Kent McDonald

Kent McDonald, a seasoned product management expert with decades in software development, delves into effective backlog management. He discusses the pitfalls of bloated backlogs, stressing that many teams mistakenly view them as storage. Kent introduces the Now-Next-Later-Never roadmap framework, explaining how it organizes tasks for better efficiency. He shares practical strategies to keep backlogs lean and focused on what truly drives outcomes, along with advice on maintaining roadmap integrity to adapt to changing priorities.

Kent McDonald, an experienced product manager and writer, shares his insights from nearly two decades in corporate software. He discusses the intricate challenges that product managers face in large organizations developing internal software. The importance of strategic decision-making and effective communication is emphasized. McDonald also delves into evolving product operating models and collaboration across diverse skill sets. Key takeaways from Agile 2024 highlight overlooked trends in product management, focusing on discovery and the need for better metrics in corporate environments.