As coaching moves into mainstream leadership, Fisher launches new certification
Artificial intelligence, hybrid work, increasing workplace complexity and changing employee expectations are reshaping what organizations need from their leaders. While technical expertise and decision-making remain essential, many organizations are recognizing another capability as equally important: the ability to develop people.
To meet the growing demand for coaching as a differentiating leadership skill, The Ohio State University Max M. Fisher College of Business is launching a new Professional Coaching Certification designed to help professionals develop the skills needed to support growth, performance and leadership development in today's workplace.
Offered as part of Fisher’s suite of Executive Education certifications, the program addresses a key dynamic in today’s organizational marketplace: the pace of change.
"Leaders are navigating AI, hybrid work, rapid change, increasingly complex organizations and a workforce that is asking different questions about purpose, growth and what they expect from their leaders,” said John Schaffner, senior lecturer in management and human resources and academic director of the certificate. “In that environment, leaders cannot simply have the answers. They need to know how to create the kinds of conversations in which people can think, learn and discover answers for themselves."
Historically, coaching has been associated with executive development or professional coaching practitioners. Increasingly, however, organizations are integrating coaching into leadership development, talent management, succession planning and organizational change efforts.
The shift reflects a growing recognition that effective leadership is not simply about directing performance but helping others learn, adapt and grow. Business leaders, HR professionals, healthcare administrators, and consultants are increasingly incorporating coaching into their work.
"The people who are drawn to coaching often come from very different professional backgrounds, but they share something important: curiosity about people and a desire to become better at helping others think, grow and move forward,” Schaffner said.
Fisher's approach combines leadership research with extensive opportunities for coaching practice and feedback. Drawing on research in leadership development, organizational behavior, emotional and social intelligence, adult learning and behavior change, the curriculum is designed to help participants translate coaching concepts into meaningful practice.
Participants engage in coaching practice, observation, feedback, reflection and supervised application designed to help them build confidence and competence in real-world situations. Fisher's approach combines academic rigor with practical experience, creating a learning environment that prepares participants to immediately apply what they learn within their organizations.
"We are not simply trying to produce more coaches,” Schaffner said. “We are developing people who can create better conversations and, through those conversations, better leaders, stronger organizations and meaningful change."
Applications are being accepted for the inaugural Professional Coaching Certification cohort, which launches Nov. 2, 2026.
Senior Lecturer, Academic Director, Fisher Professional Development Coaching Program