The Product Opscast

In this episode of the Product Opscast, Graham Reed and Antonia Landi are joined by Malte Scholz, co-founder and CPO of AirFocus, to discuss the intricacies of product operations & digital transformation in traditional organisations, and the challenges of change management. We explore the importance of leadership in product management, the role of tooling in facilitating transformation, and the balance between building and buying tools. Malte shares insights on how to navigate the uncomfortable middle of change and the entrepreneurial mindset needed for product leadersHighlights:* The majority of companies are not digital natives and need to adapt.* Product ops is often not where organisations start their digital transformation.* Empathy and understanding the context are crucial in product management.* Change management is often uncomfortable and requires strong leadership.* Tools should facilitate, not dictate, how teams work.* Communication is key to effective leadership in product management.* A sense of urgency is essential for successful transformation.* Less is often more when it comes to tools and processes.* Entrepreneurial thinking is vital for product leaders.Watch here on Substack, or listen on your favourite platform. We’re on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts Get full access to Product Ops Confidential at www.productopsconfidential.com/subscribe

Amy Rohan, Director of Product Experience Operations at Vistaprint, brings her wealth of experience in product operations to the table. She shares how personality assessments can illuminate individual strengths and gaps in leadership. Listeners learn about the significance of cultural nuances in global teams and the role of psychological safety in fostering team dynamics. Amy also emphasizes the importance of intentional communication and regular one-on-ones for feedback. Her insights on building a strong product community and embracing vulnerability resonate with anyone in product ops.

Matt LeMay, author and product management consultant, shares insights from his work and his latest book, emphasizing the importance of aligning product strategies with business realities. He highlights the pitfalls of typical Agile transformations and stresses that understanding local contexts is vital for success. Matt provides high-leverage tactics that improve communication and reduce unproductive busy work. With a mix of practical advice and reflections on continuous improvement, he encourages teams to focus on impactful changes rather than just following templates.

In this episode of the Product Opscast, hosts Graham Reed and Antonia Landi get a fresh perspective of the world, according to Engineering Operations, with expert Emily Koehler, Engineering Operations professional from Expel. We hash out the intricate balance between Product and Engineering Ops, the importance of decision-making frameworks in both, and how these roles can, and should, harmonise to drive innovation and efficiency. Emily shares her journey from aspiring UN translator to tech leader, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of managing operational strategies, and lays out how engineering ops can transform your organisation's decision-making and strategic alignment.Watch here on Substack, or listen on your favourite platform. We’re on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts Get full access to Product Ops Confidential at www.productopsconfidential.com/subscribe

Fo Neale-May, VP of Product Operations, shares her extensive experience in fintech and SaaS to discuss scaling product thinking. She emphasizes shifting from tactical execution to strategic partnerships and highlights the role of AI in enhancing decision-making. Fo advocates for a problem-first mindset and the importance of engaging cross-functional teams, including designers and engineers, in addressing shared challenges. She also recommends creating minimal viable processes and monitoring stakeholder feedback to improve output quality.

Cindy Camacho, an award-winning product management leader, brings her expertise to the discussion about the internal voice of the customer. She highlights the importance of listening to internal teams to drive product innovation and alignment. Cindy shares insights on building effective feedback loops and fostering a culture of empathy within organizations. She emphasizes knowing when to push for change and advises on handling internal risks while maintaining psychological safety, advocating that every team member plays a role in product success.