By Teresa Torres · producttalk.org · @ttorres on X · LinkedIn
Teresa Torres and Petra Wille open 2026 with a casual behind-the-scenes conversation about what is changing in their work and what they are experimenting with. Teresa explains retiring live Deep Dive cohorts in favor of on-demand content and a Discovery Habits Toolbox, reflecting a belief that discovery habits need ongoing reinforcement inside organizations. Both discuss how AI is reshaping teaching, subscriptions, coaching tools, and the need to critically evaluate inflated AI claims from vendors and speakers. The episode is mostly an update and planning discussion rather than a deep framework lesson, but it signals the themes of experimentation and community for the year.
01Key takeaways
- Some skills, especially discovery habits, need ongoing reinforcement rather than one-time cohort training.
- Leaders need coaching tools and skills to guide their teams through discovery, not just access to training.
- AI content does not suit the design-once, run-for-years course model; it requires more frequent updating.
- Scrutinize vendor and speaker claims about AI, especially claims about synthetic users replacing real research.
- Staying connected through conferences, workshops, and peer communities keeps experienced leaders grounded and inspired.
02Key sections
- Retiring live cohorts
- Teresa explains why she sunset live deep-dive cohorts and shifted toward on-demand learning and a toolbox that better supports lasting behavior change.
- Training shifts toward leader-supported learning
- The hosts argue that teams need managers equipped to coach discovery habits, and that AI will accelerate the move from one-off training to ongoing learning.
- AI products and subscriptions
- Teresa describes moving into paid subscriptions and why AI-related content does not fit the traditional design-once course model, along with AI tools for interview coaching.
- Petra's plans and community
- Petra outlines her 2026 plans, including community building, a leadership email course, a product leadership wheel, and workshops, and the value of conferences and retreats.
- Skepticism toward AI claims
- The conversation closes with a shared concern about questionable AI claims from vendors and speakers, including why synthetic users are not yet ready for use.
03From the post
“Listen to this episode on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts We’re kicking off 2026 with a look behind the scenes at what’s changing in our work, what we’re experimenting with, and what we’re genuinely excited about this year. In this conversation, Petra and Teresa swap notes on everything”
04Frameworks mentioned
Summary and takeaways written by PM Atlas; quotes are short excerpts. © the original author.