested again, reaching the equivalent of Level 2 ICF-aligned knowledge, but I hadn’t done all the homework and remained ineligible for certification.
Five years later, after being out of project management work for two years, I decided it was time to launch my coaching career for real. I volunteered at an organization supporting people with depression and anxiety, completing their training and gaining more hands-on experience. I undertook additional courses, each one building my skills and deepening my understanding of coaching.
I eventually combined all my learning into a skills development facilitation course, which I volunteered to teach at an organization I had joined as a coach and bid manager writing tenders for coaching contracts.
Through this journey, I’ve learned some crucial lessons:
Coaching is distinct from therapy or mentoring. Trying to help without knowing boundaries can irritate people—or worse, harm them.
Scope of practice and protecting the public matter. Volunteering and proper training helped me understand where coaching starts and stops.
Professional bodies and regulation build credibility. Aligning with ICF standards and understanding COMENSA’s role gave me clarity and structure in an otherwise unregulated industry.
Coaching is a lifelong learning journey. No single course or certification guarantees mastery. It’s about continuous growth, practice, and reflection.
The future of coaching in South Africa depends on professionalism and ethical practice. My journey shows how older professionals can step into coaching responsibly, bringing both life experience and structured knowledge to clients.
Today, coaching isn’t just what I do—it’s my calling.
My journey from project manager to professional coach has taught me that helping people effectively requires knowledge, ethical boundaries, and dedication to continual learning. Every client I work with reminds me why I chose this path.
As my peer coach, I have had the pleasure of working with Gavin over the past year or more. Throughout this time, Gavin has consistently guided and supported me with his ability to ask questions which get me thinking and providing me with feedback which is insightful. He has been a constant on my coaching journey. He has helped me reflect on blind spots, provided me with valuable, yet supportive feedback and not judged me for my responses and emotions. I leave a coaching session feeling unjudged and with a more curious outlook on our points of discussion. These qualities have made Gavin a true partner in my/our coaching journey. Overall, I would have no reservations recommending Gavin as a coach to anyone seeking a honest, structured and thoughtful coaching approach and partnership. I am confident that he can help others achieve their personal and professional goals, just as he has helped me.
Yours in coaching,
Claire Fowler
Star Leadership 21
I’d like to say a big thank you, and highly recommend Gavin Dick as a business coach.
He is calm, gentle yet precise and clear and allows you to find clarity within yourself through his coaching.
I’m very grateful for the opportunity to work with him and highly recommend him.
Kind regards
Sue van der Gaast
Small Business Owner, Plettenberg Bay
"Working with Gavin as my coach has been a game-changer in how I approach work-related challenges. His ability to ask the right questions, provide structured guidance, and offer fresh perspectives has helped me navigate difficult decisions with confidence. Gavin doesn’t offer advice automatically—he empowers you to find solutions that align with your values and long-term goals. His experience and insightful approach make him an incredible resource for anyone facing career transitions, workplace conflicts, or leadership challenges. I highly recommend Gavin to anyone looking for clarity and direction in their professional life."
—Angela Thomas, Randburg
It is with great confidence that I recommend Gavin Dick as an exceptional Executive and Management Coach. Having had the privilege of mentoring Gavin at the start of his coaching journey, I have witnessed his remarkable growth into a results-driven, insightful, and highly effective coach.
Gavin brings a wealth of real-world leadership experience, having navigated high-stakes corporate environments as a Project Manager before transitioning into coaching. His deep understanding of organizational dynamics, leadership challenges, and team performance makes him a powerful asset to any management or executive team.
What sets Gavin apart is his ability to identify key leadership blind spots, challenge limiting beliefs, and facilitate sustainable growth in his clients. He creates a safe yet results-oriented coaching environment, ensuring that leaders develop the clarity, confidence, and strategic acumen needed to thrive in complex, high-pressure roles.
His coaching style is a blend of practical leadership frameworks, executive mindset development, and real-world application, making him particularly suited for public sector leadership coaching. With a deep appreciation for the unique challenges faced by municipal leadership, Gavin is well-equipped to support public entities in enhancing leadership effectiveness, decision-making, and team performance.
I have no doubt that Gavin’s expertise, professionalism, and commitment to leadership excellence will add immense value to corporate management and executive teams. He is an outstanding choice for a coaching engagement, and I wholeheartedly endorse his capabilities.
Yvonne E. Venter-Louw
Director, Coach and Mentor, Roodepoort
Your passion for the work that you do is out of this world. In the past I did not take the work of the life coach seriously until I met you.
I am and will confidently refer others to you.
Thank you.
NN, Ladysmith
Date: March 17
Time: 4pm
Format: Live on Facebook
Cost: FREE
Includes: Recording for attendees + Live Q&A
Do you want to be the first person to review my upcoming new book on Coaching to Level 1 Coach Certification - Free Kindle Book.
How long is the webinar?
60–90 minutes including Q&A.
Is this really free?
Yes — the live webinar is free.
Will there be a sales pitch?
You’ll learn a lot regardless. At the end, we’ll share how Level 1-2-3 Coaching can support you further if you’d like. But we wont sell to you on webinar, you would need to book a call if you are interested in buying from us.
Do I need coaching experience?
No — beginners welcome.
Seats are capped to ensure quality interaction and Q&A. Register today to secure your place.
Visit our Youtube Channel to Learn More
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Goal: Know what coaching is—and isn’t—and why COMENSA matters.
Actions:
Learn differences between coaching, mentoring, and therapy.
Study COMENSA’s ethical guidelines and professional standards.
Read your story: how I realized trust and credibility come from formal training.
Tip: Start journaling your initial assumptions about coaching vs. reality—awareness is your first skill.
Goal: Develop core competencies in listening, questioning, presence, and trust.
Actions:
Draft your first coaching agreements.
Practice active listening and basic questioning with peers.
Engage in role-plays to build confidence.
Reflect on self-awareness and coaching presence daily.
Gavin’s Insight: Presence and trust open the door for clients. Skills only become real when practiced repeatedly.
Goal: Move from basic to impactful coaching through advanced listening, questioning, and goal setting.
Actions:
Practice deep listening and empathy mapping.
Learn advanced questioning techniques (question ladders).
Apply GROW and SMART frameworks for goal setting.
Conduct triad coaching sessions: coach, client, observer.
Gavin’s Insight: Insight often hides behind layers—your questions are the keys.
Goal: Apply structured approaches for different client needs.
Actions:
Study models like GROW, CLEAR, solution-focused, appreciative inquiry, CBT basics, and strengths-based approaches.
Role-play using multiple models and adapt to client context.
Participate in peer feedback and group reflections.
Gavin’s Insight: Flexibility is mastery—no single model fits all situations.
Goal: Build emotional intelligence, boundaries, resilience, and reflective practice.
Actions:
Complete EI self-assessment and resilience plan.
Practice handling difficult conversations and resistance role-plays.
Journal reflections and attend supervision sessions.
Conduct peer coaching with feedback.
Gavin’s Insight: You are the instrument of coaching—self-care and reflection are non-negotiable.
Goal: Translate theory into applied coaching across contexts.
Actions:
Coach individuals, groups, and in organizational settings.
Explore career, life, health/wellness, and leadership coaching scenarios.
Engage in scenario-based triads, peer review, and ethical dilemma discussions.
Integrate lessons through case study analysis.
Gavin’s Insight: Skills only matter when adapted to context. Practice in real-life scenarios makes you a versatile coach.
Goal: Demonstrate competencies, reflect on growth, and prepare for accreditation.
Actions:
Review COMENSA competencies and complete a self-assessment.
Conduct observed coaching sessions with peer and facilitator feedback.
Reflect on strengths, growth areas, and design your personal development plan (PDP).
Participate in final coaching sessions and group reflection.
Celebrate completion and define next steps for supervised practice and further credentials.
Gavin’s Insight: Certification is a milestone, not an endpoint. Integration and continuous improvement are lifelong.
Goal: Transition from learning to recognized practice.
Actions:
Arrange Level 1 supervision hours with accredited supervisors.
Apply for COMENSA Level 1 certification.
Continue reflective journaling and practical coaching sessions to meet supervised practice requirements.
Use your PDP to plan Level 2 or specialization courses.
Gavin’s Insight: Standards guide growth, but your impact is your signature. Certification validates skills; practice hones mastery.
Phase
Hours
Focus
Key Actions
Foundations
1–10
Trust, agreements, presence
Ethics, listening, questioning, role-plays
Core Skills
11–20
Advanced coaching
Deep listening, advanced questioning, goal setting, triads
Models & Frameworks
21–30
Structured approaches
GROW, CLEAR, solution-focused, appreciative inquiry, CBT, strengths
Self-Management
31–40
EI, boundaries, resilience
EI assessment, handling resistance, reflective journaling, supervision
Practical Applications
41–50
Real-world coaching
Individuals, groups, organizational, niche contexts, ethical practice
Assessment & Integration
51–60
Competency & reflection
Observed sessions, PDP, final triads, group consolidation
Accreditation Prep
Post-60
Supervised practice
Supervision, reflective practice, certification application
Certification Focus:
Learn COMENSA ethics, standards, agreements, and coaching presence.
Understand coaching vs mentoring vs therapy.
Business Integration:
Identify your coaching niche (e.g., career, life, leadership, wellness).
Map your ideal client: who benefits most from your skills?
Create your Value Statement: “I help [client type] achieve [results] using [your approach].”
Gavin’s Insight: Early clarity on your niche and clients makes every session purposeful and marketable.
Certification Focus:
Deep listening, advanced questioning, goal setting (SMART/GROW), accountability.
Practice triads and feedback.
Business Integration:
Build your coaching toolkit for client delivery: exercises, worksheets, and templates.
Begin creating content: LinkedIn posts, short videos, or articles showing your expertise.
Start networking in professional groups (COMENSA, LinkedIn coaching groups).
Gavin’s Insight: Skills are your product; visibility is how clients find you. Share small insights, not long courses yet.
Certification Focus:
GROW, CLEAR, solution-focused, appreciative inquiry, CBT basics, strengths-based coaching.
Practice mixing models and peer feedback.
Business Integration:
Design service packages: single session, short-term package (3–5 sessions), and long-term package.
Set your pricing based on market research and value delivered.
Draft your coaching agreement template including services, pricing, and boundaries.
Gavin’s Insight: Your frameworks don’t just guide clients—they differentiate your services in the marketplace.
Certification Focus:
Emotional intelligence, boundaries, handling resistance, resilience, supervision.
Business Integration:
Implement client intake forms and session tracking.
Plan your time for client sessions vs. marketing vs. professional development.
Develop your referral system: happy clients become ambassadors.
Gavin’s Insight: Managing yourself and your time professionally makes clients trust you—and keeps your business sustainable.
Certification Focus:
Individual vs group coaching, organizational coaching, niche scenarios, ethical dilemmas.
Business Integration:
Launch your first pilot clients (even at discounted rates for testimonials).
Run free taster sessions or workshops to build visibility.
Collect testimonials, case studies, and success stories.
Gavin’s Insight: Real client experience plus social proof builds credibility faster than any certificate alone.
Certification Focus:
Review competencies, conduct observed sessions, create PDP, integrate skills.
Business Integration:
Evaluate your early client work: what worked, what didn’t?
Refine your packages, pricing, and marketing based on experience.
Build your 90-day growth plan: content, client acquisition, partnerships.
Gavin’s Insight: Certification is the foundation; your business is the engine. Both grow together with reflection and iteration.
Goal: Transition from newly certified coach to a thriving business.
Actions:
Complete required supervised practice hours for COMENSA.
Continue publishing content to attract clients (articles, webinars, LinkedIn posts).
Launch a coaching website or online booking platform.
Develop a client acquisition funnel: lead magnets → free sessions → paid sessions.
Establish partnerships with organizations, HR teams, or wellness programs.
Join COMENSA community events to increase visibility.
Schedule monthly reflection and PDP updates for business and coaching growth.
Gavin’s Insight: A coaching business isn’t just sessions—it’s a system. Structure, visibility, and client care drive sustainability.
Phase
Certification Focus
Business Focus
Key Output
1
Foundations
Niche & value proposition
Clarity on ideal client & value statement
2
Core Skills
Visibility & networking
Toolkit, content, LinkedIn presence
3
Models & Frameworks
Service packages
Defined offers & pricing, coaching agreements
4
Self-Management
Client management systems
Intake forms, scheduling, referral plan
5
Practical Applications
Pilot clients & testimonials
First paying clients, case studies
6
Assessment & Integration
Growth planning
Refined services, 90-day growth plan
7
Post-Certification
Business scaling
Funnel, website, partnerships, ongoing reflection
(Hours 1–30)
Certification Focus:
Foundations, core skills, coaching models.
Ethics introduced early: COMENSA Code of Ethics, confidentiality, boundaries.
Supervision & Ethics Integration:
Start a reflective journal from day one. Record your thoughts, feelings, and ethical dilemmas encountered in practice exercises.
Review case studies with ethical dilemmas and discuss with peers or facilitators.
Begin peer supervision groups: observe, reflect, and provide feedback ethically.
Gavin’s Insight: Early exposure to ethics prevents blind spots. Supervision starts as structured reflection and observation—even before you have real clients.
(Hours 31–40)
Certification Focus:
Emotional intelligence, boundaries, managing resistance, resilience, self-care.
Supervision Integration:
Participate in supervision role-plays. Learn to reflect on your coaching decisions and receive guided feedback.
Apply ethical reasoning to real-life scenarios: e.g., client confidentiality, dual relationships, and scope of practice.
Start mapping personal ethical principles that guide your practice.
Business Integration:
Define clear policies for client contracts, cancellations, confidentiality, and fees.
Plan boundary strategies: work hours, communication methods, and when to refer clients out.
Gavin’s Insight: Supervision is your ethical mirror. Boundaries and policies are your business shield.
(Hours 41–50)
Certification Focus:
Individual, group, organizational, niche coaching.
Ethics in applied contexts: balancing client needs with professional standards.
Supervision Integration:
Engage in real or simulated sessions under supervision. Observe how experienced coaches handle ethical dilemmas.
Discuss challenging client scenarios and brainstorm solutions ethically.
Review decisions from past pilot sessions: were they client-centered and ethical?
Business Integration:
Include supervision as part of your business model: ongoing mentor or peer supervision enhances credibility.
Document case notes and ethical decisions as part of professional accountability.
Gavin’s Insight: Ethics and supervision aren’t just theory—they protect your clients and your reputation while accelerating your growth.
(Hours 51–60 + Post-Certification)
Certification Focus:
Competency review, observed sessions, PDP design, final coaching integration.
Supervision & Ethics Integration:
Conduct observed coaching sessions with feedback focusing on both skill and ethical practice.
Use supervision hours for reflection on difficult cases, ethical dilemmas, and personal biases.
Develop a Supervision Log: document insights, learning points, and ethical decisions.
Business Integration:
Make supervision a formal part of your post-certification plan (required by COMENSA for Level 1 accreditation).
Position ethical practice as a unique selling point for clients: “I follow COMENSA standards and undergo supervision to ensure ethical, high-quality coaching.”
Build continuous improvement into your business and practice—PDP + supervision reviews every 3–6 months.
Gavin’s Insight: Supervision plus ethical rigor is what separates a hobbyist from a trusted, professional coach. Clients feel safe, and your business grows sustainably.
Tool
Purpose
Action
Reflective Journal
Track sessions, feelings, and dilemmas
Daily or post-session journaling
Supervision Log
Record discussions with supervisors
Weekly or monthly entries
Ethical Checklist
Apply COMENSA ethics in sessions
Before each session, ask key questions
Peer Observation
Learn from colleagues
Observe, discuss, reflect
Case Study Discussions
Practice ethical decision-making
Weekly group review of scenarios
Early Reflection Saves Later Problems – journal from day one.
Boundaries Protect Clients & Coach – define clearly in agreements.
Feedback is Fuel – use supervision to identify blind spots.
Transparency Builds Trust – document ethical decisions for accountability.
Continuous Growth is Mandatory – ethics evolve; supervision ensures relevance.
Summary:
Integrating supervision and ethics is not optional—it is central to both certification and business credibility. Your roadmap now ensures learners:
Develop skills safely and ethically.
Build client trust through professional conduct.
Include supervision as a growth and marketing tool.
Many Level 1 learners secretly think:
Who am I to call myself a coach?
I’m not experienced enough yet.
What if clients don’t take me seriously?
What if I get exposed?
Our programme addresses this explicitly—not accidentally.
Focus:
Understanding what COMENSA represents.
Adopting ethical responsibility early.
Seeing yourself as part of a profession.
Practices We Add:
Write a Coach Identity Statement:
“I am a developing professional coach committed to ethical practice, supervision, and continuous learning.”
Group discussion: What does a professional coach look like in behaviour, not branding?
Gavin’s Lesson:
When I realised coaching was governed by standards and accountability, I stopped thinking of myself as someone ‘trying coaching’ and started behaving like someone entering a profession.
Focus:
Repetition through role play and triads.
Feedback loops.
Watching yourself improve.
Practices We Add:
Session recordings + reflection.
Confidence tracking journal:
What did I handle well?
Where did I stay present under pressure?
Strength spotting from peers.
Gavin’s Lesson:
Confidence didn’t arrive all at once. It grew quietly every time I stayed calm in a tough session and realised, I didn’t collapse.
Focus:
Applying models flexibly.
Making judgement calls.
Holding silence.
Naming patterns.
Practices We Add:
“Moment of courage” reflections.
Supervisory discussions focused on identity, not just technique.
Ethics-in-action scenarios.
Gavin’s Lesson:
The first time I challenged a client respectfully and didn’t rescue them… I felt the click.
That’s when I knew I was no longer rehearsing—I was coaching.
Focus:
Contracting confidently.
Referring clients out.
Saying no.
Upholding confidentiality.
Practices We Add:
Boundary scripts.
Ethics decision trees.
“What would a professional do?” case work.
Gavin’s Lesson:
Authority isn’t volume. It’s clarity.
The moment I started holding firm boundaries, clients trusted me more.
Focus:
Talking about your work publicly.
Charging appropriately.
Asking for testimonials.
Claiming your role.
Practices We Add:
Elevator pitch practice.
Client discovery call role plays.
Pricing confidence workshops.
LinkedIn bio rewrite:
“COMENSA-aligned Level 1 Coach in Training | Supervised Practice | Ethical Professional”
Gavin’s Lesson:
I realised confidence isn’t pretending you know everything—it’s being transparent about standards, supervision, and commitment.
Focus:
PDP creation.
Supervision plans.
CPD mapping.
Business discipline.
Practices We Add:
3-year professional vision.
Monthly reflection rituals.
Ethics and supervision commitments.
Personal brand values.
Gavin’s Lesson:
The strongest coaches I know treat development like training—not hope.
Your programme deliberately builds:
Lever
How We Train It
Self-trust
Practice + feedback
Authority
Boundaries + ethics
Belonging
Community + supervision
Visibility
Speaking about work
Resilience
Reflection + PDP
Professional pride
Accreditation path
Most Level 1 programmes teach:
- skills
- ethics
- models
Ours adds:
- Identity
- Authority
- Business confidence
- Professional maturity
We are training coaches who walk, talk and think differently.
Coaches and Mentors of South Africa is a SAQA-recognised professional body for coaching and mentoring in Africa. It promotes professional standards, ethics, credentialing, supervision, and continuous development for coaches and mentors in the region.
The International Coaching Federation is a global coaching credentialing and professional standards body with tens of thousands of members worldwide. It sets widely recognised coaching competencies, ethical standards, and credential pathways (ACC, PCC, MCC).
In short: COMENSA is local/African-focused with SAQA recognition, and ICF is globally recognised with broad international influence.
Both bodies expect coaches to demonstrate core coaching behaviours and ethical practice, including:
Establishing agreements
Building trust and rapport
Deep listening
Creating awareness
Goal design and action planning
Ethical coaching conduct
The frameworks differ in structure and wording, but they describe similar underlying competencies (competency models, ethical standards, trust, rapport, boundary management, etc.).
ICF’s Core Competencies are globally recognised and put a strong emphasis on a coaching mindset and relationship first.
COMENSA’s Behavioural Standards Framework has nine competencies covering contracting, communication, trust, awareness, action, self-management, presence, and diversity.
Note: If a training program integrates both ICF competencies and COMENSA behavioural standards (and their codes of ethics), it will prepare you well for practice under either framework.
According to a coaching industry survey (GIBS Coach Landscape), the coaching credentialing requirements of COMENSA and ICF mirror each other in structure but differ in hours and labels:
Organisation
Entry Credential
Mid Credential
High Credential
COMENSA
CCP (150 coached, 60 training hours)
CSP (750 coached, 120 training hours)
CMP (2000 coached, 200 training hours)
ICF
ACC (Associate Certified Coach
– 100 coached, 60 training hrs)
PCC (Professional Certified Coach
– 500 coached, 125 training hrs)
MCC (Master Certified Coach – 2500 coached, 200 training hrs)
Note: Both require a blend of training hours and coaching experience hours, but ICF has more standardised global credential levels used worldwide. COMENSA’s figures align fairly closely, with some variation in hours required and local terminology.
Both organisations uphold strong ethical standards. Coaches must be signatories to codes of conduct, and coach training aligned to either will typically cover ethics extensively.
COMENSA: Supervision is actively encouraged as part of professional development and credibility.
ICF: Mentor coaching or supervision is required for credentialing (e.g., 10 hours of mentor coaching for ICF ACC/PCC/MCC). It helps coaches deepen competence and support ethical practice.
Note: Supervision plays a role in both frameworks—but ICF integrates it into credentialing requirements explicitly, and COMENSA emphasises it strongly as part of ongoing professional practice.
You can:
Complete a Level 1 COMENSA-aligned programme (e.g., 60 hours with behavioural standards and ethics).
Use that foundation to apply for an ICF credential pathway, especially ACC (60 training hours + 100 coaching hours + mentor coaching) if your training covers or maps to ICF competencies.
Many training programmes seek dual recognition (approved by COMENSA and ICF), helping learners build credibility locally and internationally.
COMENSA alignment gives you strong regional credibility with ethics, behavioural standards, and SAQA recognition.
ICF alignment gives you global recognition and widely understood credential levels (ACC, PCC, MCC).
Coaches trained in both sets of standards gain a broader professional voice, better positioning for corporate, organisational, and international work.
COMENSA and ICF are not in conflict—they’re complementary.
COMENSA focuses on professional standards, ethics, and credentialing in Africa, aligned with SAQA norms.
ICF is a global credentialing body with structured competencies and international recognition.
Your strategic advantage: Learning and credentialing with both systems positions you as a credible, ethical professional coach with local authority and global recognition—especially powerful when building a coaching business and working internationally.
COMENSA (Coaches and Mentors of South Africa) is the SAQA-recognised professional body for coaching and mentoring in South Africa. It sets standards, codes of ethics, credential pathways, supervision norms, and professional development requirements for coaches and mentors.
Accreditation with COMENSA gives you national professional recognition, credibility with clients and organisations, and access to ongoing support, supervision, and networking.
Your journey begins with COMENSA membership.
Membership categories include:
Student / Emerging Practitioner – for those currently training
Ordinary Member – for anyone interested in coaching
Credentialed Member – for coaches who meet experience and training requirements
Senior / Master Coach – for higher levels of experience and contribution to the profession
First action: Register on the COMENSA website and choose the membership category that fits where you are in your journey.
To qualify for credentialing, you must complete a recognised coach training programme that meets COMENSA’s standards — typically Level 1 Coaching (60 hours) for entry-level accreditation.
Tip: Training can be through a COMENSA-approved Training Provider Programme which aligns with the COMENSA Behavioural Standards Framework.
To become a Credentialed Coach (Level 1), you must log coaching experience. The general criteria (as per COMENSA’s credentialing policy) include:
✔ 100 logged coaching hours
✔ Most hours should be paid work or equivalent organisational coaching experience
✔ You must be able to demonstrate coaching competence aligned to COMENSA’s behavioural standards
Your logbook becomes part of your credential application.
COMENSA requires applicants to pass a knowledge assessment (typically 70% pass mark) against its Coaching Behavioural Standards Framework.
This ensures that your understanding and application of coaching principles meet professional expectations.
Your application for credentialing can be completed in one of two ways:
Option A — Through a COMENSA-approved training programme
Some training providers offer integrated credentialing as part of their courses (e.g., evaluation during a “Gold” or “Silver” programme).
If you complete a COMENSA-approved programme with the assessment elements included, you may be evaluated as part of that process.
Option B — Direct Credentialing Process
If your training was not part of an approved programme, you submit your evidence directly to COMENSA for evaluation against the standards.
In both cases, COMENSA reviewers assess your training, logbook, ethical alignment, and behavioural standards achievement.
Once approved, you receive the professional designation:
Credentialed Coach (Level 1 / CCC)
Senior Coach (Level 2 / CSC)
Master Coach (Level 3 / CMC)
Each level has specific training and coaching hour requirements that increase progressively.
Your credential is usually valid for a three-year period and must be renewed with updated evidence of professional development.
Once you are credentialed, you continue to build your professional practice through:
COMENSA requires credentialed coaches to participate in supervision.
Typically, you must do at least four supervision experiences per year — supervision is part of your professional development and counts towards CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points.
Supervision helps you reflect on practice, handle ethical complexities, and maintain a high level of skill.
Credentialed members are expected to log CPD points over each three-year cycle — a minimum is typically defined (e.g., 72 points), earned through workshops, training, events, and supervision.
COMENSA provides many CPD opportunities through events, webinars, and its community.
Professional recognition under a SAQA-recognised professional body.
Listed in COMENSA directories as a credentialed coach or mentor.
Access to supervision, CPD, events, and networking to support professional growth.
Credibility with clients and employers who recognise compliance with ethical and professional standards.
- Join COMENSA early — membership opens access to community, supervision, and CPD.
- Plan your training pathway so that your education aligns with credentialing requirements.
- Log your coaching hours consistently — both paid and supervised sessions.
- Attend COMENSA workshops on credentialing and standards — these often accelerate your success.
Think of this as a screening checklist you use while evaluating any course or training provider.
Before anything else, confirm that the programme is recognised by the credentialing body you plan to join:
For COMENSA:
Must be a COMENSA-approved training programme.
Should explicitly state alignment with COMENSA’s Behavioural Standards Framework and credentialing criteria.
Ask the provider:
Is this programme recognised for COMENSA Level 1 credentialing?
Does completion meet the training requirement for Level 1 credential submission?
Red flag: Training that only teaches “coaching skills” without aligning to a credentialing standard.
Know the actual requirements from the accrediting body before choosing the programme.
✔ Minimum training hours (e.g., 60)
✔ Coaching practice hours logged
✔ Assessment against COMENSA standards
✔ Ethical practice alignment
✔ Supervision requirements
✔ 100+ coach training hours (ACSTH or ACTP)
✔ Mentor coaching hours
✔ Logging coaching experience
✔ Assessment or performance evaluation
If a programme won’t help you meet all these requirements, it won’t get you credentialed.
Not all coach training is equal when it comes to credentialing.
Type of Programme
Credentialing Value
Approved Credentialing Pathway (COMENSA/ICF)
Directly supports credential application
Generic Coaching Skills Course
May teach useful skills but doesn’t lead to credential
Certification from Trainer (not accredited)
Not accepted for credentialing
What to look for in the syllabus:
✔ Defined coaching competencies
✔ Assessment aligned to credential standards
✔ Logs and evaluation of coaching hours
✔ Ethics + supervision components
✔ Application templates for credentialing
Credential programmes should include formal assessment, like:
✔ Written assessments
✔ Observed coaching sessions with feedback
✔ Practical case work
✔ Assessment against standards (e.g., COMENSA Behavioural Framework)
Ask:
How will I be evaluated?
Does this map to the competencies required for credentialing?
Is assessment included or optional/exam only?
If they can’t clearly articulate this → proceed with caution.
Credentialing bodies like COMENSA require supervision hours as part of professional development.
✔ Ask whether supervision is included or offered at a discount.
✔ Ask how supervision is structured:
One-to-one?
Group?
How many hours?
Supervision matters because:
• It develops professional judgment
• It supports ethical decision-making
• It counts toward credentials
Credentialing requires actual coaching hours.
Best programmes help you by:
✔ Providing peer-coaching structures
✔ Setting up triads so you can log hours
✔ Encouraging or facilitating real client sessions
✔ Tracking hours in an organised way
Red flag: Programmes with only theory and no structured practice.
The best programmes give you actively guided credentialing support, such as:
- Application checklists
- Evidence templates
- Competency mapping to COMENSA standards
- Review sessions before submission
- Credentialing coaches or mentors who help you prepare
If your training is not designed to help you submit evidence for credentialing, it’s just training—not an accreditation pathway.
When in doubt, ask COMENSA directly:
✔ Is this provider approved?
✔ Does their current programme meet the standards for Level 1 credentialing?
✔ Are credits (training hours) recognised?
Accrediting bodies often publish approved programmes or will confirm by email or phone.
Credentialed coaches often attribute success to:
✔ Peer groups who share opportunities
✔ Feedback communities
✔ Mentorship networks
✔ Supervision circles
Is the programme connected to a learning community, not just coursework?
Don’t choose based on price. Instead consider:
Cost Element
True Value
Tuition fee
Skill development & assessment
Supervision cost
Long-term professional growth
Credential support
Faster credential approval
Community
Clients + referrals in future
A programme that gets you credentialed faster saves time and money in the long term.
Before you pay:
☑ Is this a COMENSA-approved programme?
☑ Does it meet the minimum training hours for credentialing?
☑ Is assessment included and aligned to credential standards?
☑ Does it include or support supervision?
☑ Does it support logging real coaching hours?
☑ Does it offer application support and templates?
☑ Have you checked with COMENSA if needed?
If you can’t check all boxes → reconsider.
Use these in discovery calls:
“How does this programme map to COMENSA’s Behavioural Standards?”
“Is assessment included for credential submission?”
“How do you support coaching practicum and logging hours?”
“Are supervision sessions included?”
“Does this count toward COMENSA Level 1 credential requirements?”
“What happens if I don’t pass on my first attempt?”
Clarity is a good indicator of their legitimacy.
To get credentialed, a programme must:
Be approved by the credentialing body (COMENSA/ICF)
Meet required training hours
Include assessment against competencies
Support practical coaching practice (not just theory)
Include or support supervision
Help you prepare for your credential application
A credential is not automatic with training — it’s earned.
Choose training that prepares you, assesses you, supports you, and connects you to the credentialing pathway, not one that just teaches you skills.
Most aspiring coaches ask:
“How long will it really take to get credentialed?”
What they mean is:
“When can I confidently call myself a professional and start charging?”
Below is a straight-talking, story-driven, Gavin-style narrative you can embed into your Level 1 programme, sales materials, or workshops.
When I first moved seriously into coaching, I thought:
If I just finish the training, I’m done.
I wasn’t naïve—I was hopeful.
What I discovered is this:
Training is the beginning. Credentialing is the journey. Professional identity is the destination.
Most people underestimate time because they only see the classroom hours.
They don’t see:
• the practice sessions
• the supervision
• the reflection
• the assessment
• the paperwork
• the mindset shift
• the courage to charge
• the discipline to market
• the waiting for review panels
That’s where real coaches are forged.
For a committed learner:
You complete your 60-hour Level 1 programme.
You’re learning:
• models
• ethics
• listening
• contracting
• feedback
• presence
You feel excited… and uncertain.
You start thinking:
I know the tools… but am I ready for clients?
That’s normal.
Now the real work begins.
You coach peers.
You coach volunteers.
You log sessions.
You get supervision.
You realise:
Coaching isn’t tidy. Clients go sideways. Silence gets long. Ethics gets real.
This is where many people drop off.
Not because they can’t do it—
but because it takes consistency without applause.
You compile:
• logs
• reflective journals
• supervisor notes
• recorded sessions
• competency evidence
• application forms
Suddenly coaching feels very professional.
This is when people panic.
What if I’m not good enough?
That fear shows up right before people level up.
That’s not slow.
That’s becoming a professional.
Doctors don’t rush this.
Accountants don’t rush this.
Pilots don’t rush this.
Neither should coaches.
Ironically, the people who take the longest often make the same mistakes.
I’ve met coaches with ten certificates and zero credentials.
Weekend courses.
Online badges.
Fancy titles.
But no:
• supervision
• assessments
• recognised accreditation
• logged hours
They kept learning… instead of progressing.
Lesson:
Train in a pathway, not in fragments.
Here’s the truth:
You will never feel fully ready.
Confidence grows after action, not before it.
The coaches who succeed start coaching while supervised—even when nervous.
The ones who stall wait for certainty.
Lesson:
Start messy. Stay ethical. Get supervision.
Peer practice is safe.
Real clients bring:
• money conversations
• cancellations
• emotional complexity
• resistance
• boundaries
Some learners stay in training loops because it feels safer.
But credentialing requires real-world coaching.
Lesson:
Graduation happens in the real world.
Some coaches treat supervision as an expense.
It’s actually a shortcut.
Supervision:
• sharpens judgement
• prevents ethical mistakes
• builds confidence
• strengthens applications
• stops burnout
The fastest credentialed coaches I know?
They doubled down on supervision early.
This is where my project-management brain kicked in.
I realised:
If I don’t plan my credentialing…
it becomes something I mean to do.
So I built:
• timelines
• logs
• milestones
• monthly targets
• supervision blocks
• submission dates
Suddenly progress accelerated.
Lesson:
Treat credentialing like a professional programme—not a hobby.
Instead of asking:
“How fast can I get credentialed?”
Ask:
“How do I become undeniable?”
Because when you emerge:
• ethical
• supervised
• assessed
• confident
• visible
• with clients
• with boundaries
• with a business plan
—you don’t hope people take you seriously.
They do.
Our signature message:
“We won’t promise you shortcuts.
We’ll give you a clear, ethical, professional pathway—
and walk with you every step of the way.”
Your programme explicitly includes:
- credential roadmaps
- supervision planning
- practice hour tracking
- assessment preparation
- business start-up timelines
- identity development
- reality-based expectations
We confidently say:
“Most programmes teach coaching skills.
We teach you how to become a professional coach—and actually get credentialed.”
When I did my first paid coaching session, I was excited.
I had tools.
I had training.
I had enthusiasm.
But afterwards I thought:
What if I handled that wrong?
What if I crossed a line without knowing it?
What if that client needed something I wasn’t qualified to give?
That was the moment I realised:
- Coaching isn’t about confidence first.
- It’s about responsibility first.
Ethics isn’t something you add later.
It’s the foundation you build on.
Ethical coaching isn’t abstract.
It looks like:
• contracting properly
• explaining your role clearly
• keeping confidentiality
• working within scope
• getting supervision
• referring when needed
• keeping records
• charging transparently
• continuing development
Professionalism is what clients feel when they leave the room thinking:
That person knows what they’re doing.
Early on, I wanted to help everyone.
Career crisis?
Trauma?
Marriage problems?
Burnout?
But wanting to help doesn’t mean you should.
So I learned to say:
“What you’re describing might be better supported by a therapist. I can help you think about your next steps, but I won’t work beyond my scope.”
That sentence is professionalism.
Before the first session, I now cover:
• what coaching is and isn’t
• confidentiality
• fees
• cancellations
• supervision
• complaints process
• ending the relationship
Not in legal language.
In human language.
Clients relax when the boundaries are clear.
Supervision isn’t for when things go wrong.
It’s for when things go quiet.
When you’re unsure.
When patterns repeat.
When you feel hooked emotionally.
When you want to rescue someone.
My best growth moments came from supervision.
That’s why I bake it into Level 1 from the start.
Ethical coaches don’t pretend they’re finished.
They say:
• “I’m supervised.”
• “I’m credentialing.”
• “I’m developing.”
• “Let me check that.”
That transparency builds more trust than bravado ever could.
I log:
• sessions
• themes
• learning
• ethics questions
• supervision notes
• development goals
Not because I’m anxious.
Because I’m building a career, not running experiments.
I wish someone had said:
Don’t rush to brand yourself as an expert before you’ve built the foundations.
Don’t avoid supervision because it costs money—budget for it.
Don’t coach outside your competence.
Don’t hide mistakes—bring them to supervision.
Don’t copy someone else’s marketing before you know your values.
In your first 6 months, done properly, you should:
- be supervised
- have a contract template
- know your code of ethics
- track hours
- have a complaints process
- explain coaching clearly
- stay in scope
- reflect after sessions
- keep a PDP
- know your credential pathway
That’s not bureaucracy.
That’s credibility.
This is a Level123Coaching belief:
“You don’t become ethical once you’re successful.
You become successful because you were ethical from the beginning.”
Most prospects are afraid of:
• doing harm
• getting it wrong
• being exposed
• being unprofessional
• wasting money on the wrong training
We speak directly to that fear—and show you a safe, structured path forward.
Most new coaches don’t fail because they lack skill.
They stall because:
• they wait too long to start
• they over-prepare
• they hide behind courses
• they don’t speak about their work
• they don’t systemise anything
• they lose confidence when it’s slow
This piece becomes one of your signature teachings.
After my training, I expected momentum to feel loud.
Clients lining up.
Confidence surging.
Referrals flowing.
Instead, it was… quiet.
A few sessions here.
A nervous discovery call there.
Long gaps in between.
And that’s when I realised:
- Momentum doesn’t arrive like a wave.
- It builds like a flywheel.
Slow.
Deliberate.
Relentless.
The coaches who succeed are not the most talented.
They’re the ones who keep moving when no one is watching.
Stop asking:
“Why isn’t this working yet?”
Start asking:
“What am I doing this week that makes next week easier?”
That question creates momentum.
I didn’t wait for perfect branding.
I offered:
• pilot packages
• short engagements
• beta clients
• free sessions for feedback
Ethically.
Supervised.
Transparent about where I was.
Momentum loves movement.
Not loud.
Consistent.
I committed to:
• one post a week
• one conversation a day
• one coffee meeting
• one ask for feedback
You don’t need virality.
You need presence.
Mine was basic:
Someone messages
Short discovery call
Contract
First session
Follow-up email
No complicated tech.
Clarity beats sophistication.
Early wins are easy to dismiss.
Don’t.
I kept a list:
• client breakthroughs
• testimonials
• good questions
• repeat bookings
• referrals
• strong sessions
That list carried me through slow months.
Isolation kills momentum.
Community multiplies it.
I brought:
• business questions
• stuck cases
• confidence wobbles
• pricing nerves
The fastest-growing coaches don’t grow alone.
These behaviours look harmless.
They aren’t.
- endless website tweaking
- waiting for certification before speaking about coaching
- refusing to charge anything
- ghosting follow-ups
- hiding from selling
- working without a rhythm
- stopping after rejection
Momentum isn’t motivation.
It’s structure.
Here’s what I make learners do:
✔ speak to 5 new people
✔ offer 2 discovery calls
✔ coach at least 2 sessions
✔ post once publicly
✔ log practice hours
✔ reflect once
✔ attend supervision or peer circle
✔ review pipeline
✔ adjust niche
✔ gather testimonials
✔ audit ethics & contracts
✔ refine pitch
Do that for three months and you will have traction.
Gavin Dick
“Momentum is not confidence first.
It’s action first — repeated until confidence catches up.”
This plugs into:
- business-building
- identity formation
- supervised practice
- credential pathways
- confidence development
- real-world readiness
We’re not just teaching theory.
We’re training working professionals.
When I first stepped into coaching seriously, I thought speed meant:
More courses.
More certificates.
More tools.
So I collected them.
And stalled.
What I eventually realised is this:
- The fastest path is not accumulation.
It’s alignment.
When training, practice, ethics, supervision, and business all point in the same direction — progress compounds.
Fast is not reckless.
Fast is:
• supervised from day one
• credential-aligned
• practising weekly
• assessed properly
• visible publicly
• building a pipeline
• reflecting continuously
• tracking progress
• planning submissions
• forming a professional identity
That combination beats ten random courses every time.
Before you enrol anywhere, decide:
COMENSA?
ICF?
Both?
Then pick training that:
✔ meets hour requirements
✔ is recognised
✔ includes assessment
✔ supports applications
✔ builds supervision in
Everything else flows from that.
Under supervision.
With contracts.
With transparency.
The coaches who move fastest don’t wait until the end.
They log hours from month one.
They get feedback immediately.
No fancy funnels.
Just:
• a clear niche hypothesis
• a short discovery call
• a pilot package
• a follow-up email
• testimonials
• a weekly visibility habit
Momentum beats perfection.
This is where judgement matures.
It’s also what keeps you safe.
Budget for it.
Schedule it.
Treat it as training, not optional extra.
Professionals don’t scramble at the end.
They compile as they build:
• session logs
• reflections
• competency mapping
• supervisor notes
• recordings
• client feedback
When it’s time to submit for credentialing, the file is already there.
This is the secret accelerator.
The coaches who progress fastest stop saying:
“I’m just starting.”
They start saying:
“I’m a supervised practitioner working toward accreditation.”
That language shifts how clients respond.
And how you show up.
I’ve seen brilliant coaches delay themselves by years because they:
- jump between frameworks
- avoid real clients
- hide from marketing
- skip supervision
- wait for perfect confidence
- over-study and under-practice
- don’t plan credential submissions
Speed comes from discipline, not inspiration.
For most committed learners:
• 3–6 months: Level 1 training
• parallel: supervised practice
• 6–12 months: logged hours + assessment
• 9–18 months: credential submission
• ongoing: business growth + CPD
That’s fast.
And sustainable.
Gavin Dick:
“There are no shortcuts to professionalism — but there is a direct route.
Train right. Practise early. Get supervised. Build a business. Become undeniable.”
We’re not selling speed.
We’re selling:
✔ clarity
✔ structure
✔ safety
✔ credibility
✔ confidence
✔ a career
This is what Level123Coaching becomes known for:
the professional pathway, not the hobbyist route.
Meet the Minimum Requirements
Age: 18+
Education: No formal coaching degree required (basic literacy & understanding of coaching).
Experience: Some exposure to coaching or people development is helpful.
Complete Accredited Coach Training
Choose a COMENSA-accredited Level 1 training program (typically 60 hours).
This covers foundational coaching skills, ethics, and COMENSA Code of Ethics.
Practical Coaching Experience
Complete at least 10 hours of coaching practice (some programs include this).
Keep logs of sessions, feedback, and reflection notes.
Submit Application to COMENSA
Include:
Proof of training (certificate)
Coaching hours log
Signed Code of Ethics acknowledgment
Assessment & Review
COMENSA reviews your application.
Some applicants may be asked for sample recordings or reflections on coaching sessions.
Receive Level 1 Credential
Once approved, you are a COMENSA Level 1 Accredited Coach.
You can officially call yourself a professional coach and begin building clients.
Tip: Level 1 is foundational. If you aim for ICF alignment later, choose a program that also meets ICF Level1 60-hour requirements—then your hours and training can count toward ICF credentials too.
Getting COMENSA Level 1 certification from the COMENSA (Coaches and Mentors of South Africa) gives you foundational credibility and structure as a coach.
Here are the key benefits:
You are officially recognised by South Africa’s professional coaching body.
It shows clients you meet minimum coaching standards.
Certification builds confidence.
Clients feel safer working with a coach who is accredited.
You commit to the COMENSA Code of Ethics.
This protects both you and your clients.
Level 1 confirms you understand:
Core coaching competencies
Coaching boundaries
Contracting with clients
Basic coaching models
You stand out from “life coaches” with no formal training.
Many South African corporates prefer or require COMENSA-credentialed coaches.
You can be listed in the COMENSA coach directory.
This can bring inbound leads.
Access to:
CPD events
Networking
Supervision opportunities
Coaching forums
Level 1 is your entry point to:
Level 2 (Practitioner)
Level 3 (Master Coach)
It creates a clear professional progression.
Certification validates your skills.
This helps with pricing and positioning.
Professional indemnity insurance is easier to obtain when certified.
COMENSA aligns broadly with global coaching standards (similar structure to International Coaching Federation frameworks), which supports international credibility.
New coaches
Coaches finishing formal training
Coaches wanting basic professional recognition
Those entering corporate or structured environments
Here’s a realistic look at the return on investment (ROI) vs cost of getting COMENSA Level 1 certification as a coach in South Africa:
COMENSA itself doesn’t sell the training — what COMENSA does is credential you once you’ve done training and met experience requirements.
To prepare for Level 1, most coaches take a coaching skills program first. These training investments vary widely:
Short life-coach style courses: R10,000 – R25,000+ depending on provider and depth of training.
More comprehensive accredited programs aimed at Level 1 readiness: R25,000 – R50,000+.
Extensive professional coach programs (not all needed just for Level 1 credentialing): R28,000+ with membership and COMENSA registration included.
Expect roughly R10k–R40k+ in total training costs before applying for COMENSA Level 1.
Once you’re ready:
There are membership and credentialing fees (~R2,700–R4,400 for first credentialing, plus annual membership).
(Exact prices vary year to year.)
A Level 1 credential empowers you to legitimately position yourself as a professional coach, which affects how much you can realistically charge:
Typical professional coaching rates in South Africa for new/early-career coaches:
Entry-level coaching session: ~R500–R1,500/hr
Established, SAQA-recognised professional: R1,000–R3,000/hr
Package deals or corporate clients: R10,000+ for short programs with multiple sessions
Experienced business or leadership coaching can go much higher depending on niche and reputation.
If you charge:
R1,000/session
5 clients × 4 sessions/month
→ That’s R20,000/month from part-time coaching — R240,000/year without corporate work. It scales much higher with packages, group coaching, or corporate clients.
✔ You start charging paid clients fairly soon after certification
✔ You target segments that value credentials (e.g., corporate HR departments, executive leaders)
✔ You build a stable client base and repeat business
Example:
If your total cost to prepare is ~R30,000 and you earn ~R20,000/month after certification, you’d recoup your training + credentialing investment in ~1.5–2 months of part-time coaching.
x You only coach casually (free or low-pay clients)
x You don’t market yourself as a professional & don’t leverage your certification
x You wait a long time before building a paying client base
In that case, ROI could take many months or longer.
Certification gives you credibility — clients are more willing to pay higher rates for a formally recognised coach.
Corporate clients pay premium rates — they often require SAQA recognition.
Marketing & niche clarity (e.g., career, business, leadership, wellness) boosts how fast you get clients.
Scenario
ROI Likelihood
You actively coach paying clients
⭐⭐⭐⭐
You use it mainly for personal development
⭐⭐
You do minimal marketing or coaching hours
⭐
A COMENSA Level 1 certification can be a very solid investment if you turn it into paying clients and build coaching packages that reflect your skills — especially in South Africa where professional certification is valued by many clients and organisations.
Let me ask you something.
How many “coaches” are on Instagram right now…
with no standards…
no ethics…
no accountability…
charging R500 a session…
and hoping no one asks about credentials?
And here’s the actual question…
When a corporate HR director asks you,
“Are you professionally certified?”
What do you say?
You love coaching.
You know you can help people.
You’ve read the books.
You’ve done the short courses.
You’ve watched the YouTube videos.
But deep down…
You’re not fully confident charging premium fees.
You hesitate when raising your price.
You avoid corporate proposals.
You feel like an imposter in rooms with “certified professionals.”
And in South Africa?
The coaching industry is becoming crowded.
Unregulated.
Noisy.
Anyone can print a certificate from Canva and call themselves a life coach.
But here’s the danger…
When everyone calls themselves a coach,
no one is trusted.
And when trust drops…
prices drop.
You didn’t get into coaching to play small.
You didn’t start this to compete with hobbyists.
You started this because you care.
Because you want impact.
Because you want income with integrity.
And because you want to stand tall when someone asks,
“Who recognizes you?”
In South Africa, there is one recognized professional body for coaches.
COMENSA.
And Level 1 certification is where professionals begin.
Not influencers.
Professionals.
Let me show you the real cost of staying uncertified:
• You undercharge.
• You over-explain yourself.
• You attract price-sensitive clients.
• You lose corporate opportunities.
• You stay in “side-hustle energy.”
And the biggest cost?
You never fully step into your professional identity.
That’s why we built this training cohort.
Not another fluffy weekend workshop.
A structured, serious, high-standard pathway
to help you qualify for COMENSA Level 1 certification.
We guide you through:
• Core coaching competencies
• Ethical frameworks
• Coaching boundaries
• Real logged coaching hours
• Professional contracting
• Assessment preparation
And we do it in a cohort of committed professionals.
No dabblers.
No tourists.
Only serious coaches.
Here’s what changes when you become Level 1 certified:
You stop asking for permission.
You raise your rates confidently.
You pitch corporates with authority.
You join a professional directory.
You access CPD, supervision, and networking.
You differentiate yourself in a crowded market.
You move from “coach” to credentialed professional.
And financially?
If certification helps you increase your rate by just R500 per session…
Five clients per month
covers your investment fast.
After that?
It’s pure leverage.
Imagine this.
A year from now.
You’re sitting across from a corporate client.
They ask:
“Are you certified?”
You smile.
“Yes. COMENSA Level 1.”
Energy shifts.
Respect rises.
Negotiation power changes.
That’s not ego.
That’s positioning.
This cohort is not for everyone.
It’s not for people who want a hobby.
It’s for coaches who want:
Credibility.
Confidence.
Professional recognition.
Premium positioning.
If you’re ready to stop playing small…
If you’re ready to step into professional standards…
If you’re ready to become recognized — not just visible…
Apply now.
Spots are limited.
Standards are high.
Because the future of coaching in South Africa
belongs to professionals.
Don’t just call yourself a coach.
Become one.
At Level123Coaching, we are committed to integrity, growth, and real impact.
As a Level123Coach, I commit to:
Upholding the highest ethical and professional standards
Treating every person with dignity, respect, and fairness
Acting in the best interest of my clients and the wider community
Remaining accountable, transparent, and open to supervision
Continuously growing in competence, character, and leadership
We believe coaching is not just what we do — it is who we are.
Let me say something that might annoy some of you.
If you’re calling yourself a coach —
but you haven’t aligned with the professional body in your own country —
you’re playing small.
Not because you’re not talented.
But because you’re avoiding the uncomfortable work.
Everybody wants:
Clients
Authority
Higher fees
Corporate contracts
Nobody wants:
Documentation
Ethics standards
Professional accountability
But that’s the stuff that builds a career.
Not vibes.
Not Instagram quotes.
Not a Canva logo.
Coaching in South Africa is exploding.
Which means two things:
Opportunity.
Noise.
When markets get noisy,
credibility becomes oxygen.
COMENSA Level 1 isn’t sexy.
But you know what is sexy?
Getting into rooms your competitors can’t.
“I’ll do it later.”
“I’m not ready.”
“It’s too much admin.”
Cool.
Then don’t complain when corporates don’t take you seriously.
Because HR departments don’t care about your passion story.
They care about governance.
You don’t get certified for ego.
You get certified for leverage.
Leverage means:
Easier sales conversations
Less price resistance
Higher perceived value
Long-term brand equity
You’re building a brand, right?
Then act like it.
That’s why we built a structured pathway to COMENSA Level 1.
No confusion.
No guessing.
No “where do I start?”
We help you:
Track your hours properly
Align your competencies
Prepare your portfolio
Submit confidently
Because most coaches don’t fail from lack of talent.
They fail from lack of structure.
Let me zoom out.
Five years from now, the coaching industry will mature.
Standards will tighten.
Clients will demand proof.
The people who moved early?
They win.
The people who waited?
They scramble.
Which one are you?
If you’re serious about coaching being your career —
not your side hustle —
then step up.
Join the COMENSA Level 1 Certification Cohort.
Build credibility.
Build positioning.
Build something that lasts.
Because attention fades.
Reputation compounds.
