Roger DeWitt: Coaching & AI

Introduction

In this week’s episode of the Better Than Fine podcast, host Darlene Marshall interviews Roger DeWitt, a Master Certified ADHD coach with 23 years of experience in coaching. The conversation centers around the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and coaching, exploring how AI is changing the landscape of wellness and fitness coaching.

Darlene begins by reminiscing about the evolution of graphic design, comparing the past reliance on graphic designers to the current rise of AI and its implications for various professions – including coaching. With the widespread emergence of AI technology, many fields are contemplating its integration and impact on their work.

Roger explains the basics of AI, particularly focusing on large language models like ChatGPT, which are trained on vast datasets from the internet. These models predict text based on the context of the input provided, yet they are not inherently equipped to perform coaching as a human would. Roger expresses concern about the existing bad information that AI may consume and reiterates the importance of training AI effectively.

The core of the conversation delves into Roger's journey into AI as he shares how he began exploring its capabilities to enhance his coaching practice. By mentoring AI to mirror his coaching style, he was able to develop what he refers to as his “Roger bot” – an AI companion that reflects his coaching methods and philosophies.

Roger emphasizes that while AI can fulfill certain roles effectively, it remains distinct from human coaches. Important qualities like human connection, intuition, and emotional synchrony cannot be replicated by AI, ensuring that human coaches will still have a vital role. The host and guest discuss potential future scenarios in which coaching AI can provide support and accessibility to individuals who may not have access to human coaches, thus filling a significant gap in mental wellness resources.

The discussion also highlights the collaborative opportunities that arise when individual coaches create their own AI clones, making professional coaching more accessible. Roger’s insights suggest that AI should act as a complement to human interaction rather than a replacement.

Roger encourages other coaches to articulate their unique approaches to coaching, creating a wealth of resources that can be utilized to train AI models. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing the coach-client relationship and how AI can extend the reach of coaching practices.

As a final note, Roger shares information about where to find his AI coaching resource, linking listeners to his website for access. With the rapid development of AI in coaching, he firmly believes that it will aid in enhancing the coaching experience rather than diminishing the role of human coaches.

Keywords

• Roger DeWitt
• Coaching
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Large Language Models
• ADHD Coaching
• Wellness
• Human Connection
• Emotional Synchrony
• Accessibility
• AI Clones

FAQ

1. What is Roger DeWitt’s professional background?
Roger DeWitt is a Master Certified ADHD coach with 23 years of experience in coaching and holds a master's degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.

2. How is AI being used in coaching?
AI is being integrated into coaching practices to create personalized coaching experiences, extending access to clients who may not be able to afford human coaching.

3. Can AI replace human coaches?
No, AI cannot replace human coaches as it lacks emotional intuition, the ability for personal connection, and the nuanced understanding that comes with human experience.

4. How can coaches utilize AI effectively?
Coaches can utilize AI by articulating their methods, philosophies, and teaching techniques. This information can then be used to train AI models, allowing for personalized AI coaching assistants that reflect their approaches.

5. What resources does Roger offer for those interested in AI coaching?
Roger offers access to his AI coaching resource through his website, where individuals can interact with his coaching AI, trained to reflect his coaching style and methods.