A Letter from the ICF Thought Leadership Institute

At the ICF Thought Leadership Institute, we see futures thinking as a call to expand our collective imagination. This inaugural ICF Annual Futures Report reflects the power of curiosity, diverse perspectives, and strategic inquiry to shape the future of coaching — not through prediction, but through possibility.

Grounded in global research, diverse voices, and the methodologies of strategic foresight, this report explores five emerging drivers of change and four possible futures for the coaching profession by 2036. These are not forecasts or prescriptions. They are provocations meant to spark dialogue, deepen reflection, and inspire bold thinking.

You are invited to reflect on what role you, your organization, and the profession might play in co-creating a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient future for people and planet. As part of this invitation, we encourage you to share your perspective through the “What’s Your Hunch?” about the future of coaching campaign and contribute your insights as this conversation continues to evolve.

We are grateful to the global experts, reviewers, and collaborators who contributed to this collective effort and helped bring this vision to life, and we look forward to the insights and actions it inspires.

May this report challenge, inspire, and guide you, as a coach, leader, or change-maker, as we navigate an era of transformation together.

On behalf of the ICF Thought Leadership Institute Board of Directors

— Alicia Hullinger, PhD
Executive Director/Vice President, ICF Thought Leadership Institute

— Donna P.A. Eiby, MBA Chair of the Board, ICF Thought Leadership Institute