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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 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

conversations continue with clients about AI’s impact and amongst coaches, to understand how we move from fear of being replaced by AI, to embracing AI as a resource. How does the coaching profession utilize this technology ethically and practically?

Rodney Jackson, San Diego, CAUnited States
I have a feeling that

applied neuroscience & tech will create exciting new futures for Coaching. Eg. Brain-computer interfaces (like Neuralink or its successors) will allow real-time emotional & cognitive state tracking. Coaches may tap directly into clients’ neurological patterns -tracking stress, clarity, resistance – and guide transformation via neural synchronization.
What do we need to consider as we step into this future?
What ethical safeguards must evolve?
What are the boundaries of predictive coaching?

Shweta Handa GuptaIndia
I am curious about

The use of biometrics and neuroscience tools. While AI gets the spotlight often – there’s also some interesting companies investing in the science of our holistic health and how it’s tied to our thoughts and belief systems. If we are coaching the person and not the problem – then these tools and assessments can help us as coaches more quickly identify or explore the root causes of why the client may be stuck or how to expedite the success they’re seeking in their challenges and opportunities.

Denise RussoUnited States
I am curious about

…what if blockchain reinvented coaching credentials? Clients could review coaches and share the experience. Coaches in non-Western regions might benefit by showing their impact without needing traditional certifications.

AdityaIndia

What’s your hunch about the future of coaching?

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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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