Leslie Thomas Jr. from Microsoft discusses how product managers manage their energy and mental health in this episode. Topics include identifying energy drainers, bringing the team along in the journey, gratitude, separating from work, using anxiety to advantage, setting boundaries, and strategies for mental well-being.
Setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix can help manage energy and mental health by preventing overwhelm and focusing on essential goals.
Practicing gratitude and mindfulness, such as expressing gratitude and engaging in relaxing activities, can uplift spirits, provide mental energy, and contribute to overall well-being.
Recognizing mental health challenges, seeking appropriate support (e.g., professional help), engaging in joyful activities, and maintaining work-life balance through clear boundaries can contribute to better mental health and energy management.
Deep dives
Setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks to manage energy
One effective strategy mentioned in the podcast is the practice of setting boundaries and prioritizing tasks. By ruthlessly prioritizing tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix, individuals can focus on what truly aligns with their goals and goals. This helps in managing energy and mental health by preventing overwhelm and ensuring that the most important tasks are given priority.
The power of gratitude and mindfulness
Practicing gratitude and mindfulness were highlighted as effective techniques for managing energy and mental health. Expressing gratitude for positive moments throughout the day can help uplift spirits and provide mental energy. Additionally, mindfulness practices such as going for walks in nature or engaging in relaxing activities can create a sense of peace and rejuvenation, contributing to overall well-being.
Recognizing and addressing mental health challenges
The podcast emphasized the importance of recognizing mental health challenges and seeking appropriate support. It was acknowledged that mental health is a deeply personal and varied aspect of well-being. Strategies shared include seeking professional help, engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy, and setting clear boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The significance of connection and community
The conversation highlighted the need for human connection and community in managing energy and mental health. Recognizing that many individuals are facing similar challenges, it was emphasized that reaching out, sharing experiences, and forming supportive networks can contribute to a sense of belonging and provide valuable insights in navigating diverse personal and professional responsibilities.
Building resilience and self-awareness
Building resilience and self-awareness were key takeaways from the podcast. Recognizing one's own limits and understanding personal reactions and emotions can help in effectively managing energy and mental health. Strategies mentioned include self-reflection, goal-setting, and self-care activities that align with individual values and priorities.
In this episode of the How to Succeed in Product Management Podcast, marketing professor Jeff Shulman and The Product Management Center advisory board member Soumeya Benghanem welcome Leslie Thomas Jr. (Microsoft) as they discuss how PMs manage their energy and mental health. Work and personal life can be physically, emotionally, and mentally draining. So how can we recharge ourselves to keep thriving and stay motivated? Join today’s conversation as they share some tips on how they manage their energy and some self-care tips to keep us mentally healthy.
Disclaimer: All opinions of the speakers are their own.
What to Listen For:
00:00 Intro
05:38 What’s draining your energy?
11:40 Bringing your team along in the journey
15:25 Body doubling
17:27 Doing work that involves working with people
18:27 Go back to the things that gave you a lot of energy
20:00 Gratitude
21:11 How can you separate yourself from work?
23:51 “Gratitude and anxiety can’t exist at the same time…”
27:02 Use anxiety to your advantage
28:52 Anxiety vs. Pressure
34:02 Reward yourself
36:30 What is mental health?
38:57 Having a mindfulness practice
40:49 Start your day with a walk
42:57 Prioritize what’s important to you
46:34 How to say no and set boundaries
50:37 Final thoughts
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode