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A practical, real-world learning lab for coaches, leaders and committed learners
Are you ready to take what you know about ontological coaching and leadership and actually live it—in your work, your relationships, and your everyday moments?
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This program is for those who have already encountered the principles of ontological coaching—whether through formal training, books, or conversations—and want to deepen their understanding through practice, community, and real-life application.
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You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to care about how you show up in the world—and be ready to grow.
What we offer
Deanne and Ian offer to guide you through a learning experience that brings ontological distinctions off the page and into your life. We’ll create a space for honest conversation, real reflection, and practical experimentation.
This is not about learning more concepts. It’s about embodying what you already know—and discovering what becomes possible when you do. It's about implementation and execution in your home life, leadership or coaching.
You’ll feel at home here if:
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You’re a committed learner, interested in the subtle skills of presence, language, mood, and coordination.
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You’ve completed a program like Ontological Coaching and Leadership in Action (OCLA) or the Certified Ontological Coaching and Leadership Program (COCLP).
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You've studied with the Institute for Generative Leadership or the Newfield Network.
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You’ve read Deanne’s book What if Life Came with a User Guide or worked with an ontological coach.
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You've trained with Ian in the Powerful Conversations Program or Delegation Without Drama
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You’ve trained in another coaching or leadership modality and feel drawn to the ontological perspective.
You might be seeking:​
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A way to refresh and reconnect with the ontological work you’ve already done.
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A structured, supportive space to deepen your coaching or leadership practice.
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A more grounded and embodied way of responding to life’s everyday breakdowns.
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A community of peers who are walking the same path—curious, humble, and committed.
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Support and structure to make substantial changes in how you are in the world as a leader - to create a breakthrough experience for yourself.
What’s possible through this program:​
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You show up more powerfully as a leader, coach, or colleague.
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You bring greater care and clarity to your conversations and relationships.
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You feel more grounded in the face of uncertainty and challenge.
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You shift a part of your life that’s been stuck or stagnant.
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You become someone who lives what you’ve learned—not just understands it.
Alan Sieler on Keeping Ontological Learning Alive
A structure for practice, growth, and meaningful change
Keeping Ontological Learning Alive is not a traditional course. It’s a 20-week learning lab—a structured space to deepen your practice, reflect on your experience, and take action in real life.
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It’s designed to help you bring the principles of ontological coaching into your work, leadership, and day-to-day living. Whether you’ve completed Coaching in Action, trained with IGL or Newfield, or been learning independently, this program offers a way to go further—supported by community, guided by structure, and grounded in practice.
What you’ll receive
A clear framework for learning and application
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A nine-module, twenty-week structure based in part on Alan Sieler’s Ontological Coaching and Leadership in Action (similar to IGL's Foundation Program)
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Reflective reading, short video content, and suggested practices every fortnight
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Practical assignments to take action and observe differently in your life
Supportive human connection
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A small, trusted community of ontological learners
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Fortnightly Zoom conversations with peers and program coaches
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A dedicated peer coach or conversation partner for the full 20 weeks
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An online space to celebrate wins, share reflections, and ask for support
A place where the language makes sense
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Talk ontological shop with people who get it
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Explore distinctions without needing to translate
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Reflect with experienced practitioners who can meet you where you are
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Over 20 weeks, you’ll be supported to create meaningful change in your coaching, your leadership, or another part of life that matters to you.​​​​​​​​
Program Details
How the Program Works
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Duration: 20 weeks
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​Modules: New module released every two weeks
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Live calls: Fortnightly Zoom sessions (times chosen with global participants in mind)
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Peer practice: Weekly conversations with your peer coach or partner
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Access: All materials available online for 12 months, with most content downloadable for private use
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Catch-up friendly: All Zoom calls recorded and posted to a private site
How you can participate
There’s no one “right” way to do this program.
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Some people get the most from the Zoom sessions and group conversation.
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Others find their breakthrough in the weekly peer coaching.
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Some work quietly in the background—reflecting, reading, and taking action in their own lives.
All of these are valid. You choose your level of engagement. We provide the structure—you take responsibility for what you create.
What this is (and what it’s not)
This is not a coach training program or a content-heavy course.
This is a structure for taking action—supported by reflection, conversation, and shared practice. It’s a way to learn by doing: to notice what’s working, explore what isn’t, and shift how you show up in the world.
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Each module includes:
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Suggested reading (including selected materials from the Ontological Coaching Institute, with thanks to Alan Sieler)
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Reflective questions and practical assignments
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A chance to apply distinctions in real-time, with the support of a peer
If you’re looking to become an accredited ontological coach, we recommend contacting the Ontological Coaching Institute or local programs in your own country.
Video Testimonials
Norris Wong, Hong Kong
Graduate of The Ontological Coaching Institute
Carole Lewis, Hong Kong
Graduate of the 18-month COCLP offered by The Ontological Coaching Institute
Andy Coombs, Australia
Graduate of The Ontological Coaching Institute
Course Modules
A 20-week journey through foundational ontological distinctions
Each module introduces a key ontological concept or distinction, supported by guided reflection, real-life application, and community learning. The structure is steady, but the content will adapt based on the needs of the group.
What you'll explore
Module 1: Welcome and Introduction
Orientation, getting present, and setting your intention for learning and change.
Module 2: Listening
Why deep listening is the most under-practised and powerful leadership skill—and how to transform it.
Module 3: Assertions & Assessments
Distinguish between facts and opinions—how your meaning-making shapes your world.
Module 4: Requests & Responses
The foundation of mobilisation, delegation, and negotiation—how to make and receive powerful requests.
Module 5: Promises & Promise Management
Build trust and reliability through commitments. How promise-making shapes integrity and identity. Explore the 'commitment cycle', the conversations at the heart of delegation, mobilisation and collaboration.
Module 6: Declarations
Speak new futures into being. Learn how declarations create openings for change.
Module 7: Observing Moods
Understand how moods shape perception and action—and how to shift them.
Module 8: Six Basic Moods of Life
Learn to navigate six foundational moods that show up in leadership, coaching, and life.
Module 9: Observing the Body
Reconnect with the body as a domain of presence, learning, and embodied communication.
Last Zoom: Completion & Celebration
Reflect on your learning, acknowledge growth, and set your course for what comes next.
Meet your learning guides and facilitators
Ian Higginbottom
Leadership Coach, Executive Coach
I don't give you simple answers; rather, I help you explore important questions and design a new future in some area of your life (which might be your leadership or business). You get to develop—for yourself—new ways of observing the world, new ways of acting in the world, and new ways of being in the world. Futures that seemed impossible become possible, and futures that seemed unlikely become probable.​ Ian is an executive and leadership coach with 12 years of experience, having left a senior executive role at the software startup he founded. He has coached over 160 Senior Executives (SES) and over 1,800 Executive-Level staff in the Australian Public Service and private corporations.
Deanne Duncombe
Customer Success Manager, Ontological Coach, Author
I love helping people create new perspectives and outcomes. I will explore ideas with you that you can use to help navigate the inevitable challenges that pop up in everyday life. You get to choose how you use those ideas to create the life that you want. To access the power of choice and create useful outcomes. To be the author and leader of your own life.
HEAR THEIR EXPERIENCES
What Our Clients Say
"As a recent grad of the Newfield Coach training program, this course reinforced my own journey of self-discovery in examining how the use of language, emotions & body affects the way i am 'showing up' each day, and the quality of my relationships. It also provided an opportunity to further develop my skill in exploring these concepts and creating new possibilities with my coaching clients. I would recommend Ian's course to anyone who has participated in a Newfield training program who wishes to reinforce the learning and application of ontological concepts in their life."
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Mitch S, USA
"Before taking the Bringing Ontological Coaching and Learning to Life course [now called, Keeping Ontological Learning Alive], my experience with Ontological Coaching was minimal, gained only through conversations with Deanne and reading her book and others that she recommended. However, Deanne and Ian’s approach, along with the structure of the course, provided an engaging and insightful introduction that had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. The openness of the other participants in sharing their experiences created a welcoming and supportive environment, helping me feel comfortable despite my limited prior knowledge. Through its unique focus on language, emotions, and body awareness, I developed greater self confidence and a deeper understanding of how my way of being influences my interactions."
Kate McHenry, Executive
"The 'Bringing Ontological Coaching to Life' program [now called, Keeping Ontological Learning Alive] provides a terrific overview of the core principals of Ontological Coaching. For me, it was a great way to engage and to be inspired to continue that journey. Ontological Coaching has many benefits for coaches and leaders alike and this program provides some good content that is easily digestible. Enjoy!"
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Karin Ovara, Leadership & Behaviour-IQ Coach
Curious but not quite ready to commit?
If you're unsure whether this program is the right next step—or you'd simply like to talk it through—you're welcome to book a conversation with Ian. No pressure, just a real conversation about where you are now and what you’re looking for.
Or, if the timing’s not quite right, join the waitlist to stay in the loop and hear when enrolments open again.