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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 curious about

I am curious about how coaching, empowered by emerging technologies, can foster a new digital democracy — one that respects minorities, enables more direct participation, and supports more distributed decision-making.

Akihiko MoritaJapan
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

coaches could start using VR for things like leadership simulations or team-building exercises? I read about a tech company in Singapore using VR to train employees. It feels like this could bring a new level of immersion to coaching, especially for skill development.

DeepakIndia
I wonder if

there was a possibility of having “Annual Mental Health Checkup”. Post world wars our societies have been working relentlessly toward growth, building, creating, achieving, succeeding and all. Then COVID happens, a sudden big break to everything that we were up against at a very high speed. The repercussions of which are far beyond what is visible yet. I feel coaching is going to be at frontline along with other mental health professions in taking the world toward healthy and sustainable growth.

Reva BankaUnited States
I have a feeling that

the long-term impacts of COVID-19 are reshaping coaching. Youth face heightened loneliness, device addiction, and mental health struggles. Lockdowns deepened disconnection, driving reliance on screens while reducing authentic connections. Coaching must foster resilience, self-awareness, and real-world engagement. By blending innovative, tech-driven approaches with a focus on community and belonging, we can help youth break cycles of dependency and thrive in an uncertain world.

Bryan GrissoUnited 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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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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