Can You Really Learn Executive Coaching Online? What We’ve Learned from Virtual Coach Training

Jun 29
4 min read

virtual learning ILM coaching qualification Taylor Clarke — Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

About 15 years ago I remember being asked to give my thoughts on delivering coaching training virtually and feeling not only somewhat baffled but, actually, quite resistant to the suggestion. Having received most of my fundamental coaching skills training in person I wondered how could you truly teach something so personal, so inter-relational, without being in the same physical space together?

Why We Were Initially Sceptical About Online Executive Coach Training

Well, we’ve all come a long way since then—not least myself. Much of daily working life is delivered virtually and digitally, with AI rapidly now thrown into the mix, the catalyst of the pandemic having accelerated what was, of course, inevitable but which I couldn’t yet anticipate back in 2010.

Responding quickly in April 2020 to the new workplace reality of COVID, Taylor Clarke grasped the nettle and re-launched our acclaimed ILM Level 7 Executive Coach Training programme as a virtual offering after almost 10 years of in-person delivery—and seven bold pioneer executive coaches-in-training jumped on board.

What Makes Virtual Executive Coaching Training So Effective?

Shadowing the then Programme Leader, I observed her careful, attentive holding of the learning environment, giving plenty of time for participants to become comfortable with each other on the first day, building relationships and contracting together for a safe, rich and productive space for discovery.

Once ease and acceptance had been established the ground was set for generative group discussion and, by the first afternoon, a coaching practice session with each learner taking in turn the role of coach, client and observer/feedback giver—quite a “jumping in the deep end” experience, but enabled by the safe scene-setting that had gone before.

As the programme progressed, I continued to see a learning environment that enabled curiosity, insight and intuitive working, and fostered often long-enduring personal relationships—a bit like executive coaching itself.

I became a convert to the virtual programme. And this is how we continue to run the programme today, with 11 virtual cohorts successfully delivered since then and myself now in the Programme Lead role.

Don't take my word for it, you can view our graduate testimonials here

The Benefits of Learning Executive Coaching Online

So, what else is it about working live and virtually which really works for our learners?

For a start there are the obvious benefits around geographical boundaries and distance. While many, understandably, might prefer some in-person contact, many participants have told me that if the programme were held entirely face-to-face they simply wouldn’t have been able to attend—whether because of location, health, family commitments or personal preference.

The good news is that, for those who really value face-to-face interaction, our self-selecting peer groups still allow participants to meet outside the formal workshop environment if they choose. Coaches can also decide whether to work virtually or in person with their own clients once qualified.

How Our ILM Level 7 Executive Coach Programme Works

This flexibility is also apparent throughout the wider structure of our programme.

While this significant qualification equates to postgraduate/Masters-level study, we are not constrained by academic calendars and we don’t deliver traditional lectures. Instead of tutor “downloads”, we provide light-touch preparation before each workshop, allowing everyone to arrive on the same page and ready to engage in meaningful conversations and practical activities.

While there is real intellectual rigour throughout the qualification, each learner has flexibility to plan their own study schedule, assignment submissions and pace of completion.

Participants also benefit from an extensive online resource library, recommended reading and the freedom to explore additional authors, research and coaching models that align with their own developing interests.

Building Practical Coaching Skills in a Virtual Classroom

We keep each workshop engaging, varied and well-paced through a mixture of plenary discussions, paired coaching conversations, small group activities and facilitated practice sessions.

Frequent stretch breaks, camera-off time where appropriate and the use of short videos and interactive learning resources all help create an enjoyable and energising virtual learning experience.

Rather than feeling like an online lecture, participants consistently describe the programme as highly interactive, practical and collaborative.

The Personal Growth That Surprises Most Executive Coaching Learners

This programme also really delivers when it comes to the less immediately obvious takeaways.

People often join wanting to develop coaching skills or gain a recognised qualification, but leave with so much more—increased confidence, greater self-awareness and stronger leadership capability.

The depth of personal reflection embedded throughout the programme—and assessed as part of the qualification—is a significant contributor to this transformation.

One-to-one supervision with qualified coach supervisors, together with facilitated coaching practice sessions, continually strengthens that reflective muscle. It is one of the most valuable capabilities an executive coach or leader can develop, supporting emotional intelligence, better decision-making and deeper conversations.

You won’t leave this programme as the same person who started.

Ready to Begin Your Executive Coaching Journey?

If you’re considering becoming an executive coach, adding coaching to your leadership toolkit or gaining an internationally recognised coaching qualification, we’d be delighted to tell you more.

Whether you’d like to discuss whether the programme is right for you, explore upcoming cohort dates or simply ask a few questions, we’d love to have a conversation.

Get in touch with our team to learn more about our ILM Level 7 Executive Coach Training programme.