Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine conceptual and theoretical links between intuition and coaching; investigate accomplished coaches' practical experiences of intuition; identify skill set of an intuitive coach; discuss implications of findings for coaches', HRD professionals', and line managers' learning and development. Design/methodology/approach: In-depth, semi-structured, individual interviews with 14 accomplished experienced executive coaches (eight males and six females) averaging 14.5 years as a coach. Findings: Outline of core attributes of an intuitive coach. Originality/value: Immersion in experience, a reflective approach to practice, effective feedback and supervision, and attending to personal well-being are likely to enable coaches, HRD practitioners and line managers to take a more informed and intelligent approach to "going with their gut" in coaching and other situations where inter- and intra-personal awareness are important. (Contains 3 notes.)