Skip to content

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.

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.

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
I am noticing that

as a Business coach teacher of university, my students come into coaching training with a wide range of qualifications and experience and more business coaches and tools mix coaching with advising, consulting or mentoring. Many Business coaches already bring expertise from second careers. Maybe the Business coach future is a “coachsultant” – someone who mentors, trains, and inspires.

JuditHungary
I am curious about

I read about how some companies in Europe are using storytelling as part of their leadership coaching. I wonder if we will see more coaching methods to combine traditional practices with modern techniques?

HanaJapan
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 am noticing that

more AI coaches and tools mix coaching with advising or consulting. Many coaches already bring expertise from second careers. Maybe the future is a hybrid coach—someone who mentors, trains, and inspires.

IvyUnited 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.

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