All Things Product with Teresa and Petra

Explore the loaded concept of 'legacy' and discover alternative ways to frame your impact. The conversation dives into the difference between impact—what changes from your work—and craft, which satisfies intrinsic motivation. Learn how personal branding shapes colleagues' memories of you. Feedback gaps reveal blind spots, prompting proactive approaches to receiving honest input. Reflect on how well your values align with others' perceptions and gain practical prompts for personal growth as you head into Q4.

Deliberate practice is unveiled as the key to mastering product skills. The hosts debate the benefits of cohort-based versus on-demand learning. An innovative AI interview coach offers tailored feedback to enhance the learning experience. They explore how microlearning and engaging problem sets can effectively build interviewing abilities. The discussion emphasizes that AI should complement, not replace, the vital human connections in discovery.

Discover the innovative ways AI can enhance workflows as Petra shares her voice-first approach to maintaining consistency in her writing. Teresa reveals how Claude Code transforms coding by integrating project context, helping produce content faster. The duo explores the use of AI as a strategic editor through role-playing and sub-agents, balancing structure and tone in drafts. They also contemplate the future of personal agents in UX, reshaping how users interact with technology and potentially replacing traditional search methods.

Dive into the world of AI evaluations, where evals go beyond mere quality checks. Discover the nuances between golden datasets, synthetic data, and real-world traces. Learn how to spot error modes and turn them into actionable evaluations. Uncover the importance of continuous maintenance and the concept of criteria drift. Explore the interplay of evals, guardrails, and human oversight, as well as the critical role of discovery practices in shaping effective AI product evaluations.

Explore the evolving landscape of AI product management, distinguishing between AI-powered and AI product managers. Discover the intricacies of prompt engineering, including its unique demands and the importance of system design. Learn why observability is crucial for LLM products and the challenges of assessing non-deterministic features. Plus, unpack the hidden maintenance costs of AI solutions and insights into effective risk mitigation strategies. This conversation offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of building AI products!

This discussion challenges the pursuit of promotions, highlighting how they often lie beyond one's control. It emphasizes reframing career goals towards skill-building and meaningful impact. Listeners are prompted to consider what they truly want to be known for, rather than getting distracted by shiny titles. The conversation stresses the importance of personal growth and questions the true costs associated with chasing status, advocating for substance over mere titles.

Discover the pivotal role of curation in shaping product decisions and strategies. Explore how avoiding the ‘Homer Simpson car’ helps maintain quality in fast-paced development. Learn about the importance of defining your ideal customer and tailoring products to meet specific needs. Hear insights on balancing personal branding with audience expectations. The discussion highlights how personal experiences can guide content relevance and the powerful impact of intentional curation in user experience.

The hosts share vibrant summer plans filled with outdoor excitement and sunshine. They reflect on the joys of the season, fostering an upbeat atmosphere. Listeners can expect a brief hiatus with a playful promise to return refreshed on September 2nd. It's a light-hearted conversation celebrating summer adventures!

Discover why going straight to the source is essential for a true understanding of product concepts. The discussion highlights the pitfalls of relying on secondhand information. Learn how to spot reputable sources and avoid red flags in your research. Real-world examples of frameworks like OKRs and the Jobs to Be Done theory illustrate the importance of original thought. Additionally, tips for curating your own learning journey emphasize the value of diverse perspectives and practitioners' insights in an age muddled by social media.

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)