Coaching is a profession - and a skill set - which empowers, unlocks, and inspires human potential. You don’t have to be a professional coach to use coaching skills.

In this session come and learn about professional coaching from leaders of the International Coaching Federation, Virginia Chapter. 

 They’ll share:

• What is coaching and how it’s uniquely differentiated from other helping professions like teaching, consulting and mentoring.
• How coaching can benefit you as a HR professional and help you grow in your career.
• Coaching skills you can use as a leader to empower your team to achieve their goals and grow their potential.

Suzanne Currier, MA, PCC is an executive and leadership coach with over 25 years of professional experience in Fortune 200 companies, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. She believes in doing what you love and loving what you do - because life is too short (and too long) not to!

She is passionate about the power of leaders in organizations, driving employee engagement, and empowering others to achieve their goals through the practice of coaching.

Suzanne holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership (MA) from Regent University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Bradley University. She received her executive and professional coach training at the University of Texas at Dallas.

She is a certified, credentialed coach and holds a Professional Certified Coach credential from the International Coaching Federation (PCC, ICF).  She is an active member in the International Coaching Federation (ICF) where she is the is the President of the board of directors for ICF Virginia chapter.

She resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband of over 20 years and their cockapoo puppy. On Saturdays you’ll find her enjoying dark roast coffee, reading the Wall Street Journal, and getting in some beach reading time.

Art Akerman, ACC - Director of Partnerships & Outreach

Art Akerman, ACC has over 30 years of experience as a corporate leader in global companies, coupled with 5+ years of coaching experience. He has successfully built multi-million-dollar products and services, grown a consulting practice from startup to a high-performing 100+ person organization, spent 2 years in the UK leading a $100M+ app modernization program for a major bank, and spearheaded development of a major enterprise software platform utilized by the top 10 global banks.

Following his passion for coaching, Art obtained the ICF certification in 2022, completed 200+ coaching hours and transitioned to a full-time role as coach, working with clients from Microsoft, FICO, Capital One, Elevance Health, and other enterprises.

Thank you to our sponsor, Kaufman and Canoles!