The Future of AI Coaching Bots & Professional Practice | Fran Bruning

Human First, Tech Second: Navigating the Future of AI Coach Bots and Professional Practice What Published Research Reveals About Human Essence, Hybrid Delivery, and Ethical Boundaries in an Automated World As artificial intelligence and AI coach bots continue to advance, what is the actual future of human-led coaching and expert practice? Cited in leading industry research on AI in coaching, executive coach and academic researcher Fran Bruning unpacks key findings from her published study in the Journal of Work-Applied Management. Anchored in the International Coaching Federation (ICF) framework, yet offering practical, universally applicable insights for any coach, mentor, or expert, this session examines where AI bots fall short, how human empathy and presence remain irreplaceable, and how hybrid service models can augment practice without breaching ethical boundaries. You will leave with a clear understanding of the market shifts, regulatory guidelines, and strategic choices shaping the future of human-led delivery. 🎤 About the Speaker: Fran Bruning is a Leadership & Personal Fulfilment Coach holding Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and Mentor Coach Specialisation (MCS) credentials with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), along with an MBA in Coaching, Mentoring, and Leadership. Grounded in a “human-first” methodology, she empowers emerging leaders, global expats, and adult learners to navigate high-stakes career and life transitions without burnout. Fran is a published academic researcher in the Journal of Work-Applied Management specializing in the impact of AI coach bots on professional practice. As an Awaken Coach Institute Faculty Member and ICF Mentor Coach, her work focuses on helping professionals navigate technological shifts while safeguarding the irreplaceable human essence of trust, empathy, and presence. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fran-bruning Website: https://www.franbruning.com/ Fran's research paper: https://www.emerald.com/jwam/article-... 👥 Who it’s for Coaches, consultants, founders, team leaders and anyone whose plans are being outpaced by the world. ⏱️ Chapters 02:46 - Defining Coaching vs Consulting & Mentoring 04:19 - AI Coachbots vs General AI Tools 05:15 - Audience Discussion: Real Experiences with Coachbots 08:38 - Pragmatic Business Coaching & Questioning 12:51 - Context, Empathy & the Coaching Partnership 16:11 - Anthropomorphism & the Risks of Emotional Attachment 19:37 - Why AI Coaching? The Value of Human Connection 24:32 - Data Privacy, Ethics & Dystopian Concerns 29:43 - Key Research Findings & the Irreplaceable Human Presence 32:06 - Capabilities, Limitations & the GROW Model 34:00 - Breakout Session Prompt 35:12 - Breakout Debrief: Empathy vs Sympathy in AI 38:14 - Serendipity, Imperfection & Human Nuance 43:35 - Vulnerability, Fear & Overcoming the Comfort Zone 45:38 - Mental Health Risks & AI Accountability 47:33 - 4 Future Scenarios for AI in Coaching Practice 50:23 - Practical Applications of AI Tools 51:14 - Can AI Truly Listen? Silence & Thought Space 55:27 - Trust, Connection & Vulnerability 58:43 - Intellectual Property & Data Security Risks 01:03:00 - The Future of Coaching: Human-First vs Hybrid Models 01:08:20 - Ethical Boundaries, Dependency & Tech Backlash 🌐 About ExpertEase ExpertEase connects you with vetted expert coaches and consultants through live video consultations. Join our next session and meet experts: https://expertease.app 👍 Like, subscribe and share with someone who needs a fresh angle on the future. #AICoaching #FutureOfCoaching #ArtificialIntelligence #Leadership #Mentoring #ProfessionalDevelopment #ICF #ExpertEaseApp