Senior director unlocks potential with UWCPC

Ricardo Vargas began his coaching journey with a pivotal realization: He discovered that true leadership wasn’t about providing answers and directives but rather guiding others to uncover their own solutions.

I realized that there was another way to help people. So that got me really excited

He gained this newfound perspective through the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Certified Professional Coaching program (UWCPC), a transformative experience that reshaped his leadership approach and expanded his ability to make a meaningful impact.

The UWCPC is the only International Coaching Federation (ICF) Level 2 accredited program offered by a Big Ten university in the Midwest. Designed for professionals seeking to develop coaching skills and leadership expertise, the program provides a rigorous, research-based curriculum grounded in ICF core competencies, including emotional intelligence, mindfulness and evidence-based coaching.

Through a live online, cohort-based learning model, students receive expert instruction, a tight-knit learning community and a high-quality curriculum that prepares them to integrate coaching into various professional settings, from leadership roles to private coaching practices. 

Vargas completed the program in 8 months, from fall 2022 to spring 2023, and has been applying his skills as a senior director of learning and development at Target Corporation headquarters in Minneapolis. 

“The program helped me not only develop the coaching practice but also a lot of transferable skills that I use in my job. It has influenced how I lead my team and how I influence others,” Vargas said.

Discovering the power of coaching

Vargas gained valuable skills from the program, including advanced listening techniques, the ability to ask powerful questions and, most important, the ability to adopt a coaching mindset.

“It’s about being open, curious and focused on the person in front of you while continuously committing to learning and self-reflection,” he noted. 

These skills have become integral to his leadership style and professional interactions. After completing the program, Vargas gained a deeper understanding of how coaching can elevate personal and professional growth. 

“Coaching has helped me understand how I learn about my team, how I support their career development and how to transfer coaching principles into leadership,” he said. 

It also enhanced his ability to guide his team and allowed him to contribute to broader coaching initiatives. Target offers workshops and development programs, such as partnering with Spring Health, where coaching access is provided to every worker.

“To me, it’s been really cool to see that coaching is becoming a lot more accessible for individuals. And I believe that there’s a place for coaching in a lot of different stages throughout your career, not only when you’re navigating a challenge, but when things are going well,” he added.

Advice for future participants

Vargas encourages people considering participating in the UWCPC to talk to someone who has taken the program to gain perspective on balancing it with work and life. Although he faced a slight learning curve at first, he quickly found stable footing because the program allows participants to work at their own pace. 

He also recommends prospective students experience coaching firsthand. 

“Find a coach, understand what coaching is like and do your research,” he advised. Since completing the program, Vargas has referred a few people to check out the UWCPC, which offers informational sessions for prospective students. 

Vargas encourages participants to embrace the discomfort of growth, recognizing that the learning process can be challenging but ultimately rewarding. His advice is simple: “Commit to yourself, invest in yourself, and you’ll see the payoff in the end.”

Since completing the program, Vargas has pursued further credentials through the ICF and maintains two active coaching relationships at any given time. He sees continuous learning as essential, especially with rapidly evolving workplace dynamics and AI. 

“If you’re not staying updated, you can quickly get left behind,” he added. “Even if you don’t continue coaching, the skills you gain make you a better professional and a better person.”