Core Skills
Project & Programme Management: Agile (Scrum, Kanban), PMP, Prince2, ITIL
Data Analytics Projects: Data Lake/Warehouse Development, Integration, Validation
Agile Leadership: Certified Scrum Master, Team Coaching, Agile Transformation
Stakeholder Management: C-suite Engagement, Cross-functional Team Collaboration
Risk & Budget Management: Resource Optimization, Cost Control, Risk Mitigation
Tools & Platforms: JIRA, Confluence, MS Project, KeyedIn, ServiceNow (in progress)
Summary
Experienced Senior Project Manager and Scrum Master with over a decade in IT project management within fast-paced software development environments.
Skilled in Agile methodologies, PMP, PRINCE2 frameworks, and managing large-scale or multiple concurrent projects.
Expertise includes budget management, risk analysis, stakeholder communication, and resource allocation.
Proven ability to deliver projects on time, within scope, and budget while driving continuous improvement.
Strong leadership, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, complemented by excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
Adept at fostering collaboration, motivating teams, and managing dynamic environments with rigorous attention to detail.
Hard Skills:
IT Project Management
Scrum Master
PMP/PRINCE II Certification
Agile Methodology
Software Development Projects
Budget Management
Risk Management
Stakeholder Management
Multi-Project Management
Project Lifecycle Management
Resource Allocation
Financial Management of Projects
Soft Skills:
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Communication Skills (Written and Verbal)
Organizational Skills
Team Leadership
Decision Making
Analytical Thinking
Influencing and Motivating Teams
Relationship Management
Attention to Detail
Tools and Techniques:
Status Feedback and Progress Tracking
Project Performance Measurement
Risk Analysis Tools
Collaboration Tools
Continuous Improvement Practices
What I love most about being a project manager is the thrill of bringing structure to chaos and seeing a plan come to life.
I get to be the person who connects the dots — aligning teams, solving problems, and driving momentum. The variety keeps things exciting, with each project offering new challenges and opportunities to grow.
Perhaps the most fulfilling part is the human element: empowering people, building relationships, and creating an environment where teams can thrive.
When everything comes together — deadlines met, stakeholders happy, and a team proud of their achievement — it’s a feeling of a job well done and we can celebrate our wins.
More answers to questions Click HERE
Although I enjoy project management, I am open to other roles, including that of Account Manager, Delivery Manager. or Change Manager I am adaptable and have experience that would make me a good fit in several roles.
First Name: Mr. Gavin
Last Name: Dick
Email: proactive.projects@gmail.com
Mobile (+27)835093303
Address Information
City: Johannesburg
Province: Gauteng
Job Title – Current: Scrum Master / Coach
Skill Set: Project Management, PRINCE2 methodoology, PMP, Project Management Professional
Experience in Years: 20+
Current Employer: Contract
1.Hyde Park High School
Subject: Science
Month: Jan
Year: 1986
To
Month: Dec
Year: 1991
2. Rand Afrikaans University
Major: Communications
Degree: BA (Incomplete)
Duration: 6 months
Month: March
Year: 1992
To
Month: Aug
Year: 1992
3. Institute/School: Ambassador Training College
Major: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
Degree: MCSE, MCSD
Duration: 6 Months
Month: Oct
Year: 1999
To
Month: Mar
Year: 2000
4. ISEB
Institution: Independent Schools Examinations Board
Degree: ITIL Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management
Duration: 1 month
Month: Nov
Year: 2000
To
Month: Nov
Year:2000
5. Rand Afrikaans University
Information Technology
Degree: Project Management Certificate
Duration: 40 hours
Month: Feb
Year: 2001
To
Month: Feb
Year: 2001
6. Institute/School: British Computer Society
Information Technology
Managers Certificate in IT Service Management
Duration: 1 month
Month: July
Year : 2001
To
Month: July
Year: 2001
7. Project Management Institute
Project Management
PMP Certificate
Duration: 3 months
Month: Jul
Year: 2005
To
Month: Sept
Year: 2005
8. APM Group
Project Management
Prince2 Foundation Examination Certificate
Duration: 1 month
Month: July
Year: 2006
To
Month: July
Year: 2006
9. Scrum Alliance
Agile
Degree: Certified Scrum Master Certificate
Duration: 1 month
Month: Dec
Year: 2017
To
Month: Dec
Year: 2017
9. University of Cape Town
Coaching Institute
Executive and Management Coaching Certificate
3 months,100 hours
Month: Jun
Year: 2022
To
Month: Aug
Year: 2022
For the past year, I've taken a planned pause, focused on skilling up in areas of leadership and delivery in a digital environment. I’ve worked on becoming a coach, delivering workshops through Livao.com, helping clients navigate challenges and gain clarity in their personal and professional lives. This improved my ability to communicate effectively, and guide others toward achieving success.
I’ve learned more about social media marketing and SEO, and scaling executive presence. I’ve worked on building personal brand, increasing visibility through content creation and optimization strategies, ensuring a stronger online footprint. This experience is especially valuable in a role, where aligning marketing efforts with delivery processes can ensure the success of both internal and external communication strategies.
I’ve strengthened my leadership skills, critical when managing complex delivery projects. I’ve learned to manage teams remotely, maintain high levels of collaboration, and ensure the successful execution of projects under tight deadlines. This aligns with roles where leadership, strategic oversight, and efficiency are key.
Experience and skills in coaching, digital marketing, and leadership, are important for future roles which I am now open to. My ability to communicate, manage teams, and drive successful projects forward, will be key aspects of my future responsibilities
Experience Details
Occupation / Title: Managing Member
Company: BestRent CC
Summary: Owner, Digital Marketing Manager, Bid Manager. Various entrepreneurial pursuits including a bid for a government coaching tender. Social Media Studies. Video editing. Reviewed and revitalised project management skills and pursued personal interests in a changing economy while applying for project management positions. #OpenToWork. Senior Project Manager, Scrum Master. Trainer, Brand Ambassador on Livao.com.
Work Duration
Month: July
Year: 2010
To
Month: Apr
Year: 2025
Occupation / Title: Senior Project Manager
Company: Clicks Group
Summary: Digital Mobile App Redesign and Implementation. SAP Hybris Upgrade to Commerce Cloud. Whatsapp Bot Migration. Scrum Master. Business facing Project Manager Responsibilities included User Testing, Defect Management, Test Planning, Charter, Business Case, Scope of Work, Governance, Resource Management, Weekly Status Reports, Schedule updates, KeyedIn, Risk Management, Mitigation, Release Management, Problem Solving, End to End Project Management in a React Native development environment, with Marketing Business as a client.
Work Duration: 14 months
Month: Apr
Year: 2023
To
Month: June
Year: 2024
Occupation / Title: Senior Project Manager
Company: Pick n Pay
Summary: Payments Senior Project Manager. Scrum Master. Point to Point Encryption Project. PED rollout. Clothing Online Payment Provider switch to PayU. Nedbank SAP integration project for Market Stores. Fuel Company Stores network migration. SAP to Blue Yonder. Range and Space software implementation. Scrum Master
Work Duration: 24 months
Month: Apr
Year: 2021
To
Month: Apr
Year: 2023
Occupation / Title: Senior Project Manager
Company: Capitec Bank
Summary: Senior Project Manager, Scrum Master. Software Development. Digital Applications Omnichannel. Making Call Centre App have same look and feel as Banking App. Worked with Product Owner, Architect and Developers to integrate 9 applications into 1 front end. Scrum Master. FICA
Work Duration: 6 months
Month: Sept
Year: 2020
To
Month: Mar
Year: 2021
Occupation / Title: Online English Teacher
Company: Verbling.com
Summary: During Covid lockdown I worked from home teaching international students to speak better English, including lesson preparation, accent reduction and increasing vocabulary. I tailored lessons to each student and taught a range of levels from First time Beginner to Doctorate level. I learnt that am a patient mentor and enjoy helping others achieve success. You can still learn English on Verbling. Click here There is currently a special discount applicable.
Work Duration: 6 months
Month: Mar
Year: 2020
To
Month: Oct
Year: 2020
Occupation / Title: Senior Project Manager
Company: IoT.nxt (Kwena Human Capital)
Summary: Scrum Master and Senior Project Manager implementing IoT solution for Safaricom Kenya. Implementation of Redundant Dell Server Hardware in Kenya. Logistics. IoT solution for Impala Platinum.
Work Duration: 6 months
Month: Sept
Year: 2019
To
Month: Feb
Year: 2020
Occupation / Title: Senior Project Manager (Relief)
Company: Nedbank
Summary: Intelligent Advertising, SAS Data, Scrum Master with Central Intelligence Agency CIA at Nedbank. Data Analysis, KYC. Relief Project Manager for PM who took maternity leave. Short term contract. Worked with BMG, Agile reporting. Burndown Charts.
Work Duration: 3 months
Month: Apr
Year: 2019
To
Month: Jul
Year: 2019
Occupation / Title: Senior Project Manager
Company: GDIC
Summary: Independent Contracting Owner
Work Duration: 7 months
Month: Sept
Year: 2018
To
Month: Mar
Year: 2019
Occupation / Title: Senior Project Manager
Company: Nedbank (Mindworx)
Summary: FICA programme, Nice Actimize, SAM. Refreshed rules database. KYC, Risk. Sub project of larger FICA Programme
Work Duration: 9 months
Month: Jan
Year: 2018
To
Month: Aug
Year: 2018
Occupation / Title: Senior Project Manager
Company: Sasfin (Newlog CC)
Summary: Programme Manager for BCBS239, Popia Project, Risk and Compliance.
Work Duration: 18 months
Month: Aug
Year: 2016
To
Month: Jan
Year: 2018
Occupation / Title: Senior Project Manager
Company: Nedbank (IQ Business)
Summary: Nedbank CIB move to SAP, Finance, Procurement and HCM, Change Management, ensuring Nedbank business units provide information required by SAP for conversion top SAP from 16 disparate systems. Ensured Nedbank staff were not impacted by change. 3000 people impacted.
Work Duration: 24 months
Month: May
Year: 2014
To
Month: May
Year: 2016
Occupation / Title: Sabbatical
Company: Rob Dick Attorney
Summary: Took time off to be with and resolve personal matters of my father who had cancer.
Work Duration: 5 months
Month: Jan
Year: 2014
To
Month: May
Year: 2014
Occupation / Title: Project Manager
Company: Standard Bank (Newlog cc)
Summary: Software Project Management SDLC. Business Online, New Business Online. Switching between Banks via BankServ.
Work Duration:
Month: May
Year: 2012
To
Month: Jan
Year: 2014
Occupation / Title: Project Manager
Company: Vodacom (Newlog CC)
Summary: Radio Area Network Swap-out/Upgrade Switches country wide. Replaced Siemens with Huawei switching equipment. Broke down and removed original Vodaworld server room infrastructure to make space for expanding shops.
Work Duration: 18 months
Month: Oct
Year: 2010
To
Month: Mar
Year: 2012
Occupation / Title: Project Manager / Business Analyst
Company: Standard Bank
Summary: International Trade and Payments System. Implementing same banking system in 16 African countries.
Work Duration: 2 years
Month: Oct
Year: 2009
To
Month: Oct
Year: 2010
Occupation / Title: Business Continuity Consultant
Company: Vodacom (Newlog)
Summary: Project manager/ Business Continuity consultant for the Vodacom Business Continuity planning across all departments
Work Duration: 18 months
Month: May
Year: 2007
To
Month: Oct
Year: 2009
Occupation / Title: Project Manager
Company: Dimension Data
Summary: Cisco Networking, Polycom Audio Visual, HP/EMC Storage, Microsoft Enterprise Project Manager for Dimension Data clients including Department of Foreign Affairs, Growthpoint, De Beers, CellC and Alexander Forbes
Work Duration: 6 years (Permanent)
Month: Mar
Year: 2001
To
Month: May
Year: 2007
Occupation / Title: Junior Project Manager
Company: Afrox
Summary: Managed split between Industrial and Healthcare businesses and involved in managing handover to outsource partner EDS
Work Duration: 12 months
Month: Mar
Year: 2000
To
Month: Mar
Year: 2001
Social Links
Attachment Information
Cover Letter
Resume
Photo
Founder and Main Member of CapeCoaches - Click HERE to visit CapeCoaches
Coaching Profile
Gavin Graeme Dick
Sandown, Cape Town
proactive.projects@gmail.com
0835093303
https://sites.google.com/view/gavingraemecom/home
PROFILE
A compassionate and dedicated professional with a strong passion for mental health advocacy and community support. Experienced in communication, active listening, and providing guidance to individuals in need. Seeking a volunteer position at SADAG to contribute to mental health awareness and support services. Main member of CapeCoaching an organisation that is dedicated to improving Leadership, Team Work and Individual Mental Health in Government and Corporate South Africa as well as empowering Youth Globally via low cost workshops and Skills Development.
SKILLS & STRENGTHS
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Active listening and empathy
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Public speaking and storytelling
Coaching and mentoring
Digital literacy and social media awareness
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Freelance Coaching & Mentoring | July 2024 – Present]
Provided emotional support and guidance to individuals facing career and personal challenges.
Conducted one-on-one coaching sessions to help clients build confidence and resilience.
Assisted individuals in setting and achieving personal growth objectives.
YouTube Channel & Livao.com Public Speaking, Livao.com Lectures and Workshops | July 2024 – Present]
Created educational content on personal development, communication, and career growth.
Developed engaging narratives to inspire and empower audiences.
Improved storytelling techniques to convey impactful messages effectively.
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Project Management & Leadership Roles | Various Blue Chip Companies | 24 Years
Managed diverse teams and high-stakes projects, emphasizing collaboration and emotional intelligence.
Built strong relationships with stakeholders, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Grade 12 Matric – Hyde Park High School – 1991
Psychology 1 – RAU University
Communication 1 RAU University
Transformation Academy – Life Coaching 101
Transformation Academy - Confidence & Growth Mindset Strategies Blueprint
Transformation Academy - Professional Life Coach Certification & Guide (Accredited)
Transformation Academy - Transformation Life Coach Certification (Accredited)
Entrepreneurship and Business Life Coach Certification
CBT for Depression, Anxiety, Phobias and Panic Attacks
Transformation Academy - Life Coaching: Create Your Signature Life Coaching Package
Kain Ramsay - Life Coaching Practitioner Certification (Beginner-Advanced)
Justin Quinton - Life Coach Training (ChangeDynamics Coaching) Life Coach CRT
Transformation Academy - Career Coaching: Life Coach Certification (Accredited)
UDEMY – iGCLC Certified Happiness Coach
UDEMY – Life Coach Certification Masterclass – 3 Certifications in 1 – Felix Hardeer
University of Cape Town – Management and Executive Coaching Certification 100 hours
CSM – Certified Scrum Master
PMP – Project Management Professional, PMI
Positive Intelligence Online Coaching– Shirzad Chamin – 2 years
Star Leadership Training – Star Leadership Level 1 Training, Level 2 Training
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Currently helping people from around the world to learn English on Verbling .com
Engaged in mentorship programs to support young professionals and students. Livao.com
Actively contributed to online discussions and awareness campaigns about mental well-being..
MOTIVATION FOR VOLUNTEERING AT SADAG
As someone deeply invested in personal growth and emotional well-being, I am eager to contribute my skills to SADAG’s mission. I am passionate about providing support to those struggling with mental health challenges and believe that my experience in coaching, communication, and mentorship aligns well with the organization's goals.
REFERENCES
From: Claire Fowler
Date: Mon, Jan 29, 2024 at 9:10 PM
To Whom It May Concern
Testimonial for Gavin Dick
As my peer coach, I have had the pleasure of working with Gavin over the past year or more. Throughout this time, Gavin has consistently guided and supported me with his ability to ask questions which get me thinking and providing me with feedback which is insightful. He has been a constant on my coaching journey. He has helped me reflect on blind spots, provided me with valuable, yet supportive feedback and not judged me for my responses and emotions. I leave a coaching session feeling unjudged and with a more curious outlook on our points of discussion. These qualities have made Gavin a true partner in my/our coaching journey. Overall, I would have no reservations recommending Gavin as a coach to anyone seeking a honest, structured and thoughtful coaching approach and partnership. I am confident that he can help others achieve their personal and professional goals, just as he has helped me.
Yours in coaching,
Claire Fowler
Training Manager and Coaching Peer at Star Leadership
To visit Star Leadership's website click HERE
Here’s a Programme Manager / Release Train Engineer (RTE) interview cheat sheet — designed to sound natural, structured, and confident when spoken in an interview. It covers what to say, how to say it, and key talking points to sound like a senior-level Agile leader.
“I operate at the intersection of business strategy and delivery execution — ensuring that multiple agile teams are aligned, delivering value predictably, and continuously improving. As a Programme Manager and RTE, my focus is on enabling flow, removing impediments, and ensuring we deliver outcomes, not just outputs.”
Aspect
Talking Point
Mission
Facilitate value delivery across Agile Release Trains (ARTs) and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Key Skills
Facilitation, stakeholder alignment, risk management, dependency management, flow optimization, servant leadership.
Primary Tools
Jira Align, Rally, Aha!, VersionOne, Miro, Confluence, Azure DevOps, Jira, MS Project (for hybrid environments).
“As a Release Train Engineer and Programme Manager, my value comes from enabling teams to deliver business value at scale through Lean-Agile principles, structured planning, and relentless improvement.”
✅ Facilitation and Flow
Facilitate PI Planning, ART syncs, Scrum of Scrums, and Inspect & Adapt sessions.
Ensure alignment between teams, architects, product management, and business owners.
✅ Programme Delivery
Oversee end-to-end delivery across multiple agile teams and vendors.
Manage dependencies, risks, and resource allocation.
Ensure delivery aligns to the Program Increment (PI) objectives.
✅ Leadership
Act as a servant leader — removing blockers, fostering collaboration, and encouraging innovation.
Coach Scrum Masters and Product Owners on Lean-Agile practices.
✅ Governance
Balance agility with compliance — maintain reporting, metrics, and cadence for leadership.
Track value delivery, capacity, and velocity.
Continuous Improvement
Facilitate retrospectives and help teams evolve maturity levels.
Promote metrics-driven improvement (flow, predictability, quality).
“In my previous ART, I managed eight teams across two countries, coordinating multiple vendors to deliver a payment gateway upgrade. Through effective dependency management and proactive risk tracking, we delivered one PI early, saving R1.2 million in costs.”
“During PI Planning, I implemented a visual dependency board in Miro that improved visibility and cut cross-team blockers by 40%.”
“I introduced a Lean metrics dashboard — measuring predictability, flow time, and defect escape rate — which improved our on-time delivery from 65% to 85% within two PIs.”
Program Increment (PI) – 8–12 week delivery cycle of value.
ART (Agile Release Train) – a long-lived team of agile teams (~50–125 people).
Inspect & Adapt (I&A) – structured improvement workshop after each PI.
PI Objectives – committed business outcomes from teams.
WSJF – Weighted Shortest Job First, used for backlog prioritization.
Value Stream – end-to-end flow of delivering business value.
System Demo – integrated demonstration of working features at the end of iteration or PI.
Program Kanban – visualization of features from ideation to release.
When asked “how do you measure success?”, say:
“I look at flow and value metrics — predictability (PI burnup), velocity trends, feature cycle time, and business value achievement against PI objectives.”
Other key metrics:
% of committed vs achieved PI Objectives
Number of unplanned features per PI
Dependency resolution rate
ART predictability measure
Quality metrics (defect escape rate, automation coverage)
“How mature is your current ART or Agile program — and where do you see the biggest opportunities for improvement?”
“How do you currently align strategic themes with PI planning objectives?”
“What tooling and metrics do you use to track program predictability and flow?”
“How does leadership support continuous improvement and Lean-Agile transformation?”
“In essence, my goal as an RTE and Programme Manager is to create an environment where teams can deliver predictably, stakeholders stay aligned, and business value flows continuously — with as little friction as possible.”
Here are the top 4 Lean-Agile principles you should confidently mention in an interview — phrased in a way that sounds clear, senior, and practical 👇
“Every decision should be made in the context of economics — balancing time, cost, and value delivery.”
Meaning:
Prioritize work that delivers the highest value soonest.
Use WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First) to sequence features for maximum ROI.
Avoid local optimizations — focus on total system efficiency.
In practice:
“When managing PIs, I use WSJF and value scoring to ensure we’re always delivering the most valuable features first — not just the ones that are easiest to complete.”
“Optimize the whole, not just the parts.”
Meaning:
View the organization as one end-to-end value stream.
Don’t fix one team’s speed if it breaks downstream quality or flow.
Align business, development, and operations around shared objectives.
In practice:
“In the Blue Yonder project, we looked at the entire range-and-space process, not just IT delivery — that alignment helped reduce rework and improve flow across merchandising, operations, and technology.”
“Deliver value in small, tested increments — learn fast and adapt.”
Meaning:
Work iteratively, get early feedback, and reduce risk.
Integrate and test frequently (continuous integration, system demos).
Use each iteration as a learning cycle, not just a delivery checkpoint.
In practice:
“We moved from large quarterly drops to incremental feature releases with integrated testing every sprint — that improved quality and stakeholder confidence.”
“Decisions should be made using evidence from real, working software — not just reports or estimates.”
Meaning:
Use system demos and objective metrics (velocity, quality, predictability) for progress reviews.
Encourage transparency and data-driven governance.
In practice:
“In PI demos, I always ensure leadership sees the actual working solution — not slide decks. It builds trust and helps us make fact-based decisions.”
✅ Summary line to say in interview:
“For me, the core of Lean-Agile is economic decision-making, systems thinking, fast feedback, and objective evaluation. These principles ensure we continuously deliver the right value at the right time, sustainably.”
Here is an advanced, trauma-informed and addiction-recovery safe version of the STAR model, adapted for FLOW coaching and ICF Level 2 practice.
This version is non-clinical (coaching, not therapy) and respects nervous-system regulation, consent, and safety.
In this version, STAR becomes:
S – Safety & State
T – Trigger & Thought
A – Awareness & Alternative
R – Regulation & Response
This is crucial:
Before change comes safety.
Before action comes regulation.
Instead of “What’s the problem?”
You start with:
“Are you feeling safe right now — in your body, your space, and with me?”
Your job as a coach:
Co-regulate
Ground
Normalise
Slow it down
Trauma-informed lines:
• “We go at your pace.”
• “You are in control of this session.”
• “You don’t have to go anywhere you don’t want to.”
Questions:
“On a scale of 1–10, how safe do you feel right now?”
“Where are you physically as we speak?”
“What can you see, hear, or touch around you?”
“Would it help to take 3 slow breaths together?”
Flow tool:
Have them name 5 things they see, 3 that they hear, 1 thing they feel in their body.
This brings them back from trauma memory to present time.
You do NOT explore trauma narrative deeply.
You focus on the pattern & present moment only.
Questions:
“What just happened before you felt this?”
“Is this reaction familiar?”
“What thought came in right after the trigger?”
“What does your body do in response?”
Examples:
Trigger: loneliness
Thought: “I’m always alone”
Body: chest tight
Urge: drink / scroll / disappear / numb out
You are mapping the cycle, not detailing the trauma.
This is perfect for addiction coaching.
Here is the healing zone.
You gently create choice + distance + compassion.
Questions:
“How old is this pattern, if you had to guess?”
“Is this adult-you speaking, or younger-you?”
“What does this part of you need right now?”
“If this feeling had a message, what would it say?”
Then bring in alternative:
“What else could be true?”
“What would a safe response look like?”
“What is the kindest thing you could do for yourself in this moment?”
This is where shame dissolves and empowerment begins.
In normal STAR, this is “Results”.
In trauma-informed STAR, it becomes:
Nervous system regulation first. Then response.
Flow tools:
• Box breathing (4-4-4-4)
• Hand on heart
• Feet on ground
• Cold water on wrists
• Movement / shaking / stretching
• Hum humming
Then aligned response:
“Instead of using/substance/escaping, today I will…”
“When I feel this, I will call ___”
“I will step outside / breathe / walk / write / pray”
Make it SMALL.
Make it DOABLE.
Make it safe.
Add anchor:
“What word represents your strength in this moment?”
This is for deep work, leadership work, or recovery progression.
One goes inside
One goes forward
S – Sensation
What do you feel in the body right now?
T – Thought
What is the dominant belief or story?
A – Attachment
Which part of you is speaking? (inner child / protector / rebel / critic)
R – Repattern
What new belief or sensation are we calling in?
Example:
S: Tight chest
T: “I am not enough”
A: Inner child
R: “I am safe and seen now”
Use breath + visualisation.
This is powerful for:
• Trauma
• Shame
• Addiction
• Self-worth
• Anxiety
S – Strategy
What is a realistic next step in the outside world?
T – Task
What is the first micro-step?
A – Accountability
Who or what will keep you on track?
R – Result
What does success look like in 24–72 hours?
Example:
S: Create sober morning routine
T: Wake up + shower + walk 10 mins
A: Text coach / friend
R: 3 clear sober mornings
This is powerful for:
• Recovery plans
• Life rebuilding
• Job hunting
• Breaking habits
• Structure building
In a real session it sounds like this:
“On a scale of 1–10, how safe do you feel?”
“What just triggered this feeling?”
“Where do you feel it in your body?”
“What have you become aware of?”
“What does this part of you need right now?”
“Let’s slow your breathing for 30 seconds…”
“What is one safe action you choose now?”
“How will you support yourself after this session?”
That is premium, accredited-level, trauma-safe coaching.
I can give you:
✅ A 45-minute trauma-informed STAR session script
✅ Addiction relapse prevention in STAR format
✅ Inner child + STAR-IN visualisation script
✅ Daily STAR journaling template
✅ Group recovery session version
Just say:
"Give me the trauma-informed STAR scripting + worksheet"
Here is a full, realistic mock exam for ICF Coach Knowledge Assessment (CKA), aligned to Level 1 & Level 2 (ACC/PCC) standards. This will test your understanding of:
ICF Core Competencies (2020 updated version)
Ethics
Coaching mindset
Session structure
Boundary management
What is vs isn’t coaching
This is the type of thinking the real exam requires.
1. Which statement best reflects the ICF coaching mindset?
A. The coach is an expert who provides solutions
B. The coach teaches the client new strategies
C. The client is naturally creative, resourceful, and whole
D. The coach directs the client’s life path
2. A client asks: “What would you do if you were me?”
What is the ICF-aligned response?
A. Provide your personal opinion
B. Change the topic
C. Ask permission to share advice
D. Redirect the question back to the client
3. Which role falls OUTSIDE the scope of coaching?
A. Helping a client gain clarity
B. Supporting mental health conditions
C. Supporting goal achievement
D. Encouraging self-awareness
4. Coaching is best defined as:
A. Therapy for unresolved trauma
B. Advising based on expertise
C. A partnership that increases awareness and actions
D. Education and instruction
5. When a client is stuck in negative emotions, the coach should FIRST:
A. Encourage positive thinking
B. Provide coping strategies
C. Hold space and explore safely
D. Change the subject
6. What does it mean to "embody a coaching mindset"?
A. Always be optimistic
B. Never show emotion
C. Continually reflect and develop as a coach
D. Have all the answers
7. A client asks you to make decisions for them. What is the correct approach?
A. Agree to help
B. Give options
C. Say no and empower client choice
D. End the session
8. Coaching works mainly on:
A. The past
B. The present and the future
C. Childhood experiences
D. Psychological disorders
9. What is the main power of good coaching?
A. The coach’s intelligence
B. The tools used
C. The client’s awareness
D. The coach’s experience
10. Which of the following breaks the coaching mindset?
A. Listening deeply
B. Giving advice
C. Asking open-ended questions
D. Holding silence
11. How many core competencies does ICF currently recognise?
A. 10
B. 11
C. 8
D. 6
12. Which is NOT an official ICF core competency?
A. Maintains Presence
B. Evokes Awareness
C. Problem Solving
D. Cultivates Trust & Safety
13. Which competency focuses on deep listening and reflection?
A. Listens Actively
B. Establishes Agreements
C. Facilitates Growth
D. Ethical Practice
14. What competency is most demonstrated when a coach says:
"It sounds like you feel trapped and unheard."
A. Maintains Presence
B. Listens Actively
C. Evokes Awareness
D. Facilitates Growth
15. Challenging a client’s belief gently and respectfully is part of:
A. Ethical Practice
B. Coaching Presence
C. Evokes Awareness
D. Setting Goals
16. When a coach asks: “What is becoming clear to you?”
Which competency is this?
A. Maintains Presence
B. Evokes Awareness
C. Active Listening
D. Accountability
17. Creating a safe, nonjudgmental space demonstrates:
A. Ethical Compliance
B. Trust and Safety
C. Awareness
D. Teaching
18. What competency supports the client in designing next steps?
A. Facilitates Client Growth
B. Listening Actively
C. Maintains Presence
D. Trust & Safety
19. The MOST important competency in coaching is:
A. Asking questions
B. Listening deeply
C. Being present
D. All are equally important
20. ICA (International Coaching Association) and ICF are the same:
A. True
B. False
21. A client expresses suicidal thoughts. What should you do first?
A. Continue normal coaching
B. Give motivational talk
C. Stop session and refer to professional help
D. Change topic
22. Confidentiality is broken only when:
A. You don’t like the client
B. They stop paying
C. There is harm risk or legal obligation
D. You are stressed
23. If a client is severely traumatised, the coach should:
A. Continue aggressively
B. Explore deeply
C. Refer to a therapist
D. Ignore it
24. A client becomes dependent on you. You should:
A. Encourage it
B. Set stronger boundaries
C. Increase session time
D. Offer friendship
25. Coaching vs Therapy – which is TRUE?
A. Coaching heals trauma
B. Therapy focuses on mental illness
C. Coaching treats mental disorders
D. There is no difference
26. A client asks for financial advice. You are not qualified.
You should:
A. Still help
B. Refer to an expert
C. Guess
D. Look online quickly
27. The ICF Code of Ethics emphasises:
A. Profit and growth
B. Control
C. Respect & professionalism
D. Marketing
28. What is a conflict of interest?
A. Coaching a friend
B. Getting paid
C. Personal benefit affecting professional duty
D. Working online
29. Recording a session requires:
A. A secret agreement
B. Verbal consent
C. Written or clear consent
D. No consent
30. Which situation requires ending a coaching relationship?
A. Client succeeds
B. Coach feels tired
C. Ethical boundary issues
D. Client questions you
31. What is the FIRST thing you establish in a session?
A. Action plan
B. Client’s childhood
C. Coaching agreement
D. Advice
32. A good session goal should be:
A. Large
B. Emotional
C. Clear and specific
D. Complicated
33. What is the best question?
A. Why are you like this?
B. Don’t you think you should...
C. What does this mean to you?
D. Are you sure?
34. Silence is used in coaching to:
A. Punish client
B. Save energy
C. Allow awareness
D. End session
35. When a client avoids answering, the coach should:
A. Push harder
B. Gently reflect and explore
C. Change topic
D. Lecture
36. The client talks in circles. You should:
A. Interrupt
B. Give advice
C. Reflect pattern
D. End coaching
37. What makes a question “powerful”?
A. It confuses the client
B. It creates awareness
C. It is long
D. It gives answers
38. When is it best to offer a tool or exercise?
A. At the beginning
B. Without asking
C. When aligned, with permission
D. Never
39. The client’s action must be:
A. Designed by the coach
B. Designed by the client
C. Complicated
D. Difficult
40. The MOST important outcome of a session is:
A. Action
B. Insight
C. Awareness
D. Knowledge
41. Client: “I drank last night again. I’m useless.”
Best ICF response?
A. “Yes, that was bad.”
B. “Why did you do that?”
C. “What are you noticing right now?”
D. “Here’s a plan.”
42. Client: “Should I leave my marriage?”
Best response:
A. Yes
B. No
C. What feels true for you?
D. Share personal story
43. Client says: “I don’t know.”
You should:
A. Give answer
B. Ask a different awareness question
C. End session
D. Ignore
44. A client is extremely emotional. Best first step:
A. Problem solving
B. Regulation & presence
C. Advice
D. Lecture
45. True or False: You should always give advice if the client is stuck.
A. True
B. False
46. The role of a coach is:
A. To fix people
B. To guide awareness
C. To teach lessons
D. To direct life
47. Coaching should mostly involve the coach talking:
A. True
B. False
48. The most powerful coaching tool is:
A. Knowledge
B. Silence & presence
C. Worksheets
D. Motivation
49. The best sign of a successful session is:
A. Client thanks you
B. Client has awareness + action
C. Client cries
D. You feel good
50. ICF values MORE:
A. Techniques
B. Tools
C. Relationship & presence
D. Scripts
• Give you the full answer key + explanations
• Score you like an ICF assessor
• Give you the areas you must improve for Level 2
• Give you an advanced mock exam
Reply:
"Give me the answer key + Level 2 assessment breakdown"