The HR Research Institute (HRRI) has announced the establishment of its Future of Coaching and Mentoring for Leadership 2026 Advisory Board, bringing together a distinguished group of practitioners committed to advancing leadership excellence. This board will guide organizations on modern coaching and mentoring approaches that balance AI-driven tools with essential human connection while shaping policies for responsible AI use in leadership development. The expert advisory panel will direct HRRI's extensive research project and virtual event, exploring how organizations can harness coaching and mentoring to build robust leadership pipelines and accelerate professional growth.
The newly established advisory board features industry professionals including Lizzie Bentley Bowers, Anne Bloom, Mitwuana Bruce, Morgan Kemick, Mark Monaghan, Helen Patterson, Tracey Power, Michelle Prince, Rey Ramirez, Iyad Uakoub, Anja van Beek, and Jason Walker. Their combined knowledge will reveal effective methodologies for implementing and scaling coaching cultures that foster leader readiness and organizational resilience. The initiative will provide evidence-based recommendations and actionable insights for HR professionals aiming to enhance leadership development programs, optimize mentor-mentee relationships, and create sustainable pathways for nurturing high-potential talent.
"In a time of unprecedented change, leadership development is essential," said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. "Our new Advisory Board will guide HR in building stronger leaders through effective coaching and mentoring, with the right balance of artificial and human intelligence." The HR Research Institute releases annual "State of the Industry" reports in various HR topic areas, including the recent HR.com's Future Demands in Coaching and Mentoring Research 2025. This research and other free reports can be accessed through HR.com's resources for HR professionals.
The advisory board's work will culminate in the HR.com's Future of Coaching and Mentoring for Leadership 2026 Virtual Event scheduled for March 4, 2026. The board's guidance will help define the evolving role of leaders in AI-enabled workplaces while ensuring that technological advancements complement rather than replace the human elements essential to effective coaching and mentoring relationships. This strategic initiative addresses the growing need for organizations to develop leadership capabilities that can navigate both technological transformation and human-centered development approaches.
