Red Flags When Choosing A Coach - All Things Product Podcast with Teresa Torres & Petra Wille

Listen to this episode on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

In this episode of All Things Product, Petra Wille and Teresa Torres dig into one of the most common — and tricky — questions they get: How do I choose the right product coach?

If you’ve ever scrolled past 7,500 “product coaches” on LinkedIn and wondered who’s actually worth your time and money, this one’s for you. Teresa and Petra share red flags to watch out for, green flags that signal quality, and practical tips for vetting coaches across product discovery, leadership, and more.

Whether you’re looking for your first coach or want to sanity-check your current shortlist, you’ll walk away with a clear framework to help you make an informed choice.

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.

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