Arete Coach 1205 Nicky Terblanche PhD "From Code to Coaching: Vision for AI-Assisted Development"
- S1E1205
- 1:09:47
- January 20th 2025
Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen with an episode with Dr. Nicky Terblanche's titled, "From Code to Coaching: Vision for AI-Assisted Development." In this episode, recorded via Zoom on November 27th, 2024, we are joined by Dr. Nicky Terblanche, an associate professor of leadership coaching and information systems at Stellenbosch Business School, executive coach, and founder of Coach Vici. Dr. Terblanche brings a unique blend of technological expertise and human development insight, making him a leading researcher in the field of human-machine collaborative coaching and the application of artificial intelligence in personal growth and professional development.
Dr. Terblanche's journey begins with an early fascination with computer programming at age 10, riding horseback to access his town's only PC to code in BASIC. His path led from software engineering through artificial intelligence research in 1999 to a profound interest in human psychology and coaching. This unusual combination of technical expertise and human development has positioned him as a pioneer in AI-enhanced coaching research. His groundbreaking studies, including collaboration with renowned researchers like Eric deHaan, have challenged conventional wisdom about AI's role in coaching. Through his company Coach Vici and his academic work, Dr. Terblanche continues to push the boundaries of how artificial intelligence can democratize and enhance coaching practices while maintaining rigorous scientific standards.
The conversation reveals several crucial insights for executive coaches navigating the AI revolution. First, the research indicates that AI-powered coaching can be remarkably effective, particularly in structured situations like goal-setting and initial interactions. This suggests that coaches should consider incorporating AI tools as complementary resources rather than viewing them as threats to their practice.
Perhaps most surprisingly, the research showed that cognitive behavioral coaching approaches through AI outperformed both GROW model and solution-focused methods, challenging conventional wisdom in the coaching field. This finding emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices and suggests that coaches should remain open to adjusting their methodologies based on empirical research rather than tradition or preference.
The future of executive coaching appears to be moving toward a hybrid model where human coaches serve as expert prompt engineers and meaning-makers, while AI handles data processing and pattern recognition. Dr. Terblanche's concept of "coach shapeshifting" - where AI adapts its approach based on client needs - suggests that successful coaches will need to develop similar adaptability in their practice, combining technical knowledge with deep human understanding to provide truly transformative coaching experiences.
The Arete Coach Podcast seeks to explore the art and science of executive coaching. You can find out more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.
This episode was recorded on November 27, 2024.
Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.
Arete Coach: Exploring the Art and Science of Executive Coaching
“Arete Coach Podcast" Explores the "Art and Science" of Executive Coaching hosted by Severin Sorensen. The “Arete Coach Podcast" is for executive coaches and anyone considering becoming an executive coach. The podcast is especially valuable to executive coaches who are lifetime learners with deep curiosity about the "art and science" of coaching. In this podcast, the ‘art of coaching’ is explored through engaging interviews with leading executive coaches from diverse backgrounds sharing their individual coaching journeys, learnings, methods, best questions, and situational approaches to executive coaching. Beyond best practices, the podcast will regularly mine research on the ‘science of coaching’ and explores ongoing scientific discoveries and studies looking for what works and why, with an aim to improve the core body of knowledge for executive coaches and the industry. Severin Sorensen has provided over 7,500 hours of paid executive coaching sessions and he holds the following coaching certifications: ICF/ACSTH Certified Executive Coach (CEC), Certified Organizational Development Coach (CODC), Certified Life Coach (CLC); and the IAC: Coach Masteries Practioner. Severin Sorensen has an M.Phil in Economics at King's College, Cambridge University, and undergraduate degrees in Economics and Political Science from the University of Utah.
The Arete Coach Podcast is the copyright of Arete Coach LLC.
Severin Sorensen is host of the Arete Coach Podcast, where he interviews executive coaches and researchers with the aims to celebrate and explore the art and science of executive coaching today.
Severin is a senior executive coach, serial entrepreneur and lifetime learner with a passionate curiosity about people and businesses. Severin is the CEO of ePraxis LLC, a premier level retained search firm that provides executive headhunting, talent selection, and executive coaching. (www.epraxis.com)
Severin is a certified coach with an IAC Masteries Practitioner designation and 800+ hours of ICF/ACSTH and other advanced training in Executive Coaching, Organizational Development, EOS, Life Coaching, Emotional Intelligence (EQ), and Positive Intelligence (PQ). Severin has over 7,500+ hours of paid executive coaching working with high performing executives, owners, and operators of public and private companies throughout North America.Severin's coaching clients include boards of directors, CEOs, Presidents, GMs, COO, CFO, CTO, VP Engineering, VP Talent, and many other positions.
Severin lives in Park City , Utah and his virtual coach practice includes clients throughout the Americas.
From 2010-2018 Severin was a Vistage Chair where he coached three CEO and Key executive groups. In 2011, Severin received the "Rookie of the Year Chair Award" from Vistage. Since 2013, Severin has added international speaking for Vistage, CEO conferences, executive peer groups, and corporations on the topic of identifying and hiring difference making top talent.
In terms of the types of clients coached, Severin has coached new CEOs (with less than 2 years experience), large company executives (e.g., Managing Director of Rio Tinto), numerous high-growth entrepreneurs operating INC 5000 businesses, multi-generational family owned businesses, and primary-equity business owners who are still actively managing their companies. Severin has experience coaching both private and public company executives and their executive teams.
Severin's own coaching practice is tool based, using diagnostics, surveys, and Socratic questioning to get to root issues. You can learn more about Severin at epraxis.com (insights), LinkedIn, Quora, and Twitter. If you think you might be a good fit for executive coaching with Severin, he is happy to give you a free test drive coaching session to see if this would be good for you and your team. You can book a free test-drive 30 min coaching huddle at: calendly.com/epraxis.