Belonging Beyond Numbers: How ICF Demographic Trends Are Shaping the Future of Coaching

What does it really mean to belong?

For the International Coaching Federation (ICF), it’s not about counting members or checking diversity boxes. It’s about trust, psychological safety, and the feeling of being seen as a person with a story rather than a statistic.

Over the past three years, we’ve taken a closer look at who you are — our global coaching community — so we can learn how to serve you better. These insights are reflected in the white paper, Measuring Progress: ICF Demographics 2022-2024. This paper provides a reflective analysis of demographic trends based on membership data from the ICF Member Values Survey.

The goal of this work is rooted in curiosity. We are committed to understanding who makes up our global membership and how every member’s lived experience can help shape a more inclusive future for us all.

Why ICF Collects Demographic Data

Behind every data point is a person with a story, a voice, and as a member of our global community.

That’s why demographic data isn’t about labels; it’s about listening. When approached with curiosity and cultural responsiveness, demographic analysis becomes more than a research exercise. It becomes a way to amplify member voices, elevate underrepresented groups, and make informed organizational decisions that truly reflect the diversity and richness of our community.

Our decision to collect demographic data began with a simple but meaningful question: How can we better understand and serve our members? Guided by a needs assessment, we thoughtfully designed data collection to respect privacy and dignity while providing actionable insights to improve inclusion and connection.

As we continue this work, our focus remains on using demographic insights to foster belonging, ensuring that every member’s story contributes to the evolving fabric of ICF.

Trends that Tell a Bigger Story

Between 2022–2024, the data revealed shifts that go beyond representation. These trends highlight growth, trust, and new opportunities within the coaching profession.

What follows is a brief overview. The full white paper explores these patterns in greater depth, including the nuances and ongoing work that shapes who we are, who we’re becoming, and where the profession is heading.

Generational Momentum

Coaching is evolving as younger generations become more prominent in the profession, bringing their distinct strengths and perspectives.

Millennial representation within our membership continues to rise. Many Millennials are now mid-career and are possibly joining ICF while making a career transition to coaching.

At the same time, Gen Z is beginning to make its mark, growing from near zero to 1.2% of ICF membership. Possibly entering coaching as a first career, this purpose-driven generation emphasizes authenticity, inclusion, and impact.

A More Diverse Global Community

Belonging is never one-size-fits-all. It grows locally through listening, understanding context, and fostering connection. We’re seeing increasing representation among historically underrepresented communities, suggesting that our outreach, inclusive language efforts, and regional engagement are making a meaningful impact.

Disability Disclosure: A Signal of Trust

Perhaps the most powerful signal isn’t numerical at all; it’s emotional. More members are choosing to disclose a disability, reflecting a rising sense of psychological safety within the ICF community. We intentionally use “disclosure” language rather than labels to honor personal choice and cultural differences around identity.

Moving Beyond Representation

Numbers tell us who is in the room. Belonging tells us how they experience it. And true inclusion means creating spaces where all members across languages, identities, and lived experiences feel empowered to lead, contribute, and thrive.

We’ve already begun taking steps to build a deeper sense of belonging. One way is through our Member Resource Groups (MRGs), a free ICF member benefit designed to foster connection, growth, and understanding. MRGs offer a space where underrepresented members and allies can share experiences, develop together, and celebrate one another.

Current MRGs include:

• BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color).
• International Military Veterans.
• Kaleidoscope.
• Persons with Disabilities.
• Young Professionals (40 and under).

We also provide learning opportunities like our Global Cultural Competency Coaching Workshop, which helps members deepen cultural awareness, sensitivity, and understanding, all vital skills for creating inclusive coaching environments.

Demographics show progress, but belonging sustains it. We’ll continue to assess and refine our offerings based on what you share with us to ensure we are building a community of inclusion and belonging.

A Future of Belonging

The white paper reminds us that inclusion is not a destination but a continual practice.

So, the question becomes: What does it mean for you to belong within the ICF community, the coaching profession, and the world at large?

To explore the full data and methodology, download Measuring Progress: ICF Demographics 2022-2024, and visit ICF Engage to share your reflections and ideas for building an inclusive future for coaching.

This is a shared journey of continuous learning. Our goal isn’t to declare that we’ve arrived, but to keep evolving, guided by member voices, lived experiences, and the belief that we are stronger when everyone feels they truly belong.