Leader-as-Coach Certification Program

The Ryan College of Business (RCoB), Leader-as-Coach Certification Program is a highly-experiential, executive education program focused on core competencies for agile, multi-dimensional leaders seeking to foster engagement and empower teams capable of navigating uncertainty and producing sustainable results. The program will help participants build coaching skills to add to their collection of competencies needed for effective leadership and to recognize situations best suited to apply coaching.

Our program is offered at two levels. Successful completion of the program at Level 1 will lead to an RCoB Leader-as-Coach Curriculum Completion Certificate. Participants who successfully complete the program at Level 2, which involves an additional 20 documented coaching hours and formal evaluation coaching competencies, will be eligible to earn the RCoB Leader-as-Coach Certified Practitioner designation.  The program is currently being assessed as a candidate for below described additional coaching credentials.

WABC Accredited Candidate (Level 1 – Leader-as-Coach) BadgeWe are a WABC Accredited Candidate
(Level 1 – Leader-as-Coach)™

We are currently being assessed by the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC) to become WABC Accredited, a globally recognized mark that represents the highest quality leader-as-coach coaching training in the world. We are participating in rigorous independent assessment, designed exclusively for leader-as-coach coaching programs, to ensure we offer high quality, evidence-based training rooted in real-world organizational and business needs. WABC is the leading global association committed to driving business coaching and leader-as-coach coaching excellence with robust, evidence-based practices.

WABC Accredited Candidate (Level 2 – Leader-as-Coach) BadgeWe are a WABC Accredited Candidate
(Level 2 – Leader-as-Coach)

We are currently being assessed by the Worldwide Association of Business Coaches (WABC) to become WABC Accredited, a globally recognized mark that represents the highest quality leader-as-coach coaching training in the world. We are participating in rigorous independent assessment, designed exclusively for leader-as-coach coaching programs, to ensure we offer high quality, evidence-based training rooted in real-world organizational and business needs. Once approved, our graduates will be eligible to receive the WABC Certified Leader-as-Coach (CLAC) credential. WABC is the leading global association committed to driving business coaching and leader-as-coach coaching excellence with robust, evidence-based practices.

Program Structure

This is a hybrid program featuring in-person workshop sessions on alternating Saturdays twice per month (i.e., five Saturday sessions 10am-2pm) and online asynchronous engagement required via the Canvas ProLearning platform between in-person sessions. All in-person sessions will be held at the University of North Texas, Frisco Campus. Lunch will be provided at each of the in-person Saturday sessions.

Fall 2026 Schedule

Event Date Time
Program Kickoff - online
• Crystal Clarity on Program
• Foundations for High-impact Cohort
Wednesday, September 2 11am–12pm
Module 1 - in person
• Transformative Leadership Legacies
• Powerful Coaching Questions
• Foundational Models for Coaching
Saturday, September 12 10am–2pm
Module 2 - in person
• The Practicality of Theory
• Ethical Foundations
• Inclusive Leadership
Saturday, September 26 10am–2pm
Module 3 - in person
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
• Listening Intelligence (LQ)
• Coaching with Data
Saturday, October 10 10am–2pm
Module 4 - in person
• Coaching in Times of Change
• Contingency Leadership
• Fostering Strategic Thinking
Saturday, October 24 10am–2pm
Module 5 - in person
• Coaching Successful Transitions
• Courageous Conversations
• Level 1 Program Graduation
Saturday, November 7 10am–2pm
Completion of program requirements (Level 2 only) November 8 through December 14 Asynchronous

Program Content

The framework for the Leader-as-Coach Certification Program leverages research-supported concepts that are grounded in multi-disciplined theory and robust practice that enhance leadership effectiveness and produce evidence-based results. Throughout the program participants will develop core competencies in coaching, gain tools to build collaborative and trusting relationships, and equip participants to help others maximize organizational engagement and realize professional potential.

Throughout the program conceptual frameworks, case discussions, and skill-oriented activities will be applied to various organizational topics, including organizational culture, motivation, leadership, dynamics of power, perception and attribution, communication, performance, developmental assessments, and emotional intelligence. The course utilizes a mixture of practical applications, theoretical concepts, experiential learning, and real-world practice. Discussions and interactive practice activities are designed to help participants acquire knowledge and skills that enable enhanced relationships of trust, value creation, and improved organizational performance.

Target Participants

This program is designed for business and organizational leaders who want to strengthen their leadership impact through best-in-industry leadership coaching education. To the extent possible peer-level appropriate cohorts will be organized, including the following target groups from multiple industries:

  • Executives
  • Experienced leaders
  • Mid-career managers
  • High-potential emerging leaders
  • Entrepreneurs
  • HR and talent development professionals

Enrollment Criteria

Application guidelines to this competitive program call for a minimum of five years professional experience, including recent leadership responsibilities, for degreed applicants and a minimum of eight years of professional experience, including recent leadership responsibilities, for non-degree applicants.

Applications for the program will be accepted from Spring-Summer 2026 for the September–November 2026 cohort.

Tuition & Fees

$5,000 (all inclusive: materials, parking, etc.)

Application

Registration to follow the internal UNT application committee review process.

Apply Now!

Leader-as-Coach Program Faculty

Dr. Doug Killough
Department of Management Lecturer
Leadership Program Director
Ken Meyers
Department of Management Lecturer