AI in Coaching: What It Can and Cannot Do

Pinar Koyuncu Oktar
Sep 16
2 min read

AI is everywhere these days. It shapes what we buy, how we learn, and even how we work. But here is a question I get asked often: can AI really play a role in coaching?

My answer is yes, but only if we understand what it can and what it cannot do.

Coaching, at its heart, is about helping people pause, reflect, and move forward with clarity.

It is about asking the right questions at the right time. That is where AI can be a supportive partner, without ever replacing the human connection that makes coaching so powerful.

Where AI Can Support Coaching

Reflection prompts : Sometimes one good question can unlock a whole new perspective. AI can help generate prompts that make you think differently about your leadership, your values, or the choices in front of you.

Structure and consistency: Growth often comes from small but regular steps. AI can remind you of the commitments you made, guide you back to the same practice, and help you track your progress.

Accessibility: Not everyone has the time or budget to work with a coach. AI can bring coaching inspired tools to more people, anytime they need it.

What AI Cannot Replace

Empathy and intuition: A real coach listens beyond words. They notice your tone, your silence, the things you do not say. AI cannot fully capture that.

Accountability and trust: The bond you build with a coach gives you both safety and accountability. AI cannot replace that relationship.

Human experience: Coaches bring their lived stories and wisdom. AI works with data, it does not live life.

Introducing "HLP Coach Lite"

That is why I created HLP Coach Lite, a free tool built on ChatGPT.

Think of it as a pocket sized coach that helps you pause and reflect, especially on days when you feel stuck or overwhelmed. It does not replace real coaching, but it gives you a gentle push to get clarity.

Open ChatGPT free.
Type this exact line:“Use HLP Coach Lite.”
You can then ask things like:
- “I am struggling with confidence at work. Can you guide me?”
- “I want to prepare for a big presentation, where should I start?”
- “I feel stuck in my career. What questions should I reflect on?”

It will respond with reflective prompts, small exercises, or frameworks you can try right away.

Use it as a thinking partner. Take a few minutes, write down your thoughts, and see where the process takes you.

I built it because I believe coaching should not be a luxury.

I want more people to access the tools of self reflection, even if they are not ready or able to work with a coach directly. My mission with Her Leadership Playbook is to make growth accessible. AI is not the answer to everything, but it can open a door to more people starting the journey.

Try It This Week

If you are curious, give HLP Coach Lite a try. It is free. It is easy.

And it might be the reflective pause you need this week.

Click here to open it and type: Use HLP Coach Lite.

And fill the poll below:

How helpful was HLP Coach Lite for you?

Very helpful, I gained new insights
Somewhat helpful, it gave me ideas to think about
Neutral, not sure yet
Not helpful for me