It’s hard to believe that my term as President wraps up in a few weeks, where did the time go! I want to thank you for the community we’re building together, and invite you into what’s next for ICF Calgary.
This past year, I’ve seen coaching evolve in response to three big, interconnected shifts: digital delivery, rising organizational expectations, and the rapid emergence of AI. Digital and hybrid coaching are now part of everyday practice for many of us, expanding our reach beyond Calgary while also challenging how we create connection and presence through a screen. At the same time, organizations are asking more focused questions about impact, ROI, and how coaching fits into broader leadership and wellbeing strategies. And AI has quickly moved from something abstract to something many of us are actively exploring.
There’s real opportunity here. AI can support note-taking, scheduling, and content creation—freeing up more energy for meaningful client work. Some coaches are using it to spark reflection, support clients between sessions, or distill insights from longer conversations. Used with intention, these tools can make our practices more efficient and extend our impact.
And, there are real tensions to navigate. AI can pull us toward shortcuts, generic outputs, or over-reliance on tools at the expense of our own presence, listening, and intuition. It raises valid questions about confidentiality, data security, and how client information is handled. Most importantly, it can’t replace what sits at the heart of coaching: human connection, trust, and the kind of understanding that only emerges in relationship.
It’s easy to swing to extremes—either avoiding AI entirely or chasing every new tool. I’d invite you to find a more grounded middle path. Where can AI support your practice without compromising ethics or relationship? Where do you need clearer boundaries to protect client trust and your own growth? And how do you stay informed without letting it become another source of pressure? I had the privilege of discussing some of these thoughts during our Senior Coaches group earlier in the year.
We will also have the privilege of learning how emerging AI coaching tools can support the development of coaching capability by providing practice environments for listening, questioning, and evoking awareness from Ed Temple during our In-person session on May 14.
Alongside this, we’re seeing growing interest in specialized niches—coaching for technical and emerging leaders, work in healthcare and education, internal coaching roles, and support for entrepreneurs and founders. Conversations around DEI and belonging are also becoming more explicit, with clients expecting cultural awareness and humility in how we coach. All of this calls us to be clear about what we stand for, to keep learning, and to explore new ways of serving while staying anchored in the ICF ethics and core competencies.
Within our chapter, so much of what makes this community work comes from members who quietly step up to contribute. Whether it’s events, communications, membership support, or community initiatives none of it happens without volunteers. If you’ve given your time in any capacity this year, thank you. You’ve helped create spaces where coaches feel seen, supported, and challenged to grow.
As my term comes to a close, we’re also looking ahead to the next wave of leadership. There are many ways to get involved, depending on your capacity and interests—board and officer roles, committees focused on programming or member engagement, communications, partnerships, or even short-term, event-based contributions. If you’ve been feeling a pull toward leadership, May is a great time to start that conversation.
I look forward to seeing you at the AGM on June 4. We will network, learn about the struggles and accomplishments of the outgoing board, meet the incoming board and hear their vision.
As always, my door is open through the end of my term. If you want to talk about coaching, AI, your practice, or a challenge you’re working through, I’d genuinely love to connect. Our community is stronger when we bring our questions as well as our experience.
See you soon!
Moji Ajele, PCC
