Barefoot Coaching Conference Highlights Importance of Belonging
As the UK grapples with significant societal and political changes, the need for community and connection has become increasingly crucial. A recent report indicated that 27% of adults occasionally experience loneliness, underscoring the importance of coming together in support of one another. Against this backdrop, Barefoot Coaching, a leading coach training organisation, hosted its first post-Covid conference focused on the theme of “Belonging.”
Held at the Londoner Hotel, the conference attracted hundreds of Barefoot alumni from across the country, offering a full day of inspiring insights and shared experiences. The event served as a platform for Barefoot-trained coaches and guests from various backgrounds—ranging from corporate to small business— to gather and explore the multifaceted nature of belonging.
The conference kicked off with a keynote address by Barefoot founder Kim Morgan, who was joined by Emma Jones CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation. This platform is dedicated to supporting the UK’s small business community and advocating for entrepreneurs. Jones emphasised the increasing need for coaching expertise among small to medium-sized enterprises, setting the tone for the discussions to come.
Throughout the day, a lineup of world-renowned speakers and coaching practitioners delved into the theme of belonging, offering insights into how coaches can cultivate a sense of connection and inclusivity in their work. One of the standout sessions featured Owen Eastwood, a highly sought-after performance coach. Drawing on his experiences with elite sports teams such as the England football team and the Royal Ballet, Eastwood highlighted the transformative power of identity and the importance of feeling truly connected.
Andy Chandler, CEO of Barefoot, introduced attendees to the principles of Systemic Leadership Coaching and Constellations, challenging their coaching perspectives and encouraging a fresh understanding of team dynamics. John Perry further enriched the conversation by discussing “attachment theory” and its implications for human behaviour, urging coaches to integrate these concepts into their practices.
Creative elements were also woven into the conference, with music and storytelling playing significant roles. Author and musician James Sills led the audience in song, fostering a sense of unity and connection. Additionally, racial equity specialist Bernice Hewson used Beyoncé’s venture into country music as a lens to explore narratives around race and belonging, stimulating thoughtful dialogue on these pressing issues.
Kim Morgan expressed her excitement about the conference’s success, stating, “This has been one of our best conferences yet. It was a brilliant exchange of ideas, learning, and coming together. It was fantastic to talk about belonging and what it means to belong.”
The event was notably supported by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a global authority in coaching. Their sponsorship served to reinforce Barefoot’s reputation in the industry, while also providing attendees with insights into how ICF credentialing can enhance their careers.
Barefoot Coaching has long been at the forefront of coach training in the UK, having trained over 6,000 coaches from 28 countries. The 2024 conference exemplified Barefoot’s commitment to high-quality education, professional development, and fostering a vibrant community of lifelong learners. As communities across the UK continue to navigate the challenges of a post-pandemic world, the emphasis on belonging remains a vital focus for many. For more information on Barefoot Coaching’s services and the various programmes available, including its ICF Accredited & University Approved training programme, Coaching for Inclusion programme and other short courses visit their website.
