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FEDORA Ambassadors Series Coachello & Variations International i
AI-Enhanced Coaching Pilot with Variations International and Coachello to Support Performing Arts Leaders
Details
29 July 2026
FEDORA Ambassadors Series
At FEDORA, we believe that innovation goes beyond artistic creation. It is also about empowering the people who make the performing arts possible. We are now taking the next step with a new pilot programme developed in partnership with Variations International and Coachello.
In this interview, Catherine Tanneau, CEO of Variations International & Activision Coaching Institute, and Leon Wever, Co-Founder of Coachello, share the vision behind this new pro bono initiative, explaining how the combination of human coaching and AI-powered technology can support performing arts professionals in navigating the challenges they face.
The coaching sessions are now open until October to FEDORA Associate and Full Members.
The Variations International group aims to support companies in the evolution of their organisations by combining economic performance and human factors. As part of the Variations International Group, Activision Coaching Institute, brings together a network of experienced coaches and consultants specialised in executive and team coaching, leadership development and organisational transformation. Coachello, is a company that combines people, AI and technology to increase the effectiveness and well-being of leaders at all levels through one-to-one coaching with a results-oriented approach.
This partnership aims to provide performing arts professionals with initial guidance, tailored coaching and leadership development support, leveraging both professional expertise and digital tools, to contribute to improved working conditions and mental health within the sector.
As Leon Wever, Co-Founder of Coachello, explains:
"Management coaching is increasingly democratised in all sectors. In the cultural sector, artists and cultural leaders work in very demanding environments with limited access to this kind of professionalisation due to limited means."
How the hybrid coaching programme works
The programme combines the expertise of seasoned executive coaches from Variations International with AI-powered coaching technology developed by Coachello, creating a coaching journey in which technology enhances - but never replaces - the human relationship.
Through Coachello's platform, participants are first matched with the most suitable coach according to their language, professional role and coaching objectives using an intelligent matching algorithm. The platform also simplifies access to coaching by managing the scheduling of sessions and supporting the overall coaching journey.
Throughout the programme, AI acts as a complementary coaching assistant. Participants can engage with AI coaching tools and role-play exercises between sessions, helping them prepare conversations, reflect on challenges and continue progressing outside of live coaching meetings. The platform also assists with reporting and follow-up, ensuring greater continuity throughout the coaching process.
Importantly, human coaches remain at the centre of every coaching journey. AI is designed to augment - not replace - the coaching relationship. Coaches supervise the process, monitor participants' progress between sessions and intervene whenever necessary, ensuring that ethical considerations and the quality of coaching remain paramount.
As Catherine Tanneau, CEO of Variations International & Activision Institute, explains:
"We can provide seasoned coaches, well trained, well supervised, that have the human intelligence and touch... while benefiting from the AI and technology provided by Coachello to accompany the process."
This hybrid approach allows coaching to become more scalable while preserving the trust, empathy and professional judgement that only experienced coaches can provide.
Supporting leaders in a complex and evolving sector
The programme has been designed specifically for theatre directors, opera directors, artistic directors and cultural managers who face increasingly complex leadership responsibilities.
Beyond artistic vision, they lead multidisciplinary teams, secure funding, manage organisational transformation and attract audiences - all while working in an environment that demands constant creativity and resilience.
As Catherine Tanneau observes:
"Leaders are facing strategic challenges. They are very lonely at the top of the pyramid, and they need a sparring partner to help them navigate challenges, uncertainty, funding, artistic projects and audience development."
Coaching provides more than professional development. It creates a confidential space where leaders can reflect openly, strengthen their confidence and gain perspective on the challenges they face. According to Catherine Tanneau, this psychological safety enables leaders to express doubts and fears they may not feel comfortable sharing elsewhere.
Beyond supporting individuals, coaching also has the potential to strengthen organisations. By adopting a coaching mindset in their own leadership practices, participants can create what Catherine describes as the "ripple effect of coaching" - fostering more collaborative, inclusive and supportive organisational cultures.
Innovation beyond the stage
This pilot reflects our commitment to supporting innovation not only on stage but also in the way we empower the people behind artistic creation.
By combining human expertise with responsible AI, we aim to expand access to high-quality coaching while helping theatre and opera leaders develop the confidence, resilience and leadership skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex cultural landscape.
As Leon Wever concludes:
"This partnership shows FEDORA's commitment to helping artists and cultural leaders beyond the curtain and at a large scale."
If you are interested, click on the button below to register!
Discover all about the Coaching Pilot Programme
Open to FEDORA Associate and Full Members, this coaching pilot programme aims to provide performing arts professionals with initial guidance, tailored coaching and leadership development support, leveraging both professional expertise and digital tools, to contribute to improved working conditions and mental health within the sector.
Activision Coaching Institute
Through Activision Coaching Institute, Variations International supports the development of management and leadership capabilities and helps organisations implement transformation processes.
Coachello
Hybrid coaching platform – Human and AI coaching to drive impactful behavioral change at scale. The coaching platform trusted by the world’s top enterprises.
