What Does an ICF-Certified Executive Coach Actually Do?

The phrase "executive coach" is unregulated in Canada. Anyone can use it. The ICF (International Coaching Federation) credential is the industry-standard signal that a coach has trained in a defined competency framework, completed supervised hours, and committed to a code of ethics. The CEC (Certified Executive Coach) is a Canadian credential grounded in the same competencies.

A structured, confidential conversation between a senior leader and a credentialed coach, repeated over months, designed to land specific outcomes. It's not therapy. It's not consulting. It's not mentorship. The coach asks; the leader decides.

The work is anchored to two or three concrete outcomes the leader (or their sponsor) would defend to their board. Bi-weekly sessions, written prep, written recap. Quarterly reviews with the sponsor on themes and progress only, not session content.

It isn't a workshop. It isn't a 360 report with no follow-through. It isn't a coach who tells you what to do. That's mentorship, which is fine, just label it correctly.

ICF or CEC credential. Real in-house experience at the level you're operating at. References from past clients in similar roles. A clear chemistry call before you commit. Most engagements are 6 months minimum, and if the rapport isn't right at the start, it won't be right at month four.