| | DECEMBER 20238IN MY OPINION TRAVERSING THE LANDSCAPE OF ONLINE COACHINGMilos Topic, Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Digital Officer, Grand Valley State University Milos Topic currently holds the position of Vice President for Information Technology & Chief Digital Officer at Grand Valley State University. Having over 25 years of experience in technology, innovation, strategy, operations, and leadership, Topic has held various positions, including Vice President and Chief Information Officer. In addition, Topic is also a frequent speaker on leadership, team building, and innovation, and advises organizations on business strategy and digital possibilities. In an exclusive interview with Education Technology Insights, Topic shares his valuable insights on the opportunities, trends and best practices in online coaching space.What are some of the biggest trends impacting the online coaching space currently?The online coaching industry is experiencing rapid growth as numerous individuals actively share their experiences and valuable content with a diverse audience seeking professional, personal and academic guidance and support. Although general leadership principles and management tactics remain valuable across industries, individuals frequently benefit from tailored guidance that addresses specific aspects of their lives, whether personal or professional. Online coaching should be narrowed down to address specific needs and provide demonstrated guidance.Mentoring involves addressing these specific needs, understanding objectives, and formulating a plan. Success depends on finding relevance and sticking to one's niche, given the presence of established big brands and untested individual content in the space. Are there any additional pain points or challenges in terms of online coaching sector? Emphasizing the significance of striking a balance between free information and paid services is crucial. Individuals are often more committed to acting and engaging when they have a financial stake in the process. In addition, there is an increase in potential for technology companies to streamline the online coaching practices by creating platforms for creators, coaches, and those seeking help. This would make the exchange of thoughts, ideas, documents, and brainstorming white boarding sessions more efficient. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of information is dispersed among various solutions, affecting the overall user experience. In my perspective, technology companies should prioritize simplifying the infrastructure and developing platforms that enhance the seamless exchange of ideas and information in a variety of formats. What potential solutions or technological recommendations would you suggest to address this issue?Kajabi, an online course coaching platform, has garnered considerable praise in recent times. The platform seamlessly Milos Topi
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