Who Are We?

Our identity — more than a school: a benchmark of excellence, human and professional

Founded in 1999 by Alain Cayrol, one of the pioneers of French-speaking coaching, the International Coaching Institute (ICI) was born out of a bold vision: to bring forth, structure, and gain recognition for the coaching profession in French-speaking countries, at a time when this discipline — still largely unknown — was just arriving from the United States.

The ambition was twofold: to make professional coaching accessible and credible, while simultaneously offering a training program that goes beyond technical learning to develop a truly professional, human, ethical, and embodied posture.

For more than 27 years, ICI has been actively contributing to the growth and professionalization of coaching within the French-speaking world. Today, with a presence in over 23 countries, the Institute has established itself as an essential benchmark, recognized for its high standards, rigor, and educational quality.

Our mission remains unchanged: to train high-level coaches capable of guiding profound transformations — individual, collective, and organizational — with professionalism, integrity, authenticity, and long-lasting impact. We firmly believe that, when practiced with excellence, coaching becomes a powerful engine for personal, relational, and societal development.

Driven by an international community and a deeply humanistic approach, ICI continues today to support the evolution of the profession and to promote a demanding, responsible, and truly transformative coaching practice.

Elite trainers — all MCC or PCC accredited

Our team is composed exclusively of professional coaches accredited by the ICF (MCC or PCC), representing the most highly recognized levels in the profession.
This choice ensures that participants receive guidance from trainers who are:

  • experienced,
  • rigorous,
  • committed,
  • and actively practicing in the field.

They pass on not only skills and experience, but also a way of being, an ethical standard, and a relational finesse — the very essence of the profession.

“A good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life.”
John Wooden

Educational methods that make the difference

We train high-level coaches… guiding them toward excellence through practice.

At ICI, learning happens through practical experience. Every training program places practice at the heart of the integration process:

  • co-coaching,
  • peer coaching circles,
  • supervision,
  • mentoring,
  • real-world simulations,
  • e-learning and digital tools.

This progressive immersion allows everyone to develop a professional, authentic, solid, and immediately operational posture.

An international, human, and diverse community

Each year, ICI brings together learners from diverse backgrounds, fields, and countries. This diversity is part of our DNA and deeply enriches the training experience.

We welcome:

  • corporate professionals,
  • helpers and care professionals,
  • executive leaders,
  • freelancers,
  • individuals changing careers,
  • creative or unconventional profiles,
  • and anyone passionate about human development.

Beyond technical skills, our students find a space of openness, active listening, respect, and connection. It is this atmosphere that transforms the training into a true personal and professional journey.

“Knowledge is the only resource that increases when shared.”
Socrate

Our values — what guides us

Integrity and ethics

We scrupulously respect national and international standards within the profession, notably those of the ICF, France Compétences, Qualiopi, and EduQua, in order to offer a professional, safe, structured, and responsible framework.

Excellence and rigor

We aim for quality above all else. Our educational methods are recognized, proven, and continuously adjusted to guarantee real progression and a solid foundation of professionalism.

Humanism and respect for the individual

Each person is supported in their unique individuality, without any imposed template. We train professional coaches who are capable of meeting others as whole individuals.

Openness and diversity

We value inclusion and the blending of cultures, visions, and backgrounds. Plurality is a strength, and it enriches both the learning experience and the professional coach’s posture.

Long-term support

ICI is not just a brief step along the way. We support the success of our graduates through supervision, masterclasses, continuous resources, and an active community.

Our promise

Joining the Institute means embarking on a path of transformation. We offer you:

  • a professional, structured, rigorous training program aligned with national and international standards,
  • a supportive, solid, and stimulating environment,
  • a team of highly qualified, passionate, and experienced trainers,
  • a dynamic and inspiring international community,
  • genuine support, both during and after your certification.

More than just a learning experience, you are choosing a profession, a posture, and a space where your identity as a coach can sustainably flourish.