A Year of Connection, Possibility, and a Little Bit of Figuring It Out
A year ago, as I stepped into the role of President of ICF Minnesota, I shared a hope for our chapter:
That ICF Minnesota would be a place where people find community, see possibility, and feel at home.
As I look back on this past year, I can't help but smile at all the ways I've seen that hope come to life.
I've seen it in the events we've hosted, the conversations that continued long after the events ended, the connections made between coaches, and the willingness of people to share what they know and learn from one another.
And I've seen it in places you might not expect.
Behind the scenes, we've been busy strengthening the foundation of our chapter. We've improved financial processes, brought greater clarity to our membership structure, and launched an exciting project to learn more about how organizations across the Twin Cities are using coaching. We're hopeful that what we discover will open doors to new resources, connections, and opportunities for our coaching community.
Not exactly the glamorous side of community building, but important work that helps make everything else possible!
One of my favorite parts of this year has been watching our Board and committee members grow together as a team.
At the beginning of the year, there were definitely moments of "Wait... what are we supposed to be doing?"
And somewhere along the way, that became "We've got this!"
I love that.
Because one of the things this year has reminded me is that leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about bringing people together, asking good questions, sharing ideas, and figuring things out along the way.
And sometimes, it's about discovering that the people around you have talents, perspectives, and ideas you never would have thought of on your own.
That's where the magic happens.
I'm incredibly grateful to our Board and committee members who have shared their time, talents, energy, and enthusiasm this year. So much of what makes ICF Minnesota special happens because people are willing to raise their hands and say, "I'd love to help."
As I prepare to pass the baton to Casey McGuire, I'm excited about what's ahead. Casey has been a wonderful partner throughout the year. From our road trip to Iowa for the Midwest Conference to our weekly calls, we've shared plenty of ideas, laughter, and conversations about what ICF Minnesota could become. And yes, we've managed to talk about a few things other than coaching, too!
I can't wait to see the ideas and energy Casey brings to the year ahead.
As I wrap up my time as President, I've been thinking about that hope I shared a year ago.
A place where people find community, see possibility, and feel at home.
What I've come to appreciate even more is that community isn't something a Board creates for its members. It's something we all create with one another.
It happens when someone welcomes a new face at an event. When a coach shares an idea or offers encouragement. When someone volunteers, makes an introduction, or simply takes the time to connect.
It's all those little moments that add up to something pretty special.
And the best part? There's so much more possibility ahead.
Thank you for being part of ICF Minnesota, for the connections you've made, the ideas you've shared, and the ways you've helped make this a community where people belong.
Here's to another year of finding community, seeing possibility, and feeling at home.
Karla Quinn,
President ICF Minnesota
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