The Future of Coaching Is More Human Than Ever

Every August, I set the intention to slow down.

Outside of hosting IGNITE Mastery’s mid-program retreat in Philadelphia, I intentionally create this off-season for myself.

For a long time, that felt uncomfortable. In fact, I complained to my coach for almost 7 years before I successfully set the boundaries required to take August off, December off, and use the last week of the month for my “CEO Week”. Because like many entrepreneurs, I carried the belief that if I wasn't producing, launching, teaching, or creating, somehow I was falling behind.

I've since learned the opposite is true, especially with intentionality and trust in my own reliability to create.

Nature has seasons. Elite athletes have recovery cycles. Even machines are designed to power down.

Yet somewhere along the way, we convinced ourselves that high performance means staying "on" all the time.

I don't believe that's sustainable.

In fact, I think intentional rest is one of the greatest competitive advantages we have.

• Rest gives us perspective.

• It allows us to notice patterns we couldn't see while we were moving.

• It creates space to ask better questions.

• It reminds us why we started in the first place.

• It can even reset our internal inspiration compass, making room for creativity and passion to spark again (which I’ve found true for myself, over and over).

  
  

Now, for those who know me well, you might also know that this season has NOT gone as planned (per the above). Two days after an epic inaugural IGNITE Alumni retreat, my dad had a massive stroke. My brother and I have found ourselves suddenly thrown into primary caregiver roles for our parents, in a storyline that isn’t uncommon. And yet, the shock, overwhelm, and sadness of the sudden transition is still very present.

In a big way, setting the stage for the off-season, as well as a business reinvention, came at the perfect time to support this next season of life. And my 5 top priorities are starkly clear:

• Self-care

• Family

• Friends

• My clients

• My heart’s work, in IGNITE Mastery and it’s Alumni Community

  
  

Even in the overwhelm and sadness, I feel the spark and eagerness to begin welcoming a new IGNITE Mastery cohort in January 2027.

For the past 3 years, as I get ready to launch a new cohort, I find myself reflecting on the sacred creation of this program that encompass immersive learning of Mastery, Self-transformation, and rich community.

The truth is... I never planned to build IGNITE.

I was looking for it.

Years ago, I was searching for a program that reflected what I believed MCC development should actually be - a combination of 1) Immersive practice and peer learning, 2) Self-development, and 3) A curated community of coaches playing at a high level. 

I wanted something that went beyond preparing coaches to pass an assessment. I wanted a place where coaches were transformed THROUGH the process of reaching this next summit. Where mastery wasn't simply something you learned, it became who you were.

After taking three level 3 programs and searching through countless others, I couldn't find it.

So eventually I stopped searching and started building.

What began as mentor coaching and an MCC competency immersion has become something that went beyond my expectations: 

• A community.

• A safe container to develop through the “messy middle” of deep growth.

• A rich learning environment where we didn't just talk about riding the bike, we actually ride the bike consistently and persistently, building strength and stamina.

• A place where coaches challenge one another, celebrate one another, and continue growing long after the program officially ends.

  
  

This summer, 9 women gathered for our first IGNITE Alumni Retreat.

Watching coaches who met through the program laugh together, cry together, coach one another, challenge each other, celebrate milestones, and support each other's growth was one of those moments where I quietly thought to myself, "This. THIS is what I was hoping and praying to build."

Over the past year alone, we've celebrated 2 coaches earning a PCC, 2 coaches earning their MCC, 2 coaches opening their MCC applications, and 3 coaches “passing” their first calls through their Mentor Coaches. There were new business milestones, passing performance evaluations, more coaching designations, stepping into leadership, and creating transformational work in their own communities.

Lately, I've been having a lot of conversations about AI and what it means for the coaching profession.

People ask me if I'm worried. And sometimes, sure, I have mild worries. BUT, my heart continues to say “No - there will ALWAYS be a place for Mastery, for Groups, and for in person work.” 

ALL of which IGNITE Mastery and Alumni programs support (and I fully admit, this was by accident, as I was building out the program that I wish I could take!).

I think our profession is changing. I think transactional coaching will become increasingly easy to replicate. Information has never been more accessible. Questions have never been easier to generate. Frameworks have never been easier to find.

But transformation? Transformation still belongs to humans.

• AI cannot build trust. 

• It cannot sit with someone through uncertainty. 

• It cannot create the energy that exists when people gather in community, challenge one another, and courageously tell the truth.

• It cannot replace presence.

  
  

That's why I believe the future of coaching isn't less human. It's more human.

The coaches who cultivate mastery, facilitate meaningful transformation in individuals and groups, and know how to create genuine connection will continue to thrive because those experiences simply cannot be automated.

As I head into August, I'm grateful for both the season of intentional rest and the season of deep immersion. One allows me to recharge and take care of my family, while the other reminds me exactly why I do this work.

If you've been wondering what's next in your coaching journey, or you've been searching for a community that will challenge, support, and champion your growth, I'd love to have that conversation.

The next IGNITE Mastery cohort begins in late January 2027, and enrollment conversations have quietly begun.

For now, though, I hope you’re able to enjoy this season.

Rest.

Reflect.

Recharge.

And prepare to welcome yourself into another chapter that goes beyond expectations.

With love and mastery,

Lisa