Something we said in part 1 of this series is worth repeating as a setup for part 4: Executive coaching has long been reserved for the C-suite, but some of the greatest returns on coaching investment come one or two levels below, with directors and VPs.
In this part 4 installment, it’s time to explore the role of AI vs. human coaching. Many may wonder if AI coaching is more economical and if it is as effective as human coaches.
But it’s not about choosing either AI or human coaching. It’s which approach solves which problem, for which leader, at which development milestone. Get that right and you have a meaningful strategy. Get it wrong and you’ve wasted your investment, and worse, your leaders lose faith in coaching.
AI & Human Coaching Tips by Job Level
Think about your organization in layers.
The early and emerging leader layer can benefit enormously from AI coaching as a just-in-time resource — building foundational skills, gaining confidence, getting support in moments that matter. Pair AI coaching with a good mentor program and you can have an even more effective approach for this layer.
The mid-level layer, the directors and VPs this series has focused on, is where a mix of coaching approaches is most needed. These leaders are navigating complex team dynamics, organizational politics, career transitions, and expanded scope. Some of it is technical; much of it is adaptive. Both AI and human coaching work best here: AI coaching for accessible, on-demand support plus human coaching for the more complex identity and leadership work that requires genuine relationship, keen perception and real challenge.
The senior executive layer requires more one-on-one human coaching. The stakes are higher, the challenges more systemic, and the blind spots harder to see without a skilled human partner. Senior leaders’ challenges are intertwined with core beliefs, assumptions, sense of self and responsibility to employees, peers, and investors or shareholders. This is where AI coaching reaches its limits.
The throughline of creating a coaching portfolio is intentionality. It’s about matching the tool and approach to the level.
How to Build AI + Human Coaching Strategy
The AI coaching landscape is moving fast. It’s tempting to find a platform, buy access, and call it your multi-level coaching strategy. Or, let’s again focus on your intent.
Bringing coaching to more levels of leaders is the right instinct. The organizations getting this right aren’t choosing between AI and human coaching. They’re building strategies to use both intentionally across leadership levels. The smart orgs are experimenting and work with advisors who are also experimenting. Don’t default to the vendor just selling a platform. Trust the partners who ask about outcomes for your people and your business, and can prove their capabilities to support people across your organization.
People deserve support and development. Creating a successful coaching capability across levels means asking: what does this leader need now, and what’s the best way to meet them where they are and get them where they want to go?
That question, asked and answered well, is your coaching portfolio strategy.