SupporTED is an independent program of the Harnisch Foundation and Renee Freedman & Company. TED logo used with permission.SupporTED Coaches FAQ

SupporTED Coaches FAQ

1. What is SupporTED?

SupporTED is a service created specifically to provide pro bono professional coaching and mentoring support to TED Fellows and the TED Fellows program. 

2. What are the requirements for becoming a SupporTED coach?

Because the TED Fellows are extraordinary thinkers, they can be challenging clients who keep even the most experienced coaches working at the top of their game.

Potential SupporTED Coaches need:

• A minimum of seven years of full time employment as a professional coach
• A minimum of 2500 hours of coaching experience
• When possible, we prefer a letter of reference or referral from a current SupporTED coach or mentor
• Some type of formal coach training and / or certification
• To agree to abide by the ICF Code of Ethics
• Willingness to provide at least 10 coaching sessions per assigned coachee
• Willingness to be flexible with challenges of the assigned TED Fellow
• To conduct a thorough foundational first session where the agreement is discussed in detail and your relationship is formalized.
• Agreement to stay in contact with the SupporTED team about your availability and SupporTED coaching assignment status
• Access to Skype video conferencing

3. I realize that at least seven years of professional coaching experience encompassing no fewer than 2500 hours is absolutely required. However, I know that I'm competent to coach a TED Fellow even though I don't meet those requirements today. I think you'd agree if you'd give me a chance.

Perhaps you're right! And, we know that adhering to this standard means that some truly great coaches won't be eligible to become a SupporTED coach. However, we've chosen not to make exceptions for the following reasons:

• The experienced SupporTED coaches tell us how much they've had to stretch and expand their own capabilities to keep one step ahead of their TED Fellow. These coaches strongly urged us to adopt the standards, and their experience in coaching TED Fellows is our best argument for adhering to this standard.
• We want to maintain our integrity. We made the rules and we play by the rules to ensure we are fair in our application of the standards.
• These standards help us keep our agreement with the TED organization. We have promised that the SupporTED team will include only the most seasoned and experienced coaches.

4. What is the process for becoming a SupporTED coach?

Please read this entire FAQ to ensure that you fully meet the requirements and are willing to fulfill the commitment for which we ask. Then complete the SupporTED Coaches Application. In a separate e-mail, send us a copy of your bio with a photo embedded. 

After we receive your bio, a member of the SupporTED team will evaluate your coaching style during a 60-minute interview conducted via Skype video. The interview will include a 30-minute coaching session in which you coach. If it is assessed that your skills and experience meet the SupporTED standards, you'll be included in the SupporTED availability roster for selection when a TED Fellow that needs your specific skills and experience requests coaching. 

5. When is a coach considered a SupporTED coach?

When a coach has successfully completed one 10-session coaching engagement with a TED Fellow and completed the Closure Questionnaire, then the coach is considered a member of the SupporTED coaching team.

6. Why should I volunteer for SupporTED? It seems that TED has the means to hire coaches.

The TED Community depends upon volunteers. You might be surprised to know that brilliant TED speakers are volunteers, too. The TEDsters who created the SupporTED program, Renee Freedman and Ruth Ann Harnisch, are professionals with a long history of pro bono service. They saw an opportunity via the offer of coaching to support the TED Fellows in their world-changing projects. Being a TED Fellow can be an overwhelming experience. For some, the TED experience is the first time they've traveled outside their home country, the first time they've been on an airplane, and for at least one, the first time to stay in a hotel and sleep in the type of bed to which most people in developed countries are accustomed. The TED Fellows have stated that the availability of pro bono coaching through SupporTED has changed their game and is one of the top highlights of the TED Fellows program. 

7. If I volunteer as a SupporTED coach, will I have a better chance of being accepted to attend TED conferences?

Everyone's application for a TED conference receives thoughtful consideration from the TED team. The SupporTED team is not part of this process. However, you may certainly ask Ruth Ann and Renee to use their names as TED references on your application.

8. I've looked at the list of TED Fellows on the TED website and I believe that I'm the perfect coach for one of them. May I choose the TED Fellow that I coach?

Please feel free to tell us when you see a TED Fellow that you feel would benefit greatly from your expertise. We can't guarantee that you'll be matched with that specific TED Fellow, yet, if your expertise is a great complement to the Fellow's needs, we'll make every effort to bring the two of you together.        

9. I submitted my SupporTED coach application and have not been interviewed or evaluated yet. What's up?

We are fortunate to have a full roster of coaches (approximately 80 coaches). After almost three years, some of these coaches are still awaiting their first TED Fellow to coach. Although you might not have heard from the SupporTED team, we have your application. We receive more applications than we have demand for coaches. When we have a need for your expertise and background, or when there is availability on the roster, we will surely be in touch with you. Please be prepared to wait, because it might take a few years. 

10. I'm listed in the SupporTED coach roster but haven't been assigned a TED Fellow yet. What's up?

Three factors influence this. First, we are diligent about making the most appropriate match for the TED Fellow. Second, not every TED Fellow chooses to take advantage of the SupporTED coach offer. Third, there are more coaches at any given time then TED Fellows requesting coaching. Therefore, it is likely that there will be a wait for the TED Fellow whose needs match your expertise. When a TED Fellow who may most benefit from your expertise and background applies for coaching, the SupporTED team will make the match.

11. Do you provide a contract that covers the coaching relationship, or may I use the one that I usually use with clients?

Yes. There is a SupporTED Coaching Agreement posted on the website. This is the agreement SupporTED would like you to use in lieu of your usual contract.

12. The TED Fellow I'm coaching has financial needs, or is running a nonprofit organization that needs money. Is it appropriate for me to provide financial support?

Direct payments to a TED Fellow, his / her non-profit organization, or his / her for-profit business are not appropriate. Direct payments alter the relationship between both the SupporTED coach and the TED Fellow that makes objectivity impossible and interferes with the coaching. Contributions to TED Fellow projects via a crowd-funding source are permissible, if you desire. Crowd-funding sources that we support include: Kickstarter (founded by a TED Fellow), IndieGoGo, 33 Needs, Profounder, Greenfunder, Peer Backers, and AppBacker. When you are no longer in a coaching relationship with the Fellow, you are free to make whatever choices you deem appropriate.

13. Who pays for the cost of the coaching calls?

That is a discussion for the coach and the TED Fellow to have at the outset of their coaching relationship. SupporTED Coaching may be conducted in many ways, including telephone, Skype, Instant Message, email, and in person. If you have exceptional circumstances, please contact SupporTED.

14. What if the coaching relationship isn't working out?

If either you or the TED Fellow feels that the coaching match is not a good one, tell us promptly. We will make other arrangements. Please share your thoughts about what should be considered in making the next match for you, and for the TED Fellow.

15. What are some of the challenges that might come up for the coach of a TED Fellow?

• Sometimes your TED Fellow may miss a session without notice. Additionally, the TED Fellows are not always consistent in rescheduling appointments by giving 24 hours notice. Please be sure to reach a firm agreement with the TED Fellow regarding commitments made and the value of your time.
• The TED Fellows live in diverse, and sometimes remote, areas of the world. Their country, state / province, or city may not have the technological infrastructure enjoyed by developed countries. This may result in inconsistent access to the Internet or to the technology used to connect for coaching sessions.
• Additionally, TED Fellows live and work in climate-challenged zones where natural disasters such as earthquakes and flooding have recently occurred. In these instances, the coaching relationship may be disrupted.
• Many Fellows already have full schedules that become challenging to manage once they begin their TED Fellowship, fulfill TED Fellow program commitments, and become inundated with requests and opportunities that come as a result of attending a TED Conference as a Fellow. Consistent scheduling might be a challenge. Please be patient, ensure that the Fellow is making a scheduling commitment that can be kept, and use this ‘busyness' as a coaching opportunity.
• The work of many of the TED Fellows will inspire you and touch your heart. You cannot let it touch your wallet. Don't be tempted to cross the boundaries of the gift of your coaching engagement in to the realm of financial philanthropy. This is not only in violation of the SupporTED policy it is harmful to the coaching relationship.
• Confidentiality is a paradoxical phenomenon with the TED Fellows. In alignment with the ICF Code of Ethics, you are prohibited from sharing their personal information outside of the coaching relationship. However, they often DO want you to talk about their work with your friends and colleagues, especially when it might lead to a new resource or additional funding for their crowd-funding project. This is a conversation that should be conducted during the contracting session.

16. What acknowledgment will I receive for my volunteer service as a SupporTED Coach?

When we receive your completed Closing Questionnaire, your name will be listed on a dedicated web page of SupporTED Heroes.

17. Can I take a tax deduction for my volunteer service?

Please consult your financial advisor or accountant. Certain expenses may be tax-deductible.

18. May I use the SupporTED logo on my website or in my promotional material?

The use of the SupporTED logo is restricted and not available for use outside of official TED business.

19. May I include my SupporTED service in my bio and on my website?

When your name appears on the SupporTED Heroes page, you are welcome to link that page to your website, list your pro bono service in your bio, and tell others that you are a member of SupporTED coaching team that coaches TED Fellows.

20. I've completed the 10 sessions of coaching with the TED Fellow to whom I was assigned. May I continue to coach that Fellow after our agreement has ended?

Contact the SupporTED team and we'll note your availability on the roster listing. When a "best fit" comes along, we'll match you to another TED Fellow.

21. When the 10 sessions of pro bono coaching are complete, may I convert the coaching into a paid gig?

No. It is a violation of the SupporTED policy to engage in a paid business relationship after your pro bono sessions are over. The trusting relationship between the TED Fellows and the SupporTED coaches relies on the purity of the gift. No catch, no hidden sales pitch, no cashing in later. If the TED Fellow would like additional coaching, another coach may be available through SupporTED. 

22. What are some typical subjects that the TED Fellows talk about with their coaches?

Requests vary based upon need. These are just a few of the requests we've had:

• Fundraising (nonprofit and for profit)
• Work - Life balance
• Speaking skills
• Business acumen
• Networking, public relations, & building alliances
• Transitioning from one career field to another
• Making requests and creating agreements
• Building confidence
• Figuring out ‘what's next'
• Practical ‘how to's'
• Financial wherewithal
• Professional loneliness
• Having a thinking partner
• Stress / burnout
• Decision making
• Relationships
• Team building

23. Are there opportunities to learn about the experience and challenges of other SupporTED coaches?

Yes. The SupporTED team periodically conducts teleconferences for this purpose. The calls are open to all SupporTED coaches and mentors.

24. When is a coach required to contact the SupporTED team?

• When there is a conflict with the ICF Code of Ethics
• If the TED Fellow - coach match is not good
• If the TED Fellow makes an inappropriate request of you
• If the coaching engagement is extended beyond 10 sessions
• When the coaching engagement comes to an end
• To let the SupporTED team know whether or not you desire to coach another Fellow

25. What correspondence is appropriate to send to the SupporTED team (coach@ted.com)?

Please ensure that all communication to the SupporTED team is related directly to the SupporTED program and your participation in it. Marketing and solicitation are strictly prohibited and may result in removal from the SupporTED program. Please do not send marketing materials, e-zines, newsletters, crowd-funding solicitations and announcements, chain letters, invitations to LinkedIn or Facebook, or anything else not directly related to SupporTED services. All e-mail received at coach@ted.com is seen by Renee Freedman, Ruth Ann Harnisch, and some members of the TED staff. For private personal and business correspondence please write:

• Renee Freedman (renee@reneefreedman.com)
• Ruth Ann Harnisch (ruthann@thehf.org)

26. Now that I've read this FAQ thoroughly, I'm ready to complete the application. Where can I find it?

By clicking this link, you will be directed to the application.

• TED Fellows
• SupporTED Coaches
• SupporTED Mentors
• SupporTED Heroes
• SupporTED Collaboratorium