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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

The industry of coaching is expanding still and while this is a great thing, one of the issues that may arise from this trend is incompetence.
I have participated in over 10 coaching courses in the last 24 months, and I notice an open-door policy on two fronts; firstly, anyone can make courses given the perception that the learning is academic. Secondly, there is no check on participants that may come to the industry light-minded and sometime ignorant of the values and responsibilities.

Roberto PARROTTASwitzerland
I have a feeling that

AI will continue to develop rapidly and surpass human coaches in terms of coaching techniques in collaboration with human coaches. As a result, excellent coaching by AI coaches will become available at very low cost or even free of charge, and students, young people, people in conflict zones, and people living in poverty who have not been able to receive coaching, helping them carve out a richer life. AI coach will also support human coach to develop their unique strenghth.

Akihiko MoritaJapan
I am noticing that

(Based on conversations I participate in within ICF and EMCC communities) coaching is becoming more relational and emergent, less competency model-driven. Accreditation processes, especially at master levels, may evolve to reflect real practice more closely. Reflective practice and supervision are increasingly seen as essential ways to resource ourselves. I sense CPD is expanding into CPPD, where Personal development and inner work stand alongside professional learning as key to our growth.

Adrijana MilosavljevicSerbia
I am noticing that

The impact of coaching in organizations is greater than what coaches do and what employees receive. It is systematically creating shared ownership and resilience for its people to thrive and sustain productivity in a constantly disruptive world. Coaching is shifting from a skill and behaviour to a habit of thinking.

Pooja KhandelwalCanada
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

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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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