Avoiding endless pilot theater

Christian sits down again with product and leadership coach Gabi Bufrem – this time to discuss pilot teams. They dig into the common challenges that come with this initiative and the actions and mindsets required to overcome them. Hear hard-earned wisdom on how to use pilot teams to spark organizational change. 

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Today’s episode will discuss:

• Why pilot teams are a powerful tool for facilitating transformation

• The ingredients of a high-impact pilot team

• Why pilot teams are proof points not prototypes 

• How to navigate the organizational politics that pilot teams run into 

• How to pitch and position pilot teams to others in the company

• What successful pilots look like and how to scale their impact 

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More from SVPG on pilot teams:

• Pilot Teams: https://www.svpg.com/pilot-teams/ 

• The Politics of Pilot Teams: https://www.svpg.com/the-politics-of-pilot-teams/ 

• Transformation as a Project: https://www.svpg.com/transformation-as-a-project/ 

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Where to find Gabi Bufrem:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellebufrem/

• Website: https://www.gabriellebufrem.com/

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Where to find Christian Idiodi:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

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Where to find SVPG:

• SVPG’s newest book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/

• Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/

• Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/

• Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/

• Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos

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Timestamps: 

(01:55) Defining pilot teams

(03:56) What makes a good pilot team

(07:23) Where to start with assembling a pilot team

(09:14) The role of sponsorship

(13:16) Pilot teams should live on an island

(20:17) Signs a pilot team is working

(22:58) What to do following a successful pilot

(27:34) Common mistakes with pilot teams

(30:08) How to pitch transformation to an executive

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Disclaimer:

While this podcast is named “Product Therapy”, it is not hosted by licensed therapists or mental health professionals, and it is in no way a substitute for professional mental health services. We recognize the importance of mental well-being and encourage anyone facing personal difficulties to seek support from qualified professionals. See https://findahelpline.com/

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Production:

Production by ⁠supermix.io