‘How can one create visibility in this ever-demanding and highly competitive world, Suba?’ a fellow coach who is starting his ICF journey asked me recently.

My response and the conversation ahead led me to write this blog. I have been a leadership coach in various forms since 2010. But, when I first ventured into the ICF coaching world, it felt like Alice falling down the rabbit hole into Wonderland.

After a few days of my first few training sessions, I had just joined the ICF Bangalore chapter’s friends Whatsapp Group —curious, eager to learn, and not really knowing what to expect. The real magic for me began during the chapter’s Chai pe Charcha on Saturdays. These casual yet meaningful conversations over tea became my bridge into the community. It was here that I started observing the essence of coaching—not just as a profession, but as a deep, collaborative practice.

Enjoying the Process and Observing: The Squirrel’s Role

My ICF journey took a fresh turn when I got an opportunity to volunteer for the 2020 ICF Conclave hosted ICF Chennai Charter Chapter. I felt like a squirrel—small part of a very big event but excited—helping to build a bridge, much like the one in the Ramayana.

I enjoyed being behind the scenes, seeing the magic unfold, and observing how much effort goes into creating a space for coaches to connect and learn. As I reflected after the conclave, I also see a pattern how I have been growing and evolving in life. Volunteering has been my biggest boon since I started my entrepreneurship journey in 2010. I have been actively volunteering in forums like Cherrie Blair Foundation, Lean In, HerKey and the gated community where I live in.

Writing My Voice: Technology Meets Coaching

The next pivotal moment came when I wrote an article for the ICF Bangalore chapter’s Magazine. I chose to focus on a topic that was creating a lot of buzz: the intersection of technology and coaching. This led me to an intriguing debate with a senior coach who argued that technology is secondary to the human element of coaching. While we agreed and disagreed, it was this exchange that cemented a stronger connection between us. Many such connections unfolded.

Rising to Leadership: Contributing to a High-Value Chapter

From there, my involvement with ICF deepened even further when I got an opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors at the ICF Chennai Chapter, one chapter with a high brand value, contributing to it felt both humbling and empowering.  As part of the leadership team, I was able to help shape initiatives that would benefit coaches, and in turn, our coachees and the whole eco-system.

The Conclave Connections: More Than Just Networking

I then attended the ICF Pune India Conclave, and it felt like a culmination of all the learning and connections I had made. It wasn’t just about networking; it was about engaging in real conversations with coaches who were as passionate and driven as I was. The insights shared, the collaborations formed, and the spirit of community were incredibly powerful.

Amplifying My Voice: ICF Pune to ICF Mumbai

It wasn’t long before my connections from the ICF Pune Conclave led to another incredible opportunity: writing a blog for the ICF Mumbai chapter. The connections I made in Pune were the catalyst that brought this new chance to amplify my voice. Writing for ICF Mumbai wasn’t just about sharing knowledge; it was an invitation to contribute to a larger, collective conversation—one that spans across chapters, cities, and countries.

The Journey Continues…

Looking back at these moments, none of these actions were deliberately designed at creating visibility or setting a strategy. They were simply the next step in a larger journey—one that was driven by a desire to organically connect, contribute, and serve. The learning opportunities through various L&D sessions from different chapters added to the CCEUs that I need for my renewals too.

Every decision I made was about aligning with my ‘why,’ my deeper purpose of serving the ICF community.

Through this, I strengthened my belief that visibility naturally follows when you connect your actions to something meaningful. it is all about serving the larger purpose of helping others grow, which in turn, creates visibility and lasting relationships organically.

So, here I am today, still on that journey. The thread that ties everything together remains the same: connecting with my purpose, engaging with the community, and contributing to something bigger than myself.

The journey continues, and I’m excited to see where it leads.

Because ultimately, this isn’t just about visibility; it’s about making a lasting impact—and that starts with connecting with the right people, the right communities, and the right purpose.

You can connect with Suba Lakshminarasimhan Click here