Product Strategy Beyond Buzzwords | Zachary Bolton | Drop 02 Ep. 02

Zachary Bolton is a product strategist with over 15 years of experience navigating the triumphs of product development. He is a partner at Other Land, a design studio that helps B2B product leaders decide what needs to change to improve growth. Zach shares insights from his career, including his transition from advertising to founding the agency, Otherland.

He challenges traditional strategy frameworks, emphasizing the critical role of understanding customer value. The discussion explores practical strategies for aligning teams within organizations, fostering a growth-oriented culture through leadership, and providing actionable advice for designers looking to launch their practices.Key Topics Discussed

• ​Deconstructing Traditional Frameworks.
• ​Uncovering True Customer Value
• ​Growth Mindset in Established Companies
• ​Bridging Customer Insights and Product Strategy
• ​Facilitating Cross-Department Collaboration

Key Takeaways-

• ​Product strategy is about understanding unique value.
• ​Frameworks should serve the strategy, not hinder it.
• ​Customer insights are crucial for an effective strategy.
• ​Collaboration across departments is key to success.
• ​Simplicity in communication enhances understanding.
• ​Mistakes are part of the learning process.

Referenced Resources:-

• ​No Bullsh*t Strategy by Alex M H Smith https://a.co/d/c3pkKTD
• ​Running Lean by Ash Maurya - https://a.co/d/a6BpApW
• ​House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds - https://a.co/d/17pFCB9

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:52 Zachary Bolton's Journey and Background

05:50 Understanding Product Strategy

11:45 The Complexity of Strategy

18:02 Challenges in Traditional Product Strategy

24:02 Bridging Customer Insights and Product Strategy

30:12 Facilitating Cross-Department Collaboration

36:07 Leadership and Growth Mindset

42:10 Final Thoughts and Advice for DesignersWhere to find Zachary Bolton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachbolton/

Agency Website: https://www.otherland.studio/

Co-hosts:

Emmanuel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/omoleemmanuel/

IniOluwa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/inioluwa-abiodun/

Production by

⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-ilesanmi-720baa1b0/⁠⁠

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