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

Produced by

What makes a truly transformative coaching education and how can new coaches learn to trust their unique voice?

In this special episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, it’s my turn to be in the hot seat. I am being interviewed by the brilliant coach Lisa Hopper.

We chat about what makes Optimus Coach Academy unique, how a truly holistic approach to coaching development is delivered, and what the future of coaching looks like. Including the rising impact of AI, the importance of vulnerability, and building self-acceptance as a coach.

Whether you’re considering coach training, care about inclusivity, or want honest insight into what it takes to stand out in the industry, this episode is for you.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Why I am being interviewed, not hosting, and my guest host Lisa Hopper

00:50 The Optimus approach: Why clients love hiring Optimus graduates

02:36 Nearly 1,000 coaches trained, I reflect on growth and celebrating milestones

03:33 How to create a holistic, non-cookie-cutter curriculum at scale

05:42 Helping new coaches balance frameworks with developing their unique style

07:48 “Who am I to coach?” The value of vulnerability, imperfection, and empathetic role modeling

10:31 The myth of perfection and the power of real connection

13:34 Moving beyond transactional coaching to whole-person change

18:58 The reality of credentialing and how it fits into a coach’s long-term career

19:30 AI in coaching: Fears, opportunities, and what can (and can’t) be replaced

24:22 How future-proofing your coaching career means developing deep, holistic skills

29:48 The power of a diverse learning community to accelerate your growth

30:30 Creating inclusivity and diverse representation at Optimus

34:09 My proudest achievement: Impact, outcomes, and team

35:13 The importance of feedback and learning from discomfort as a coach and leader

36:20 What’s next for Optimus: Upcoming diplomas, corporate training, and my new book.

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:

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoach

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:

What does it ‘really’ take to build a thriving coaching business and why do so many new coaches underestimate what’s involved? In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I’m sharing honestly about the practical realities, the mindset shifts, and the foundational steps that set successful coaches apart.

Drawing from my own journey and years of mentoring coaches at all stages, I break down the essential ingredients for building a sustainable business, from mastering your core coaching skills to finding your target audience, developing authentic messaging, and navigating the ups and downs along the way. If you want the no-BS version of what works, this one’s for you.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Why building a coaching business isn’t as complicated as it looks

01:08 The realities of entrepreneurship

02:25 Why running your own business is hard but rewarding

03:55 Why delivering results is non-negotiable for sustainable growth

04:41 Do you really need a niche? Why a target audience matters

05:20 How your experience, values, network, and story inform who you serve

06:16 The power of positioning: why your “why” and connection to your niche matter

07:27 How to communicate value beyond “coaching”

08:25 Packaging your offer

08:58 The many ways to get clients

09:22 Measuring, testing, and refining what works in your business development

10:09 How to reflect, learn, and adopt a coaching mindset for long-term growth

11:40 Building your business model

12:54 Defining your vision of success and choosing the path that works for you

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:

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoach

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...

What are the changes to the ICF competencies?

At the start of September the ICF released updates to the competencies and I’m sharing what this means for your coaching practice

In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I break down the latest updates from the International Coaching Federation, explaining what’s changed, why it matters and how you can put these new standards into practice.

We’ll dive into the nuanced shifts in language, the emphasis on ongoing professional development, inclusivity, and even the careful addition of knowledge-sharing within coaching. Whether you’re new to ICF accreditation or a seasoned MCC-level coach, make sure you tune in to learn more.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction: The ICF’s forward-thinking approach and what’s changed

01:39 The 8 ICF competencies and what’s new

03:01 Why supervision and mentor coaching are now essential for all coaches

04:11 Adding technology and best practices, plus addressing bias

06:44 Encouraging curiosity within ourselves, clients, and the coaching process

07:57 Defining your unique coaching philosophy and communicating it

08:51 Ongoing agreement: recontracting and adapting to client needs

09:17 Maintaining presence as a coach and having awareness of self and client

09:43 Shifts in language towards greater inclusivity and partnership

10:09 The controversial update: when (and how) to share knowledge as a coach

13:03 Integrating learning and progress: new emphasis on embedding change

13:49 Final thoughts: ICF as a guiding light in the profession and what’s next

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:

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoach

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...

Have you ever found yourself questioning how to truly look after your own wellbeing as a coach, especially when your job is all about supporting others? In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I explore the importance of self-care for coaches and explore practical strategies to avoid coaching burnout. Having personally been close to burnout a few times in my career, I share real-life insights, practical tips, and models like PERMA to help you audit and improve your wellbeing, whether you’re an established coach or just starting your journey.

We’ll explore what wellbeing really means in the context of our coaching work, how to recognise the early signs of burnout, and ways you can build routines and rituals that help you thrive, not just survive.

Here are the highlights:

00:00 Introduction: Why wellbeing matters for coaches

02:31 Noticing emotional balance and influences on mood

03:10 The basics: food, sleep, movement & energising work

04:39 Overcoming isolation and building support

05:19 Responsibility, growth, and sustainability in coaching businesses

06:09 Disengagement, over-responsibility & boundaries

06:42 Coaching burnout: essentialism and red flags

07:56 Managing drains: social media, energy, and business choices

08:30 Mapping your ideal coaching week

10:25 Personal wellbeing rituals

10:54 The role of community and asking for help.

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:

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoach

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:

Ever feel like you or your team are struggling to find your rhythm after a summer break? In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come with reigniting momentum in teams after a pause.

I’ll be sharing my personal experiences and actionable strategies for team coaches and leaders: how to reset, re-centre, and inspire your people so everyone feels engaged, valued, and ready for growth. Whether you’re in a formal team coaching role, leading your own team, or simply want to cultivate stronger group dynamics, there’s plenty here for you. This is a must-listen if you want your team to return from any break re-energised and unified for the final quarter of the year.

Here are the Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and why post-summer is a pivotal time for teams

01:11 Why trust and safety matter so much in effective teams

02:33 How to reset team norms, values, and behaviours after a break

03:20 The power of feedback, focusing on lived experiences as a diagnostic

04:56 Getting clear on team vision, values, and alignment

05:53 Strengths mapping: Why voice and choice matter for engagement

07:02 Dealing with transitions, resetting dynamics as people come and go

07:59 Making what isn’t working visible and discussing it openly

09:11 Creating agency, informal connections, and shared goals, especially for remote teams

10:35 Celebrating progress, fostering mission, and supporting individual needs

10:55 Final thoughts: Why balancing individual with group perspectives is key.

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:

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoach

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: