What We Cover:

• The explosion of product coaches — and why it's harder than ever to choose one
• Red flags: overpromising results, one-size-fits-all approaches, lack of relevant experience
• Green flags: coaching mindset, relevant product and coaching experience, transparency in approach
• How to assess if a coach is a good fit for your domain, stage, and style
• Why the best coaches won’t tell you what to do — and what they should be doing instead
• The difference between coaching and training (and when to look for each)
• Chemistry calls: what to ask and how to spot misalignment early
• Why coaches need to have had coaching too

Key Takeaways:

• Great coaches help you develop your own thinking — they don’t just hand you answers.
• Look for relevant domain and coaching experience — not just a shiny title.
• A good coach puts you in the driver’s seat and meets you where you are.
• Fit > credentials: coaching is personal, and chemistry matters more than a certificate.

Resources & Links:

• Follow Teresa Torres: https://ProductTalk.org
• Follow Petra Wille: https://Petra-Wille.com

Mentioned in this episode:

• Our previous episode on Types of Product Coaches
• Product Discovery Training and Product Discovery Courses by Teresa Torres
• Product Leadership Coach by Petra Wille
• Petra’s blog with coaching success stories
• The Prosperous Coach by Rich Litvin (briefly discussed — and gently critiqued)