How to Choose the Right Coach for Your Executive Team in the Age of AI

How to Choose the Right Coach for Your Executive Team in the Age of AI

This week, I released my 53rd InnoGuidePodcast—each one a deep dive into books on innovation, AI, medtech, and health & wellness. Why do I invest over 400 hours a year in this? Because I love learning, and I believe in sharing the wisdom of experts to help others grow. These insights don’t just stay in the studio; they shape how I coach teams and teach leaders to apply AI in ways that save time and elevate results.

Why Your Executive Team Needs a Coach—Now More Than Ever

The pace of change in AI and technology is relentless. For executive teams, the right coach isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategic advantage. Here’s why:

Perspective: A coach brings an outside-in view, challenging assumptions and surfacing blind spots.

Focus: With so many shiny objects in tech, a coach helps your team focus on what truly matters for your business.

Accountability: Change is hard. A coach keeps your team on track, ensuring that new ideas turn into real results.

What to Look for in a Coach

Not all coaches are created equal. When choosing a coach for your executive team, consider:

Industry Expertise: Look for someone who knows your business inside and out. They should understand your market, your challenges, and your opportunities.

Tech Savvy: In today’s world, your coach must be up-to-date on the latest trends in AI and technology. They should help you separate hype from reality and apply innovation where it counts.

Human Focus: The best coaches never lose sight of the people behind the products. They help you build approaches that resonate with your teams and clients, ensuring adoption and lasting impact.

Continuous Learner: Choose a coach who is always learning—reading, listening, and sharing. Their curiosity will keep your team ahead of the curve.

5 Ways a Fractional Coach Can Help Your Team Start Using AI as an Ally

A fractional coach can jumpstart your team’s AI journey with practical, people-first activities:

AI Awareness Workshops: Host interactive sessions to demystify AI, showing real-world examples relevant to your business. The focus is on understanding, not overwhelming.

Pilot Projects with Volunteers: Invite team members who are curious to experiment with AI tools in low-risk, high-value areas. Early adopters become your internal champions.

Human-in-the-Loop Design: Guide teams in designing workflows where AI supports, but never replaces, human judgment—keeping your staff in control at every step.

Skill-Building Clinics: Offer optional, hands-on clinics for those interested in learning new tools, with no pressure to participate. Everyone moves at their own pace.

Storytelling and Sharing Success: Encourage early adopters to share their experiences and wins, building excitement and trust across the organization.

Not everyone will warm up to new tools right away—and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to start with those who are eager, let their success stories inspire others, and make it clear: this is an opportunity, not a mandate. Nobody likes to be forced into change. By making AI available as an ally, you empower your team to explore, learn, and lead the way—on their own terms.

The Power of a Fractional Resource

You don’t need a full-time coach to reap the benefits. A fractional coach can:

• Provide targeted expertise when you need it most.

• Offer fresh perspectives without the overhead of a permanent hire.

• Keep your competitive edge sharp by bringing the latest thinking to your leadership table.

In fast-evolving times, the right coach is your secret weapon. Choose wisely, invest in learning, and keep your team—and your business—future-ready.