The Unstoppable Rise of AI Assistance: Reimagining Human Potential Through Ethical AI Coaching

It seems to me that the main thread of ethical debate about AI coaching is missing the real opportunity. We have spent years focused on what AI might take away from coaching relationships. But, I believe a much more fruitful question is instead: what might it give back? AI should not, and will not, replace authentic human connection. Its true power lies in offering insights that deepen a person's relationship with themselves.

AI as Amplifier, Not Replacement

Since implementing AI tools from the driver's seat, I have witnessed exponential increases in clarity, confidence and productivity while reducing costs. My clients are hitting targets more quickly, and they're gaining momentum and handling setbacks with greater resilience.

The International Coaching Federation recognizes the potential of AI in the coaching industry. They've developed structured guidelines across ethics, relationship-building, communication, and technical factors like privacy and accessibility through their AI Coaching Framework.

Although I'm not afraid of technological advancement, I am very concerned about disparity in access. The implementation of more efficient systems has lightened my load, and it has created personal breathing room and space to think about my own wellbeing while I work on improving my products and services. Therefore, it urks me to see missed opportunity for my fellow empaths, because they can't get past the wrongs of those who have had the power to adopt AI early and use it to gain more power and influence. 

Democratizing Access to Coaching

A huge opportunity now exists for average people to adopt AI for free or low cost. I see it as a shame this opportunity is being slowed to a great extent by ethical debates focusing primarily on AI's downsides. I'm not saying there aren't any, but I believe the real downside is characterized by the behaviour of humans who have had the power to employ AI, and do it in ways that invite criticism, and not the technology itself.

If we want to truly democratize society, we must democratize technology access. This means those with the least power and knowledge need to adopt AI and contribute to its development as well. Research shows AI coaches focusing on narrow aspects of coaching may rival human coaches in specific areas like goal attainment. This finding suggests AI can make coaching benefits available to a much wider audience according to comparative studies.

Building Confidence in Human Capability

Without any doubt, human beings need more confidence in our abilities to think for ourselves and to critically analyze and use our creativity. The risk of everyone sounding like robots doesn't come from AI. AI has only amplified the existing tendency for conformity and reluctance to challenge power structures.

For me, the sweet spot for AI in coaching is supporting individual creativity, critical thinking, and innovation alongside self- and business development. I have seen it firsthand in the public service, and even in the arts, how people toe the line for self-preservation and job security. They do this even when they know management actions are ethically wrong. But without support there is little option other than to leave. 

My suggestion is that for ethical frameworks to evolve, we need humans with capabilities that social systems don't necessarily always support. I believe AI can play a transformational role by building capacity in those who are strong in ethical clarity and creativity, but lacking the security or support to express their beliefs and act according to their ethics. This is where AI can be used for positive change. 

The Scaffolding Approach

I don't encourage outsourcing thinking and problem-solving to AI. Instead, what I have created is scaffolding around branding and operations for businesses.  The AI asks difficult questions. It provides frameworks and methods for critically analyzing values, mission and positioning. From that foundation, products and sevices are improved, and branding content is more aligned. 

I don't discourage AI-assisted content production once the core values and intentions are established. We just use the AI tools to support innovation and streamline operations. This approach aligns with research showing that while AI coaches can be effective for narrow tasks, human coaches still excel in establishing empathy and promoting overall wellbeing. There is truly is something about human connection that is fundamentally irreplacable. 

Supporting Independent Careers

When a person commits to true independence in their career over a long period, it creates a unique set of challenges. These challenges are now increasingly defined by the rapid pace of cultural change and market demands, meaning business owners need most is adaptability and resilience. Having tools and support to navigate changes with ease and confidence is the real game-changer that my AI systems provide.

My experience spans more than 20 years in arts and cultural studies, as well as in the delivery of internet-based business services. As a Doctor of Philosophy, I deeply understand the struggle for meaningful employment outside the straightforward career trajectories. Creating your own work subjects you to constant public scrutiny, without consistent institutional support, and having been in this position for a large part of my adult life, I understand the mental and emotional toll it takes. Whilst this kind of "social" work contributes tremendous value to society's development, it is never remunerated as well as activities like mining or investment banking. I'd like to see this change, and I'd like to see AI play a significant role in that. 

Beyond Self-Limiting Beliefs

Let's also look at what the coaching industry has done for individuals on the fringes of secure employment. Many influential life coaches have championed ideas like breaking through self-limiting beliefs, referring to concepts like The Law of Attraction and Manifestion.  But, not all limitations originate purely within individuals. Many factors determine success in traditional work environments. Some are outside individual control. Real limitations to success are often systemic and cultural, and no amount of personal manifesting will overcome them. I'm not saying that we can't influence our own fates. I'm just putting it into perspective that privilege and access actually plays a large role. 

When we focus on creating opportunities outside organizational structures that don't encourage critical thinking or innovation, we set ourselves up for a better version of success. We take control of our sphere of influence, and we stop wasting our energy trying to fix broken cultures. It takes bravery, commitment and grit, which is something innate in all of us that lays dormant until we discover the reason to unleash it. The tools I have developed in my studio provide support for those committed to paving their own way and taking innovative approaches to their lives, and careers, and in turn, their product development and service delivery.

The Future of Ethical AI Coaching

What excites me most about AI technology is its potential, when used mindfully, to facilitate true creativity and critical thinking. I believe AI can actually empower self-reliance and confidence in individuals whose contributions haven't been previously valued.  Of course, it also risks amplifying voices already heard loud and clear. That's expected. But, my interest lies in how AI can be adopted easily and cost-effectively by those on the margins: the struggling sole traders or small businesses who need it to avoid burnout or insolvency.

These are challenging economic times with changing spending patterns. Many small businesses are struggling. For many, adopting AI will be a make-or-break scenario. AI-enabled coaching is already showing promise in democratizing access.  The technology can provide basic coaching services at vastly reduced costs, addressing affordability barriers and making coaching available to individuals who previously couldn't access it according to industry research.

Reimagining the Possible

I believe the ethical implementation of AI in coaching isn't about limitation but expansion. It's about creating space for human creativity, critical thinking, and ethical action. It's about democratizing access to tools that have traditionally been available only to the privileged. It's about supporting those who choose to forge their own paths outside traditional structures. And, when we reimagine AI as an amplifier of human potential rather than its replacement, we open new possibilities for coaching that are more accessible, more empowering, and ultimately more human. This is the kind of AI future I want to see, and I am building. 

 

 

 

Are you a creative thinker wanting to start using AI more strategically to support your wealth and wellness goals? Perhaps you have a course you want to launch or a book inside you that needs to come out, but you don’t know where to start? My studio products are built with you in mind.

Just out this week - Story Forge Starter is built for anyone who knows they have a book inside them, and don’t want to lose themselves in another overwhelming course or rigid program. This is not a course. It’s a guided system of support, with your voice at the centre! Also, if you decide to dive into the book-writing system as a starting point, your investment is credited toward the full Ethical AI Lab experience, should you decide to upgrade.