Coaching is booming - why now?
Coaching has evolved from an exclusive service to a globally established format for business and health. The market is growing rapidly: estimates by the International Coaching Federation (ICF, 2023) put global sales in 2022 at around USD 4.56 billion - an increase of 60 % compared to 2019. The driving force behind this is the Digitization. Online platforms and online coaching have democratized the offer, making it accessible to broader target groups today. It can now be used flexibly in terms of time and location (see Greif, 2025). Coaching is therefore no longer a field with a blind spot. It is an established, strategic development measure in a secure professional field.
Will AI replace the coach?
With the rise Artificial intelligence (AI) The question arises: Do we still need human coaches? Science predicts a hybrid future with so-called „AI-augmented coaching“ (Greif, 2025). AI systems will take on specific tasks. They can be available around the clock to answer questions, provide data analyses (e.g. for stress management) or accompany standardized reflection processes as chatbots. AI can also be used in secure environments to simulate crisis scenarios and prepare managers and teams for real-life challenges. Recording and automatically evaluating the conversation are also possible applications. This makes the Efficiency on both sides - a serious pro-argument in an increasingly fast-paced world.
But there are Clear boundaries. AI only simulates empathy, it does not feel. In addition, the use of AI raises questions about data protection and ethical responsibility, for example when algorithms reproduce unconscious prejudices or data is taken over in an uncontrolled manner (Peukert, 2025). To counteract such „side effects“, a human coach is needed who is trained in the use of technology. This is sustainably promoted as part of the coaching training offered at our institute.
So what are the benefits of a coach?
Labor alliance
- The quality of the working relationship between coach and client is one of the most important factors for coaching success (Stork et al., 2026)
Complex topics
- The search for meaning, identity crises and moral dilemmas require a deep, human understanding and emotional resonance
- A coach creates a protected space in which even shameful topics can be dealt with in depth (Peukert, 2025)
Role of the coach
- Effective use of coaching tools
- More psychoeducation
- Flexible alternation between process support & expert knowledge
- Providing orientation in the flood of information (Kraft, 2024)
Form and location
- 80 % practical exercises
- Followed by 20 % Theory
- 100 % Remote
- No travel and overnight stay
- Flexible from home
- Full-time or alongside your job
Work and leadership in transition
The world of work has become uncertain, complex and ambiguous („VUCA world“). This is leading to new pressures such as digital stress and the blurring of boundaries between work and private life. Coaching no longer just supports performance improvement, but increasingly focuses on resilience, mental health and the ability to manage oneself in uncertain times. Today, managers use coaching to redefine their role in agile structures and learn how to deal with complexity instead of just calling up specialist knowledge (Rosenstein, 2023). In addition, in the course of „New Work“ focuses on the question of which work really suits one's own personality (Schulte-Seitz & Kauffeld, 2026).
Conclusion: The future is hybrid and can be shaped
The future of coaching is not a decision between „man or machine“, but a Together. New formats and settings, such as the increasingly popular Online coaching, offer more room for reflection to meet innovation. We are facing an era in which AI takes over routine processes and analyses as an intelligent tool, while human coaches focus on what they do best: Relationship building, deep understanding and guiding complex change processes.
Bibliography
Greif, S. (2025). The Future of Coaching: Bridges Between Science and Practice. In S. Greif (Ed.), The Future of Coaching (S. 249-292). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-96192-2_10
International Coaching Federation ([ICF], 2023). Global coaching study 2023: Final Report.
Kraft, N. C. (2024). Coaching for HR professionals: How to successfully establish coaching programs in your company. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-69323-0
Peukert, M. (2025). Developing an AI mindset: strategies for the working world of tomorrow. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-47902-2
Schulte-Seitz, E. & Kauffeld, S. (2026). Career coaching. In M., Quirin, E., Jonas, & C. Graßmann (Eds.). Coaching psychology: basics, methods and areas of application (S. 767-784). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-48449-1
Stork, V., Mühlberger, C. & Behrendt, P. Success factors in coaching: How coaches can contribute to coaching success: Relationship-, goal- and change-oriented coach behavior - An integrative model of coach behavior to predict coaching success (2026). In M., Quirin, E., Jonas, & C. Graßmann (Eds.). Coaching psychology: basics, methods and areas of application (S. 111-128). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-48449-1
Rosenstein, I. (2023). Psychodynamic business coaching in modern working environments. Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft. https://doi.org/10.5771/9783748919612
About the author
Tim S. Tabrizi is the founder and managing director of Ihr Coaching Institut (Frankfurt). Certified Executive Coach (ICF, DBVC) with over 15 years of experience. 35 coaches throughout Germany. LinkedIn profile | Author page →
Frequently asked questions
Practical tips: How to get the most out of your coaching
The success of a coaching process depends largely on your own willingness and preparation. Before you start coaching, you should take the time to clearly formulate your goals. What exactly do you want to change? What specific results do you expect? The more precise your objectives, the more focused the coaching process can be.
Between the individual sessions, it is important to actively integrate the insights you have gained into your everyday life. Keep a coaching diary in which you record your progress, challenges and "aha" moments. This reflection reinforces the transfer effect and makes your personal development visible. Many of our clients report that the time between sessions is crucial for lasting change.
Be open to new perspectives and be prepared to question habitual thought patterns. A good coach will challenge you without overwhelming you. Trust the process, even if individual steps seem unfamiliar at first. The best results are achieved when you get involved in the collaboration and play an active role in shaping it. Our experience at Ihr Coaching Institut in Frankfurt has shown that clients who have this basic attitude achieve their goals much faster and more sustainably.
Scientific basis and effectiveness
The effectiveness of coaching has been proven by numerous scientific studies. A meta-analysis by the International Coach Federation shows that 80% of coached individuals experience a significant improvement in their self-efficacy. Other studies show positive effects on stress reduction, decision-making quality and interpersonal communication.
Research provides impressive results, particularly in the area of leadership development. A study by the Manchester Consulting Group showed an average return on investment of 5.7 times the coaching budget invested. The improvements were reflected in increased productivity, higher employee satisfaction and improved working relationships.
Neurobiological research explains why coaching is so effective: new neuronal connections are formed in the brain through targeted reflection and new experiences of action. This process, known as neuroplasticity, enables lasting changes in behavior. At Ihr Coaching Institut, we work exclusively with evidence-based methods that put these scientific findings into practice. Our certified coaches combine sound specialist knowledge with many years of practical experience.
The coaching process: procedure and phases
A professional coaching process follows a clear structure that is divided into several phases. In the orientation phase, the coach and client clarify the issue together, define specific goals and agree on the framework for the collaboration. This clarification of the assignment is crucial for later success, as it determines the direction and focus of the entire process.
During the work phase, new perspectives are opened up, resources activated and concrete action strategies developed with the help of various coaching methods. Your coach will ask specific questions to stimulate reflection and support you in developing individual solutions. Between sessions, you put the insights gained into practice and gain new experiences.
The final phase is used for reflection and sustainability assurance. Together, you evaluate the progress you have made, anchor successful strategies and plan the next steps for your further development. At Ihr Coaching Institut, we attach particular importance to careful evaluation so that you can clearly state the benefits of your coaching - both for yourself and for your employer.
Read also: Coaching costs & fee, Attitude in coaching, Coaching offers
What does the future of coaching cost?
The costs vary depending on the scope and objectives. An initial consultation at ICI Frankfurt is non-binding and free of charge. We will discuss the framework and the appropriate coaching format for your situation.
Why is Conclusion: The future is hybrid and designable important?
Conclusion: The future is hybrid and designable plays a central role in the context of The Future of Coaching. Our experience from over 15 years of coaching practice shows that this aspect contributes significantly to the success of the entire development process.
Who is The Future of Coaching suitable for?
Our The Future of Coaching is aimed at specialists and managers who want to drive forward their professional and personal development in a targeted manner. The 35 certified coaches at ICI Frankfurt offer expertise for a wide range of issues.
How long does a typical coaching process take?
A typical coaching process comprises 8-12 sessions over a period of 3-6 months. The exact duration depends on the individual goals and progress. Initial results can often be seen after 2-3 sessions.
How can I recognize a reputable coach?
Look for recognized certifications (ICF, DBVC, DCV), sound training, demonstrable professional experience and transparent methods. A reputable coach offers a non-binding initial consultation and works with clear agreements.
What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
Coaching is future-oriented and focuses on achieving goals and developing potential. Therapy, on the other hand, treats mental illnesses and focuses on the past. Coaching is aimed at healthy people who want to develop further.
Can coaching also take place online?
Yes, online coaching is just as effective as face-to-face coaching. Studies show that the coaching results are comparable regardless of the format. Online coaching also offers flexibility and time savings.
Author: Tim S. Tabrizi, founder of the ICI Frankfurt.
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