Qualitative Program Questions
What makes Hudson different?
As far as what makes Hudson different, there are a few aspects of our program that make us unique. Firstly, Hudson is an Executive and Leadership coaching program, which qualifies coaches to get ICF certified up to the second level (PCC). Also, our team is a bit nerdy, which we demonstrate through a deep commitment to students understanding how sustained change happens. Throughout the program, we walk through different change methodologies, looking at different access points to see the whole person in the client. Ultimately, we want coaches to be nimble by understanding various change theories so they can meet clients where they are. We believe coaches need to understand where the foundations of coaching come from, coupled with a deep understanding of themselves.
This brings me to our focus on “Self as Coach”, which is the heart of our program. Pam McLean’s model encourages our students to look within before beginning to coach others. Coaching, at its core, is not about theories and concepts; coaches are half of the relationship in an engagement, and they must start at home first in order to become their best coaching selves. We want our coaches to be students of themselves, and understand their relationship to subjects like courage, empathy, boundaries and systems, so their own roadblocks don’t impede their clients’ growth.
Further, Hudson is structured as an adult learning community, in cohorts of ~30, and small learning groups within those cohorts of ~8-9 people. By spending a meaningful amount of time with the same group of people, we can get a better understanding of ourselves and others. One quote we particularly like is “it’s hard to see the label of a jar you’re inside of.” By creating environments of trust and safety, we can thereby trust ourselves to give and receive feedback
Ultimately, at Hudson you’re a name, not a number; we have application calls because we want to ensure that our program is the right decision for you, and also ensure you’re the right fit for the school. We want our students to feel a deep commitment to the work, which ideally grows throughout their time together in the 8-month program. Other schools can be a bit cookie-cutter, we want to ensure we’re meeting the needs of each unique individual.
What is Hudson’s ethos?
- We believe meaningful coach training needs to include 4 areas:
- Immersion in relevant theories and evidence-based models, which inform the field of coaching
- Exploration of the use of “Self as Coach” – Hudson students should be continued students of themselves, in order to take their clients as far as they can.
- Attention to our coaching methodology – what is at the heart of change, how does sustained change happen?
- In-depth engagement in real-time learning, practicing with in-the-moment feedback, reflection and supervision
What support does Hudson offer after the program?
- Once you graduate, you become part of a community of ~3k coaches. We have regional groups, which are alumni-run and typically meet once a quarter as a way to network and connect. We also have affinity groups for neurodiverse coaches and coaches of color, who meet every month.
- Additionally, Hudson has a quarterly call set up for all alumni to connect.
- We have a yearly conference, and continued learning opportunities, which can also be applied to CCE credits for the ICF.
- We have an alumni portal, where you can publish your profile and connect with other Hudson coaches. This is also a great place to advertise your coaching services.
What is the demographic of the program?
- The average age of participants tends to be mid-to-late 40s, though we have been noticing more folks in their 30s signing up for the program. We also see our fair share of folks in their 50s and 60s who are thinking about retirement, and pursuing coaching as a way to give back after stepping away from their careers.
- Our cohorts tend to be split between folks who are being sponsored by their organizations to go through the program, and then go back into their roles and use what they learned at their companies. The other half tend to be folks who are looking to transition out of their roles to start their own coaching practices
- We see individuals from a diverse range of industries, including healthcare,finance, tech, mental health, and higher ed.
- Cohorts are typically ~30-35 people, with SLGs of ~7-8 people
Who is the faculty in the program?
The Hudson faculty are all HCC graduates, most of them have over 20 years of experience and are at least PCC certified. Most of them are Master coaches, and many of them are published authors. They come from various professional backgrounds, such as law, finance, luxury fashion, and large tech companies.
Does Hudson teach you how to start a coaching business?
Approximately half of each cohort is focused on launching their own coaching practice. We have multiple modules focused on business building. We also walk through various ways to source clients (from the cohort, referrals, social networks, non-profits, etc).
We offer an interim module called “How to Develop a Business Building Mindset,” focused on launching a practice. All of our faculty own their own coaching practices, so they are great resources.
Who is a good fit for this program? What makes a strong applicant?
- Someone with the time for an intense, immersive program, takes 10-15 hours per week for 9 months
- Someone looking for a developmental training program: you will work a lot as students on self-development, practicing with peers, and experiencing theories/concepts rather than just memorizing them.
- Someone comfortable being vulnerable and open to existing in a space where they are not the expert. In other words, you should be comfortable making mistakes and learning from our expert faculty, as well as each other.
- Someone with a robust career behind them; need to reflect on your experience to inform coaching. We are focused on Executive and Leadership coaching, so we primarily see executives and leaders succeed in this program.
How is Hudson thinking about AI’s role in coaching?
It is something we are thinking about a lot, as AI continues to inevitably evolve. Our CEO, Michael Hudson, has said quite a bit on the subject. You can find his thoughts here and here for starters. We also recently implemented a Coaching & AI Learning Forum into our HCC program.
To summarize our general thoughts on the subject (and quote Michael),” AI coaching lacks the depth, creativity, and empathy that make human coaching truly transformational. AI cannot yet unravel the knots of conflicting priorities or spark the breakthrough “aha” moments that redefine success…Many of these tools aren’t coaching at all—they offer advice, suggestions, and nudges, playing to AI’s strengths rather than the holistic, nuanced work of a skilled coach.”
Logistical Questions
What is the difference between an in-person and a virtual program? Will the learning be the same?
The virtual and online programs are the same in structure – you will spend about half the time in lectures/modules, and the other half in small learning groups engaging in practice coaching sessions, which are facilitated by a faculty member.
The only notable difference is the same as any virtual versus in-person program; in the in-person there are in-between moments of connection as people go on break, go to lunch together, or hang out after the day is done.
Will I be required to coach in the program? Who will I coach? Will I need to find my own clients?
Yes – Hudson requires that you have 50 hours of coaching under your belt by the time you graduate. In the first Intensive Session, we walk through different ways you can find clients, primarily focusing on utilizing your professional and social networks. We also find that many folks within the program will refer clients to each other, as there does need to be a certain degree of separation between you and your clients
- Additionally, we offer a list of ~5 non-profit organizations that Hudson partners with. These are pro-bono opportunities to coach individuals within those organizations.
- We also walk through the initial contracting process with your clients, which includes fit calls, setting expectations, and deciding upon a rate.
During your time within Intensive Sessions, you will also take part in practice coaching in your SLGs, as both a coach and a client. These are supervised sessions by a faculty member, who will give you direct feedback, aligned specifically with the ICF coaching competencies. These practice coaching sessions do not count towards your required 50-hours of coaching.
How much time do I need to dedicate to the program per week?
You should plan on allocating 10-15 hours per week to the program. This is a mixture of completing assignments, meeting with your SLGs, completing required readings, sourcing and coaching clients, and attending online modules. We have approximately two modules per month – one is a Learning Forum with Pam McLean, which she uses to delve deeper into the Self as Coach model. The other is a Coaching Clinic, which is an open forum to ask questions about coaching, discuss road blocks, or the program, all facilitated by one of the faculty members. These modules are recorded, so if you are unable to make them, you can watch them later that day through Canvas.
How many program calls can I expect per week? What is the typical timing for these? Are the calls recorded?
You can expect approximately two modules per month – one is a Learning Forum with Pam McLean, which she uses to delve deeper into the Self as Coach model. The other is a Coaching Clinic, which is an open forum to ask questions about coaching, discuss road blocks, or the program, all facilitated by one of the faculty members.
There are also specialized Learning Forums focused on Developing a Business, AI, Ethics, and Supervision. You can expect three calls with Keith focused on the program, upcoming assignments, and what to focus on. All of these modules are recorded, so if you are unable to make them, you can watch them later that day through Canvas.
What is the timing of the Intensive Sessions?
There are three Intensive Sessions, spaced about three months apart. They run from Tuesday – Friday from ~8am – 4pm. Fridays ending a bit earlier, usually around 2pm. For in-person sessions, there is one happy hour on Thursday, running from ~5:30 – 7pm.
During these sessions you will be digging into Hudson methodology, attending faculty lectures, and practicing coaching in small learning groups, which are supervised by a faculty member.
Would this program work for international students?
We tend to see international folks in our virtual programs, and have had attendees from Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. One of our faculty members is based in the UK, and another is based in Brazil.
All sessions take place in Pacific Time. The timing can definitely be difficult during the Intensive Session weeks, but it has been done!
What happens if I can’t attend a session? Can I mix and match with other cohorts?
We require 100% attendance for each Intensive session. We do not allow participants to attend intensives with other cohorts, as it would be disruptive to their learning experience. When selecting your preferred cohort timing, please ensure you can attend all three sessions. In the instance that you are unable to attend due to a significant unforeseen issue, we will work with you to make up the learning. This is a special circumstance, which incurs an additional fee.
Where do I stay for an in-person session? Is there a specific hotel where I should book accommodations?
Most folks stay at the hotel where the Intensive Sessions are held, The Upham in Santa Barbara. It is conveniently located, with many nearby restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife spots within walking distance. It is a quaint, historic hotel, with a cozy boutique feel. Hudson has a room block with them, which you can use for discounted rates by calling at (805) 962-0058.
You are not required to stay at the Upham, but it is what we recommend for convenience.
Financial Questions
Do you offer scholarships or installment plans?
Yes, we offer a scholarship for our virtual sessions for qualified individuals. You can review your eligibility and apply using this link: https://www.scholarship.hudsoninstitute.com/application. Please note that the scholarship is only applicable to our virtual programs.
The installment plan is typically a 50% deposit made within two week of acceptance to the program, with the remaining 50% due two weeks before the first Intensive Session starts.
The set-up fee is 3% of the balance due at the start of the plan if you use a credit card. If you use ACH / E-check the set-up fee is waived.
Are there any additional program costs beyond tuition?
Yes, aside from the cost of our pre-requisite program, LifeForward, and the tuition costs, you will need to take into account:
- The cost of books ~$600 (including recommended reading), if purchased new. There are used options on the market.
- 10 hours of Coaching Received by a Hudson and ICF-certified coach. These sessions are typically ~$200 per hour.
- If you are doing the in-person program, you’ll need to account for travel, boarding and food.
ICF Questions
How does Hudson prepare participants for ICF Accreditation?
The Program covers ICF accreditation up to the PCC (Professional) level. Hudson is an accredited program with the ICF. Coaching hours obtained during the program can go towards getting accreditation with ICF if you want, it’s a level 2 program. Everything you learn throughout the program is aligned with ICF expectations. All practice coaching that happens in SLGs is being assessed against the ICF coaching competencies.
Once you finish the program, you are a Hudson-certified coach for life. You will, at minimum, have provided 50 hours of coaching. You will also have completed the 125 education hours and all of the mentor-coaching hours that the ICF requires.
The ICF requires 100 hours of coaching and completion of an exam to obtain the first accreditation level (ACC), so once you’ve finished with Hudson, you’re at the halfway mark. There are also participants who go above and beyond the 50 hours during the program, it’s up to participants. To get the PCC certification, you will need 500 hours of coaching. Many folks get their ACC first, then their PCC once they’ve met the hours requirement.
