Supernova Showdown: The realities of Quality Coaching models

1st April 2025
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  • Aj Wilson's profile
  • Ben Dowen's profile
  • Clare Norman's profile
  • Shweta Jaju's profile
Supernova Showdown: The realities of Quality Coaching models thumbnail
Talk Description

The debate explored the fundamentals of quality coaching, distinguishing it from quality engineering while highlighting their synergies. 

Ben, Clare, Shweta and Aj discussed how quality coaching is people-focused, fostering growth, communication, and collaboration, whereas quality engineering emphasises technical processes, compliance and efficiency. 

The conversation also explored the importance of stakeholder communication, feedback loops, and the role of coaching charters in guiding effective interactions. 

Both perspectives underscored the shared goal of driving value for businesses and customers through structured methodologies and adaptable coaching strategies.

In examining where quality coaching works best, the discussion emphasised that it can be integrated at any stage of software development, provided there is team buy-in and leadership support. Challenges such as maintaining alignment across different teams, managing mental load, and ensuring open collaboration were also explored. 

Ultimately, the debate reinforced that quality coaching benefits everyone in the development process—testers, engineers, product teams and leadership—by fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

By the end of this session, you'll be able to:

  • Learn how quality coaching focuses on people and processes, while quality engineering ensures product integrity through structured methodologies
  • Understand the role of communication and feedback loops
  • Know where and when Quality Coaching is most impactful
Aj Wilson
Quality Engineering Manager II / Technical Development Lead / Chief Quality Officer
She/Her
Intellectual (non practicing)| Neurospicy | UN Women Volunteer | Above all Curious & Challenging - Quality and Testing Leadership for 20+ years.
Ben Dowen
Lead Quality Engineer
He/Him
I explore the world of software development and testing. Join me as I continue my adventures, discovering the wonders of quality.
Clare Norman
Senior quality coach
she/her
Passionate about making software better for humans. Fascinated by the psychology behind user interactions. On a mission to sprinkle more joy into our software.
Shweta Jaju
Quality Coach
She / Her
I am a quality coach who focuses on creating a collaborative environment within teams, helps implement best practices and raises the difficult questions that are on everyone's minds anyway.
Aj Wilson
Quality Engineering Manager II / Technical Development Lead / Chief Quality Officer
She/Her
Intellectual (non practicing)| Neurospicy | UN Women Volunteer | Above all Curious & Challenging - Quality and Testing Leadership for 20+ years.
Ben Dowen
Lead Quality Engineer
He/Him
I explore the world of software development and testing. Join me as I continue my adventures, discovering the wonders of quality.
Clare Norman
Senior quality coach
she/her
Passionate about making software better for humans. Fascinated by the psychology behind user interactions. On a mission to sprinkle more joy into our software.
Shweta Jaju
Quality Coach
She / Her
I am a quality coach who focuses on creating a collaborative environment within teams, helps implement best practices and raises the difficult questions that are on everyone's minds anyway.
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