When I moved from Test Lead to Quality Coach, I felt ready: strong in testing, facilitation, and mentoring. But coaching brought unexpected complexity. I wasn't just solving test issues anymore; I was navigating agile dynamics, DevOps challenges, and unclear leadership goals. I learned that coaching isn't about answers; it's about asking the right questions and helping teams prioritize quality in their own context. In this talk, I'll share what worked, what didn't, and how I now guide teams toward ownership, impact, and a quality mindset, especially in the age of AI.

Target Audience: anyone in IT teams can benefit from the presentation
Prerequisites: know what the tester role is and they want to learn about the quality coach learn
Level: Basic

Extended Abstract:

When I stepped into the role of a quality coach after working as a Test Lead, I was energized and confident. I had a solid foundation in testing, strong facilitation skills, and a passion for mentoring. I thought I was ready. But the reality turned out to be far more complex than I had anticipated.

Supporting multiple teams as a quality coach introduced me to a whole new level of challenges. I wasn't just solving testing problems anymore. I was navigating agile dynamics, DevOps hurdles, and organizational expectations that weren't always clear or aligned. One of the biggest challenges I faced was understanding and clarifying what 'better test coverage' actually meant to leadership, and then translating that into meaningful goals for the teams I was coaching.

I quickly realized that coaching isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking the right questions, setting the right context, and helping teams prioritize quality in a way that fits their reality. And doing all of that while trying to show visible impact in a short time frame is no small feat.

In this talk, I'll take you through my journey what worked, what didn't, and what I wish I had known from the start. I'll share the tools and techniques I now rely on to guide teams toward building a stronger quality mindset and making meaningful progress. You'll hear how I help teams take ownership of their quality practices in a way that aligns with their goals and context.

As we wrap up, I'll open the floor to a conversation we all need to have. What does quality coaching look like in the age of AI? The challenges are evolving, and so must we.