The Institute of Coaching (IOC) today announced its 2026 recipient of the prestigious Vision of Excellence Award is Magdalena Nowicka Mook, CEO of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). The award recognizes a scientist and scholar whose contributions are vital to coaching science and excellence. In her tenure with ICF, Mook has guided the strategic direction and growth of the organization by partnering with the ICF Global Board of Directors and its six unique family organizations that represent the ICF ecosystem. Through her leadership, the ICF has become a leading voice for the global coaching community with more than 55,000 members and credential holders worldwide.
Thought Leaders in the Field
The IOC was founded in 2009 to expand the integrity and impact of coaching through science. Its mission is to educate coaches on the broad scientific foundation that supports coaching techniques and processes. Translating the psychological sciences and coaching research into best coaching practices, in addition to funding research grants, the IOC gathers and translates the fast-growing body of scientific literature into articles, webinars, master classes, discussion groups, and other educational opportunities.
Founded in 1995, the ICF is the world’s largest organization for the global advancement of the coaching profession. It is consistently recognized among coaching professionals worldwide for initiatives that include developing coaching core competencies, establishing a professional code of ethics and standards, providing continuous education through world-class events, and leading and informing conversations about the future of coaching.
Mook will receive the award on Saturday, May 2, 2026, during the 16 th Annual Coaching in Leadership & Healthcare Conference in Boston, MA. The conference is one of them IOC’s largest educational events, and this year’s theme “Working at the Inflection Point,” will bring together thought leaders and practitioners from around the world to discussm artificial intelligence, human-centered leadership, wellbeing, and how all of this contributes to the Craft of Coaching