Coaching is an evolving field, and seeing where the future is headed is exciting. To stay ahead, it’s important to stay informed about key developments and trends.

We recently surveyed 254 coaches to get a sense of what’s driving change in the industry. Most of the coaches were life, executive, or business coaches.

We wanted to understand their views, preferences, and the challenges they face as technology, especially AI, becomes more integrated into their day-to-day work.

This post goes into the big insights from our survey, sharing data alongside practical advice to help you stay ahead of the trends shaping the future of coaching.

Key Takeaways

• Keeping the human connection alive, continue even as AI takes on more admin tasks.
• Invest in Your Digital Setup, create your own virtual coaching studio as virtual coaching has become the norm.
• Predictive analytics and AI chatbots offer opportunities to personalise and increase your service offerings as a coach.
• Discovering and getting accustomed to new technologies is important for staying relevant in the future of coaching.

1. AI is An Important Part of a Coaches Toolkit

Main Takeaways:

Unsurprisingly, over 85.8% of the coaches we surveyed believe that AI and digital tools are going to play an average, important or very important role in the next five years.

This shows a big shift towards using technology in coaching over the past few years. Coaches are adopting AI to handle tasks like keeping clients engaged, tracking their progress, and managing admin work.

AI tools are becoming more sophisticated, not taking over any aspect of the human coaching element, but certainly helping to save time and offer more personalised coaching experiences.

Experiment with AI Tools:

If you haven’t started using AI yet, there’s no need to worry. The best approach is to begin with small steps and concentrate on areas where AI can make a real difference.

Here’s a straightforward method:

• Identify Routine Tasks: Take a look at your current processes and find the repetitive or time-consuming tasks.
  
• Consider Automation: Figure out which of these tasks could be automated with the help of AI or digital tools.
  
• Prioritise Based on Value: Concentrate on automating tasks that significantly boost your productivity or efficiency.
  
• Ask Yourself: What tasks do I find boring or time-consuming? Could AI assist in making these processes smoother?

By following these steps, you can start to see how AI can improve your workflow and give you more time for strategic or creative activities.

2. Virtual Coaching is Here to Stay

Main Takeaways:

71.3% of coaches prefer fully virtual or hybrid coaching methods, especially after the pandemic. In-person coaching has taken a backseat as both coaches and clients have used remote coaching methods.

Virtual coaching has broken down location-related barriers, allowing coaches to reach clients anywhere in the world. This isn’t just about convenience but also about flexibility and accessibility. Things that are now more important than ever.

Create a Virtual Coaching Studio:

During the pandemic, many of us had to improve our virtual setups. If you didn’t get around to it then, now is the perfect time to make some improvements. Maybe that means upgrading your video conferencing tools, a faster internet connection or just rearranging your home office to make it more comfortable and productive.

To take things to the next level, create your own ‘Virtual Coaching Studio’. Here’s what you might include:

• Invest in Better Audio and Video Equipment – Use equipment that you feel comfortable with and makes your voice and presence shine online.
  
• Develop a Distraction-Free Space – Make a serene space, helping both you and your clients focus.
  
• Make Your Brand Visible – Add a more personal touch to your space by adding elements of your brand or personal brand. Experiment with backgrounds.
  
• Utilise Digital Tools – Use interactive tools like digital whiteboards to keep your clients engaged and help them see progress visually.

3. Predictive Analytics: The Key to Personalised Coaching

Main Takeaways:

Around 60% of coaches are excited about using AI-powered predictive analytics to track client progress and create more personalised coaching strategies. What do we mean by predictive analytics? It’s when AI can help analyse patterns from past sessions, predict challenges, and offer tailored solutions.

Clients want coaching experiences that feel personal to them. AI helps you stay one step ahead, allowing you to know your client’s needs and offer strategies designed specifically for them. It can help take personalisation and impact to the next level. But it does come with challenges such as data privacy, confidentiality, and bias in data models.

Be More Personal:

Here are a few ideas about how you can incorporate analytics into your coaching practice:

• More Personalised Plans: Keep track of your client’s progress. This could mean using tools like CoachAccountable. Use patterns in their behaviour to alter future coaching sessions and methods that work best for them.
  
• Predict Setbacks Before They Happen: Use data to predict when clients might struggle. If trends show they tend to disengage after a few weeks, step in with extra support before it happens.
  
• Optimise Session Timing: Look at when clients are most productive and adjust your schedule accordingly. Use tools like Zoom or Google Calendar to find the best times for impactful sessions.
  
• Track Success: Set measurable goals and track progress. Use predictive models to estimate when clients will reach their objectives, adjusting plans if needed.
  
• Boosting Accountability: There’s something about human accountability which is irreplaceable. When face-to-face can’t happen, try using a platform to help send personalised but automated reminders or alerts when clients fall off track, helping them to stay accountable and focused.

4. AI Chatbots: The 24/7 Assistant For The Future of Coaching?

Main Takeaways:

35% of coaches are excited about integrating AI into coaching to handle tasks like scheduling and following up with clients. It’s a growing trend that frees up more time for real 1:1 coaching.

AI chatbots act like personal assistants for coaches. They can look after the repetitive tasks and do text-based check-ins with clients between sessions, so you can focus on the parts of human coaching that matter most, like meaningful face-to-face conversations and developing strategies.

The AI Chatbot Advantage:

Think about how you can use an AI chatbot in your coaching practice. ChatGPT, Gemini or another similar chatbot tool. These can help engage clients between sessions, while you can find a tool that automates scheduling and follow-ups. These tools will keep your practice running smoothly while helping clients feel supported, even when you’re not actively working with them.

5. Staying Human in an Increasingly Techy World

Main Takeaways:

AI opens up a world of possibilities, but many coaches are feeling a growing concern. In the future of coaching study, 40% of coaches expressed worry about keeping the human connection going as technology becomes more integrated into their work.

Fundamentally, coaching is about building trust, showing empathy, and creating a real connection. These are the qualities that make coaching truly transformative. While AI can help with efficiency and mimic some aspects of communication, it can’t exactly copy the deep emotional bonds that form between a coach and their client.

Go Deeper with Your Coaching:

Use AI to handle tasks like automation and data analysis, but always bring the focus back to your client relationships. When it comes to your sessions, it’s still all about active listening, empathy, and understanding. AI tools can provide data on client mood, but nothing beats the deep emotional intelligence you bring.

• Let the Tech Support You, Not Replace Human Connection: Use tools for scheduling or tracking, but always make time for personal messages or check-ins that bring your human side.
• Stay Fully Engaged During Virtual Sessions: Be completely present and listen attentively, maintain a strong presence, and avoid distractions. These small actions keep the human connection strong, even online. You can learn more about listening skills on our Free Life Coach Training 101 course.
• Add a Personal Touch: Personalise your coaching by using data to reference specific milestones or challenges. It helps you demonstrate to your clients that you’re invested in their unique journey.
• Balance Automation with Authenticity: Use automation to improve the processes, but always add a personal note (hand-written if you can) or thoughtful feedback to your automated emails. These small things can make all the difference.
• Bring in Real-World Connection: Occasionally offer offline connection if you can, maybe that means that you meet in a coffee shop, park or venue. Or you could also connect with a handwritten note or a small gift, to remind clients of the person behind the screen.

6. The Future of Coaching Challenge: Getting Familiar With New Technologies

Main Takeaways:

Nearly 45% of coaches see adapting to new technologies as their biggest challenge over the next five years in the future of coaching study. While AI is exciting, many coaches aren’t sure how to integrate it into their practice.

The future of coaching is likely to be more tech-driven. If you want to keep up and reach your clients where they are, it’s important to learn how to work with AI and other digital tools. For instance, imagine the opportunities you might lose if you didn’t learn to browse the web or send an email.

What You Can Do:

Clients are expecting a more evidence-based data-driven, personalised experience. Resisting these changes could make it harder to keep up with client expectations. Here’s what you can do:

• Start Small, Stay Consistent: Begin by using one new tool at a time. Perhaps a simple scheduling app or video conferencing tool, and give yourself time to get comfortable before adding more.
• Focus on What Enhances the Experience: Only adopt technology that improves the client
  experience, like interactive tools or video calls, and avoid tech that adds complexity without real benefit.
• Embrace Learning: New tech can be overwhelming, but see it as an opportunity for growth. Take small steps—try tutorials, ask peers for advice, and experiment to see what works best for you and your clients.
• Keep the Human Factor: Use tech to streamline processes, but don’t lose the personal touch. For instance, automate scheduling, but follow up with a personal note or feedback after each session.
• Be Transparent with Clients: Let clients know when you’re using new technologies and how it will benefit them. This builds trust, and transparency and keeps them engaged in the process.

7. Personalisation helps to Create Happy Clients

Main Takeaways:

One thing was clear in our survey, clients love more personalised coaching experiences. Tailored feedback and coaching plans aren’t just a nice-to-have, they’re essential for achieving great results.

In a crowded coaching space, personalisation is what sets you apart. Clients are looking for coaches who truly understand their unique challenges and can provide advice that fits them exactly for their individual circumstances.

Personalisation creates deeper connections:

Personalising your coaching creates a deeper, more engaging client experience, making them feel seen, valued, and supported throughout their journey. Here are a few ideas you can use:

• Personal Milestones: Don’t just acknowledge milestones, make them personal. Feel and show clients that you care about their unique journey. Celebrate their achievements in a way that’s meaningful to them and deepen your connection.
• Customise Action Steps: Not every client needs the same homework to do. Customise the tasks and action plans you give based on their strengths and lifestyle. When clients see you’re designing steps just for them, they’re more likely to stay motivated and feel supported.
• Unexpected Check-Ins: Every now and again, send a quick, personalised check-in outside of your usual scheduled sessions. That might mean a text message or maybe even a short video. This unexpected touch shows that you’re thinking of them and really care about their journey. It’s these small but impactful actions that will help your client stay motivated.
• Develop a Specially Made Toolkit: Develop a set of resources specifically for each client. Perhaps a list of books, podcasts, or activities customised to their specific goals. When clients see you’ve put thought into selecting tools just for them, it makes them feel valued and supported throughout their journey.
• Create Visuals For Their Goals: Help clients turn their goals into something real. Work with them to create personalised vision boards or goal-tracking systems. This could be in digital or physical form. These tools can be a powerful way to keep their vision front and centre, reminding them of their path towards their goal.
• Learn About Their Favourite Communication Style: Each client has a preferred way to communicate. Some like in-depth longer emails, while others prefer a quick voice note or text. Everyone is different. Use their favourite communication style to stay better connected with your clients.
• Share Personalised Content: Whenever you come across content articles, videos, or podcasts that you think will resonate with a client, share it with them. Personalising your content recommendations based on their challenges or interests shows that you’re really invested in their journey.
• Design A 30-Day Challenge: Create a personalised 30-day challenge based on each client’s individual goals. For instance, if the client is looking to develop their productivity, you could set a 30-day productivity challenge. Or maybe you could set a daily exercise task, or something customised to their personal growth. These challenges keep clients engaged and focused.

Will you or will you not use AI in Your Coaching Practice?

The coaching industry and many other industries are entering a new era where technology, particularly AI, will play a key role in shaping the future.

We’re optimistic about the future of coaching and believe that coaches who use and integrate AI and new technologies will not only improve their practice but also deliver deeper, more meaningful experiences for their clients.

CoachVista is here to help you be more aware of these changes and challenges. Whether you’re ready to explore AI tools or want to explore the future of coaching, we’re here to bring you the latest insights when they happen.