Coaching begins with curiosity and the willingness to hold space for someoneโs truth.ย
But letโs address the elephant in the room:
โCould an algorithm ever ask a better question than a human coach?โ
AI is thrilling for some, unsettling for others. But itโs here, slipping into spaces where we could never have imagined.
Like the phone in your hand. Once a luxury, now a lifeline.
Like that omnipresent masala in every Indian kitchen, you may not see it, but itโs there.
Coaching, too, is no longer untouched by AI.
But can AI hold the pause between a coachโs question and a clientโs sigh? Can it catch a client tearing up?
Friend, foe, or something in between?
The benefits are compelling and real. So are the tradeoffs. And the questions? Still unfolding.
Some hail AI as a powerful ally, making coaching available at large, helping democratize career support and development. Others raise an eyebrow at its limitations, of what gets lost in translation. The subtlety. The spontaneity. The very human-ness of coaching.
Because AI doesnโt do nuance. It lacks empathy, human judgement and the spontaneous magic of a well-timed pause. It doesnโt feel into silence. It doesnโt know when not to speak.
So where does that leave us as coaches? What does this mean for our craft?
Voices from the field
Coaches are experimenting with AI. However, not without boundaries.
Some use it to prep, reflect, or write. But when it comes to the actual coaching?
We spoke to coaches who arenโt just seasoned in their craft, but also curious, discerning and informed about AIโs role in coaching. They open up about whatโs useful, whatโs off-limits, and what theyโll never compromise on.
We asked them the tough ones, like:
- Would you ever delegate session prep or follow-up to an AI assistant?
- How do we uphold ethics in an AI-assisted world?
- What excites or worries you about AI in our profession?
What we heard was thoughtful
Yes, weโre getting better at using AI. But the human capacity to hold silence, listen deeply, and invite transformation? Thatโs still irreplaceable.
The work of transformation still needs us. The human coach. The human heart.
Literacy over fear
The point isnโt to reject AI. Itโs to lead it. Focus should be on becoming AI-literate and making the right use of it. Make it your brainstorming partner and use it to absorb content or orchestrate processes, for example.
Get literate. Stay curious. Set boundaries. Use it to support you, not replace you.
The Future of Coaching: Not Either-Or
The real question isnโt whether AI is coming, it already has. Very much.
What matters is: How do we stay human in the midst of it?
AI and coaching apps can manage the logical aspects of coaching, including structured frameworks, models, and certain levels of reflection. They serve well for the IQ side of things.
But coaching that truly transforms lives? That draws on EQ (emotional intelligence) and SQ (spiritual intelligence). It needs presence, intuition, and energy, all human qualities beyond AIโs grasp.
The real risk isnโt AI replacing us, itโs us staying at a transactional, superficial level. When we stay rooted in deep presence and partnership, we consistently deliver transformational coaching and remain irreplaceable.
Let AI handle the structure. We must hold the soul.
So, where do we go from here? Weโre not here to decide sides. But one thing is clear.ย
Presence and intuition are deeply human gifts, the ones AI does not have, and maybe never will.ย
Itโs fast, yes. But does it sense the unsaid? Can it pause when a human coach instinctively would?
Not yet. Maybe never.ย
AI can assist. But the essence of true coaching? It will always need a heartbeat.
Before We Sign Offโฆ A Little Recap & Whatโs Ahead
Itโs been a fulfilling quarter of learning, growing and meeting so many energetic souls along the way. Hereโs a glimpse of what the last few months looked like at Regal.
While many joined us to begin their coaching journeys with Regal Coach Certification (ICF-accredited for L1 and L2), some chose to deepen their journey into mastery and step towards building a commercially successful coaching business with Coaching Unlimited (next edition coming soon in Bengaluru).
We also had the joy of celebrating coaches who fulfilled their dream and earned their ACC credentials with us. Itโs a powerful milestone and commitment to their craft. Wishing them the best.
We hosted many beautiful conversations, and while each one left its mark, here are two we felt you wouldnโt want to miss.
Four of our coaches came together to address the crucial topic of wellness of leaders (because even leaders need space to pause), and another one that nudged coaches to go beyond just ticking off ICF competencies and really step into the heart of coaching. Thoughtful, honest, and deeply reflective, these sessions gave us a lot to carry forward.
And beyond the classroom, the TCS Marathon #MajjaRun brought many of us together in support of a cause close to our hearts, free and quality education for every child. It was a small yet heartfelt step towards giving more children a chance to sit in a classroom and dream a little bigger.
At Regal, weโre always here, supporting new journeys, deepening ongoing ones, and welcoming more passionate souls into the Regal coaching community.
Got questions or want to explore coaching with us?
ย Weโre happy to help.
Reach out at info@regalunlimited.com or say hello on WhatsApp: https://wa.me/919108800892