Why I do what I do…

I started coaching in 2016 when a friend asked me to help an engineer at their start-up who was hoping to transition into a Product Management role. I worked with that person for over a year, helping them to adapt to the new role, build new relationships, and learn to thrive as a PM.

Here's what they said about working with me: "When I moved from engineering to product I asked Robert to help with that transition. He guided me through the obstacles of finding work-life balance while building and growing a business, and helped me to understand how to establish a product culture and lead a team. Every piece of advice he has given me has been tailored to my exact situation and needs; I’ve never once felt like he’s provided me with recycled content that didn’t pertain to what I was seeking. While he has helped me become a better product leader, what I have found most valuable is how he helped me gain the confidence to advocate for myself."

While I was at Facebook, coaching and mentoring was probably the most fulfilling part of my job. I helped PMs with less experience to cope with the craziness, and also did what I could to support others at my level. After a re-org, an Engineering Manager whom I'd been working with asked if I'd maintain a coaching relationship with them even though we were not longer working on the same projects. They said they found my perspectives useful in running their team and didn't want to lose access to that.

Unfortunately, despite it being what I enjoyed most about going to work, Facebook didn't seem to value my coaching and mentoring. "We know you're really good at that stuff, but you should spend less time on it" was disappointing feedback to hear.

Late in 2019, when I decided to leave Facebook, I spent a lot of time considering whether or not to look for another PM role or to start a coaching practice. For a while I had been saying "When I'm done with PMing I want to be a full-time coach", hence the question became "Am I done with PMing?". I concluded that I was.

Now I am a full-time coach helping PMs to grow and thrive, and advising those looking to move into PM roles. I don't miss PMing. I found a way to turn the most rewarding part of my job into all of my job.

I get to work with amazing people who want to reach their full potential and are open to change. I hear phrases like "I'm not worried about that any more...", "It worked!", and "This was really helpful". You can see some more client quotes here.