Defining Coaching vs. Mentorship and Management

Gabi Bufrem is a product and leadership coach who partners with executives and teams worldwide to unlock performance with a rare blend of curiosity, empathy, and candor. In this conversation with Christian, Gabi breaks down what great coaching looks like, how to build trust quickly, and why the best leaders measure their success through the growth of others.

Today’s episode will discuss:

• The difference between mentorship, management, and coaching
• Why everyone not only should have a coach but deserves a coach
• The three steps to building trust quickly
• Why vulnerability is a crucial unlock
• Busting limiting beliefs and “leaving space for magic” in career arcs
• How to give tough, constructive feedback as a coach
• The core difference between coaching leaders and coaching ICs
• How to measure coaching impact through tangible wins

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References:

• Marty Cagan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cagan/
• Stephen Curry: https://x.com/StephenCurry30
• Usain Bolt: https://x.com/usainbolt

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More from SVPG on product coaching:

• Articles on coaching: https://www.svpg.com/the-coaching-series/

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Where to find Gabi Bufrem:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellebufrem/
• https://www.gabriellebufrem.com/

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Where to find Christian Idiodi:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

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Where to find SVPG:

• SVPG’s newest book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/
• Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/
• Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/
• Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/
• Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos

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Timestamps:

(01:08) What does a product coach do?

(06:18) Gabi’s journey into coaching

(10:01) Coaches see what you can’t

(15:05) How to encourage healthy dialogue

(18:36) The power of vulnerability

(20:26) Designing discovery sessions

(24:55) Revealing clients’ blind spots

(27:10) How to give constructive feedback

(32:44) “My job is to teach you how to fish”

(37:04) A mindset for improving communication

(40:25) Coaching leaders vs. coaching ICs

(42:28) Measuring success as a coach

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Disclaimer:

While this podcast is named “Product Therapy”, it is not hosted by licensed therapists or mental health professionals, and it is in no way a substitute for professional mental health services. We recognize the importance of mental well-being and encourage anyone facing personal difficulties to seek support from qualified professionals. See https://findahelpline.com/

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Production:

Production by ⁠supermix.io