A Note from Your 2020 President,
Brian Graves, ACC
Dear Friends,
I hope that you and your families are doing well.
With all that is going on in our nation right now so many people are so focused on getting heard and really need someone to listen. As a group of coaches in the Heartland we understand how important it is to listen and support others in expressing their voice.
The past few months have provided me the opportunity to spend more time outdoors than I have in years. That time has also given me a lot of time to think and reflect. Mostly I think about how good I have it compared to others and the support I have been given. I have always relied on the support of others because this life is just too hard to do on your own. I also wonder if I have thanked those people in a way that was meaningful.
The fact that we have chosen coaching as a profession uniquely qualifies us to provide support to others. Right now, there are many people in our communities that just need to be heard and not enough are listening.
I challenge you to use your gifts to provide the space for others to reflect and grow. Lead by listening, and continue to make an impact for good. If you have ideas on ways that ICF Heartland can increase its focus on inclusion and ensure all voices are valued, please reach out to me or one of the board members.