Issued by NxtGEN Executive Presence

Monday, 4 February 2025.

 

AI taking its place in executive development and coaching

AI offers enhanced tools for developing leadership

 

There is hardly an area of working life where AI is not making its presence felt – and it is now set to transform the domain of business coaching and leadership development.

AI tools are hitting the marketplace which business leaders can interact with 1 to 1 and get data informed feedback on language skills, impact of presentations, sales techniques, leadership at team meetings and even managing staff conflict. 

That’s according to NxtGEN Executive Presence, Founder and Managing Director Paul A. Slattery, who has been pioneering the use of a business leadership development AI platform called Yoodli in Ireland and globally since late 2022.

He has used Yoodli with Amgen, AbbVie Ireland and the MBA students at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. He said that this AI software has reached a maturity and now offers a real addition to mentoring and developing effective leaders.

“What AI can offer in this marketplace has developed in leaps and bounds and very quickly. It can be used in a highly personalised way, modelling very specific scenarios which people want to improve their performance in.

“It can be used at a time of the person’s choosing (such as before a boardroom or sales pitch) and gives data-informed and objective analytics on their effectiveness and specific direction on how to get better. 

“In parallel the executive presence coach can guide the trainee towards optimum use of the AI tools for them and use the feedback received to inform conversation on developing skills and relationships. The sweet spot lies in combining the skills of both machine and human.”

Yoodli can simulate audience interaction in one-to-one meetings or a difficult interpersonal relationship – and recently added an option to role play delivering leadership in custom scenarios such as a Crisis Communications issue.

For all of these role plays carried out on the platform, the AI system feeds back objective data and analysis on the executive trainees’ language skills, tone, pacing, body language and prompts how the audience would react and respond.

Mr. Slattery said this combination of both AI and an executive coach is taking hold in the marketplace: “The feedback I receive is that this enhanced offering works better than what we have had to date. It gives a lot control to the trainee or mentee to shape their own development, and a wealth of specific analytics for the coach to discuss and process with them. 

“AI has arrived in how we coach and mentor in business, and is only going to grow further in the years ahead.” Yoodli Co-Founder of and Head of Customer Success Esha Joshi, which has worked closely with NxtGEN in developing the AI platform, also believes the enhanced benefits are now tangible.

“By combining our AI-driven coaching platform with NxtGEN’s proven leadership expertise, we’re empowering executives to elevate their communication and executive presence, driving success for themselves and their organisations,” he said.

About NxtGEN Executive Presence

Based in Ireland, NxtGEN specialises in executive presence coaching and leadership development. With over 20 years of experience, they offer tailored programmes that empower professionals to refine their leadership skills and build executive presence. NxtGEN’s approach focuses on developing authentic leadership qualities, helping individuals thrive in dynamic business environments. www.NxtGEN.ie

About Yoodli

Based in Seattle, Yoodli uses AI to help individuals improve their communication skills. Whether preparing for meetings, presentations, or interviews, users receive real-time feedback on their content, clarity, executive presence, and pacing. Yoodli is trusted by learning and development professionals, coaches, and organisations aiming to enhance leadership communication. The platform empowers individuals to refine their speaking abilities, fostering confidence and impact. www.yoodli.ai

 

Paul Slattery, MD NxtGEN Executive Presence