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How is AI changing the future of coaching practice? Join us for a special International Coaching Week online guest talk hosted by Heriot‑Watt University, exploring the future of coaching psychology and professional practice, with particular attention to emerging developments in AI‑enabled coaching platforms and digital technologies. 

As coaching continues to evolve globally, practitioners, educators and organisations are considering how technology is reshaping the way coaching is delivered, experienced and evaluated. This session invites participants to reflect on what high‑quality, impactful coaching looks like in an increasingly digital and complex professional landscape, and how coaches can remain relevant, reflective and effective. 

We are delighted to welcome Linda McCloughlin, ICF Master Certified Coach, award‑winning practitioner and Founder of LeadershipWorks International. Linda is one of only a small percentage of coaches worldwide to hold the highest level of ICF accreditation and brings extensive experience in leadership development, coach education and organisational transformation across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America. 

Linda has collaborated with Heriot‑Watt University since 2017, advising during the development of our postgraduate programmes in coaching and business psychology. She continues to mentor students and staff, supporting their professional development, and generously offers our students and alumni a discounted rate for her ICF Level 1 coach training programme. 

This engaging and practical session will explore: 

• Key developments shaping the future of coaching practice 
• The role of AI and digital platforms within coaching 
• What organisations and clients are seeking from coaches today 
• How coaches can prepare for the next phase of professional practice 

We look forward to welcoming you to a stimulating International Coaching Week session with one of the field’s most respected coaching professionals. 

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Meet our Coaches

When – Wednesday 13th & Friday 15th May 12pm-1pm UK

Where– stall 2, Bridge Link, Hugh Nisbet Building, Edinburgh Campus

Audience – staff and students

Our internal coaches will be on hand to share further information on what coaching is and how it might benefit you during International Coaching Week. They will also provide information on the internal staff and student coaching provisions and how you can access these amazing services.

This is a drop in event

Introduction to Coaching Conversations (Staff Only)

Tuesday 19th May 2026 
9.00am UK time |12:00pm UAE time | 4:00pm Malaysia time 

In this interactive taster session, run by the Professional & Organisational Development Team (POD) we’ll cover what coaching is, when it might be appropriate to coach and when not, and what someone might need to start or stop doing to adopt a coaching style. This is open to all staff globally across Heriot-Watt.  

For further information and to book your space please visit the POD calendar

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‘Neurodiversity and Coaching Conversations’ is a practice‑focused session from the HWU Coaching Lab designed for early‑career coaches, MSc coaching students, academic staff and wellbeing professionals working with neurodivergent individuals. The session explores how coaching conversations can support neurodiverse students through increased self‑understanding, strengths‑based development and psychologically informed support within educational contexts. Participants will reflect on common neurodiversity‑related considerations within coaching and how to adapt approaches sensitively and inclusively. The session offers practical insights for supporting learning, wellbeing and growth while respecting individual differences. 

This session will be delivered collaboratively by academic faculty with expertise in coaching psychology and members of the University wellbeing teams from across our campuses, combining perspectives from coaching practice and student support.