Are coaches about to be replaced by AI? In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I deliver an honest update on where AI stands in coaching after 2025 and what’s next in 2026. Whether you’re worried about your future as a coach, excited about the tech, or simply want to serve your clients better, I share what you need to know.

We explore the key differences between human and AI coaches, the real-world outcomes from large-scale studies, and why human-to-human connection keeps winning. I get into the complexities around ethics, confidentiality, and consent, breaking down the latest ICF guidelines so you stay both credible and safe.

You’ll find practical advice on leveraging AI thoughtfully, maintaining trust, and using person-centred approaches that honour every client’s unique experiences. If you’ve ever wondered how technology and coaching can co-exist, this episode is for you.

Plus: the truth about AI-generated content, expert insights on adaptability and empathy, and why coaching is more essential than ever in times of massive change.

What’s inside:

1. Why human coaches still have the edge - psychological accountability, connection, and empathy
2. The latest research: AI’s strengths (and limits) in goal achievement
3. Ethical pitfalls and how to avoid them: consent, confidentiality, and protecting your clients
4. The new ICF standards for AI use and why explicit contracting matters
5. AI-generated content and its impact on expertise
6. How coaches can use AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement.

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Key Topics Covered:

00:00 Intro: Is AI after your job?

00:34 What 2025 studies taught us about AI and coaching

01:23 Why humans still win: accountability and psychological contracts

03:02 Connection, empathy, and nervous system-to-nervous system coaching

04:39 Adaptability: research on flexible, and intuitive coaching

05:30 The murky world of ethics, confidentiality, and consent

06:43 New ICF guidelines: what’s required for coaches using AI

08:13 Trust, safety, and client preferences for human interaction

09:19 The role of AI in supporting, not replacing coaching

10:08 Backlash against AI-generated content

11:22 How to use AI ethically and explicitly

12:17 Final thoughts: AI will support coaches, not replace them

13:00 How to connect with Optimus for ICF-accredited training.

About Ruth Kudzi:

Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education.

Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/

Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books...