Lea Hickman

Lea Hickman, a partner at SVPG, is an expert in remote collaboration and team dynamics. She discusses the unique challenges of working remotely, including the pitfalls of false trust and over-reliance on digital tools. The conversation explores the importance of intentional planning and when to prioritize in-person interactions. Lea emphasizes the value of debate within teams and shares practical tips for optimizing team structures. With insights on turning off self-view during video calls, she provides a fresh perspective on making remote work effective.

Christian Idiodi and Lea Hickman, partners at SVPG, dive into the art of stakeholder collaboration. They clarify the true nature of stakeholders and how to engage them effectively. The duo emphasizes proactive approaches and the benefits of one-on-one conversations over group meetings. They share insights on transforming stakeholders from barriers to enablers, navigating stakeholder-driven roadmaps, and the importance of building trust. With real-life examples, they equip listeners with tactical advice to enhance collaboration in product management.

Lea Hickman, a partner at SVPG with a rich background coaching leaders at Adobe and IBM, joins to discuss the often-taboo topic of coaching up. She explains why giving feedback to your manager matters and shares tactics for approaching disengaged leaders. The conversation dives into using personal user manuals to understand management styles, navigating difficult workplace dynamics, and the importance of communication in fostering trust and collaboration. Lea also addresses ego and insecurity in leadership, stressing that shaping the manager-employee relationship is a shared responsibility.