A COACHING
Kaleidoscope
Positive Coaching's 2026 Heart of Coaching Retreat
May 14 - 16, 2026
DALLAS, TEXAS
I’d love for you to join us at Positive Coaching's 2026 Heart of Coaching Retreat!
This year, we’re diving into the theme “Coaching Kaleidoscope: A Shared Foundation, Infinite Expressions”. The wide range and variety of ways coaches take their skills and passions into the world are truly amazing and inspiring. Our vision for this retreat is to explore the beauty and magic of coaching from a host of different angles.
We’ve put together a fun and meaningful agenda with great speakers and interactive workshops that we hope will give you fresh ideas for your own coaching practice. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new people, and bond with your one-of-a-kind coaching community in the beautiful Las Colinas, Dallas.
This is more than just a retreat—it’s a weekend to learn, grow, and recharge. Mark your calendar now — I can’t wait to see you there!
A Coaching Kaleidoscope
A Shared Foundation, Infinite Expressions
Arrival Day!
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Arrival & Check-In
- Check in at the stunning Las Colinas and settle into your
accommodations.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Welcome Reception
- Join us for a relaxed evening of cocktails and light appetizers,
hosted by Mina Brown. Meet fellow coaches, reconnect with old
friends, and start building your community for the weekend.
7:00 PM: Dinner
- Enjoy a wonderful evening at your leisure, renewing old friendships
- and making new ones!
A Day of Sessions and Learning
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast & Networking
- Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before the day’s sessions begin.
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Welcome & Opening Keynote
- Welcome, Mina Brown
- Ace Your Game: Strategies for Stacking the Deck in Your Favor, John Thompson, Author of Stack Your Deck
10:30 – 5:00 PM: Presentations
- Shifting the Lens: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Seeing Clients More Clearly, Ken Jenkins
- Sparking Collective Wisdom: The Magic of Group Coaching, Shelley Smith and Cheryl Close
- From Breakup to Breakthrough: The Role of Coaching in Divorce, Mardi Winder-Adams
- You ARE a Career Coach, Whether You Know It or Not, Mina Brown
- Wrap Up Day 1
5:00 – 6:00 PM: Meet for Cocktails & Networking
6:30 PM: Free Time & Dinner at your Leisure
- After a full day of learning, enjoy some free time to explore the area or relax. Dinner is on your own tonight, allowing you to connect with fellow attendees or enjoy some downtime.
Final Day of Sessions
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast & Networking
- Enjoy another relaxed breakfast to connect as the day’s sessions begin.
9:00 AM - 2:30 PM: Presentations
- Why Conflict Isn’t the Problem — and What Coaches Can Do About It, Stan Ward
- Sacred Shifts: End-of-Life Coaching as a Path to Meaning and Wholeness, Rachel Lovins
- “I’ll Take Ethics for $500”: A Fun Exploration, Michelle Bostian
3:00 pm to 4:30 PM: Optional Breakout Opportunities
- Roundtable Discussions (e.g. AI in Coaching, Sales Strategies that Suit Coaches, Easy Ways to Expand a Coaching Portfolio)
- Mentor Coaching Groups
- Peer Coaching Sessions
An Incredible Speaker Line Up
We’ve handpicked an exceptional group of thought leaders and industry trailblazers for the 2026 Positive Coaching Heart of Coaching Retreat—each one ready to share their transformative insights, cutting-edge strategies, and practical tools to take your coaching practice to the next level.
From Executive Coaches who specialize in group coaching, leadership and organizational development, to Trauma Specialists helping clients navigate deep emotional work, this retreat offers a dynamic range of expertise that will push the boundaries of your coaching approach.
Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and empowered as you gain access to the latest methods and techniques to elevate your coaching practice. You will also earn 11 ICF CCEUs (approval pending). Whether you’re looking to refine your existing skills or gain new, actionable tools, our speakers will ensure you leave with the knowledge and confidence to take your coaching to new heights.
Ace Your Game Strategies for Stacking the Deck in Your Favor
JOHN THOMPSON,
Author of Stack Your Deck
John Thompson III is an inspiring coach, author, and speaker who is passionate about helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. As the author of the best-selling book Stack Your Deck, John brings fresh, actionable insights on self-mastery, resilience, and leadership—all designed to empower people to turn challenges into growth opportunities.
With years of experience in executive coaching, John has worked with leaders and teams across various industries, helping them navigate change, build resilience, and elevate their performance. His keynote will set the stage for the retreat, offering practical tools and inspirational guidance that will immediately benefit your coaching practice.
Coaches, this is your opportunity to gain valuable insights, challenge your approach, and expand your toolkit in ways that will make a real difference for your clients. John’s session will not only inspire you but also provide tangible strategies to help you thrive in your coaching journey.
Shifting the Lens A Trauma-Informed Approach to Seeing Clients More Clearly
KEN JENKINS
An aviation crisis response expert, professional coach, and the author of Resilience: Stories of Courage and Survival
Ken Jenkins is an experienced coach with over 20 years of expertise in helping clients navigate the complex challenges of trauma coaching.
Insightful and empathic, Ken will explore practical strategies for supporting clients through trauma with empathy and resilience. You'll gain valuable tools to integrate into your practice, empowering you to guide clients toward healing and transformation.
Sparking Collective Wisdom The Magic of Group Coaching
CHERYL CLOSE & SHELLEY SMITH
Cherished faculty members, indefatigable troublemakers with Mina, and co-creators of our new Group Coaching Certification Program
Cheryl Close brings years of expertise in group coaching that helps leaders and teams unlock their full collective potential. In this session, Cheryl will share powerful strategies for coaching in group settings, showing you how to master group dynamics, spark collaboration, and drive teams toward shared success.
She’ll be teaming up with Shelley Smith, a seasoned executive coach who’s all about empowering leaders and driving organizational growth. Shelley will focus on practical, game-changing strategies to help you guide clients through leadership challenges, build stronger teams, and achieve lasting success.
By the end of this dynamic session, you’ll walk away with actionable tools to level up your group coaching, create stronger connections, and drive more meaningful results in every coaching session.
From Breakup to Breakthrough The Role of Coaching in Divorce
MARDI WINDER-ADAMS
Podcast host (The D Shift) and mediator who knows how to help women navigate the gut-wrenching and overwhelming process of divorce, plus she has cats, dogs, birds, horses? - and heaven knows what else!
Mardi Winder-Adams is the go-to divorce coach for high-achieving women. She is dedicated to supporting women in taking control of their separation and divorce to reduce the emotional and financial costs of the process. Mardi offers over 30 years of experience helping women navigate the challenges of high-conflict and high-asset divorces.
Mardi is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, and Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She founded Positive Communication Systems, LLC and hosts the podcast “The D Shift, Redefining Divorce and Beyond” and Real Divorce Talks.
You ARE a Career Coach! Whether You Know It or Not
MINA BROWN
You know her well - but did you know she is a 28-year coaching veteran who was for many years the National Career Transitions Coach for 6 Figure Jobs.com?
Mina Brown, Founder of Positive Coaching Solutions, is a Master Certified Coach and passionate about helping individuals unlock their full potential. With a deep commitment to transformative coaching, Mina empowers her clients to live with purpose, clarity, and confidence.
Her coaching philosophy is rooted in authenticity, integrity, and a genuine desire to see clients thrive in both their professional and personal lives. Mina’s session at the retreat will inspire you to expand your coaching passion and explore new ways to create lasting impact for your clients.
Why Conflict Isn’t the Problem. . . and What Coaches Can Do About It
STAN WARD
An expert in conflict resolution and beating burnout (How to Beat Burnout: For Yourself, Your Family and Your Team), a prolific Substack author, university professor, and executive coach
With years of experience in executive coaching, Stan Ward specializes in conflict resolution, helping leaders and teams navigate complex dynamics with clarity and effectiveness.
In his session, Stan will share practical techniques for managing and resolving conflicts, offering tools that will enhance your coaching approach and help clients build stronger, more cohesive teams.
Sacred Shifts End-of-Life Coaching as a Path to Meaning and Wholeness
RACHEL LOVINS
A board certified internist and palliative care specialist with training from Yale, Dartmouth, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins, who found a special calling as an End-of-Life Specialist after becoming a professional coach
After discovering her calling, Rachel transitioned into professional coaching, where she combines her medical expertise with a compassionate approach to help individuals navigate the end-of-life journey.
Rachel will lead an insightful session on Death and Dying Coaching, where she’ll explore the unique challenges and opportunities in supporting individuals facing the end of life. With her diverse background, Rachel offers a holistic, empathetic perspective on coaching clients through this profound life transition.
ICF Ethics Improv: What Would You Do? A Fun Exploration
MICHELLE BOSTIAN
A licensed clinical social worker who transitioned to a successful leadership development coach, change management consultant, and mental health advocate
Michelle is a seasoned executive coach and consultant known for her inviting demeanor and impactful leadership. Throughout her 25-year career, she has cultivated expertise in designing and implementing tailored leadership programs, steering change management initiatives, fostering team alignment, and crafting plans for organizational effectiveness. With a clinical professional background, Michelle is always fascinated by the nuance and challenges associated with applying ethical principles.
Michelle’s work is anchored in unlocking the inherent potential within leaders and teams.
The Perfect Setting Omni Las Colinas, (Irving) Dallas
This year, we’re hosting the retreat at the stunning Las Colinas in Dallas, Texas—a venue that perfectly blends luxury, tranquility, and inspiration.
Restore, reflect, recharge
Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and modern elegance, it’s the ideal space to step away from the everyday, reflect, and recharge. This year you can easily walk to restaurants, shops, and other venues or just find a cozy spot to sit and talk.
Whether you’re attending sessions, networking with fellow coaches, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, The Omni Las Colinas Hotel offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend of growth, connection, and transformation.
