Overview
AI Coach Matching optimizes the pairing of clients with the right coach by leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, reduce bias, and improve match quality. Instead of manually reviewing coach profiles, availability, and client needs, AI streamlines the selection process, enabling coaching providers to scale their programs effectively.
This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on using the AI Coach Matching Assistant in the Optify platform.
How AI can help create precise coach matches
Effective coach-client matching is crucial for a successful engagement. AI Coach Matching helps:
Reduce Bias – Minimizes factors like recency bias.
Increase Efficiency – Instantly reviews all available coaches.
Ensure Consistency – Provides a structured approach to pairing.
Scale Coaching Programs – Ideal for organizations with extensive coach networks.
The AI Matching Process
Data Collection: Coaches complete their Coach Profile, detailing their experience, skills, and coaching approach. Admins can customize the profile fields to ensure relevant information is captured.
AI Analysis: The AI assistant processes both structured data (such as certifications and experience) and unstructured data (written responses about coaching style) to create a comprehensive coach profile.
Matching Recommendations: Based on the client’s needs, the AI generates a curated list of recommended coaches, providing insights into why each match is a good fit.
Final Selection: A human administrator reviews the AI’s recommendations, ensuring alignment with client preferences before confirming the match.
Client Feedback: After the first session, clients can share feedback through surveys, helping to refine and improve future matches.
Click here to view a list of suggested Coach Profile Questions.
How to Use AI Coach Matching in Optify
1. Access the AI Coach Matching Assistant
From the Dashboard, navigate to the Admin Panel.
Click on Assistant from the left-hand menu.
Click the + (plus) button on the right side of the screen (1) to start a new chat
Choose to include all coaches or select coaches for the AI to analyze (2)
Click Start Chat (3)
2. Set Up the Coach Pool for Matching
Before AI can provide you with coach options, you must define the criteria for selection. Consider including:
Coach Criteria:
Industry Expertise
Certifications (e.g., PCC, ICF, etc.)
Language Preferences
Geographic Location
Coaching Experience Level
Client Needs for Matching:
Coaching Goals (e.g., leadership, communication, executive presence)
Desired Coaching Style (e.g., directive, exploratory, goal-oriented)
Preferred Industry Experience
Language & Cultural Fit
Time Zone & Availability
This information can be found by reviewing the client's intake questionnaire.
3. Generate AI Coach Recommendations
In the AI Assistant panel, enter a matching request in natural language, such as: “Provide three coaches who speak Spanish, have Leadership Circle certification, and a technology background.”
The AI will return a ranked list of coach recommendations, including:
Name
Key qualifications
A brief rationale for selection
4. Review AI Suggestions & Make Adjustments
Click on any recommended coach to view their Full Profile.
Use the AI chat to refine your search:
“Why wasn’t Coach X recommended?”
“Provide two alternative coaches with experience in healthcare.”
If needed, manually adjust the selection based on specific client preferences.
5. Assign Coaches to Clients
Once you’ve confirmed the best matches, follow the normal coach-matching process.
If allowing clients to choose their pre-selected coaches, you can enable coach selection, which will:
Allow the client to schedule a fit call before finalizing the selection.
This setting can be configured under the program settings tab.
6. Track Client Feedback & Adjust Matching Over Time
After the first session, an optional pulse survey can be enabled for clients.
Learn more about client feedback surveys by clicking here.
Benefits of AI Coach Matching
✔ Comprehensive Coach Data – AI recalls all coach qualifications, reducing manual search efforts.
✔ Efficiency & Speed – Processes hundreds of profiles in seconds.
✔ Bias Reduction – Ensures fair evaluations beyond human memory limitations.
✔ Scalability – Supports large coaching networks and enterprise programs.
✔ Transparent Decision-Making – AI provides clear reasoning for each match.
Ethical Considerations & Privacy
AI in coaching must align with ethical and privacy standards. The ICF AI Coaching Guidelines emphasize:
Transparency – Users should be aware that AI is involved in the matching process.
Explainability – AI must provide reasoning for each recommendation.
Bias Mitigation – AI focuses on qualifications rather than subjective factors.
Consent & Privacy – Coaches must consent to data usage, ensuring confidentiality.
Optify continuously refines AI recommendations to maintain fairness and compliance with best practices.
Q&A: AI Coach Matching
1. Is AI replacing human judgment in coach matching?
No. AI serves as an assistant, providing recommendations, but a human makes the final selection.
2. Can AI adapt to different coaching needs?
Yes. AI considers multiple factors such as industry experience, certifications, and coaching style to tailor recommendations.
3. How does AI reduce bias in coach selection?
AI eliminates recency bias and ensures a fair evaluation of all qualified coaches. However, human oversight remains to prevent unintended biases.
4. Will clients know that AI is involved in matching?
Not always. Clients typically see only the final matches, but organizations using the AI tool are aware of its role.
5. How is client feedback incorporated into AI matching?
Client feedback is collected after coaching sessions. While this data is not currently integrated into AI, future versionswill refine recommendations based on feedback.
6. Can AI be used for internal coaching programs in large organizations?
Yes. AI helps large companies efficiently match internal and external coaches based on program-specific needs.
7. When will AI-powered coach matching be available to Optify clients?
The AI tool is currently available for select coaching providers. Organizations interested in implementing AI Coach Matching should contact Optify for details.
Conclusion
AI Coach Matching is revolutionizing the coaching industry, improving efficiency, reducing bias, and enhancing the client-coach experience. While AI assists in the process, human oversight ensures thoughtful and effective pairings.
As AI technology advances, it will further refine the matching process, making high-quality coaching accessible at scale.
📢 For more information about implementing AI-powered coach matching, contact Optify Support or your account manager.