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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 have a feeling that

organizations need to stress, and keep stressing on the importance of coaching, rather than just award coaching credits to employees. Do employees feel that they have an issue hence they need to go for coaching? Organizations should also build the trust that the employees will have their full confidentiality and information will not be divulged.

PriyaASingapore
I am noticing that

a growing gap between those who actively integrate AI into their daily work and professional practices — coaches, leaders, educators — using it to prepare reports, presentations, analyses, and more… and those who either ignore or reject it.
The difference in how these two groups perceive and engage with the world today — and how they prepare for the future — is striking.
These observations are at the heart of my current doctoral researche
how do do we choose to develop ourselves for the future?

Jihane LabibUnited Arab Emirates
I have a feeling that

Organization will use coaching for mental wellbeing

MalehaKuwait
I wonder if

… people are becoming more aware of the need for courageous conversations. Many now seek coaching not just for goals but to navigate difficult discussions—at work, in relationships, and in personal growth. Avoidance is being replaced with a desire for clarity, assertiveness, and emotional intelligence. My hunch is that the future of coaching is equipping people to embrace tough conversations with confidence, making open dialogue a key driver of growth.

Vedika KhatwaniUnited Arab Emirates
I have a feeling that

mentoring and supervision for human coaches will still be viable at least in the next 5 years but I am concerned if these 2 aspects of reflective work of a coach will also be replaced by AI. In the mentoring space, I note that the use of tools such as Raenotes can pick up coaching competencies in an audio recording with about 60% accuracy. ChatGPT, Claude, etc. can engage in intellectual discussions on issues faced by a coach and provide almost similar support as a human mentor and supervisor.

Jenny TohSingapore

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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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