The HR Research Institute (HRRI) has announced the formation of its Future of Coaching and Mentoring for Leadership 2026 Advisory Board, bringing together a group of practitioners to advance leadership development through coaching and mentoring. The board will focus on balancing AI-driven tools with essential human connection, shaping policies for responsible AI use, and defining the evolving role of leaders in an AI-enabled workplace.
The advisory board includes professionals such as 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 expertise will direct HRRI's research project and virtual event, exploring how organizations can harness coaching and mentoring to build robust leadership pipelines and accelerate professional growth.
According to Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, “In a time of unprecedented change, leadership development is essential. 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 initiative aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for HR professionals to enhance leadership development programs, optimize mentor-mentee relationships, and create sustainable pathways for nurturing high-potential talent.
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. These and other free research reports and infographics can be downloaded at hr.com/researchinstitute.
HR.com, the parent organization, serves as the #1 source for HR research, read by more than 2 million HR professionals. The HRRI has published hundreds of high-quality reports across a wide array of HR topics, with surveys developed using input from thought leaders and industry experts on advisory boards. The upcoming virtual event, HR.com's Future of Coaching and Mentoring for Leadership 2026, is scheduled for March 4, 2026, and registration is open.
