Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the Empowered Leader Program. What the program consists of, how to apply and much more.
What will I gain by participating in the Empowered Leader Program?
What will I gain by participating in the Empowered Leader Program?
Nine months of development is a significant investment of time and energy. Many women report that their time in the Empowered Leader Program was transformational. By participating in the program, you will have the opportunity to:
Nine months of development is a significant investment of time and energy. Many women report that their time in the Empowered Leader Program was transformational. By participating in the program, you will have the opportunity to:
Deepen your confidence in your leadership abilities
Clarify your core values and learn to lead with power and authenticity
Identify your core limiting beliefs and learn to access the wisdom of your inner leader
Gain practical strategies and tools for personal resiliency and well-being
Explore what it means to lead with courage and vulnerability
Learn to use your voice more effectively and with greater confidence
Build the capacity to think clearly under pressure and navigate uncertainty
Cultivate mindful self-compassion practices to do your work with more ease
Learn and implement practices for radical self-care and sustainable impact
Expand your leadership agility to meet the needs of different situations
Strengthen your multidimensional leadership skills
Cultivate relationships with other women in social and environmental change from around the world
Deepen your confidence in your leadership abilities
Clarify your core values and learn to lead with power and authenticity
Identify your core limiting beliefs and learn to access the wisdom of your inner leader
Gain practical strategies and tools for personal resiliency and well-being
Explore what it means to lead with courage and vulnerability
Learn to use your voice more effectively and with greater confidence
Build the capacity to think clearly under pressure and navigate uncertainty
Cultivate mindful self-compassion practices to do your work with more ease
Learn and implement practices for radical self-care and sustainable impact
Expand your leadership agility to meet the needs of different situations
Strengthen your multidimensional leadership skills
Cultivate relationships with other women in social and environmental change from around the world
What Is a Coach?
What Is a Coach?
A coach is NOT the same as a mentor, consultant, or career counselor.
A coach is NOT the same as a mentor, consultant, or career counselor.
A mentor/consultant will set out to train or give you direct advice in support of the professional goal or project you are attempting to accomplish. A career counselor will help you to hone professional development skills such as creating a resume or cover letter, and give you direction on your career path.
A mentor/consultant will set out to train or give you direct advice in support of the professional goal or project you are attempting to accomplish. A career counselor will help you to hone professional development skills such as creating a resume or cover letter, and give you direction on your career path.
A Women’s Impact Alliance coach, on the other hand, will work with you to reach your personal and professional goals. They will guide you and help you to focus on your strengths, rather than directly advising you. They will enable you to grow, motivate you and hold you accountable to your goals. Our coaches specialize in whole-person coaching.
A Women’s Impact Alliance coach, on the other hand, will work with you to reach your personal and professional goals. They will guide you and help you to focus on your strengths, rather than directly advising you. They will enable you to grow, motivate you and hold you accountable to your goals. Our coaches specialize in whole-person coaching.
Your coach will:
Your coach will:
Guide you in your personal and professional development
Support you in understanding your strengths and blindspots
Help you unfold your authentic leadership style
Hold you accountable for reaching your personal goals
Challenge you and provide feedback on your progress
Give you actions and inquiries to work on in-between sessions
Discover your unique personal values and purpose
Help you set clearer goals, take action, and make better decisions
Identify self-limiting influences and beliefs and create new pathways for success
Guide you in your personal and professional development
Support you in understanding your strengths and blindspots
Help you unfold your authentic leadership style
Hold you accountable for reaching your personal goals
Challenge you and provide feedback on your progress
Give you actions and inquiries to work on in-between sessions
Discover your unique personal values and purpose
Help you set clearer goals, take action, and make better decisions
Identify self-limiting influences and beliefs and create new pathways for success
Your coach will NOT:
Your coach will NOT:
Give direct advice on a specific skill (such as strategy, fundraising, branding, presenting, or career development)
Work with you to create a business strategy
Work with you to develop a professional project
Identify business development pipelines or processes
Make introductions and help build your network
Give advice or training on creating a resume, or interview techniques
Give direct advice on a specific skill (such as strategy, fundraising, branding, presenting, or career development)
Work with you to create a business strategy
Work with you to develop a professional project
Identify business development pipelines or processes
Make introductions and help build your network
Give advice or training on creating a resume, or interview techniques
What is whole-person coaching?
What is whole-person coaching?
Whole-person coaching is an approach that looks at the full person, not just a work problem or career goal. It explores a person’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual self, and it treats fulfillment as coming from alignment with values, purpose, and vision.
Whole-person coaching is an approach that looks at the full person, not just a work problem or career goal. It explores a person’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual self, and it treats fulfillment as coming from alignment with values, purpose, and vision.
How Are Catalysts and Coaches Matched?
How Are Catalysts and Coaches Matched?
We match you with a coach as much as possible based on timezone compatibility, and also consider a coach’s experience and your needs. Note: a coach may be in a different country than you. Our coaches are based in more than 30 countries and we continue to expand with each program.
We match you with a coach as much as possible based on timezone compatibility, and also consider a coach’s experience and your needs. Note: a coach may be in a different country than you. Our coaches are based in more than 30 countries and we continue to expand with each program.
All our coaches are professionally trained, highly experienced in leadership development, and dedicated to supporting you. They are experts in supporting you in cultivating your authentic leadership. Our coaches are committed to your success and growth. They are here to help you gain a better understanding of your strengths and blind spots, both personally and professionally.
All our coaches are professionally trained, highly experienced in leadership development, and dedicated to supporting you. They are experts in supporting you in cultivating your authentic leadership. Our coaches are committed to your success and growth. They are here to help you gain a better understanding of your strengths and blind spots, both personally and professionally.
How Do Catalysts and Coaches Work Together?
How Do Catalysts and Coaches Work Together?
All coaching sessions are held on the phone/Zoom/WhatsApp/Microsoft Teams/Google Hangouts, whichever you and your coach prefer. Catalysts and coaches generally discuss this in the first meeting and design together what works best.
All coaching sessions are held on the phone/Zoom/WhatsApp/Microsoft Teams/Google Hangouts, whichever you and your coach prefer. Catalysts and coaches generally discuss this in the first meeting and design together what works best.
Who Is Responsible For Setting Up Coaching Calls?
Who Is Responsible For Setting Up Coaching Calls?
You will initiate the call/Zoom connection for each coaching session.
You will initiate the call/Zoom connection for each coaching session.
How Long is Each Coaching Session?
How Long is Each Coaching Session?
You and your coach decide together how frequently to coach, and also how long each coaching session will be. We recommend meeting regularly and have sessions either each week or every two weeks, because the most change and transformation happens with consistency.
You and your coach decide together how frequently to coach, and also how long each coaching session will be. We recommend meeting regularly and have sessions either each week or every two weeks, because the most change and transformation happens with consistency.
What Happens in a Typical Coaching Session?
What Happens in a Typical Coaching Session?
First, you set the pace and bring a topic or focus area you would like to look at for that specific session. It could be closely connected to one of your goals or focus areas identified at the beginning of the program, or it might be something else that feels immediately important to explore.
First, you set the pace and bring a topic or focus area you would like to look at for that specific session. It could be closely connected to one of your goals or focus areas identified at the beginning of the program, or it might be something else that feels immediately important to explore.
Your coach will expect you to bring topics they would like to discuss to each coaching session. It is important to keep your overall goals and focus areas in mind when bringing micro-topics into each coaching session. This could be something that happened during the week, a thought that has been at the forefront of mind; an idea to process; an observation of a habit. Bottom line, you need to bring the topics to get the conversation started.
Your coach will expect you to bring topics they would like to discuss to each coaching session. It is important to keep your overall goals and focus areas in mind when bringing micro-topics into each coaching session. This could be something that happened during the week, a thought that has been at the forefront of mind; an idea to process; an observation of a habit. Bottom line, you need to bring the topics to get the conversation started.
During each coaching session, your coach will be there to guide the exploration alongside the you by asking powerful questions, conducting exercises, and helping you to clarify what you want and how she feels. You can count on your coach to help unfold new perspectives to challenges, highlight strengths, and champion her and her growth.
During each coaching session, your coach will be there to guide the exploration alongside the you by asking powerful questions, conducting exercises, and helping you to clarify what you want and how she feels. You can count on your coach to help unfold new perspectives to challenges, highlight strengths, and champion her and her growth.
Every coach has their own unique approach, and they will check in with you on the approaches and tools that work best for the individual. Through it all the coach will help you work on the specific topic for that session, and at the same time help you work towards your larger goals for coaching.
Every coach has their own unique approach, and they will check in with you on the approaches and tools that work best for the individual. Through it all the coach will help you work on the specific topic for that session, and at the same time help you work towards your larger goals for coaching.
What is a Discovery or Launch Session?
What is a Discovery or Launch Session?
In the first coaching session, you and your coach discuss your goals for coaching, as well as areas like strengths, values and challenges. We call the first session a “Discovery” or “Launch” Session. The coach will also guide a conversation about how you will work together, including timing, frequency, ways of being, and more. The Discovery Session helps you have a clear idea of what you would like to accomplish with your coach before getting started.
In the first coaching session, you and your coach discuss your goals for coaching, as well as areas like strengths, values and challenges. We call the first session a “Discovery” or “Launch” Session. The coach will also guide a conversation about how you will work together, including timing, frequency, ways of being, and more. The Discovery Session helps you have a clear idea of what you would like to accomplish with your coach before getting started.
What Kind of Coaching Goals Do Catalysts Have?
What Kind of Coaching Goals Do Catalysts Have?
At the beginning of your coaching relationship, you will identify overall goals you want to work on with your coach. As the coaching continues, you will bring specific topics to each session.
At the beginning of your coaching relationship, you will identify overall goals you want to work on with your coach. As the coaching continues, you will bring specific topics to each session.
Here are some examples of overall coaching goals:
Learn to have difficult conversations at work more effectively and earlier.
Manage my stress level better and make sure I don’t burn myself out in my new role.
Stop second guessing myself and be more confident in my ideas.
Identify my strengths and learn how to use them more effectively.
Develop my leadership presence.
Stop being a micro-manager and empower my team.
Create a vision and plan for the next stage of my career.
Here are some examples of overall coaching goals:
Learn to have difficult conversations at work more effectively and earlier.
Manage my stress level better and make sure I don’t burn myself out in my new role.
Stop second guessing myself and be more confident in my ideas.
Identify my strengths and learn how to use them more effectively.
Develop my leadership presence.
Stop being a micro-manager and empower my team.
Create a vision and plan for the next stage of my career.
What Happens Between Coaching Sessions?
What Happens Between Coaching Sessions?
With coaching there is usually homework or next steps to focus on. At the end of each session, a coach will ask you what she wants to do as next steps or offer an inquiry/further questions to consider. The Coach is likely to give you something to work on or to reflect on. Coaching is always focused on “Forwarding the Action and Deepening the Learning!” The coach will also discuss what kind of accountability support the Catalayst wants and if she would like to design a system for checking in with her coach between calls.
With coaching there is usually homework or next steps to focus on. At the end of each session, a coach will ask you what she wants to do as next steps or offer an inquiry/further questions to consider. The Coach is likely to give you something to work on or to reflect on. Coaching is always focused on “Forwarding the Action and Deepening the Learning!” The coach will also discuss what kind of accountability support the Catalayst wants and if she would like to design a system for checking in with her coach between calls.
Are Coaching Sessions Confidential?
Are Coaching Sessions Confidential?
Yes. Each coaching session is private, personal, and confidential. We have a contract agreement with all our coaches whereby they must keep the confidentiality of their Catalaysts unless required to do so by law (e.g., illegal activity, pursuant to valid court order or subpoena; imminent or likely risk of danger to self or to others; etc). Visit the International Coach Federation Code of Ethics Section 4: Confidentiality/Privacy for further explanation.
Yes. Each coaching session is private, personal, and confidential. We have a contract agreement with all our coaches whereby they must keep the confidentiality of their Catalaysts unless required to do so by law (e.g., illegal activity, pursuant to valid court order or subpoena; imminent or likely risk of danger to self or to others; etc). Visit the International Coach Federation Code of Ethics Section 4: Confidentiality/Privacy for further explanation.
Program Catalysts do not share the contents of their coaching sessions unless the you want to specifically outside of the coaching relationship. You are required to complete pre and post-program surveys for us to understand how effective the program is and how we can best support you. However, we do not expect you to divulge any details if they do not wish to disclose.
Program Catalysts do not share the contents of their coaching sessions unless the you want to specifically outside of the coaching relationship. You are required to complete pre and post-program surveys for us to understand how effective the program is and how we can best support you. However, we do not expect you to divulge any details if they do not wish to disclose.
Is there a Curriculum for the Coaching Component of the Program?
Is there a Curriculum for the Coaching Component of the Program?
No. Coaching is extremely personal and individualized. Each Catalyst and coach work on very different topics from session to session depending on the your needs and goals. During the program, we send out a weekly E-mail guiding you along the program.
No. Coaching is extremely personal and individualized. Each Catalyst and coach work on very different topics from session to session depending on the your needs and goals. During the program, we send out a weekly E-mail guiding you along the program.
How Do I Meet Other WIA Catalysts and Alumnae?
How Do I Meet Other WIA Catalysts and Alumnae?
Over the years we have learned that having allies maximizes our Catalysts coaching experience and deepens their learning. Opportunities to connect with other Catalysts in small groups are offered in a variety of ways throughout the Empowered Leader Program.
Over the years we have learned that having allies maximizes our Catalysts coaching experience and deepens their learning. Opportunities to connect with other Catalysts in small groups are offered in a variety of ways throughout the Empowered Leader Program.
Alumnae of The Women’s Impact Alliance programs become part of our community of over 2,000 women worldwide from 95+ countries. We have an active online community, monthly virtual events, and local chapters that our Catalysts and Alumnae are invited to engage with both during their program and beyond.
Alumnae of The Women’s Impact Alliance programs become part of our community of over 2,000 women worldwide from 95+ countries. We have an active online community, monthly virtual events, and local chapters that our Catalysts and Alumnae are invited to engage with both during their program and beyond.
What Happens After the Program?
What Happens After the Program?
Once you complete the program, you become part of our alumnae network. You will continue to be on our mailing list, receive invitations to our future events, have access to opportunities such as online workshops and trainings, and stay connected with the other alumnae members.
Once you complete the program, you become part of our alumnae network. You will continue to be on our mailing list, receive invitations to our future events, have access to opportunities such as online workshops and trainings, and stay connected with the other alumnae members.
Is There an Age Limit To Become a Catalyst?
Is There an Age Limit To Become a Catalyst?
Our mission is to support women leaders from the early to the middle stages of their leadership journey. We do not discriminate based on age. Our evaluation criteria is based on the scope and scale of impact, and where the individual is in her career to maximize her growth and expand her impact. 95% of our applicants and Catalysts are aged between 25 and 45.
Our mission is to support women leaders from the early to the middle stages of their leadership journey. We do not discriminate based on age. Our evaluation criteria is based on the scope and scale of impact, and where the individual is in her career to maximize her growth and expand her impact. 95% of our applicants and Catalysts are aged between 25 and 45.
Why is a Catalyst Required to be Emotionally and Mentally Stable to Join the Program?
Why is a Catalyst Required to be Emotionally and Mentally Stable to Join the Program?
We have a requirement that a Catalysts in any WIA program is emotionally and mentally stable before joining. If you have experienced significant emotional trauma, a traumatic event, and have been in recovery or treatment in the last 12 months, we recommend that you consider applying for our programs after at least 12 months post-recovery.
We have a requirement that a Catalysts in any WIA program is emotionally and mentally stable before joining. If you have experienced significant emotional trauma, a traumatic event, and have been in recovery or treatment in the last 12 months, we recommend that you consider applying for our programs after at least 12 months post-recovery.
Leadership development and coaching are a wonderful process for opening up transformation and going deep. However, if you are actively recovering and healing from trauma, it might trigger traumatic emotions. The purpose of the Empowered Leader Program is to cultivate your leadership and expand your impact, not to address trauma. Also, our coaches are not trained therapists and do not work with trauma.If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please reach out to us at hello@thewia.org.
Leadership development and coaching are a wonderful process for opening up transformation and going deep. However, if you are actively recovering and healing from trauma, it might trigger traumatic emotions. The purpose of the Empowered Leader Program is to cultivate your leadership and expand your impact, not to address trauma. Also, our coaches are not trained therapists and do not work with trauma.If you have any questions regarding this requirement, please reach out to us at hello@thewia.org.
What is our Hope for the Ally Pod Experience?
What is our Hope for the Ally Pod Experience?
We hope that you challenge each other, learn from each other, get excited and inspired by each other, celebrate each other, and build lasting relationships that will continue to serve you long after your program has come to an end.
That you will use this space to show up authentically, practice courage through vulnerability, hold space for each other, and ask for what they need.
This Pod is yours, and we hope that you find deep meaning and fulfillment in what you build together.
We hope that you challenge each other, learn from each other, get excited and inspired by each other, celebrate each other, and build lasting relationships that will continue to serve you long after your program has come to an end.
That you will use this space to show up authentically, practice courage through vulnerability, hold space for each other, and ask for what they need.
This Pod is yours, and we hope that you find deep meaning and fulfillment in what you build together.
What to Expect in a Leader Lab
What to Expect in a Leader Lab
Leader Labs are designed as interactive experiences that create learning through reflection, conversation and co-created learning. Leader Labs focus on deepening the topic of learning and applying the concepts introduced in practical ways.
You will receive pre-work for each Leader Lab that takes no longer than 45 min to an hour to complete, in preparation for the sessions. During the 90 minute Leader Lab sessions, you will engage in small group discussions and interactive tools and exercises.
You will get the most out of the Leader Lab sessions when you have the pre-work completed and you’re prepared to share your insights, thoughts, and questions. It is also a chance to learn from and listen to other Catalysts as well as the Leader Lab facilitator(s).
Leader Labs are designed as interactive experiences that create learning through reflection, conversation and co-created learning. Leader Labs focus on deepening the topic of learning and applying the concepts introduced in practical ways.
You will receive pre-work for each Leader Lab that takes no longer than 45 min to an hour to complete, in preparation for the sessions. During the 90 minute Leader Lab sessions, you will engage in small group discussions and interactive tools and exercises.
You will get the most out of the Leader Lab sessions when you have the pre-work completed and you’re prepared to share your insights, thoughts, and questions. It is also a chance to learn from and listen to other Catalysts as well as the Leader Lab facilitator(s).
What is Being in an Ally Pod Like?
What is Being in an Ally Pod Like?
Each Ally Pod will consist of other Catalysts from your Cohort and is self-directed, with a coach facilitating the first Ally Pod call to kick off the experience.
Ally Pods are self-selected based on the date and time that works best for you. The WIA team will introduce you to your Apply Pod.
You will meet with your Ally Pod for an hour or two each month, depending on what you decide together.
Pods are a space for you to deepen what you’ve learned in your coaching sessions, explore leadership with other powerful women, and build connections that will last well beyond your program.
Each Ally Pod will consist of other Catalysts from your Cohort and is self-directed, with a coach facilitating the first Ally Pod call to kick off the experience.
Ally Pods are self-selected based on the date and time that works best for you. The WIA team will introduce you to your Apply Pod.
You will meet with your Ally Pod for an hour or two each month, depending on what you decide together.
Pods are a space for you to deepen what you’ve learned in your coaching sessions, explore leadership with other powerful women, and build connections that will last well beyond your program.
Looking for More Details on our Program that aren’t Answered Here?
Looking for More Details on our Program that aren’t Answered Here?
You can read quotes from our Alumnae, who have completed the program on our website. Or reach out to us with your questions at hello@thewia.org.
You can read quotes from our Alumnae, who have completed the program on our website. Or reach out to us with your questions at hello@thewia.org.
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The Women's Impact Alliance is a proud 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax deductible organization founded in 2014 (EIN 81-2582448)
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Join the Movement
The Women's Impact Alliance is a proud 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax deductible organization founded in 2014 (EIN 81-2582448)
Sign Up for Our Newsletter for Stories, Events, and Resources
Copyright © 2026