June President Message

Hello to all Fellow UK ICF chapter members 

Artificial Intelligence and the coaching profession have been very topical in the last few weeks. From helping run businesses to impacting coaching individuals/teams, AI is developing solutions at a fast pace. As coaches, we should look at AI with interest, if not embrace the trend.

I have been representing the ICF UK Chapter at a couple of events on the topic:

Microsoft coaching as an enabler for AI transformation day at the end of April, as part of a panel conversation on the very practical topic of ‘Coaching for AI implementation success’. 

The Leadership and Coaching club, a panel conversation on AI and the future of coaching in May.  Both interventions focused on the impact and challenges of introducing AI in coaching, using research from university researchers such as Jonathan Passmore and Eric de Haan as well as the ICF AI coaching framework and standards published last year. Whilst AI tools are fairly new to the market,  their take-up is fast. As coaches, it is helpful over time to develop a view on AI and its impact on the coaching profession. It is also advisable to practice with the many AI tools and solutions on offer.

The 2 events were good fun. During break-out times, I met many ICF UK chapter members, a good way to get and remain connected. Here are some photos: on the right with my amazing ICF colleagues, Beth Hope and Panos Malakoudis from UK ICF Credentialling and Ethics and Brian Murphy from Microsoft. On the left with my wonderful panel cohort, Christine Champion, Mark Penny and Razz Rasool; and our brilliant moderator, Jan Stancliff.

My take away from the 2 events is to include AI tools in my coaching practice when I can and also in the running of my coaching business: used in a thoughtful way, AI can augment coaching impact and help manage time effectively.

If you are not familiar with the newly launched ICF framework and standards on AI, take a look at the below link:

https://coachingfederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/icf-research-ai-coaching-framework-standards.pdf

In the meantime, Guy and a number of colleagues from the ICF Board have been busy preparing for the yearly AGM and the ‘Have your Say’ session. Both events took place on Friday 16th May in the morning. They have been well attended with high energy and engagement. More communication will come out in the next few weeks. A huge thank you to all of you who participated live with us in the events: your contribution makes the ICF UK Chapter a great community.