HR Research Institute Forms Advisory Board to Guide Future of Leadership Coaching and Mentoring

The HR Research Institute (HRRI) has announced the formation of its Future of Coaching and Mentoring for Leadership 2026 Advisory Board, bringing together distinguished practitioners committed to advancing leadership excellence. This expert panel will guide organizations on modern coaching and mentoring approaches that balance AI-driven tools with essential human connection while shaping policies for responsible AI use in leadership development.

The advisory board will direct HRRI's extensive research project and virtual event, exploring how organizations can leverage coaching and mentoring to build robust leadership pipelines and accelerate professional growth. Their collective expertise will reveal effective methodologies for implementing and scaling coaching cultures that foster leader readiness and organizational resilience in an increasingly AI-enabled workplace. The initiative will provide evidence-based recommendations and actionable insights for HR professionals aiming to enhance leadership development programs, optimize mentor-mentee relationships, and create sustainable pathways for nurturing high-potential talent.

The newly established advisory board features industry professionals including 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. Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that in times of unprecedented change, leadership development becomes essential, and the advisory board will guide HR in building stronger leaders through effective coaching and mentoring with the right balance of artificial and human intelligence.

The HR Research Institute releases annual State of the Industry reports across various HR topics, including recent research such as HR.com's Future Demands in Coaching and Mentoring Research 2025. These resources are developed with assistance from thought leaders and industry experts on advisory boards, helping more than 2 million HR professionals make strategic decisions with informed research findings. The institute has published hundreds of high-quality reports across a wide array of HR topics, with free membership offering access to over 300 exclusive primary research reports and infographics.