Karen Bruns

Chapter 1:

Every coach needs a coach

Back in 2024, when I was looking for a class to enhance my knowledge and skills as an Agile Coach, I found ICAgile-ACC hosted by Karen Bruns.

Choosing a class is always a risk because you never truly know if it will be right for you — or if the instructor will match your learning style. It took me quite some time to find a program I was willing to take that leap on. Eventually, I found Karen from monarchcoachingllc.com

Before enrolling, I spent time doing my own research. I read her LinkedIn, visited her website, went through her blog, and explored everything she had shared about herself and her work. Once I felt I had gathered enough information, I decided to trust my instinct and just go for it.

What stood out to me right away was her class setup. It wasn’t just one class and you’re done — there were multiple sessions to complete the course. That genuinely sparked my curiosity. Why multiple sessions, unlike most other trainers?

I was very nervous on the first day because I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. But when the class began, Karen stripped away my fear. Her presence, her smile, and most of all, her kindness truly blew me away. She wasn’t just a teacher. She was a trainer, mentor, and coach from the heart.

Can you imagine that level of generosity? She is the second trainer in my journey (the first was Bob) who embodies such compassion and giving spirit. We had only just met, yet she offered so much — time, knowledge, encouragement, and trust.

From day one, Karen inspired me.

At that time, I was carrying confusion and self-doubt. I lacked guidance and didn’t feel psychologically safe in the environment I was in. Many of the values I believed in felt misaligned with the culture around me. It was isolating.

But being in Karen’s class — and connecting with my classmates — restored hope and believes. It helped me believe again.

What I received from the course wasn’t just knowledge. It was guidance. It was reassurance. It was inspiration and motivation. It was a reminder that the way I see coaching — grounded in empathy, safety, and humanity — is valid.

When the class ended, I shed tears. Not out of sadness, but out of gratitude. I had gained not only learning, but friendships. For the first time, I truly experienced psychological safety — and I saw how it transformed the way I learned, the way I showed up, and even who I was becoming.

That class didn’t just strengthen my skills as a coach.

It helped me find myself again.

To be continued....

Chapter 2: