What "Client-Centered" Actually Demands in the Age of AI | with Jonathan Reitz

What if the biggest barrier to AI in coaching isn't the technology — it's the coach? Jonathan Reitz has spent 29 years coaching leaders and building coaches. He has a wildly unlikely backstory — electrical engineering, stand-up comedy, radio, TV news — and an ADHD diagnosis just two years ago that finally explained all of it. Now a leading voice at the NYU AI Summit and ICF Germany, Jonathan joins Rebecca for one of the most honest conversations on this show about what "client-centered" actually requires of us in 2026. Together they explore why humility — not methodology — is the single greatest predictor of coaching success, why clients are more comfortable with AI in coaching than most coaches are, and what responsible AI use really looks like (including the one clause that must be in every coaching contract). Plus: a German word that stopped a 29-year coaching veteran cold — and a question about silence that nobody in the coaching world has ever answered directly. If you coach, lead, or care about humans in the age of AI — this one is for you. What you'll take away: • Jonathan's unconventional journey • Why heterogeneous conversations matter • Leaders vs. managers • "We're in it together": why AI is less threatening in a vision-based leadership culture • The unanswered question no coach has ever answered directly • The growing edge for coaches in 2026 • Augenhohe (eye-level): the German coaching concept Rebecca introduces • AI as the "Third Voice" • Build habits first, then invite AI in • Jonathan's 3 requirements for responsible AI • Jonathan's 3 AI tools • Staying human Links mentioned in this episode: • Jonathan on LinkedIn (  / jonathanreitz  ) Find out more: https://vivalacoaching.com/vivapodcast/