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2026 ICF Coaching Futures Report

Envisioning Coaching's Next Horizon

This report does not predict a single future. Instead, it explores multiple scenarios shaping access to coaching worldwide. Grounded in global insights, foresight methods, and creative storytelling, we invite you to imagine what coaching could become and how today’s actions influence what comes next.

The future is not fixed. Help shape it.

I am noticing that

competencies, while helpful to start with, become less relevant as we gather experience. Relational skills and collective work begin to matter more. Being able to bring the proper focus, mindset, and attention to match the coachee’s needs at any given moment is essential. Learning is less effective in silos and more transformational in collaboration with peers.

Harry MinasUnited Kingdom
I am noticing that

I am noticing more AI coaches and tools mix coaching with advising or consulting. Many coaches already bring expertise from second careers. Maybe the future is a hybrid coach—someone who mentors, trains, and inspires.

Ivy L.United States
I am noticing that

the picture on this page tells the story. No human to human connection there. I am noticing it is probably too late, technology will prevail. The question is how do we adapt as we become more and more machine like. Technology will use us not vice versa.

Benita Stafford-SmithOman
I have a feeling that

self-coaching is about to get a major upgrade. AI won’t replace coaches, but it will become a thinking partner — tracking emotions, spotting patterns, and nudging us toward better decisions. Imagine an AI that asks the right questions, senses stress, and adapts its approach based on how you think and what you feel Add neuroscience, and self-coaching moves beyond reflection to real-time state management. The future? AI as a co-pilot, making self-coaching a daily habit, not an occasional practice.

Sunita GanesanIndia
I am noticing that

more and more clients want to be told what could be best, mentored towards making decisions and supported as they proceed with major changes. Generational gaps in competencies are real and the current framework will have to evolve as lines are being blurred between coaching, mentorship and consulting. I feel that we’ll soon have to get away from labelling and open the door to agile holistic coaching. Thank you!

DANIEL SIROISCanada

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Ecosystem-centered Coaching: Futures Thinking for Real-World Impact

In this 4-part series, discover how futures thinking can empower you to navigate the evolving role of coaching within interconnected ecosystems. Through our four-phase framework—Observe, Envision, Anticipate, Act— you will learn how to prepare for the future of ecosystem-centered practices, integrate AI and new technologies, and embrace ethical, holistic approaches that create real-world impact for you, your clients, and your communities.

Apply the futures thinking loop to coaching

Futures Thinking fosters a mindset that embraces change, encourages innovation, and empowers action toward desired futures.

Apply the futures thinking loop to coaching

Futures Thinking fosters a mindset that embraces change, encourages innovation, and empowers action toward desired futures.

Top Articles

Dive into this month’s top trending articles on the future of coaching

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Discover free articles featuring key insights on the future of coaching and its impact in the realms of well-being, work, education, and planetary ecology from worldwide thought leaders.

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