By Dave Veale
When I first launched Vision Coaching 20 years ago, I thought I was building a business. What I’ve come to realize is that we’ve been building a community.
That community began here in New Brunswick, Canada – a province that welcomed me when I arrived from Vancouver and inspired me to create something rooted in connection. Our early clients, colleagues and friends became the foundation of what Vision is today.
Over the years, that community has only deepened. It now includes a remarkable roster of coaches across Canada and beyond, a talented support team, and clients who invite us into their organizations, their challenges and their growth. Together, we’ve created something bigger than any one of us – a network built on trust, shared values and genuine belonging.
I was reminded of this recently when coaches and staff gathered in Halifax to celebrate Vision Coaching’s 20th anniversary. Around the table, people shared stories of connection – how they came to Vision, what the community has meant to them, and how belonging has shaped their own leadership. It was moving, humbling and energizing.
Research backs what we’ve all experienced firsthand: belonging isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s a powerful driver of performance, well-being and loyalty. As Harvard Business Review reports, high belonging is linked to a 56 per cent increase in job performance, a 50 per cent drop in turnover risk and a 75 per cent reduction in sick days.
For me, the takeaway is simple – when people feel seen, valued and connected, they flourish. And when they flourish, so do organizations.
Here’s to the next 20 years of building community – one coaching conversation and one connection at a time.
