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.

Like, comment, follow, and subscribe for more conversations about growth, coaching, and personal development.

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...

What will it take to stay relevant in the coaching industry and are you ready for the changes already underway? In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I break down the key trends set to shape the coaching industry by 2026. Whether you're an established coach, industry newcomer, or passionate about personal development, this episode will give you an honest take on what’s next for coaching and how you can get ahead.

I explore why accreditation is rapidly moving from a “nice-to-have” to an essential for credibility, client trust, and even market access. I unpack the rise in popularity of neurodiversity coaching, the rise in demand for team and in-person coaching, and how organisations are now actively seeking accredited professionals. As AI becomes a support tool (not a replacement!), I explain how the human touch remains central. You’ll also hear about the increasing focus on psychology, neuroscience, and person-centric approaches that value every individual’s unique makeup.

Plus, discover why coaching isn’t just for coaches anymore, coaching skills are becoming must-haves for leaders and teams, so we can create workplaces where everyone thrives.

What’s inside:

1. Why industry-wide accreditation is becoming non-negotiable
2. The boom in neurodiversity coaching and what responsible practice really requires
3. Why team coaching and in-person experiences are making a comeback
4. How AI can support (but not replace!) great coaching
5. The movement toward psychology and neuroscience-led coaching
6. Why person-centric, holistic coaching is the future.

Like, comment, follow and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on growth and professional development.

Key Topics Covered:

00:00 Intro

00:25 Why the industry is changing: accreditation & standards

01:44 Accreditation going mainstream

02:43 Neurodiversity coaching boom (and what to watch out for)

03:57 Mainstreaming inclusive, strength-based approaches

04:36 The rise of team coaching and in-person work

05:12 AI as a supportive tool—not a replacement

05:28 Embracing psychology and neuroscience

07:25 Person-centric, holistic coaching

07:59 Focus on environmental coaching

08:10 The vital importance of coaching skills for leaders and teams

09:00 Final thoughts & invitation to connect.

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

Connect with Ruth:

YouTube:

Exciting things are coming! The Coaching Hub Podcast is now live on YouTube, and this is the place to come if you’re curious about coaching or want to understand how coaching skills can make a real difference in everyday life.

The Coaching Hub is exactly that, a hub. A space to explore what coaching really is, how it works, and how these skills can support us in our relationships, our personal lives, and our professional worlds.

I’ll be sharing real-life scenarios, practical examples, case studies, and insights from coaching theory, neuroscience, and psychology. Most importantly, this podcast is about helping you think: How can I actually apply this to my own life?

If you’re interested in learning more about coaching, whether for yourself, your work, or your future, come and join us on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

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

Connect with Ruth:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/

About Optimus Coach Academy:

Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates.

If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training

We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/

Connect with Optimus Coach Academy on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy

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