Skip to content

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 have a feeling that

people in India strongly need training needs and that can be fulfilled through coaching. Traditional Indian teaching methods were Coach- based where the Guru used to impart the education. Now, the Compliance Industry needs trainers more than ever to fill the gap and get the workforce trained.

It is not going to be replaced by AI at any cost.

Rupinder Oberoi DhingraIndia
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 have a feeling that

The image asks about the future of coaching.
It is likely related to personal or professional development.
Coaching is a growing field with various applications.
The future may involve more technology and online platforms.
It could also include more specialized coaching services.

Aqib ullahPakistan
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 noticing that

there is still a tendency to fund higher executive coaching packages rather than focus on building the system bench strength. I think that the demand for options for the Mgr/ new Dir level will change and that group/ cohort/ system based coaching will need to immerge.

Heather Tibbles-VassilevUnited States

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:

1

Learn about futures thinking and how to apply it to coaching

2

Explore emerging trends and tools shaping the future of coaching

3

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

Global Digital Library

  • FILTERS

  • CLEAR ALL
  • TOPICS

  • RESOURCE

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.

Back To Top