Episode 35: The Power of the Human Coach with Guest Dirk Friel

In this episode of ‘All Things Endurance,’ host Rick Prince chats with former pro cyclist and co-founder of TrainingPeaks, Dirk Friel. 

As the co-founder of the first coach-specific platform for endurance coaches, TrainingPeaks, Dirk brings a well-informed, and seasoned perspective to the topic of AI in the coaching realm, the art of coaching and the future of coaching. Like a lot of other professions, coaches are not exempt from the fear that AI will in some way, shape or form, diminish their role as a coach. This topic and more (noted below) are discussed in this podcast episode. 

1.       Please tell our listeners a bit more about your background.

2.       With the influence of AI permeating most every industry, including coaching, do you ever see AI completely taking over the coaching industry?

3.       How important is the art of coaching and why is the human element so important to the coaching process?

4.       A lot of coaches are nervous that AI will replace them. Do you see AI as tool that coaches can use to enhance their business, or do you see it from more of an adversarial point of view?

5.       What advice would you give coaches that are concerned about AI replacing them, or at the very least, minimizing their reach and influence?

6.       What are some traits of coaches that exemplify what the art of coaching is all about?

7.       In the same light as the last question, what are some other key aspects that make a great coach that you consider to be absolutely necessary for success?

8.       What are some ways that TrainingPeaks puts the focus on the human element of coaching?

9.       Where do you see the coaching industry 5-10 years from now?

10.      Lastly, if you had to pick the key reason why an athlete would hire a human coach vs. using a template plan or a 100% AI-based program, what would it be?