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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 am noticing that

competencies, while helpful to start with, become less relevant as we gather experience. Relational skills and collective work begin to matter more. Being able to bring the proper focus, mindset, and attention to match the coachee’s needs at any given moment is essential. Learning is less effective in silos and more transformational in collaboration with peers.

Harry MinasUnited Kingdom
I have a feeling that

Mental health awareness and support both are increasing rapidly. However, mental health specialities are not as discreetly established as those of physical health.
Boundaries between therapy and coaching are often faded by clients as well as coaches. Since, coaching does not have practice specific educational, licensing or certicational requirements, it risks the speciality of the practice.
I feel coaching industry will benefit from regulations.

Reva BankaUnited States
I am noticing that

the picture on this page tells the story. No human to human connection there. I am noticing it is probably too late, technology will prevail. The question is how do we adapt as we become more and more machine like. Technology will use us not vice versa.

Benita Stafford-SmithOman
I am noticing that

… there is a shift in how Organisations are embracing Coaching. There is more focus on coaching being embedded as a Leadership capability and huge impetus to creating more internal coaches towards enabling a transformative culture .

Priya RameshIndia

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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.

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