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:
- Why human coaches still have the edge - psychological accountability, connection, and empathy
- The latest research: AI’s strengths (and limits) in goal achievement
- Ethical pitfalls and how to avoid them: consent, confidentiality, and protecting your clients
- The new ICF standards for AI use and why explicit contracting matters
- AI-generated content and its impact on expertise
- 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
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/
Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast
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:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy
Produced by Winter Audio.
