The Product Experience
The missing skill that's costing product managers their jobs - Dave Wascha (CPTO and Advisor)
Apr 2, 2025
Dave Wascha, CPTO and advisor with a rich background at Microsoft, Moonpig, and Zoopla, addresses a crisis in product management he dubs 'The Reckoning.' He discusses the backlash product professionals face and how to reclaim credibility. With insights into the evolution of European product management, he emphasizes the need for empathy and economic awareness. Dave advocates for flexibility and problem-solving in approaching product challenges and explores the shifting roles of leaders, stressing the importance of adaptability in today's market.
45:07
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Quick takeaways
- Product managers must align their roles with commercial outcomes to regain trust and demonstrate their value in organizations.
- The evolution of product management in Europe highlights the need for adaptability and empathy towards internal stakeholders in changing business contexts.
Deep dives
Understanding The Reckoning
The Reckoning represents a significant backlash against product management professionals, highlighting the disconnect between product teams and the commercial realities of business. This backlash stems from a perception that product managers have become too focused on principles of customer-centricity at the expense of meeting business needs. As businesses faced economic challenges, there was mounting frustration with product teams that prioritized long-term testing and customer understanding over immediate revenue-generating actions. This has led to calls for product managers to reflect on their role and the broader implications of their actions, emphasizing the necessity for greater alignment with organizational goals.
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