What 40 Years as a Coach and Coach Trainer Taught Me About People, Purpose, and the Future of the Life Coaching Industry
By Fern Gorin, Founder of Life Purpose Institute
When I began coaching in 1984, no one was calling it “life coaching.” I had developed a process to support people in discovering their life purpose, career and direction. What emerged was something much more comprehensive. I found myself asking powerful questions—not just about their jobs, but about their lives, their relationships, and their dreams. I watched as clients gained clarity, created action plans, and most importantly, took meaningful steps forward. It was transformative. And I knew I had found something that worked.
Before coaching, I was working in the field of counseling, where I often felt frustrated by the slow pace of progress. The moment I shifted to a more action-oriented, client-led approach—facilitating insights, setting goals, and holding clients accountable—I finally saw the results I was seeking. It was a breakthrough moment that changed the course of my professional life.
From Personal Breakthroughs to a Thriving Coaching Practice
In those early days, I had heard about Tony Robbins and others in the personal development space. I learned of people offering coaching inside corporations. But there was no established roadmap. I was busy doing what I would now call life and career coaching, and to my surprise, clients kept coming. My practice flourished.
As the coaching industry began to take shape, I pursued formal coach training to deepen my skills. I never planned to launch a coach training company—but when clients began asking me to teach them my methods, that’s exactly what happened. The Life Purpose Institute was born out of demand, not design.
How the Life Coaching Industry Has Evolved
Over the decades, coaching—like life—has faced its share of ups and downs. The 2008 financial crisis was a challenging time, and the aftermath of 9/11 brought business to a halt. Still, I rebuilt it. I believed coaching would grow into a recognized profession, much like personal training had in the 1980s—and it did.
The global pandemic in 2020 marked another major turning point. While it was a time of hardship for many, it was also a period of reflection and reinvention. People were home, reevaluating their lives, searching for more purpose, and eager to invest in themselves. At Life Purpose Institute, demand surged. Every class was full. We trained coaches as quickly as we could, and the movement continued to accelerate. The coaches we trained became extremely busy as there was so much demand for coaching at that point.
Why Life Coaching Is More Relevant Than Ever
Today, coaching is no longer a little-known or specialized service—it has become a widely recognized and respected profession. Life coaches are featured on television and media outlets regularly. The industry has expanded significantly, with job opportunities now available in a range of settings including corporations, healthcare, education, non-profit and government. Coaching roles are regularly listed on major job platforms, and new organizations like Better Up have emerged to connect coaches with individuals and companies seeking growth and development support. As demand grows, coaching continues to establish itself as an essential resource for personal and professional advancement.
Helping People Discover Purpose and Direction
What’s especially powerful is the mindset shift that has taken place. People no longer view coaching as something to pursue only when something is “wrong.” Instead, it’s seen as a positive, proactive investment in oneself—much like hiring a personal trainer for your life. Coaches are trusted partners who help individuals manage challenges, achieve personal and professional goals, and design lives that feel fulfilling and aligned. More than ever, people are turning to coaches for guidance on finding their life purpose, clarifying their direction, and making meaningful changes. Whether they’re seeking a more satisfying career, stronger relationships, or greater inner peace, coaching offers a supportive and transformative space to grow.
The Future of Coaching
Over the past 40 years, I’ve witnessed the coaching profession evolve from an unknown practice to a global movement. I’ve trained thousands of coaches and worked with countless clients who wanted to transform their lives. It has been my greatest privilege to guide people on their path to purpose.
As I reflect on this journey, I believe the future of coaching is bright. It will continue to grow, diversify, and serve as a vital support system for people across the globe—especially during uncertain times. Coaching is here to stay, and its impact is only just beginning.
Fern Gorin, P.C.C., L.M.F.T. is the founder and Director of Life Purpose Institute. Life Purpose Institute teaches Life Coach Certification Programs and Spiritual Coach Certification Programs to students worldwide.
Want to learn more about the programs at Life Purpose Institute? Schedule a Free Consultation to speak one-on-one with a Program Specialist and get all your questions answered.
