Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen with an episode with Dr. Nicky Terblanche's titled, "From Code to Coaching: Vision for AI-Assisted Development." In this episode, recorded via Zoom on November 27th, 2024, we are joined by Dr. Nicky Terblanche, an associate professor of leadership coaching and information systems at Stellenbosch Business School, executive coach, and founder of Coach Vici. Dr. Terblanche brings a unique blend of technological expertise and human development insight, making him a leading researcher in the field of human-machine collaborative coaching and the application of artificial intelligence in personal growth and professional development.

Dr. Terblanche's journey begins with an early fascination with computer programming at age 10, riding horseback to access his town's only PC to code in BASIC. His path led from software engineering through artificial intelligence research in 1999 to a profound interest in human psychology and coaching. This unusual combination of technical expertise and human development has positioned him as a pioneer in AI-enhanced coaching research. His groundbreaking studies, including collaboration with renowned researchers like Eric deHaan, have challenged conventional wisdom about AI's role in coaching. Through his company Coach Vici and his academic work, Dr. Terblanche continues to push the boundaries of how artificial intelligence can democratize and enhance coaching practices while maintaining rigorous scientific standards.

The conversation reveals several crucial insights for executive coaches navigating the AI revolution. First, the research indicates that AI-powered coaching can be remarkably effective, particularly in structured situations like goal-setting and initial interactions. This suggests that coaches should consider incorporating AI tools as complementary resources rather than viewing them as threats to their practice.

Perhaps most surprisingly, the research showed that cognitive behavioral coaching approaches through AI outperformed both GROW model and solution-focused methods, challenging conventional wisdom in the coaching field. This finding emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices and suggests that coaches should remain open to adjusting their methodologies based on empirical research rather than tradition or preference.

The future of executive coaching appears to be moving toward a hybrid model where human coaches serve as expert prompt engineers and meaning-makers, while AI handles data processing and pattern recognition. Dr. Terblanche's concept of "coach shapeshifting" - where AI adapts its approach based on client needs - suggests that successful coaches will need to develop similar adaptability in their practice, combining technical knowledge with deep human understanding to provide truly transformative coaching experiences.

The Arete Coach Podcast seeks to explore the art and science of executive coaching. You can find out more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.

This episode was recorded on November 27, 2024.

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