The boom in life coaching has sparked both interest and skepticism as more individuals claim to offer guidance without the necessary qualifications.
When controversial figure Sylvia Chan resurfaced in March as a life coach, the general online reaction was a mix of surprise and skepticism: “Huh, can meh?” The last time she made headlines, it was for allegedly mistreating her staff at Night Owl Cinematics, with video footage showing her dismissing employee concerns. Fast forward a few years, and she’s reinvented herself as a life coach, claiming to have overcome her own struggles. Her website promises that she can “sit with your fears and vulnerabilities,” though, so far, no one has signed up to test that claim.
Beyond Sylvia’s controversial rebranding, it seems like almost anyone with a LinkedIn profile now fancies themselves a coach. Feeling lost in life? There’s a coach for that. Want to be a better boss? Leadership coaching awaits. Overwhelmed and burnt out? Wellness coaches are ready in your inbox.
But with such a flood of self-proclaimed life coaches, it’s becoming harder to distinguish the truly qualified from the so-called “hack” coaches. As more people sign up for sessions, they often find themselves disappointed, realizing only after paying hefty fees that they hired someone who may be more suited to a motivational speech than providing real, actionable guidance.
Why Are There So Many Coaches?
Despite occasional backlash, being a coach still carries a certain allure. Globally, figures like Tony Robbins and Robin Sharma have built empires around coaching, giving the profession an air of prestige. People envision coaches as polished, professional, well-spoken, and experienced—except the reality is often far more complicated.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) sets the standard, advising that coaches focus on outcomes, equipping clients with the tools to find their own solutions rather than giving direct advice. A good coach follows ethical guidelines, has a clear structure, and aims to help clients achieve specific goals.
However, the coach profession is booming, driven by global uncertainty, career pivots, and a desire for personal fulfillment. Many enter the field because coaching offers flexibility and the chance to be their own boss. But not everyone who enters coaching is truly prepared. Some schools market coaching as an easy, lucrative career, making it seem like anyone can jump into the field with minimal experience. Certification programs may cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000, often aimed at people looking for a career change or those feeling stuck in their current job.
The Red Flags
One of the biggest issues with the rise of life coaches is the lack of regulation. In Singapore, anyone can put “life coach” on their LinkedIn profile with no formal qualification, leading to cases where clients are taken advantage of by inexperienced or unqualified individuals.
While many life coaches might genuinely want to help, there are cases where clients are led down the wrong path, especially when the coach lacks real-world experience or professional training. Unqualified coaches might inadvertently cause more harm than good, potentially exacerbating the very issues their clients sought help with.
For example, one coach’s unprofessional behavior during a public event triggered serious concerns when he openly discussed his suicide attempt in graphic detail, potentially triggering attendees. This is just one example of how unethical coaching can cross boundaries, leaving clients emotionally vulnerable.
What Counts as Unethical?
Even among professionals, there’s disagreement about what constitutes unethical coaching. Some argue that relying on personal experience to guide clients is not ideal, as it introduces bias. For instance, Sylvia Chan’s website promises guidance based on her own lived experiences, which goes against established coaching ethics. A good coach should stay neutral, focusing on their client’s future rather than imposing their personal narrative.
While certification from recognized bodies like the ICF can offer some assurance, prospective clients need to ask the right questions: Does the coach have a structured plan? Are they trained in the specific niche they’re offering services in? Are they equipped with legitimate frameworks and techniques to help clients achieve their goals?
The Way Forward
Ultimately, coaching is a helping profession, and like any field, it requires regulation and ethical standards to ensure that it doesn’t do more harm than good. But regulation is not an easy fix. It’s hard to define coaching universally, and given the complexities of human behavior, there will always be grey areas.
However, both clients and coaches must be vigilant. Clients should do due diligence and ask about the coach’s qualifications and methodologies before committing. If the process feels too vague or lacks structure, it might be a red flag. Coaches should also be transparent about their experience and adhere to ethical standards, ensuring that their work is truly beneficial.
For now, life coaches continue to flood the market, but for those seeking help, choosing the right one is crucial. A good coach can truly make a difference, but an unqualified one can potentially do more harm than good.
