Product Therapy

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.

Shreyas Doshi, a product leader and coach with experience at major tech companies, joins to share his insights on product leadership. He discusses how many product issues actually stem from leadership problems, emphasizing accountability and proactive mindsets. Listeners learn about three archetypes of product leaders and why hiring based on company stage is crucial. Shreyas provides tips on asking the right questions during the hiring process and highlights the importance of intentional recruitment strategies for better team dynamics.

Christian talks with Marty Cagan, founder of Silicon Valley Product Group and author of "Inspired: How to Create Products Customers Love." They delve into the nuances of team topology, exploring how it differs from traditional org structures and its impact on autonomy and customer outcomes. Cagan highlights red flags for broken teams and the trade-offs between outcomes and velocity. The conversation also touches on the effects of cognitive load and trust on performance, addressing challenges in remote work and effective team restructuring for sustainable success.

Thomas Fredell, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Datasite, and Doug Cullen, Head of Sales, discuss their pivotal roles in transforming Merrill Corporation into a modern product-focused powerhouse. They share the immense benefits of this transition, including overcoming challenges and aligning sales and product teams. Personal anecdotes reveal the importance of customer engagement, resilient team dynamics during product launches, and a cultural shift towards innovation. Their insights provide valuable lessons for anyone navigating organizational change.

Where to find SVPG: SVPG’s new book, EMPOWERED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles Workshops: https://www.svpg.com Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos

Join Marty Cagan, founder of SVPG and a product management guru, as he tackles the transformative impact of AI on product managers. He discusses the escalating complexities in product development due to AI, emphasizing the need for collaboration among teams. Ethical and legal challenges are explored, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making. Cagan offers insights into empowering product teams and navigating customer loyalty in a crowded market. Prepare to future-proof your role in a rapidly evolving landscape!

In this discussion, renowned product coach Chris Jones, a partner at SVPG, debunks five common myths about product management. He emphasizes that product discovery is not a rigid formula and requires individual judgment tailored to specific contexts. Jones clarifies the roles of product managers versus product owners, advocating for clear responsibilities within teams. He also underscores the necessity of collaboration across departments, challenging the notion that PMs act as the 'CEO of their product.' Teams thrive through shared understanding and active cooperation.

Christian Idiodi chats with Kate Leto, an executive coach and author specializing in psychological safety and emotional intelligence. Together, they explore how psychological safety leads to high-performing teams by fostering trust and accountability. They highlight signs of safety in teams, tackle common misconceptions, and offer practical strategies for leaders. The conversation delves into the importance of vulnerability in leadership and how nurturing an open environment can significantly boost engagement and innovation within teams.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Jon Moore, an SVPG partner who coaches product visions, dives deep into the importance of crafting a compelling product vision. He discusses common misconceptions and the essential components that make an effective vision. Jon also highlights the delicate balance between aspiration and realism, particularly in fast-evolving industries. Listeners will learn how organizations can adapt their visions amidst change and the role of leadership in inspiring cohesive teams to drive innovation.

Marty Cagan, founder of SVPG and an authority on product management, joins the discussion to dive into the transformative effect of AI on product teams. He highlights how AI can reduce workload but also raises concerns about job losses. The conversation explores the evolving roles within product teams and the need for new skills as AI enhances efficiency. Marty also shares insights on ethical considerations and the balancing act of collaboration in remote settings, revealing both the promise and risks that come with generative AI.