Already AI coaches? This is the added value

The new generation of AI-driven coaches make personal and professional growth accessible to everyone. Powered by all conceivable management theory and smart algorithms, they provide direct, practical support whenever you need it. From leadership development and sales coaching to presentation skills and well-being. In this article I take you into the world of AI coaches and the value they can add to your development.

Digital coach Nadia

I recently started working with an AI coach named Nadia. It was presented to me within a leadership development program of my employer, and I must say: I was immediately enthusiastic. Nadia gives me directly applicable tips and is fully aware of all theories surrounding leadership. She inspires me and provides me with alternatives when I ask for them.

Nadia offers me a safe place to ask questions that I cannot directly ask my manager or mentor. I don’t have to pretend to be better than I am and I can spar with her at any time of the day. What makes Nadia especially strong as an AI coach is that she helps me to effortlessly convert those theories into a practical plan for my own development and that of my team.

The last thing I discovered is that you can also do role plays with your AI coach. You provide some context and characteristics of who she should imitate and effortlessly your coach turns into your boss or difficult customer. An excellent way to prepare for your annual evaluation meeting or customer meeting. The dialogue feels natural and if you ask for it, you will receive an assessment of the conversation afterwards and tips to improve the conversation.

What types of AI coaches are there?

The first digital coach ELIZAdates from 1966. ELIZA gave standard answers such as “What do you think?” and simulated conversations without really going into depth. Today’s AI coaches are much more intelligent and interactive. They come in different types, each aimed at specific areas of personal and professional development:

1. Leadership and career coaching

   • Nadia (Valence): Nadia is an AI coach who supports employees with leadership development and personal growth. She uses generative AI to provide personalized advice tailored to the unique challenges of leadership.
   • Valence: In addition to Nadia, Valence also offers AI-assisted coaching that promotes team dynamics and inclusivity. It mainly focuses on improving team objectives through AI-driven guidance.

2. Sales and customer interaction coaching

   • Fireflies.ai: Fireflies automates meeting minutes and documentation, which is useful for sales professionals to gather insights and improve customer interactions.
   • Sybill: This tool supports CRM management by analyzing customer interactions and providing insights that optimize sales strategies. This allows sales employees to better respond to the needs of their customers.

3. Presentation and communication coaching

   • The weather: Orai provides users with exercises and feedback to improve their speaking skills. It analyzes speaking pace, tone and clarity, and provides immediately applicable tips.
   • Speeko: Speeko is similar to Orai. It trains users in presentation and speaking skills and provides real-time feedback during speeches and presentations.
   • Virtual Speech: Virtual Speech provides a unique VR environment in which users can practice public speaking in front of a virtual audience. This helps reduce fear of speaking.

4. Personal development and well-being

   • Pocket Coach: an AI assistant that helps users with self-reflection and personal growth through daily exercises and moments of reflection.
   • Replica: Replika provides emotional support and helps users better understand themselves through conversations about well-being and personal development.

5. Education and academic support

   • Gradescope: a tool that helps teachers efficiently grade assignments and exams, especially useful for large groups of students and different question types.

6. Content creation and marketing support

   • Jasper: Jasper is an AI tool for content creation. Coaches and businesses can use Jasper to generate blog posts, social media updates, and other marketing content.

What are the pros and cons of AI coaches?

AI coaches offer a range of benefits, but there are also limitations to consider. Especially if you compare them to a flesh-and-blood coach.

Advantages:

• Neutrality and anonymity: AI provides a safe space to talk openly without judgment or bias.
• Always available: AI coaches are available 24/7, ideal for those with a busy schedule.
• Continuity: AI coaches like Nadia remember previous conversations and build on them, making coaching personal and consistent.
• Data-driven feedback: AI analyzes patterns and provides personalized advice, providing valuable insights for users.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of emotional depth: An AI coach lacks life experience and cannot provide the same empathy as a human.
• Limited problem solving: AI coaches can get stuck in standardized solutions without thinking creatively.
• Risk of theoretical advice: the advice can remain theoretical without always being applicable in the specific context of the user.

Privacy

What you don’t want, of course, is for the sensitive information you share with your AI coach to end up with colleagues or even other companies. Most AI coaches therefore apply strict privacy rules and use a separate data architecture. You can contractually determine which data may be shared and which may not, in which regions the data may be stored and for how long. This does require a business contract. In addition, most AI coaches offer standard security measures such as encryption, temporary data storage and conduct regular privacy audits.

What is the added value compared to ChatGPT?

While ChatGPT is useful for general advice, AI coaches like Nadia provide additional context and support. For example, they remember previous conversations, track progress and tailor advice specifically to your situation. While ChatGPT is broadly trained on a variety of topics, Nadia is specifically trained on leadership development and team dynamics, resulting in more relevant advice for professionals.

Does the physical coach disappear?

It seems like a logical thought, but it is not expected that the physical coach will be completely displaced by his digital twin brother. So if, like many others, you are training to become a coach, or have completed one, don’t worry. Just as physical stores still exist despite the rise of e-commerce, the emotional connection and interaction between people remains valuable. But the role of coach will probably change. For the time being, I cannot imagine my leadership training without personal coaching and intervision with others.

AI and physical coaches: together the best combination

A hybrid approach can deliver the best results, where AI coaches and human coaches reinforce each other. Some tools that offer this combination are:

• BetterUp: offers AI-assisted coaching alongside human coaches, with a focus on professional development and well-being.
• GrowthSpace: uses AI to match users with the right coach, resulting in personalized learning and development journeys.
• Sounding Board: Focuses on leadership coaching with AI-driven programs and guidance from human coaches.

• Delphi: Let coaches create a digital AI clone of themselves, so clients can access trusted guidance between sessions.

A hybrid future

AI coaches like Nadia create new opportunities for personal and professional growth. They are always available, neutral and can personalize advice based on data analysis. Although they lack certain aspects of human coaching, they make coaching more accessible and efficient. The future likely lies in a hybrid approach, where AI coaches and human coaches work together to provide a complete coaching experience that is both practical and empathetic.