The Evolution and Impact of Health and Wellness Coach Certification with Leigh-Ann Webster

In this episode of the Health and Wellness Coach Journal Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh speaks with Leigh-Ann Webster, NBC-HWC, about the evolution and impact of health and wellness coach certification. Leigh-Ann is a recognized leader in the field of health and wellness coaching, with a career dedicated to advancing industry standards. She served as the Executive Director of the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) from 2016 until 2024, leading the organization to global recognition in training and certification and impacting over 10,000 coaches worldwide.

A passionate advocate for the profession, Leigh-Ann shares her personal and professional journey into coaching, as well as the pivotal moments that shaped the field’s evolution. From building the original competencies of the NBHWC to the landmark collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners resulting in the coach certifying exam, Leigh-Ann offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it took to create a nationally recognized credential for health and wellness coaches.

Together, Leigh-Ann and Dr. Singh explore the evolving role of coaching in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of research and advocacy in advancing the field through education and awareness.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the dedication required to effect change. 

Whether you're a coach, a healthcare provider, or simply curious about the growth and future of the profession, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into where health and wellness coaching began, the progress that’s brought it to where it is today, and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

1. Turner, Kelly A. Radical Remission: Surviving Cancer Against All Odds. Harper Collins, 2014.

2. Abu Dabrh, Abd Moain, et al. "Compendium of Health and Wellness Coaching: 2023 Addendum." Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine (2025).

For detailed show notes, resources, and information to connect with Leigh-Ann Webster, NBC-HWC, visit: https://www.centerforhealthandwellnesscoaches.com/blog/the-evolution-and-impact-of-health-and-wellness-coach-certification-with-leigh-ann-webster 

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Timestamps

0:00 - Introduction

2:49 - Leigh Ann’s Journey Into Coaching

11:15 - Insights on the Evolution of the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching

15:12 - Formation of the NBHWC Coach Certifying Exam

19:25 - The Impact of the NBC-HWC Credential

24:48 - The Value of Coach Credentialing

26:48 - An Unsolved Conundrum: Coaching in Healthcare

32:30 - Coaching in Disaster Relief: Meeting People Where They Are

35:16 - Leigh-Ann's Experience Hiking the John Muir Trail

41:04 - Takeaways