Coaching in the Age of AI: Perspectives on Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions

This open access volume examines the multifaceted role of AI in coaching practices, featuring insights from leading coaching experts, and with a focus on practical developments, scientific topics, and ethical implications. It addresses three key perspectives: AI as a replacement for human coaches, as an enhancement within the coaching process, and as a tool for training and supervision. The contributions discuss these positions not in opposition but as complementary possibilities, fostering a nuanced and integrative understanding of AI's potential. Key transversal themes--ethics, research, and philosophy--highlight the broader implications of AI, addressing pressing questions about its impact on human development and the coaching profession. By bridging academic theory and practical applications, the volume provides actionable insights for practising coaches, researchers, and AI enthusiasts. It offers a comprehensive framework to navigate the complexities of integrating AI into coaching and sets the stage for ongoing dialogue, advancing both scientific understanding and professional practice in this rapidly evolving field.

Robert Wegener (Dr) is a coach, political scientist, and communication psychologist with extensive expertise in coaching research, education, and practice. He is co-responsible for the Coaching Studies program at FHNW (University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland) and leads Das Coaching Haus, a coaching and supervision company. Dr. Wegener also organizes the international conference Coaching meets Research and regularly publishes on coaching topics, including Significant Moments in Coaching, Coaching Process Research, and Impact in Coaching. Holding a PhD in Coaching from the Helmut-Schmidt University and master's degrees in Communication Psychology and Political Science, Dr. Wegener combines academic knowledge with practical expertise. He directs the CAS Coaching in Work Integration, teaches in the MAS Coaching program at FHNW, and is certified in systemic coaching, team coaching, and virtual career coaching.

Tamara Garcia is a work and organizational psychologist, a BSO-certified coach, and an organizational consultant. She is the director of the Centre for Coaching and Organizational Change at the IAP (Institute for Applied Psychology). She also leads the MAS in Coaching, Supervision, and Organizational Consulting. Her work focuses on organizational development, coaching, team development, and leadership development. Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as CAS Coaching in Practice, MAS Organizational Consulting, and Coaching with AI and VR. In addition, she works on consulting mandates with companies from various industries, as well as with public institutions and NGOs. Tamara Garcia has contributed to several applied publications, including as the editor of the foundational book Coaching - Angewandte Psychologie für die Beratungspraxis published by Springer.

Nicky Terblanche (Prof. Dr) is an academic, researcher, leadership coach and entrepreneur. He has a master's degree and PhD in Leadership Coaching and a master's degree in electronic and software engineering. He is Associate Professor of Leadership Coaching and Research Methodology at Stellenbosch Business School, South Africa. His research interests include leadership coaching with a focus on Artificial Intelligence Coaching. He also runs an executive and leadership coaching practice. Nicky has published more than 30 peer-reviewed research articles and book chapters and regularly presents at international conferences as keynote speaker. He is also the founder and CEO CoachVici.com that creates AI Coaches for organisations and research lead at Ovida.org.

Till Grossrieder holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology and specialized in the development of relationships in coaching and psychotherapy within online settings during his studies. He currently works as an assistant at the Leadership, Coaching, and Change Management Centre at IAP (Institute for Applied Psychology), where he is involved in coaching and leadership training as well as service mandates related to these topics. He led the project for the fourth edition of the textbook Coaching - Angewandte Psychologie für die Beratungspraxis and continues to serve in this project manager role for the current publication.