I can't recommend this program highly enough. It was a transformational experience for me personally. I'd entered the program to get a coaching certification, but emerged with so much more. IN order to coach others, we have to do our own work first. The NVW program shepherded me through a big chunk of that work during our one-year program. I went into the program looking for tools and techniques to support others, but I left with a previously unimaginable well-rounded and deeper sense of self. Areas of my life flourished in ways that were inconceivable before NVW. If you're willing to open up, do the work, confront your inner self, and step forward with faith, you too can change your way of being. read more

After two decades thriving in Tech -15+ of which were spent as a Google leader, I researched most of the coaching programs with the lens of a hyper rational tech executive. I wanted a program that would allow me to be a strong executive coach for Tech engineers, a heart-first coach for women in tech and a compassionate leaders for my own leaders/direct reports. I did not think such a combo might be possible until I attended Foundations of Coaching with New Venture's West. The year long program was incredibly rigorous, transformational and has made me an even better Tech leader and Executive Coach..Thanks for showing us multiple frameworks to live and coach in Integrity read more

I chose NVW after evaluating 6 other coaching certification programs. I heard from multiple experienced coaches that NVW was a comprehensive, somewhat time-intensive program, but well worth the effort. I couldn't agree more. I've been in leadership positions in tech for 20+ years. I found this program to not only provide thoughtful frameworks, approaches, and methodologies for working with clients, but more importantly, the program is designed to work on you as a person, first. You can't help others, unless you've helped yourself. The past year has been transformative for me in how I show up in life, with my family, and with my clients. My priorities, temperament, and overall stress level has shifted tremendously. I walk through life with appreciation and clarity, and I thank NVW for helping give me the tools and practices to get to this place. My clients are also experiencing similar transformations and clarity, which is incredibly rewarding to be a part of. read more

I am writing this as a warning to anyone looking to join this program. This is a program posing as a coaching program trying to do therapy. This is MALPRACTICE. The only reason for the 2 stars is because of some of the friendships I made in the program and I think there are some faculty coaches with good intentions in this program, they're just led astray by the cult-like mentality of the place. However, the faculty coaches don't have the qualifications or merit to do what they are trying to do with students and clients. One coach I would really stay away from is ADAM KLEIN. Don't let his seemingly calm demeanor fool you. This man is as pretentious as they come. I have had the privilege of knowing some real healers in my life, Adam is not one among them. I had one particularly negative experience with Adam. Adam was the head instructor of my year-long PCC program. For our certification process we had to record a video of an interaction with a practice client. We then watched the video with faculty members and classmates. During the feedback of my recording Adam lost his emotions in a completely unprofessional manner. His face severely contorted, he choked up, and he looked like he was about to break down completely. His intense anger was clearly visible and I felt it. He told me that I wasn't attending to my client enough when she got emotional during my coaching conversation and it triggered him in a maniacal way. It was visible to me that my client was getting emotional, and I did check in with her. From previous sessions I understood why she was getting emotional and I could tell that she didn't want to go deeper and I decided it was best to not keep pushing her. Adam saw this as me not being able to feel what my client was feeling, and since I didn't check in with her multiple times he classified that as not being able to react to her in real time. From the initial onset of the feedback Adam could clearly not keep his emotions together. He continued with belittling comments and supreme arrogance, making me feel like I was nothing and he knew everything. Adam then went on to dig into my past and forced me to reveal what was coming up for me. Adam even made the audacious assumption that I was transmitting my own pain to my client, simply because I didn't pester my client about where her emotion was coming from after sensing that she didn't want to go deeper after already checking in. In his words, "If we don't transform our pain, we transmit our pain to our client." That is THERAPY language. He made comments that only a trained psychologist could have the ability to decipher in a professional setting. He is looking to replace the traditional role of a psychotherapist, with no formal training in psychology or the moral grounds to do so. I have had two experienced licensed therapists review the recorded videos of Adam's feedback and they are in agreement that Adam is CONDUCTING THERAPY. However, his therapy is harmful, in fact damaging. He asks the same basic repetitive questions over and over, and then frequently pauses for an extended period of time, which is cold and awkward. He eventually takes you to a place to reveal something deep and emotional, and then just leaves you there because he doesn't really know what to actually do with it. Adam was doing therapy and I have the videos to prove it. Keep in mind that this was meant to be a learning opportunity since I was merely a beginner coach. It turned out to be one of the most emotionally abusive moments of my life. They stress empathy and sensitivity here, yet when I shared something personal in my feedback session I wasn't met with any empathy by Adam. His handling of the entire situation was one of the most insensitive experiences I've ever been a part of. Adam has some deep, disturbing issues of his own that he has not worked through and I don't believe should be in any position in dealing with someone's internal state. He actually transmits his own suffering to students, and I'm sure to his clients as well. Adam Klein should not be in the position he is in for the sake of students' well-being and the integrity of coaching itself. Regardless of the way Adam conducted himself in the final session, I signed up for a course in coaching, not therapy. New Ventures West puts a vague label on their "coaching" calling it the Integral Method, which is about opening someone up and seeing all aspects of a person and attending to their deep psychological issues, precisely what therapy is intended for. Essentially these people are trying to do speed group therapy without a license. Beware of this place, specifically ADAM KLEIN. He is dangerous. It's places like this that give coaching the reputation of illegitimacy in mainstream culture. They could be getting shut down soon the way they are going. I urge you to read through the other reviews on here, something is severely off about this organization. read more

With New Ventures West I felt: * this coaching stuff is about consciousness * the power of metaphors and narratives in helping people expand * orientation to build human capacities * I can help people at my level of development or who are on their way there--the power is in the coach's way of being There are many successful biz folks who come to NVW, awaken, and integrate a new way of being into themselves, their work, and their workplaces. It takes courage to show up in a corporate context and build capacities rather than help people attain goals--new paradigm stuff. NVW also seems to be one of the few programs that focuses attention on the coach's development as a priority. They are developing people before they are developing coaches. This worked very well for me as someone who always desires to "be the change" and practice what I preach. read more

I just want to keep my review on this school updated. My thoughts that I shared previously are not changed. I urge anyone looking into this school for training to become a coach to do the research on what other schools in the area are offering. This was not a school that helped aspiring coaches to practice the skills required for becoming great Coaches. You are welcome to email me personally with your questions. read more

I certified with NVW back in 2002 and it's been more than ten years since I've been engaged with them. Overall, I think the program is a solid one; you just have to move through James' ego to appreciate it and that is sometimes a difficult hill to climb. There are some odd dynamics at play in this organization and at the end of the day, I found that I offered more to the world through other experiences in learning about coaching. There are better, more cost-effective programs. I would say it's best to find a school that also speaks to building a business as many of the instructors I worked with had no clue as to how to create a thriving income outside of working with students. What I will say is that in 2019, the most valuable thing that contributes to your success is having a model for coaching and the expertise and capabilities to deliver on it. There are lots of great books on coaching; you don't need certification unless you want to work with companies who require it for you to work there. People buy from people they like and trust. People hire consultants with expertise. Find a way to brand your coaching and write a great blog if you want clients. You don't need to walk around and hang your potential on a coaching certification. A lot of the coaches in my class had no common sense, much less the ability to build a business around their skills. I've had a Masters in OD since 1995 and that education offered me the best way to work as a consultant. NVW is a great program; do your research and find one that resonates with you. There's a lot of ego at NVW and some of the instructors are not necessarily helpful (see other reviews here). I just decided a long time ago that I did not want to be part of this community and I don't miss it, nor do I have the want or need to reconnect. read more

Cannot recommend this program enough! Took their Intro to Coaching course followed by the year-long Professional Coaching Course and was extremely satisfied with both. The rigor, academic study, and neuro/ social science that is apart of the program was my favorite part. Becoming an Integral Coach through New Ventures West was more challenging than my master's certificate, it required me to LIVE what I was learning. I am infinitely grateful that I participated in the program and have a cohort of incredible people to add to my tribe as a result of it. read more

This program delivered far above and beyond my expectation and has completely changed my life. I was looking for a rigorous program grounded in academic research, and one that would challenge me to develop myself deeply. I found all of that within a compassionate environment at New Ventures West. The structure offers incredible support in the development of each individual who engages with it's rigorous program. I found my year in the coaching course to be more challenging than completing my master's degree program while at the same time positively impacting every area of my life. I feel empowered to be and do my work authentically in the world because of my experience with New Ventures West. read more

When I researched to find a ICF PCC level coaching development provider, a friend of mine recommended New Ventures West and went further to say that it changed her life. While I took her recommendation, I was somehow skeptical about the life changing level of the experience. From the short-list of providers I ended up with, I chose NVW PCC. What a year-long experience it has been! From a skeptic, i am now a testimony of the life changing impact of the NVW PCC. it is a high quality course, clearly not for the feign hearted. It is demanding to an extend I had not experienced in a long time. It is a marathon. What I found most valuable, was the overriding emphasis on developing the 'body of a coach', of challenging and developing our way of being. Integral it is. Bringing to life the process and the content were two exquisite course leaders, Sarita Chawla and Charles Brassard, together with a large team of contributors. I am clearly comfortable to recommend the NVW PCC to anyone looking for the highest standard of development as a coach. read more

I've been in and around New Ventures West for several years - working with graduates who coached me, taking classes, and most recently the Professional Coaching Course (PCC). From the first moment I stepped into the classroom 5 years ago as a guest client, it felt like home. I deeply appreciate the reverence for self development the school embodies and the care the highly skilled faculty take in creating safe, brave spaces for growth. I encourage anyone interested in self development to check out the school to see if it fits you like it fits me. read more

To correct a false statement, NVW is ICF certified. I earned my certification from New Ventures West about 10 years ago. Their integral coaching concept has proven powerful in all of my coaching engagements and in my life. I coach executives and they would be able to spot "bs" a mile away. I also like the NVW requirement that we have to complete self-development work annually for re-certification. Additionally, I earned Master Certified Coach certification with ICF and MCC is the highest coaching designation. I thank NVW for providing the foundation for reaching this achievement. read more

For whom truly looks for the opportunity of a deep dive into our inner worlds. The quality of the learning is still an amazement to me after wrapping up the one year PCC. Best investment into myself...so far. read more

course (Singapore July 2016) taught by James Flaherty of NVW. What I really noticed about this course was how comfortable I felt with James, how contained he made me feel when I did my coach/coachee session, with a wonderful serenity and sensitivity, coming alongside my position, as an observer and explorer. His humour and wisdom were joyous. I felt bathed in a sea of loving kindness as Jon Kabat-Zinn says in one of his guided meditations. James also managed any moments of difficulty, tension within the room, with great tact and insight. It helped me manage moments when I was becoming impatient and stroppy!!! I want to say a big thank to James and to Stacy for bringing this knowledge and learning to Singapore. It has been the best CPD learning experience I have had and enjoyed for many years. Rebecca W read more

To clarify my comments, I know that NVW is certified by the ICF. When myself and several others filed complaints about James and the program they let us know about the certification process the company had gone through. My point was that myself and more than a handful of others didn't feel that NVW provided the adequate amount of training to pass the certification process. Perhaps James listened to our critique a while back and improved the program??? Hmmm.... Who knows, but again all I will say is I personally believe there are better coach training programs out there. I write this only to warn others, because after we attended his sample/showcase event we never would have guessed how the program would unfold. read more

As a graduate of the NVW program, I've got nothing but fantastic things to say. The quality of the coaching I received, the structure of the learning and the intense personally transformative experience is unparalleled. My ability to look into my own space and lean into the unknown has been forever changed. In speaking with dozens of coaches at a recent ICF conference I was truly struck by the uniqueness and strength of the NVW program; the level of personal work was deep and has allowed me to become the coach I am today - and my clients appreciate the way that I show up for them i our interactions. The interaction with all of my course leaders, including James Flaherty, was always full of support, positivity and encouragement. If you are looking for an ICF-certified coaching program, and feel the call to become a coach, I could not write a stronger recommendation than to say that the months I spent as a student with NVW were among the most positive, difficult and self-nurturing of my life. Rising to the challenge of the program was the best investment I've ever made. read more

I really resonate with NV's self-development approach to coaching. I've attended 2 'free coaching as a guest client' days, and one round table day at New Ventures West coaching Institute, and was thoroughly impressed with all my experiences there. I felt both James and Sarita to be extremely professional, respectful, and full of good humor. I also got spot-on coaching from the future graduates of New Ventures, and was amazed at the value I was receiving from what I was paying ! ($ 0). Actually to this day, I still apply a metaphor for my life that I received from one of the coaches-in-training at one of the guest client days. I found it to be supremely effective, relevant and integral to my particular life path and situation (a giant willow tree encompassing BOTH deep roots and long branches). Although it hasn't been the timing for me yet to enroll in a coaches training program, New Ventures is on the top of my list, and I would recommend it to anyone considering a quality coaches training program to definitely check it out ! read more

New Ventures West is a place like not other that I have encountered. I researched a heap of coaching programs before I decided on NVW. All I can say is i am glad that i did! The program, the staff, the facilities, the support, and the learning environment is unparalleled. The structure and models for learning are so well developed and thought out, it is truly a gift as a coach to have such training. James and Stacy run a top notch program that allows anyone who joins their community to not only become a well rounded coach, but become a more connected person. The program is dedicated to developing and mentoring coaches that are able to see all aspects of their client not just the desperate pieces. If you are considering a career as a coach, or want to deepen your relationship with yourself then look no further than NVW. read more

If you're into coaching, this is a great place, both for getting trained and getting coached. I've crossed paths with James Flaherty on numerous occasions, professionally and personally. He's been gentle, humorous, wise, unassuming, open-hearted and open-minded. I've done some of the New Ventures West training and worked with a NVW coach and found the style to be multi-faceted, effective and personal. A coach friend has done some training with them, another went through the full training, and a former co-worker, an executive, has done long-term coaching. We've all had positive experiences with everyone associated with the organization. I'd recommend the place to anyone interested in coaching. read more