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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

– “The dawn is reserved for those who wake up with determination and seize opportunity.”*
– *”Each new daybreak presents a fresh page in the narrative of your existence.”

Pakistan
I am noticing that

more and more clients want to be told what could be best, mentored towards making decisions and supported as they proceed with major changes. Generational gaps in competencies are real and the current framework will have to evolve as lines are being blurred between coaching, mentorship and consulting. I feel that we’ll soon have to get away from labelling and open the door to agile holistic coaching. Thank you!

DANIEL SIROISCanada
I have a feeling that

organizations need to stress, and keep stressing on the importance of coaching, rather than just award coaching credits to employees. Do employees feel that they have an issue hence they need to go for coaching? Organizations should also build the trust that the employees will have their full confidentiality and information will not be divulged.

PriyaASingapore
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 am noticing that

(Based on conversations I participate in within ICF and EMCC communities) coaching is becoming more relational and emergent, less competency model-driven. Accreditation processes, especially at master levels, may evolve to reflect real practice more closely. Reflective practice and supervision are increasingly seen as essential ways to resource ourselves. I sense CPD is expanding into CPPD, where Personal development and inner work stand alongside professional learning as key to our growth.

Adrijana MilosavljevicSerbia

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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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