For many people, coach training starts with a bigger question about the kind of work they want to do and the kind of person they want to become. Some are looking to build a coaching practice, while others are trying to find a more meaningful way to lead, communicate, or support the people around them. In either case, the right program often needs to offer more than information. It has to create space for real growth.
That’s the kind of growth Upbuild Coaching Training is built to support. In this interview, the Upbuild team shares how the program’s roots in a New York City monastery shaped its philosophy, why self-awareness is such an important part of coaching, and how their training continues to help participants grow in the way they move through work and life.
Meet Upbuild
At Upbuild, we offer a six-month coaching training program designed to develop confident, effective coaches. Through live sessions, hands-on practice, and personalized feedback, participants learn practical tools to support meaningful growth in their clients while deepening their own self-awareness and presence.
What’s the story behind your program?
Upbuild’s Coaching Training program has its roots in a New York City monastery, where our founders were immersed in the inner work of uncovering the self beneath layers of ego. That perspective continues to shape how we understand growth, leadership, and change.
We believe coaching is a powerful way to support people in living more meaningful lives and becoming the best versions of themselves. This program is designed to offer that experience directly, while also equipping participants to support others in doing the same.
Participants develop practical coaching skills alongside their own self-awareness. The intention is not only to prepare people to coach, but to influence how they show up in their work, relationships, and communities.
At its core, the program is about helping people access something more honest and grounded in themselves, and to support others in doing the same.
What sets you apart from other certification programs?
Our work is shaped by our origins in a New York City monastery, where the focus was on uncovering the self beneath layers of ego. We combine practical coaching skill development with that deeper inner work, and the program is led by experienced faculty with backgrounds in organizations like Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and leading coach training institutions.
Program Details
Program name: Upbuild Coaching Training (UCT)
Description: Upbuild’s Coaching Training is a six-month, experiential program designed to develop both strong coaching skills and deep self-awareness. Rooted in Upbuild’s origins in a New York City monastery, the program focuses on helping participants uncover the self beneath layers of ego while learning to support meaningful change in others.
Length: 6 months
Format: Live, virtual (Zoom)
- Kickoff Weekend: October 17–18, 2026 (10:00 am–2:30 pm ET)
- Weekly Classes: Thursdays (10:00–11:30 am ET)
- Capstone Weekend: April 24–25, 2027 (10:00 am–2:30 pm ET)
What you’ll learn:
- Foundations of coaching: listening, curiosity, and powerful questions
- How to build trust and create meaningful coaching relationships
- Working with patterns such as the inner critic and ego-driven behaviors
- How to “turn up the heat” and support real growth and change
- Using emotions as a source of insight and guidance
- Practical coaching frameworks and real-world application
- How to integrate coaching into leadership, relationships, and everyday life
Accreditations: Graduates become an Upbuild Certified Coach. The program is aligned with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) core competencies and ACC requirements, so graduates may apply for the ACC credential via the Portfolio Path.
Who is a good fit for this program?
- Individuals who want to become professional coaches
- Leaders who want to use coaching to support their teams
- People in transition seeking more meaningful work
- Anyone committed to their own growth and to supporting others in theirs
Who is NOT a good fit for this program?
- Those looking for a fully self-paced or on-demand program
- Individuals primarily seeking quick tools without engaging in personal reflection
- Those unwilling to give and receive direct feedback or engage in live practice
Cost: $5,900 for early-bird registration. The normal cost of the program is $7,500. Payment plans and need-based support are available.
Program dates: October 17-April 25, 2026
Early-bird deadline: May 15th
Testimonials
– Life-changing experience that transforms both coaching ability and how you live — Derek Haswell, Executive Coach, Co-Founder at Ten Percent Happier
– Develops a deeper understanding of coaching, intuition, and self-expression — Sam Rosaldo, Senior Leader, Facilitator, Educator
– Consistently described as one of the best learning experiences participants have had — Dr. Erica Warren, Educational Therapist
– Trusted by senior leaders for its philosophy and real-world impact — Rashi Singh, Organizational Effectiveness Leader
– Led by masterful faculty who embody the craft of coaching — Dayal Gauranga, Coach, Retreat Facilitator, Teacher
Check out more testimonials here.
Anything else you want people to know about this program?
The program is led by a seasoned facilitation team with backgrounds spanning professional coaching, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles at organizations such as Goldman Sachs and McKinsey. Participants join a thoughtful, driven community and leave not only with coaching skills but with a different way of showing up in their work and lives.
Conclusion
Upbuild Coaching Training may be especially appealing to people who see coach training as more than a professional credential but also a path to meaningful change. With alignment to ICF core competencies and ACC requirements through the Portfolio Path, Upbuild offers a structured path for those pursuing coaching more seriously, while still leaving room for the kind of reflection and practice that can shape how someone leads, relates, and supports others.
If you’re looking for a training experience that connects coaching development with personal growth, Upbuild Coaching Training is definitely worth exploring. Check out Upbuild Coaching Training (UCT) today.
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