Erickson student and Coach, Kaberi Bhattacharya, shares her experience with AI coaching, and delves into its limitations by design

Why would I need a human coach when I have an AI bot at my fingertips?

The value proposition, on paper, is unbeatable:
• No bookings: it’s always available.
• No payments: it’s virtually free.
• No apparent judgment: there are no eyes looking back at me.

So why would anyone still need a human coach?

My experience with AI Coaching

I didn’t just dabble; I experimented with AI simulator environments. I loved it.

I practiced wearing different hats: coach, coachee, observer. I received ICF (International Coaching Federation) aligned feedback instantly.

There was a profound sense of psychological safety in the distance between me and the algorithm. It felt like having an expert in my back pocket. I found myself wondering: Isn’t this exactly what modern coaching should be?

When something stopped landing...

And then, slowly, something shifted.

Phrases like “You are doing great,” “You are on your path to mastery,” and “That’s a thoughtful question” began to feel scripted. The interactions moved from feeling efficient to feeling artificial (pun intended). The encouragement, while positive, no longer landed, and I could sense a mechanical repetition.

In the beginning, it did feel genuinely affirming to be appreciated. But over time, I became aware of its limitations by design. Something vital was missing.

So what was really causing this discontent?

Reframing the question

This question sent me into a deeper reflection, not just about AI, but about what I truly value. What we value and long for, as humans.

What was I really comparing? And why was I framing this as human vs AI, or worse, the replacement of humans by machines? Was this shaped by the constant buzz about being replaced by technology?

It made me realize that perhaps the problem wasn’t AI at all. Perhaps it was my expectations of AI, subtly conditioned by the narratives we absorb every day.

Understanding AI without the hype

Despite the term being coined in 1955, there is still no single standard definition of “Artificial Intelligence.” It is constantly evolving, making things simpler and faster while performing complex functions at a pace that is not humanly possible.

It continues to surprise us, and likely will in ways we cannot yet imagine.

I take an AI-first approach when it comes to its strengths:
• Efficiency: Automating mundane tasks and logistics.
• Pattern Recognition: Processing vast amounts of data to identify trends.
• Objectivity: Providing a neutral mirror for feedback.

At the same time, AI is far from infallible.

Trained on human-generated data, it reflects existing biases and can hallucinate, producing confident and plausible responses that are factually incorrect. These limitations are not mere technical quirks. They serve as reminders of why human judgment, empathy, and presence remain the irreplaceable heart of deep transformation in this AI era.

The human cost of optimization 

From a corporate lens, I’ve seen what happens when we try to optimize away the human element.

The cost doesn’t disappear; it simply shows up elsewhere:
• Toxic cultures: Surveillance replaces trust.
• Burnout: Being “always on” becomes the unspoken expectation.
• Poor performance: Over reliance on AI impacts creativity and innovation.

Unfortunately, these terms have become all too familiar. And when I think back to a recent global experience we all lived through, the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing stands out clearly once again: our deep need for human connection.

The impact of a conversation. A hug. A shoulder to cry on. These moments reminded us that efficiency alone cannot sustain us. Human connection is that magic potion, the glue, the invisible thread that holds our wellbeing, resilience, and sense of belonging together.

What became clear

Something crystallized for me. My AI coach can support growth by providing data and instant feedback. It’s a brilliant spark. But a human coach helps sustain it.

Sustainability requires the things an algorithm cannot simulate: the weight of accountability, the reading of unspoken nuances, and the deep, quiet presence that makes a person feel truly heard.

Integration, not replacement

So when it comes to this debate, my stance is simple: I will continue to use both AI and human coaching, not replace one with the other.
I also remind myself to use the word “replace” thoughtfully. Nothing can replace the human essence. And remember, no one can replace you.

If you’re navigating change and noticing the limits of doing it alone, a human conversation can sometimes make all the difference.

ABOUT KABERI

Kaberi brings over 20 years of global experience across Asia, Europe, and Australia, having held senior leadership roles within the technology sectors of finance, retail, and healthcare, including one of Australia’s Big Four banks.

Her career spans technical delivery, project management, and people leadership, always with a core focus on enabling others to grow and succeed.

Currently working toward her coaching accreditation, Kaberi operates at the intersection of corporate strategy and human-centred development. She leverages her deep industry breadth to help individuals and teams navigate complexity, find clarity, and lead with confidence.

To follow and connect with Kaberi on LinkedIn, visit her profile.