International Coaching Week 2026
with Andrés Haidar, Rebecca Rutschmann, Susan Caesar, James Meaden, Tim Harrison
Date: Monday, May 11, 2026 • 3:00 PM
Panel Discussion: Coaching and AI: Navigating the Present & Future of Human Connection
The panel will engage in a forward-looking and thought-provoking dialogue, examining the current landscape of coaching and the broader forces shaping it—from technological advancements and shifting client expectations to evolving definitions of leadership and impact. Together, they will explore critical questions such as:
What is changing in the profession today? What trends and disruptions are likely to influence the future of coaching? And most importantly, how can coaching continue to foster authentic, meaningful human connection in an increasingly complex and digital world?
Through diverse perspectives and real-world insights, the conversation will surface both opportunities and challenges for coaches seeking to remain relevant, ethical, and impactful. Participants can expect a rich exchange that not only reflects on where the profession stands today but also invites deeper consideration of how coaches can intentionally shape its future.
This panel will be led by Andres Haidar, joined by Rebecca Rutschmann, Susan Caesar, James Meaden, and Tim Harrison—each bringing a distinct voice and depth of experience to the discussion.
About the Speaker: Andrés Haidar
Andrés Haidar is a Certified Executive & Team Coach (PCC–ICF, EIA Senior–EMCC) and Founder of PowerYouOn, a global collaboration network of certified coaches serving clients worldwide. With over 25 years of experience in technology, AI, and business transformation—including senior leadership roles at Microsoft and Alcatel Lucent—he bridges deep technical expertise with human development. His practice integrates Coaching, NLP, and Neuroscience, with a strong focus on leadership development, high performing teams, and well being. Andrés is a member of the AI Coaching Coalition, a global task force advocating for the safe, ethical, and human centered use of AI in coaching.
About the Speaker: Rebecca Rutschmann
Rebecca Rutschmann is a leading voice at the intersection of Human Intelligence and AI, dedicated to bridging the "GenAI Divide" in rofessional development. As the co-founder of Viva la Coaching Academy, she has moved beyond simple tool-training to champion AI fluency teaching coaches and leaders how to think with machines, not just through them. A recognized speaker and researcher, Rebecca partners with global organizations to design conversational AI experiences that prioritize ethical grounding, transparency, and the irreplaceable power of human presence.
About the Speaker: Susan Caesar
Susan Caesar helps leaders and institutions navigate one of the defining questions of our time: how to use AI in ways that expand human potential without compromising trust, dignity, or accountability. As Director of AI at the International Coaching Federation and founder of humain.org, she works at the intersection of ethical AI, professional standards, and human development.
About the Speaker: James Meaden, I/O Psychologist & Founder, The Alive Institute
James Meaden is an I/O psychologist and founder of The Alive Institute, a research and advisory firm specializing in restoring the uniquely human capacities that AI-driven workplaces increasingly demand but modern environments systematically suppress.
An interdisciplinary researcher and practitioner, he has developed AI readiness assessments and human-centered AI assessment systems for organizations including Codility, Revolut, and Accenture, and is the author of a peer-reviewed benchmark for evaluating AI performance in software engineering. His research includes the Environmental Model of Mindfulness, a foundational peer-reviewed framework examining how modern environments suppress mindfulness and what conditions restore it. He is a certified mindfulness teacher, a HERD-certified Equine-Assisted Learning practitioner, and conducts program evaluation for Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy programs. He hosts The Alive Conversations podcast, and is based in Washington, DC.
About the Speaker: Tim Harrison
Tim Harrison is a visionary entrepreneur and leadership coach committed to helping others unlock their full potential.
As the Founder and CEO of the Coaching Innovation Lab, Tim equips coaches, leaders and organizations to leverage AI effectively, authentically, and responsibly so they can increase their profits and impact.
Tim serves as an active Advisor to the AI Coaching Coalition of North America, shaping industry wide ethical standards for responsible AI use. Through this experience, Tim has become a globally trusted leader actively shaping the coaching industry’s evolution by defining industry-wide ethical standards for responsible AI use.
Tim’s approach to AI adoption is grounded in his belief that, when used effectively, AI can amplify human capability while maintaining the authentic human connections that drive meaningful outcomes.
Tim is here to do more than inspire. He’s here to build lasting change.