Coaching Marketplace vs Direct Coaching:
Convenience vs Commitment
ADPList, MentorCruise, and similar platforms offer easy access to hundreds of coaches.
But does variety actually help you, or just overwhelm you? Let's get clear.
AI Native Engineer Community Access
More Options. More Confusion.
Still No Results.
Marketplace coaches have wildly inconsistent quality. Some are excellent, many are not. You're gambling with your career.
Platform fees eat into what coaches receive, meaning you pay more while coaches deliver less. Nobody wins except the platform.
No long term accountability. Marketplace coaches have hundreds of other clients. You're just another booking in their calendar.
Direct Coaching Means Vetted Expertise and Real Commitment.
The AI Career Accelerator
When you work directly with a coach, you get someone who has been vetted through their public work, testimonials, and results. They have skin in the game because their reputation depends on your success.
Evaluate the Coach First
Review their background, content, and client results
Build a Real Relationship
Direct coaching creates genuine partnership, not transactional sessions
Get Tailored Programs
No cookie cutter marketplace templates. A program built for your situation
Meet Your Mentor
When I started in tech, I was based in the Netherlands with no connections and only thousands of video game hours under my belt. Not exactly the ideal starting point.
My first tech job was software tester. One of the most junior roles you can start with. I was just happy someone took a chance on me.
I kept learning. Kept pivoting. But what actually accelerated my career wasn't more certifications or more code. It was learning to solve problems that matter and proving beyond a doubt that what I built solved real problems. That's the skill that stays future-proof, even with AI.
I've since worked remotely for international software companies throughout my career. Proof that the high-paid remote path is possible for anyone with the right skills and motivation. In the end, I went from a $500/month internship to 6 figures as a Senior AI Engineer at GitHub.
Now I teach over 22,000 engineers on YouTube. Becoming an AI-Native Engineer is a system I lived through and offer to you today.
Real Results
Vittor
AI Engineer
Landed his first AI Engineering role in 3 months
"The coaching played a huge part in my success. I focused on AI fundamentals, the certification path, and soft skills like professional writing. Having access to expert guidance gave me confidence during interviews and helped me feel I was on the right path.
I built my own platform (simple but functional) and deployed it on AWS. I used it in my portfolio and showcased it during interviews. The way complex topics were explained, especially the restaurant analogy for AI systems, really stuck with me. Focusing on doing the basics well was absolutely essential."
What You Will Get
Personalized Roadmap & Career Strategy
A custom plan tailored to your background, goals, and timeline. No generic advice.
Weekly 1:1 Coaching Calls
Direct access to Zen for guidance, project feedback, and answers to your questions.
Portfolio-Ready AI Projects
Build production-grade AI applications to showcase to employers. Work that gets you hired.
Interview Prep & Mock Interviews
Practice technical and behavioral interviews. Learn what hiring managers look for.
Resume & LinkedIn Optimization
Transform your online presence to attract recruiters. Stand out from other applicants.
Community Career Support
Join the AI Native Engineer community. Not seeing results yet? You stay and keep going. We're with you through the ups and downs.
Every Month Shopping for Coaches Is a Month Not Growing
Every month you delay can cost you thousands in lost earning potential. While you're watching tutorials, others are landing $120K+ AI Engineering roles.
I can only work with a limited number of 1:1 clients at a time to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main problems with coaching marketplaces?
Three core issues. First, quality control is minimal. Anyone can list themselves on ADPList or MentorCruise. Reviews help but are easily gamed. Second, platform fees increase costs while reducing coach investment. When a coach gets 70% of what you pay, they treat you like 70% of a client. Third, no continuity. Marketplace coaches juggle hundreds of clients. You get generic advice because they cannot remember your specific situation between sessions.
Why is direct coaching more effective for career transitions?
Direct coaching works better for serious career changes because of three factors. Accountability: a direct coach has their reputation on the line with every client. They cannot hide behind a platform. Customization: they can build programs specifically for your background instead of following marketplace templates. Commitment: with fewer clients and no platform intermediary, direct coaches invest more deeply in each person's success.
How do costs compare between marketplace and direct coaching?
Marketplace coaching typically runs $100 to $300 per session with platform fees included. Direct coaching often works differently, with programs costing $3,000 to $6,000 for 90 days of comprehensive support. Per session, direct coaching can seem more expensive. But you get more: custom curriculum, async support between calls, and a coach fully invested in your outcome. The real question is cost per result, not cost per hour.
How do I find a good direct coach?
Look for coaches who create content you respect. Blog posts, YouTube videos, and LinkedIn posts reveal how they think. Check for specific results with past clients, not just vague testimonials. Verify their current or recent industry experience. The best coaches are practitioners who also teach, not career coaches who have never done the work themselves. Book a call to assess fit before committing.
When might a coaching marketplace make sense?
Marketplaces work for low stakes situations. If you need one quick session for a specific question, marketplace convenience helps. If you want to sample different coaching styles before committing, trial sessions make sense. If you have very niche needs and cannot find a direct coach in that space, marketplaces offer variety. For serious career transitions though, the commitment of direct coaching produces better outcomes.
How is this different from online courses?
Online courses give you content. 1:1 coaching gives you a personalized roadmap, direct feedback on your work, career strategy, interview prep, and accountability. You get answers to your specific questions and guidance tailored to your unique situation instead of generic advice meant for everyone.
Do I need prior AI experience?
Not necessarily. While some programming experience is helpful, many of my clients have successfully transitioned from web development, data science, or other technical backgrounds. We'll assess your current skills during our strategy call and create a personalized plan that meets you where you are.
How much time do I need to commit?
Most clients invest 10-15 hours per week, but this can be flexible based on your schedule. We'll have weekly 1:1 calls plus time for you to work on projects and learning. The key is consistency. Regular, focused effort beats occasional marathons.
What if I don't land interviews in 90 days?
You become a member of the AI Native Engineer community, and you stay and keep going. Career transitions take different amounts of time for everyone, and I'm not going to abandon you if things take longer. You get ongoing support through good times and bad.
What's the investment for 1:1 coaching?
Investment details are discussed during the 30-minute strategy call, where we'll assess your goals and create a custom plan. The program is designed to pay for itself quickly through your increased salary. Most AI engineers see a 20-50% pay increase.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Absolutely. Most of my clients work full-time and make steady progress. We'll schedule calls at times that work for you and create a realistic plan that fits your schedule. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Ready to Land Your AI Role?
Stop watching others succeed. Start building your AI career today.
30-minute strategy call • Limited spots available