I’ve just returned from the 2025 NCDA Global Conference and wanted to share a few things that really stuck with me.

They’re already shaping how I think about my work — and probably yours too.

Takeaway #1: AI

It’s not the enemy, but it’s everywhere.

There was a clear split among attendees: half were asking, “How do I stay relevant against AI?” and the other half were asking, “How do I embrace it?”

What encouraged me most was that the energy leaned heavily toward adaptation over fear. That tells me we’re headed in the right direction — both as a profession and as a community.

A few tools I saw gaining traction:

• JobScan is still popular (popular with higher ed coaches), especially for resume alignment

• Career Bot 3000 (yes, that’s the actual name) and others are expanding into mock interviews, cover letters, and even DEI statements

One thing I took from the whole AI conversation: clients aren’t replacing us with AI — they’re coming to us because of it.

They’re overwhelmed and looking for trusted guidance to navigate it all. Our support is needed more than ever.

Takeaway #2: Forced change

It’s already happening.

Mass layoffs aren’t just a government thing anymore — plenty of other sectors are facing disruption too.

As coaches, we’re used to these fluctuations as we've been through a LOT of ups and down in the labor market. 

But the time to replacement is longer than we have seen in the past and the search is much more complicated.

What we’re not talking about enough is how to support clients through involuntary transitions.

This isn’t a simple “dust off your resume and try again” situation.

People are dealing with identity loss, imposter syndrome, uncertainty, and anger.

And if we don’t create space for those feelings, we risk alienating our clients or pushing them into decisions that just repeat old patterns.

So what now?

Based on what I heard and saw, here’s what I’m focusing on in my own practice:

• Understanding AI — not becoming an expert, but knowing enough to ask the right questions

• Refining how I support clients through grief and forced transitions (yes, grief — let’s just call it what it is)

• Doubling down on human-first coaching skills — the deep listening, nuance, and strategy that AI can’t replicate

The industry is evolving fast, but our value as coaches isn’t diminishing. If anything, I think it’s becoming more essential.

As always, I’d love to hear how these themes are showing up in your own work.

Hit reply — I’m all ears.

Warmly,
Heather

P.S. Starting next week, I’ll be adding a 'tech tip' to every newsletter. This space will be dedicated to sharing a useful technology tool to help you enhance your coaching.

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