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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

self-coaching is about to get a major upgrade. AI won’t replace coaches, but it will become a thinking partner — tracking emotions, spotting patterns, and nudging us toward better decisions. Imagine an AI that asks the right questions, senses stress, and adapts its approach based on how you think and what you feel Add neuroscience, and self-coaching moves beyond reflection to real-time state management. The future? AI as a co-pilot, making self-coaching a daily habit, not an occasional practice.

Sunita GanesanIndia
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

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 wonder if

Coaching helps people rise above self-doubt, find courage, abundance, and unlock transformation. Why should such power stay confined to executives or organizations?

I imagine a world where coaching flows into everyday conversations—at homes, in schools, and in communities. Picture a mother asking her child, “What strengths will you use today?” instead of, “Why didn’t you do better?” That simple question shifts the focus from judgment to reflection, and reflection become the spark of empowerment

Garima SalujaIndia

Jobseekers (clients) need comprehensive empathy infused in coaching strategies/services. Recent job market’s volatility (up 54% in 2025 than 2024 per Fortune.com, Dec 2025) has resulted in many experiencing multiple layoffs within a year. Taxing for clientele psyche. Coaching must address this crisis by incorporating emotional intelligence aspects that pivot from advice-giving to internal-state empowerment of clients. Encourage empathetic comms, stress management, and emotional regulation.

Ashley Tillman, ITILv4, SSYB™, KCSv6, RSB, SODFC, PMEC, BW-M APMPUnited States

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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