The AI Coaching Experiment That Backfired (2026 Update)
A mid-market firm’s AI coaching pilot failed spectacularly. Here’s what went wrong, the signals leaders missed, and how to avoid the same trap.
Entries by Don Markland
Why Psychological Safety Drives Performance in 2026
Discover why psychological safety drives performance through evidence-based insights, real audits, and contrarian analysis from 600+ leadership engagements.
Executives Rarely Ask About ICF Credentials
Executives focus on business results, not coaching credentials. Learn what buyers really prioritize when hiring coaches and why outcomes trump certifications.
What Separates Great Executive Coaches From the Rest
What separates great executive coaches? Hard evidence from coaching engagements reveals patterns most organizations miss when hiring.
The Frightening Part of AI Coaching Explained
The frightening part of AI coaching isn’t what most people think. We examine what actually goes wrong and what business leaders must watch for.
Why Leadership Programs Fail: Evidence From 500+ Audits
Most leadership programs collapse within 6 months. Analysis of 500+ corporate initiatives reveals the structural flaws causing failure.
Why Executive Coaching Often Fails: What Leaders Miss
Executive coaching fails when organizations ignore coach-client fit, skip diagnostics, and measure nothing. Learn what drives failure and success.
Who Should Invest in Coaching? 7 Business Signals
Who should invest in coaching? Mid-market companies facing execution gaps, turnover, or slow decisions see 3-5x ROI when coaching ties to KPIs.
ICF Does Not Improve Coaching Outcomes (2026 Data)
Research shows ICF certification doesn’t guarantee better coaching results. Learn what actually drives outcomes and ROI in corporate coaching.
AI Adoption and Executive Accountability in 2026
Why executives are now personally liable for AI failures. What boards expect, what HR leaders miss, and how to close the accountability gap.
Fortune 500 Companies Do Not Require ICF Certification
Fortune 500 companies do not require ICF credentials to hire coaches. Real results, business outcomes, and expertise matter more than certifications.
The Leadership Pipeline Crisis: Why Boards Are Failing
The leadership pipeline crisis is crippling organizations. Learn why succession planning fails, what CHROs miss, and how to fix broken pipelines.