BetterUp is Ending Direct-to-Consumer Coaching
Here’s what that means for you.
BetterUp is Ending Direct-to-Consumer Coaching.
Here’s what it means for you.
BetterUp is ending direct-to-consumer coaching, leaving individual members without a home. Here’s what changed and what you can do about it.
By: Darren Hoevel, Leadership Coach & Co-Founder of Pliant Solutions
So, the BetterUp platform is pivoting strictly to business-to-business coaching engagements, and individuals are getting left behind.
If you’re one of them, that’s pretty crappy. It messes up your flow. It’s inconvenient. You’re left asking, What the hell do I do now?
Admittedly, it’s a setback. But remind yourself of this: you didn’t cancel.
You showed up.
You did the work.
You built something real.
That’s half the battle already. And you can do it again.
I’m Darren Hoevel, a certified leadership coach and co-founder of Pliant Solutions. I’ve been coaching individuals through BetterUp and beyond for years. And if you’re looking for a place to land, I’ll make it easy: I work one-on-one with individuals, no packages, no minimums, no platform in between. Book a free discovery call here and let’s pick up where you left off.
Still want the full story? Keep reading.
So what actually happened?
BetterUp built their name on making professional coaching accessible to individuals. Two sessions per quarter, two per month, unlimited — pick your tier, get a coach, grow.
It was actually a pretty great model. A lot of people who never would have had access to real coaching found it through BetterUp. They made coaching accessible. It made a difference.
But now BetterUp is ending direct-to-consumer coaching and going all-in on enterprise-only access. Individual memberships are being phased out. The platform is moving on.
You don’t have to.
Should individuals throw in the coaching towel?
Absolutely not.
Here’s what I’ve seen in years of coaching: the people who take their growth seriously and consistently show up for it are the ones who actually move the needle. Not because they’re smarter or more talented. Because they don’t stop when things get inconvenient.
A platform pivot is pretty damn inconvenient. But it’s definitely not a reason to stop.
The coaching habit you built? That’s yours. Don’t let a business decision take it from you.
What to look for in a BetterUp alternative
Not all coaches are created equal. Here’s what actually matters:
Coaching Philosophy and Credentials Every coach brings different frameworks and learning lineages to the table. What a coach has studied shapes how they show up in your sessions. Ask about their training, their certifications, and the paths they’ve traveled. A credential isn’t just a group of shiny letters; it’s a lineage.
Chemistry and Trust Personal rapport isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s the foundation of psychological safety — and without it, real growth doesn’t happen. Take the time to find someone you can be genuinely uncomfortable with. That productive discomfort is where the work actually gets done.
Relevance and Specialization Even great coaches aren’t a fit for every person. Get clear on what you want to achieve and find a coach who specializes in those areas. Relevance accelerates your progression. A mismatch just slows you down.
Outcomes, Not Just Conversations Coaching should drive movement. Not just great conversations, reflection, or horizon chasing — actual measurable results aligned with your goals. If your sessions feel good but nothing is changing, something’s off.
Ready to keep going?
I work with individuals who take their growth seriously — leaders at every level, from first-time managers finding their footing to senior executives navigating what’s next. One-on-one, fully virtual, on your schedule.
Start with a free 20-minute discovery call. No pressure, no pitch. Just a real conversation about what you need and whether we’re a fit.
Darren Hoevel
Certified Coach | Co-founder, Pliant Solutions
Organizational Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC) • Dare to Lead™ • Adaptive Leadership • Change Management • Organizational Design • Business Process Optimization • Operational Efficiency • Agile/Lean Product Delivery
