Focus vs. Prioritization: Fixing the Real Problem

Christian sits down with Marty to demystify one of the most talked-about, yet misunderstood topics in product: product strategy. They draw sharp lines between business strategy, go-to-market, vision, and product strategy; dig into why lack of focus masquerades as a “prioritization problem”; and unpack how strong product strategy drives alignment and results.

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Today’s discussion unpacks:

• A clear definition of product strategy

• How product strategy differs from business strategy

• What “we have a prioritization problem” really means

• Earning stakeholder trust

• Moving from feature roadmaps to outcome-based roadmaps

• How to pick focus areas

• How to increase the odds of success

• When and how AI belongs in your product strategy

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References:

• AMD: https://www.amd.com

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com

• Apple: https://www.apple.com

• Boeing: https://www.boeing.com

• Coaching Transformation: Inside Datasite’s Radical Transformation to a Product Model Powerhouse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8qnxHlfXwU

• Datasite: https://www.datasite.com

• Empowered (book): https://www.svpg.com/books/empowered/

• Google DeepMind: https://deepmind.google

• Netflix: https://www.netflix.com

• Nvidia: https://www.nvidia.com

• OpenAI: https://www.openai.com

• SpaceX: https://www.spacex.com

• TechCrunch: https://techcrunch.com

• TSMC: https://www.tsmc.com

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More from SVPG on product strategy:

• Articles on product strategy: https://www.svpg.com/insights/product-strategy-articles/

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Where to find Marty Cagan:

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

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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:

(01:34) Defining product strategy

(05:43) Product strategy vs. business strategy

(13:51) Do you need a product vision?

(16:03) What characterizes a good strategy?

(23:25) How to coach executives on focus

(30:49) Earning stakeholder trust

(36:09) Who should solve and who should strategize?

(38:11) Annual planning vs. real strategy

(41:25) The two components of a product strategy

(45:14) Where product strategies fail

(48:41) How does AI impact product strategy?

(52:43) Strategic pivots: making the strategy a living artifact

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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:

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