Is AI Going to Kill My Coaching Business?

Do you remember the Father Ted episode where Ted buys Mrs Doyle a tea-making machine?

At first, she’s horrified and worried that it’ll replace her.

In the end, she ultimately rejects it — not because it doesn’t work, but because making tea is her passion.

This fear of being replaced is one many coaches feel when it comes to AI.

Will it take over your role?

The truth is, AI isn’t here to replace you. It’s here to help you by taking on the tasks you don’t enjoy, allowing you to focus on what matters most — building relationships and helping your clients achieve transformative results.

Why AI won’t replace Coaches

Coaching is, at its heart, a human experience.

It’s about trust, empathy, and intuition — qualities that no machine can replicate.

Imagine a client opening up about a difficult situation.

Could AI respond with genuine understanding?

Adapt to their emotions?

No, not yet — and even if they could, will someone feel like it's understanding is genuine? Unlikely.

That’s why I believe coaches are here to stay.

In fact, as AI becomes more pervasive, human-to-human connections are growing more valuable.

Your ability to listen, empathise, and adapt is irreplaceable.

But by letting AI handle the repetitive tasks, you’ll have even more time to deliver the personalised support your clients need.

What can AI do for a Coach?

AI excels at automating workflows, speeding up processes, and helping you stay organised. When used thoughtfully, it complements your skills — making your business more efficient without compromising the human touch.

Here’s how AI can work for you:

1. Streamline Workflows with Make.com and ChatGPT

Make.com is an affordable tool that lets you automate repetitive processes.

Here’s an example of how you might use it:

When a client books a session, Make.com can run an automated workflow, sending a welcome email, updating your CRM, and preparing a session outline.

By integrating ChatGPT into the workflow, you can personalise these automations.

For instance, ChatGPT could draft an email tailored to the client’s goals or progress, making the process feel more human.

2. Transcribe and Analyse Sessions with Fireflies

Fireflies.ai can transcribe your coaching sessions, helping you track client progress and identify recurring themes.

For example, you could use transcripts to review what challenges come up frequently or to refine follow-up action plans.

However, not all coaching styles require transcription. If your sessions involve deeply personal topics, consider whether transcription is appropriate and/or necessary.

Always prioritise privacy and ensure compliance with GDPR. And, remember to seek client consent before introducing this feature.

3. Create Engaging Social Media Content

AI tools like ChatGPT can help you brainstorm post ideas, draft captions, or create content calendars.

This saves time and ensures your social media presence stays fresh and engaging — without taking hours out of your week.

4. Design Workshops and Resources

AI can support you in developing materials for your clients.

ChatGPT, for instance, can outline workshop structures, suggest icebreaker activities, or draft session summaries.

If you combine the power of AI with user-friendly tools like Canva, you can create professional, visually appealing resources in less time.

What to Automate vs What to Keep Human

Although AI gives us more opportunities to automate than ever before, it’s important to remember that just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.

AI is ideal for handling repetitive, procedural tasks that don’t require emotional nuance.

Scheduling sessions with tools like Make.com, drafting personalised emails, or transcribing session notes with Fireflies can save time and streamline operations, allowing you to focus on higher-value work.

On the other hand, tasks that rely on empathy, judgement, or personal connection should remain human.

Building trust through personal interactions, tailoring advice to a client’s unique needs, or navigating sensitive conversations are core to effective coaching and cannot be replaced by AI.

By automating behind-the-scenes processes, you free up time to focus on the human elements of coaching — the connections, insights, and empathy that make your work truly impactful.

Privacy Considerations

When you’re looking to introduce AI into your coaching business, it’s essential to consider privacy.

Always use tools that are secure and GDPR-compliant, and be transparent about how client data is handled.

Avoid storing unnecessary or sensitive data in AI systems. This not only protects your clients but also reinforces their trust in your practice.

How to Get Started with AI

With so many AI-powered tools out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and confused.

The best way to start is to start small.

If you haven’t used AI before, I’d recommend starting your AI journey with ChatGPT.

ChatGPT is a bit like using a messaging tool like WhatsApp, except you’re talking to an AI rather than a human.

Some AI tools have been produced with very specific tasks in mind, like creating content.

What I like about ChatGPT is that it is a bit of a ‘Jack of all trades’ and is very versatile, making it a good place to experiment and explore ways it could help you in your business.

Find out more about getting started with ChatGPT.

Final Thoughts

Mrs Doyle rejected the tea-making machine because making tea was her passion.

For coaches, AI isn’t about replacing what you love. It’s about freeing you up to focus on what you love more.

By automating the routine tasks, you can put your energy into building relationships that make coaching transformative.

Why not take the first step today?

Start using ChatGPT and you may find it’s the assistant you didn’t know you needed.

Need help? Get in touch here.