Product Thinking Episode 240: Mastering Product Craft as a New VP
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Aug 29, 2025 A new VP of product learns to navigate their role by understanding product management as a craft. They are encouraged to leverage their industry experience to empathize with customers and define real problems. Building collaborative relationships with product managers, engineering, and design teams is crucial. Engaging directly with users through observations and interviews provides valuable insights into their needs. Embracing feedback and fostering teamwork can lead to innovative solutions and a successful transition into product leadership.
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Product Management Is A Distinct Craft
- Product management is a craft combining art, science, and psychology that requires dedicated methods and frameworks.
- Recognize product work has codified ways of thinking distinct from pure industry expertise.
Invest Time In Product Fundamentals
- Learn product fundamentals like product-market fit, user journeys, prioritization, and experimentation.
- Understand team cadences, tech implications, and build timelines so you can negotiate and set realistic strategy.
Focus On Problems, Not Prescribed Solutions
- Set strategy at the right level: define the problems and outcomes, not detailed solutions.
- Give product teams space to discover solutions and bring back insights you may not see.