Episode 211: The Power of Team Topologies with Matthew Skelton

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Feb 19, 2025

Matthew Skelton, co-author of "Team Topologies," is a leading voice in organizational design for software delivery. He discusses how team topologies can revolutionize product management by enhancing collaboration and reducing cognitive load. The conversation highlights the shift from project-based to product-focused models, the importance of domain expertise, and the strategic use of metrics in improving customer outcomes. Skelton also shares insights on navigating the challenges of rigid planning and the evolving role of AI in product development.

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INSIGHT

Synergy of Product Ops and Team Topologies

Product operations and team topologies share similar underlying principles.
Both emphasize understanding user needs, delivering value efficiently, and iterating.

ANECDOTE

Siloed Sales and Marketing

Product teams often overlook sales and marketing, creating silos and friction.
Team Topologies promotes collaboration around value streams, bridging these gaps.

ADVICE

Product Operating Model Transition

Don't underestimate the effort required for transitioning to a product operating model.
It's a significant cultural shift, not just renaming project managers.

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In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Matthew Skelton, co-author of "Team Topologies: Organizing Business and Technology Teams for Fast Flow." We delve into the intricate intersections between team topology principles and product management, exploring how these frameworks can transform the way product teams work together to enhance collaboration and reduce cognitive load.

If you're looking to refine your team's approach to delivering outstanding customer outcomes, this episode is a must-listen. Matthew Skelton joins me to discuss the revolutionary concepts within "Team Topologies," highlighting their impact on modern product management and operations. We uncover how organizing teams around flow and customer value can drastically improve product outcomes. Matthew shares practical examples of how these concepts are applied in various industries, providing invaluable insights for anyone involved in managing or organizing product teams.

Curious about how team topologies can optimize your product processes? Tune in to hear Matthew Skelton's expert insights and discover practical strategies to enhance your team's workflow. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leading voice in the field of organizational design for software delivery.

You'll hear us talk about:

Product Managers in Regulated Spaces (28:30)We discuss the debate over whether product managers should be domain experts versus having deep product knowledge. Matthew provides insights into how teams can effectively leverage subject-matter experts without them managing the entire product line.
Breaking Silos in Teams (14:21)Matthew and I explore how organizations can overcome internal silos, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across product management, development, marketing, and sales for cohesive product delivery.
AI and Team Enablement (51:54)We dive into how AI is transforming team topologies and enabling teams, discussing the shift in AI enablement platforms and their potential in redefining team roles and productivity.

Episode Resources:

Matthew Skelton's Website: https://matthewskelton.com
Conflux Website: https://confluxhq.com
Team Topologies Information: https://teamtopologies.com
Sign up for a free Liveblocks account: ⁠https://liveblocks.io/⁠

Timestamps:

00:00 Episode Preview

00:56 Intro

03:00 Dear Melissa

08:35 Moving from Projects to Product

14:45 Breaking Silos in Teams

18:27 Mistakes in Product Models

28:14 Product Managers in Regulated Spaces

35:51 Product Ops at Scale

42:17 SAFE and Big Batch Planning

51:37 AI and Team Enablement