Coach Training: Who is it really for? And what’s the objective?

As coaches and trainers at Training & Coaching Square, we could offer dozens of reasons to undertake certified coach training. It’s undeniable that adopting a ‘coach-like’ leadership style represents the future.

This time, we let Veerle De Laet speak. Veerle completed the COMBI training: ROOT® + GROW® in 2024-2025. Formerly a Talent Lead at Deloitte, she now dedicates her time exclusively to coaching.

You undertook this training as part of your role as Talent Lead. Why is integrating coaching skills beneficial?

At Deloitte, coaching is highly prioritized because it’s a people-driven business. The impact on client outcomes is strongly correlated with the strengths of employees. Properly supporting and coaching them is therefore crucial. Seeing this philosophy effectively applied in practice strengthened my belief in coaching leadership. As a Talent Lead, I chose this training to significantly enhance my coaching expertise and leverage it to support others.

Can you provide examples of applying your learnings in practice?

Through this training, I became profoundly aware of the true meaning of active listening: genuinely hearing what is (and isn’t) being said, without projecting personal interpretations.

I initially believed my extensive HR experience had already equipped me with active listening skills. However, the training not only solidified my theoretical understanding but also provided practical methods and tools to deeply embed this into my coaching mindset and behaviour. This benefits all my interactions, not just coaching sessions.

Another significant realization emerged during the training. As an HR professional, understanding and responding to others’ needs had become second nature. Combined with years of experience, I often successfully guided individuals towards solutions.

Subconsciously, I expected coaching would follow a similar pattern. However, the training clarified that coaching involves helping by intentionally refraining from direct solutions. As a coach, my role is to expertly guide the coaching process itself; the coachee is the expert on their own situation and outcomes. My opinion on their chosen solution is irrelevant. This neutrality and safety are crucial. Understanding this profoundly accelerated my growth as a coach.

Throughout the training, I became passionately inspired by how coaching blends human focus, action, and results in a co-creative partnership between coach and coachee. This profound inspiration made me decide during the training to fully transition into a coaching career.

There are countless definitions of coaching. What does coaching mean to you?

Coaching is a goal-oriented process where the coach stimulates the coachee’s reflective process, creating space to explore beyond familiar thought patterns. This involves examining existing beliefs to identify subconscious barriers. Using specific coaching tools, the coachee uncovers alternative perspectives to overcome internal obstacles and determine their solutions. Coaching involves initially slowing down to ultimately accelerate towards effective solutions.

You completed the ROOT GROW certified coaching training at Training & Coaching Square. What did you gain?

In one word: depth.

Despite my extensive HR experience, Training & Coaching Square still provided valuable new tools and insights. More significantly, I experienced profound growth in integrating this knowledge into my attitude and behaviour.

The training emphasizes experiential learning and feedback, prioritizing practical exercises. Mistakes, observations, and feedback become learning opportunities—highlighting the importance of unlearning as well.

I consider myself a self-aware person, and I discovered during the training that self-reflection significantly deepens when you invite external coaching perspectives. The individual coaching component of the training-approach, guided by experienced TCS coaches, enriches both personal insight and coaching skills.

Why Training & Coaching Square?

Training & Coaching Square stands out as the premier expertise institute. With 20 years of pioneering experience in Belgian coaching, they provide internationally recognized training by the International Coaching Federation.

Their modern, blended-learning approach combines live and online modules, emphasizing practical experience without fear of failure—only feedback. Additionally, their learning platform caters to inquisitive minds.

Trainers/coaches embody their teachings, fostering a safe environment that encourages openness and curiosity. They empower learners to take responsibility for their learning, promoting genuine exploration through trial and error. After all, no one learned to ride a bike merely by reading about it, right?

What would you say to those hesitant to take the leap?

The ROOT/GROW training is transformative, fostering professional growth. Coaching skills are fundamental to a successful career—whether as an external or internal coach, or as a leader aiming to harness positive interpersonal dynamics. Effective leadership involves mobilizing people towards a shared vision. Coaching is precisely the tool that creates such mobilization through genuine connections.

Curious after Veerle’s interview?

Don’t hesitate to contact us or register for a training session or our Taste & Test webinar.

Don’t hesitate to contact us