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Shaping the Future of Coaching, Together

Welcome to the Center for the Future of Coaching at the ICF Thought Leadership Institute—your futurist resource for navigating the next era of coaching.

Co-Creating Insights for the Future of Coaching

April 2025

Discover the ICF Thought Leadership Institute’s method for futures research and how our global community plays a vital role in this approach.

I have a feeling that

Organization will use coaching for mental wellbeing

MalehaKuwait
I have a feeling that

AI will provide quick advice on HOW to DO practical things. I think people want a more personalized support for figuring out the challenges they are facing. Advice from family and friends, self improvement courses and self-help books often involve generic skills and tools that may more may not work. As coaching becomes more mainstream, accessible and affordable, I think the demand for live one-on-one coaching will grow as people seek to figure out how to tackle their unique wants and needs.

Ronda ColavitoUnited States
I wonder if

coaches could start using VR for things like leadership simulations or team-building exercises? I read about a tech company in Singapore using VR to train employees. It feels like this could bring a new level of immersion to coaching, especially for skill development.

DeepakIndia
I am noticing that

with people working later in life retirement coaching could be huge. Coaches could help clients design new paths like starting a business or volunteering. Tools like VR might even let them test these lives first.

G. L.United States
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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