Inclusiveness: Balancing Belonging and Respecting Individuality
Host: Mohsen Shabahang, ACC
CCEU’s: TBC
Core: ~ | Resource: ~
What does it truly mean to create an inclusive environment—one where people experience a genuine sense of belonging while also feeling seen and respected for who they are as individuals?
Join ICF Philadelphia for an interactive virtual session exploring the theory and practice of inclusiveness. Facilitated by Mohsen Shabahang, ACC, Chair of the ICF Philadelphia DEIB Committee, this conversation will examine the natural tension that can exist between fostering belonging and honoring each person’s unique identity, perspective, and experience.
Through theoretical concepts, practical applications, real-life examples, and group discussion, participants will explore how greater awareness of inclusiveness can strengthen the coaching relationship and help create spaces where clients feel both connected and individually valued.
Join us for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about what it means to create spaces where people can belong without sacrificing what makes them unique.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of belonging.
- Explore how coaches can respect the uniqueness of each individual while helping clients experience inclusion.
- Identify theories and concepts that contribute to our understanding of inclusiveness.
- Consider how the balance between individuality and belonging may show up in coaching relationships.
ICF Core Competencies:
Embodies a Coaching Mindset • Cultivates Trust and Safety • Listens Actively
About the Facilitator:
Mohsen Shabahang, ACC, is the founder of Empower Tomorrow LLC and Chair of the ICF Philadelphia DEIB Committee. An academic surgeon, educator, healthcare executive, and ICF-certified coach, Mohsen brings more than three decades of experience in leadership, education, organizational strategy, and professional development.
He has held senior leadership roles within major academic and healthcare institutions and has been extensively involved with the Association for Surgical Education and the American College of Surgeons, including serving as President of the Association for Surgical Education from 2024–2025.
Mohsen has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and has received more than 20 teaching awards. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Change at Case Western Reserve University, where he continues to deepen his work in organizational development, leadership, coaching, and inclusive organizational cultures.
Through Empower Tomorrow LLC, he provides executive coaching, leadership development, and organizational consulting, incorporating approaches including Appreciative Inquiry and Intentional Change Theory.