MAGAZINE iPREMIUM

The International Coaching University: Where the Next Generation of Leaders Is Shaped

The world is changing faster than ever. Business models evolve every six months, familiar forms of leadership lose relevance, and uncertainty has become the new normal.
In this environment, the key to success is not control but awareness — the ability to remain grounded, flexible, and open to learning.
This philosophy lies at the heart of the International Coaching University (coachuniver.ru) — an educational platform that has been shaping a new generation of coaches, leaders, and professionals for over a decade, following the international standards of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
“When a leader becomes a coach to their team, they stop imposing — they start inspiring,” — as one of the University’s articles puts it.

A New Kind of University

The International University of Global Coaching was founded as a space where education itself becomes transformation.
Here, coaching is not treated as a profession but as a way of thinking and a way of being.
Programs are delivered both online and in blended modular formats, attracting students from Europe, Asia, and across the CIS.
The University’s mission is to develop coaching thinking — the ability to see opportunities where others see limits, and to act from conscious choice rather than reaction.
As the University’s director, Alexandra Pritzker, MCC ICF, explains:
“The main goal is not to teach techniques but to help people develop a coach’s mindset. It’s a long, transformational journey.” (RBC Pro, 2021)

Coaching as a Philosophy

Unlike traditional training programs that focus on advice and prescriptive models, the University teaches non-directive coaching — the art of asking powerful questions that open thinking and expand awareness.
The methodology combines international frameworks such as GROW, Clean Language, Mindfulness Coaching, and Developmental Coaching with deep practice, mentoring, and supervision.
Each student moves from learning basic techniques to mastering the ability to work with values, emotions, and systemic patterns.
Core learning methods include:
  • interactive webinars and practice sessions,

  • peer practice groups with live feedback,

  • mentoring from MCC ICF-certified coaches,

  • supervision and demo session reviews.
“Coaching is not a toolbox — it’s a way of seeing the person beyond the problem,” — the University’s materials emphasize.

Level 1: The Starting Point

The foundation program, “Coaching of New Thinking” (Level 1 ICF), is designed for those beginning their coaching journey.
It offers 138 hours of training in online or in-person modular format.
Program structure:
  • Four learning modules, six webinars each,

  • Practice groups and individual sessions with mentors,

  • Comprehensive feedback and final assessment,

  • International certification — ICF Level 1.
Level 1 is ideal for aspiring professional coaches, HR leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to integrate a coaching mindset into their personal and professional life.
Graduates consistently highlight the same outcome: a shift in perception.
“I stopped trying to ‘fix’ people and learned to be present with them. It changed not only my work but my relationships,” — shares one alumna.

Level 2: Mastery and Depth

The next step, Level 2 (ICF), is for those ready to go beyond techniques and embody true coaching presence.
The program — “Non-Directive Coaching: Unlocking Human Potential” — includes over 200 hours of advanced study and supervised practice.
Participants work with real cases, deepen their understanding of human behavior, and prepare for ICF ACC/PCC certification.
Key outcomes:
  • Enhanced mastery and confidence in client work,

  • The ability to coach at a systemic level (teams, partnerships, organizations),

  • Greater fluidity and depth in coaching conversations.
“Level 2 is the moment when a coach stops applying methods and starts becoming the space where transformation happens,” — explains one of the program’s mentors.

Executive Coaching: For Leaders and Organizations

The University’s Executive Coaching program bridges the world of personal development and corporate leadership.
It’s designed for coaches and executives who want to bring coaching culture into organizations.
Modules cover:
  • executive coaching competencies,

  • navigating corporate decision-makers,

  • multi-party coaching contracts (coach–client–organization),

  • mentoring and supervision in the corporate context.
“To work as a coach in business, certification alone is not enough — you must learn to speak the language of business,” — notes the article “How Coaches Can Enter the B2B World.”
This focus on B2B coaching positions the University as one of the few institutions preparing professionals for the realities of organizational development and performance-based coaching.

Leadership in the VUCA Era

One of the University’s signature themes is Leadership in the Age of VUCA — Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity.
The article “Leadership in the VUCA World” explores how traditional management no longer provides stability in a world defined by disruption.
True leaders today don’t fight chaos — they learn to navigate it.
Essential leadership qualities now include:
  • emotional self-regulation,

  • resilience and clarity amid uncertainty,

  • openness to learning and feedback,

  • empathy and authentic communication.
“Leadership in the VUCA era doesn’t require new tools — it requires a new level of consciousness. And that’s what coaching develops.”
By integrating coaching principles into leadership, the University helps professionals move from managing people to facilitating growth, both their own and others’.

Reputation and Recognition

Over twelve years, the University has trained hundreds of professionals across Russia, Europe, and Asia.
Graduates have gone on to obtain ICF credentials, build private practices, and integrate coaching into HR and executive roles.
In RBC Pro’s article “Business Coaching: How the Market Is Growing and What Coaches Are Taught” (2021),
the University is cited among Russia’s leading professional coaching schools.
Students’ reviews on platforms such as TutorTop and CoachRating highlight its strong practical orientation and the professionalism of its MCC-level faculty.
Many describe the experience as “life-changing” and “structurally transformative.”

Values and Transformation

Coaching, as taught at the International Coaching University, is not just a profession — it’s a mindset.
Graduates report profound personal and professional growth:
  • clearer self-awareness and emotional balance,

  • better communication and leadership presence,

  • higher confidence and purpose alignment,

  • improved decision-making and life satisfaction.
“Life doesn’t happen ‘later’. Coaching is a way of living it consciously,” — from the University’s article “Why We Postpone Life and How to Stop.”

Looking Ahead

The University continues to expand its international community of alumni, strengthen its mentoring and supervision network, and develop B2B and leadership programs for corporate partners.
Plans include an online certification hub and greater participation in international ICF conferences.
By merging educational rigor with a human-centered philosophy, the University stands as one of the key contributors to the evolution of professional coaching in Eastern Europe and beyond.
In a world where the speed of change exceeds our ability to plan, success belongs not to the strongest but to the most self-aware.
The International Coaching University is helping redefine leadership — teaching people not just to achieve goals but to understand themselves and lead with intention.
Coaching is not about giving advice.
It’s about clarity, presence, and the courage to be fully yourself.
Official Website: coachuniver.ru

FAQ

What is the International Coaching University?
The International Coaching University (coachuniver.ru) is an ICF-accredited educational platform offering professional coach training for individuals and leaders worldwide.
What does ICF Level 1 mean?
Level 1 is the foundation certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), covering 125–150 hours of core training and mentoring.
How is Level 2 different from Level 1?
Level 2 is advanced professional training (200+ hours) preparing coaches for PCC-level certification and mastery of non-directive methods.
What is non-directive coaching?
Amethod where the coach facilitates self-awareness and insight instead of giving advice — the gold standard in global coaching.
Can coaching be used in business?
Yes. Executive and corporate coaching improve leadership, communication, and performance across organizations.
What is the VUCA world and why is it relevant?
VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity. Coaching helps leaders stay effective and balanced in this environment.
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