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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.

The Future of Coaching is Well-Being

July 2025

Imagine how new coaching approaches can support well-being for individuals, organizations, and the community. 

I am noticing that

coaching practices are evolving at different speeds across regions. In the north America and Europe, the field is more mature, especially within large corporations and multinationals. In the Middle East, coaching is still developing, with a growing interest in accredited training programs. Government organizations, in particular, are investing in upskilling their executives and HR professionals to become manager-coaches and internal coaches, often through large-scale programs.

Jihane LabibUnited Arab Emirates
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
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 curious about

organizations understanding the actual nuance between coaching and mentoring according to the specific requirement for their leaders and teams. Also, if they look at this intervention more as a tick mark on their list or something that makes revisiting happen with more than one intervention. The define phase is crucial as to what exactly do they seek out of these sessions/ workshops.

Dr. Ankoor DasguuptaIndia
I am noticing that

I started using this mindfulness app that links to my smartwatch, and it’s been a game changer for tracking my stress. It made me think, what if coaching uses more of that? A client wearing something that tracks their focus or anxiety during sessions and you could see that data. It feels like it could take coaching to a whole new level to use tech with a personal touch.

AishaUnited Arab Emirates

What’s your hunch about the future of coaching?

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How to get the most out of our website:

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Learn about futures thinking and how to apply it to coaching

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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

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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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