In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri welcomes Tony Ulwick, the founder and CEO of Strategyn, and the pioneer behind the jobs-to-be-done theory and Outcome-Driven Innovation (ODI).

Tony shares insights from his groundbreaking work in redefining product development and innovation. He discusses the importance of separating innovation from development processes and why focusing on customer outcomes rather than features leads to more successful products.

Whether you’re a product manager looking to refine your approach or a leader aiming to align teams around customer needs, this episode is a treasure trove of practical guidance and deep insights into mastering the art of innovation.

Tune in to discover how you can leverage ODI to drive your product strategy towards success.

You’ll hear us talk about:

- 14:22 - Front-End Innovation vs. Development Process

Tony explains the importance of distinguishing between the innovation process—where the product concept is formed—and the development process, where Agile methods come into play. This separation ensures that only market-winning concepts proceed to development. - 19:41 - Understanding Customer Needs

Tony outlines the steps in Outcome-Driven Innovation, focusing on identifying and addressing customer needs to enhance product success. He emphasizes defining markets and needs before devising solutions.

- 28:06 - Aligning Teams on Customer Needs

Tony shares strategies to encourage organizational alignment on the definition and prioritization of customer needs, ensuring all teams work towards a common goal.

Episode Resources:

Tony Ulwick on LinkedIn

Strategyn