How to build an adaptable workforce with AI and coaching

Everyone's debating whether AI will replace coaches. I think we're asking the wrong question. A recent Conference Board report validated something I've been seeing firsthand: AI can tackle about 90% of routine career coaching tasks. But that last 10%? That's where everything falls apart for technology. That 10% is the hard stuff: • The conversation when someone's on the verge of tears because they hate their job • The decision between taking the "safe" promotion or making a risky pivot • Figuring out how to speak up when you're the only person who looks like you in the room I can help someone polish a resume in my sleep. That's table stakes. But the real coaching, the kind that actually changes lives, happens in the messy middle. It's sitting with someone who's making six figures but feels completely empty inside. It's helping someone find the courage to use their voice when they've been conditioned to stay quiet. It's the moment when someone asks, "Is this all there is?" and actually means it. These aren't problems you can prompt-engineer your way through. They require empathy, lived experience, intuitive insight, and the kind of nuanced understanding that comes only from being human. Here's what I think: AI should handle the checklist items so coaches can spend more time in the deep end where transformation actually happens. What about you? Where in your work does the human element remain non-negotiable? #Coaching #CareerDevelopment #AI #Leadership #FutureOfWork #LearningandDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment

Why human coaching still matters (even in the age of AI) — and why SMEs should care As operations, teams and performance culture become ever more digital, the temptation is strong: “Let’s just use AI to coach everyone.” And yes, AI has a powerful role to play. According to a recent briefing from The Conference Board, AI can automate follow-ups, suggest behaviour patterns, and alert when employees are falling off track. Yet multiple studies emphasise that when it comes to transformational development, human coaches bring something irreducible: rapport, intuition, embodied experience, trust and the ability to respond to unforeseen emotional or organisational complexity. For example, a research review points out that AI coaching tends to be “models-based” while human coaching ranges across “philosophy-based” and “systemic eclectic” approaches that deal with nuance, context and the unexpected. At Zurital We don’t believe in a binary choice. Here’s how we deliver value: We engage human coaches—one of our team trained in humanistic counselling, so you get someone professionally versed in supportive, developmental human work, not just frameworks. We integrate AI tools to support the coaching rhythm: tracking insights between sessions, helping interpret data, providing nudges. But the core session is human-to-human. We are designed for SMEs: human-centric, fixed-cost monthly talent-management plans with recruitment, HR support, individual & team performance coaching, leadership development and more. Affordable, accessible, and focused on real impact rather than luxury price tags. Why this matters: For smaller businesses, every investment needs a clear return. Human coaching that’s relational can improve engagement, retention, performance and culture. AI alone may deliver scale, but not always depth. A leader deciding between DIY AI-tools and premium executive coaches can have the best of both worlds with our model. Ready to explore how our human-plus-AI approach to coaching can elevate your team’s performance, culture and growth? Contact us today for a conversation and discover which of our monthly plans fits your business. #zurital #development #coaching #leader

I was asked if I think AI will put coaches out of business.⁣ ⁣ I’m not naive enough to say, “no way, that would never happen.”⁣ ⁣ Let’s be real, none of us are completely safe from AI disruption.⁣ ⁣ But here’s what I do firmly believe…⁣ ⁣ The human connection is one of the most powerful & effective parts of great coaching.⁣ ⁣ It’s a major reason people end up being more consistent:⁣ ⁣ working out more, eating better, and living a more fit lifestyle.⁣ ⁣ Because they told another human being - someone they care about and respect, that they would.⁣ ⁣ All men naturally want to be a man of their word. (well, most do)⁣ ⁣ If you tell an AI chatbot or coach that you’re going to work out… maybe you will.⁣ ⁣ But if you don’t, there’s no emotional consequence. (like being slight embarrassed)⁣ ⁣ Because you don’t feel like you’ve let someone down. You just don’t open the app the next day.⁣ ⁣ It’s different when you’ve got a real person in your corner.⁣ ⁣ A coach who actually checks in, calls you out when you’re slipping, and helps you course-correct.⁣ ⁣ You feel that accountability. Not necessarily as pressure, but as mutual respect.⁣ ⁣ It’s the same reason you’ll wake up at 2 a.m. to drive your family member or friend to the airport…⁣ ⁣ Despite not wanting to do that at all. ⁣ ⁣ It's the the power of human connection. And you told them you would do it, to help them. ⁣ ⁣ You don't want to let your family or friend down. And similarly, you don't want to let your coach down. ⁣ ⁣ So will AI replace coaches someday?⁣ ⁣ Maybe. Who knows what 5–10 years will look like.⁣ ⁣ But I do know this, human accountability, empathy, and connection are real.⁣ ⁣ And they’re hard to generate and automate.⁣ ⁣ That’s what makes great coaching - not just a program and data.⁣ ⁣ What do you think about this? How do you think it will effect your industry?⁣

💬 You Can’t Clone Yourself… But You Can Now Coach Like You Did. 🤯 Every coach knows the feeling — your day’s packed, your sessions are done, and then someone messages, “Do you have time for a quick chat?” There’s only one of you… or is there? That’s the thought that sparked our latest white paper at Pitstop — exploring how coaches can now create digital versions of themselves that coach, guide, and even earn while they sleep. Not a copy. A continuation. Even the experts at NYU’s Coaching & Technology Summit are saying it: “Coaches must engage with tech, not retreat from it, and technologists must remember that transformation begins with trust.” This isn’t about replacing the human connection. It’s about amplifying it — making your wisdom, your voice, and your energy available anywhere in the world, anytime someone needs it. The future of coaching isn’t less human. It’s more human — just beautifully scalable. The question isn’t if AI will change coaching. It’s how you’ll shape it. 💬 Drop me a message and I’ll send you the full white paper. #AI #Coaching #DigitalTwins #FutureOfCoaching #AICoaching #Innovation Steve Davies Amy Ballantyne - Executive Coach Ari Meisel Morgan Cummins Zac Lambrecht Peter Tierney, Ph.D Emmett Byrne Bob Goodwin Joe Dalton

🔍 In a data-driven world, those who lead with emotional intelligence stay ahead. I recently participated in the workshop "AI Meets Emotional Intelligence", led by Ama Annika GROBECKER, a specialist in empathy, emotional regulation, and nonverbal communication in professional environments. This experience went far beyond discussing emotions. It was a call to action: how can we balance AI-powered decision-making with our human essence? 💡 Key takeaways: ✅ Emotional intelligence is not a "nice-to-have" skill. It is a critical capability in highly automated environments. ✅ AI can simulate empathy but only humans can genuinely experience it. ✅ Emotional safety is just as essential as cybersecurity in digital workplaces. ✅ The competitive edge of the future lies in how we feel, decide, and connect—not just in what we know. During the workshop, we built a personal emotional intelligence roadmap, identifying emotional triggers and choosing practical regulation strategies. This is a crucial exercise for those of us leading digital transformation, where anxiety, complexity, and accelerated pace are part of daily life. 🧭 As a consultant in data strategy and digital transformation, I see it clearly: transforming processes through technology is not enough. We must also transform people through emotional intelligence. 🔗 I strongly recommend Ama's approach and methodology: https://lnkd.in/dvr5r2mE emotional-inspiration.com 📣 How do you balance data-driven decisions with empathy and emotional awareness? #EmotionalIntelligence #DigitalTransformation #AIandEI #DataStrategy #HumanLeadership #DigitalResilience #FutureOfWork #HumanSkills #LeadershipDevelopment

A fascinating report from The Conference Board, shared by Laura Berger, NACD.DC, MCC, Master Executive Coach, on how AI is set to amplify human coaches and scale performance development for all. #AI

In partnership with The Conference Board, I had the opportunity to contribute insights to their latest report: “A Coach for Every Worker: Scaling Access and Performance with AI.” At Berdeo Group LLC, we’re already integrating AI agents to recognize themes across client engagements—unlocking insights that sharpen clarity, deepen impact, and free up time for the emotional and strategic depth that only humans can hold. This report reflects what many of us are learning in real time: AI can extend the reach of coaching, but it doesn’t replace the nuance, presence, and trust of human connection. One standout takeaway: Adopt a tiered coaching model. Use AI for broad access and routine development—but escalate to human coaching when emotion, values, trust, or complexity come into play.. This hybrid model doesn’t diminish the human. It amplifies it. It lets coaches focus where they’re most needed, while helping more people grow—from emerging talent to seasoned leaders—faster and more intentionally. I'm honored to share this work alongside so many talented leaders: Tony Gigliotti, UPMC Robert Gulliver, Prudential Financial Stacey VanderHeiden Gűney, ArcelorMittal University Tom Gratian, Kamyn Search Neil Bhandar, Generac Alexei Dunaway, Pinnacle AI Performance Coaching Nicole Deichert, EcoLab Susan Caesar, International Coaching Federation Parker Mitchell, Valence Eugene Edw. Curtain III, Marmon Holdings Allan Schweyer, Conference Board Diana Scott, Conference Board Steve Odland, Conference Board Amit Mohindra, Conference Board Let’s keep the conversation going—what’s your organization learning about blending AI and coaching? https://lnkd.in/eH4KfJdJ #ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #AI

THE REINVENTION IMPERATIVE: WHY TRAINERS, COACHES & CONSULTANTS MUST EVOLVE FASTER THAN AI The world isn’t changing anymore — it’s being rewired. AI isn’t “coming for us.” It’s already in the room — analysing faster, predicting better, learning quicker. And yet, the uncomfortable truth? Most consultants, trainers, and coaches are still using yesterday’s playbook to solve tomorrow’s problems. THE REALITY CHECK ·      40% of core workforce skills are being redefined right now. ·      40% of employees will need reskilling within three years. ·      Organizations are asking: “Can my advisor guide me through transformation if they haven’t transformed themselves?” THE NEW RULES OF RELEVANCE 1.      Reskilling isn’t optional—it’s existential. We must learn AI literacy, automation, and prompt mastery. Our value now lies in orchestrating technology and human wisdom—together. 2.      Retooling demands ruthless honesty. If you wouldn’t tolerate inefficiency in a client’s process, why accept it in your own? The firms winning today aren’t tweaking—they’re rebuilding. 3.      Learning agility and courageous vulnerability. Leaders who admit what they don’t know—and show how they’re learning—will outlast those pretending to know it all. THE REAL DIFFERENTIATOR AI can replicate speed. It can’t replicate judgment, empathy, courage, and connection. That’s our edge—if we choose to keep sharpening it. The future of consulting, Training and coaching isn’t about competing with technology—it’s about designing the human layer that technology can’t replace. We’ve spent decades telling others to reinvent. Now it’s our turn. The reinvention isn’t coming. It’s happening. Right now. #AI, #trainers #Facilitators #coaches #consultants #retooling Asif Ebrahim Teja Gudluru Dr. Hashim Adil 🏆 Dr Priyanka Krishnan ( PS Trainings) Bhaskar Bhattacharya Vansh Chopra Shiv Bhaskar Amarvijayy Taandur Dhanaajjay Naithani Deepak Ayappa Angadjot Singh Chani George Christopher Dr. Shivaram Vinjamuri Ranjeet Saluja

I used to think I’d reach a point in my career where more training became optional, where I’d “learned enough”. But running a company in social care, where people are the business, has proved the opposite. The higher you go, the more human your skill set needs to be. And now, with AI creeping into everyone’s collective consciousness, it’s easy to hand over the reins to the latest technological marvel and assume it will do the thinking for us. But AI is a tool, not a saviour. If we stop developing, we stop leading and start just managing. I see this across our sector: brilliant, committed people doing important work, but relying on the same knowledge they had five or ten years ago. We owe them better development than that, and it starts with us. That’s why I put myself back into student mode with AJ&Smart and completed the Facilitation Fundamentals certification. And it reinforced something AI still can’t do: • AI can give you information. • Only humans can create alignment, trust, shared decisions and community. In my last post, I mentioned my TAB board, a group of business owners from completely different sectors. Every month, I’m reminded of the same truth: Progress doesn’t come from software working faster. It comes from people thinking better, together, through conversation, challenge, and sometimes brutal honesty. The future won’t just favour leaders who automate. It will favour leaders who can connect, communicate, facilitate, and build relationships. AI can support the work. But it can’t replace the work that happens between people. #Leadership #ContinuousLearning #AJSmart #Facilitation #HumanSkills #SocialCare #AIAndHumans #TABYork #FutureOfWork #PeopleLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #SkillsForTheFuture #BetterMeetings #Crikeythatsalotofhashtags Oh, and yes, I got the certificate. LinkedIn insists I show you.

Five months ago, we introduced AIMY™, the AI coach for global workforce. Now, we’re taking the next leap forward. With AIMY™ 2.0, we’re advancing AI-powered coaching to help organizations grow and develop their people more effectively. In just five months, more than 60 global enterprises have embraced the new AI coach. There have already been 50k+ coaching conversations completed, with more than 70% of coachees rating their experience as “Good” or “Excellent.” Powerful new features bring even more empathy, adaptability and precision to every coaching moment, including: ✅ Dynamic self-assessments: Built to track measurable growth in leadership, communication and self-awareness. ✅ Smart nudges and reminders: Integrated into Microsoft Teams and email, to keep company-wide development on track. ✅ Expanded role-play scenarios: Designed to help all your employees practice high-stakes conversations with confidence. ✅ Deeper organizational insights: Offering your HR leaders a clear, data-driven view of real time progress and impact. AIMY™ 2.0 showcases that AI coaching delivers personalized, high-quality development at scale. Helping your people master real leadership moments when it matters most. A huge thank you to our 60+ enterprise partners and thousands of coachees for driving this evolution with us. Together we’re shaping the future of work. And of course, an enormous shoutout to our amazing team of CoachHubbers who’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make all of this happen.  Hilary A., Eduardo Assunção, Benjamin Bellantonio, Dr. Christian Ebeling, Anne-Laure MEENS, Michelle M., David van Schaick, Giulia Fioravera, Paul Holdgate, Julien Bienvenu 👨🔧 and all your teams are doing remarkable work! Want to learn more? 👉 Read the press release here: https://lnkd.in/dpfsQWMP #Coaching #AI #LeadershipDevelopment #HRInnovation #FutureOfWork #CoachHub #AIMY