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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.

COMING JANUARY 2026

The ICF Annual Futures Report

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The Future of Coaching in Organizations

October 2025

Envision a future where coaching is integrated into both the culture and structure of organizations. How might coaching transform organizational potential?

I am noticing that

as a Business coach teacher of university, my students come into coaching training with a wide range of qualifications and experience and more business coaches and tools mix coaching with advising, consulting or mentoring. Many Business coaches already bring expertise from second careers. Maybe the Business coach future is a “coachsultant” – someone who mentors, trains, and inspires.

JuditHungary
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

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 wonder if

What if coaching sessions happened in the metaverse? Coaches could meet clients in virtual spaces like retreat centers or dream offices. Translation tools could even remove language barriers making global coaching communities a thing.

Sophia C.Canada
I am noticing that

I started using this mindfulness app that links to my smartwatch, and it’s been a game changer for tracking my stress. It made me think, what if coaching uses more of that? A client wearing something that tracks their focus or anxiety during sessions and you could see that data. It feels like it could take coaching to a whole new level to use tech with a personal touch.

AishaUnited Arab Emirates

What’s your hunch about the future of coaching?

We want to hear from you! Tell us your hunch and explore others from around the world.

How to get the most out of our website:

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Learn about futures thinking and how to apply it to coaching

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Explore emerging trends and tools shaping the future of coaching

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Share your hunch about the future of coaching and explore other hunches from around the world

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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