Product Therapy

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.

Martina Lauchengco, a partner at SVPG and expert in decision-making, joins to dissect what truly constitutes a good decision. She emphasizes the importance of balancing gut instinct and data without becoming overly reliant on frameworks. The conversation highlights the critical role of collaboration over mere consensus, the challenges when integrating AI into decision-making, and how context influences effectiveness. With insights on prioritization versus decision-making, Martina provides essential strategies for empowering teams to make informed choices.

In this episode, Christian Idiodi is joined by SVPG partner Lea Hickman to break down what it really takes for organizations to navigate change effectively. From shifting mindsets to avoiding common leadership traps, this conversation dives into the human side of transformation—and how to lead through it.–Today’s discussion unpacks:Why change is about mindset not just process The biggest anti-pattern in change management How to decide between incremental change and a “big bang” approachWhat makes change so hard (and how to make it easier)The key role of trust, communication, and proving early success–References:Start with Why by Simon Sinek: https://www.amazon.com/Start-Why-Leaders-Inspire-Everyone/dp/1591846447–Where to find SVPG:SVPG’s newest book, TRANSFORMED: ⁠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/–Where to find Christian Idiodi:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/–Where to find Lea Hickman:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahickman/–Timestamps (00:00) Intro(00:33) Why change is hard(04:59) The biggest anti-pattern in change management(06:35) Big bang vs. incremental change(10:45) Harnessing the "why" behind change(14:40) How to build a compelling case for change(17:27) The silent resistance of middle management(18:41) The power of pilot teams(22:46) Measuring success of organizational change(24:56) Advice for individual contributors reacting to change(28:48) How leaders can catalyze change(30:09) Outro –Disclaimer:While this podcast is named “Product Therapy”, it is not hosted by licensed therapists or mental health professionals, and it is in no way a substitute for professional mental health services. We recognize the importance of mental well-being and encourage anyone facing personal difficulties to seek support from qualified professionals. See https://findahelpline.com/–Production:Production by supermix.io

Chris Jones, a partner at SVPG, dives into the world of product development, revealing common myths that can hinder innovation. He emphasizes that some of the best product ideas often stem from engineers, not just designers. Jones debunks the misconception that design is merely a downstream function and highlights the importance of design in the discovery process. He stresses that product managers should focus on solving real customer problems, rather than just fulfilling requests, fostering true collaboration within teams for exceptional product outcomes.

Kate Leto, an author and leadership coach, dives into the transformative power of emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace. She shares the four critical competencies of EQ and discusses how high EQ can fast-track a product career. The conversation highlights signs of weak EQ and the importance of self-awareness. Leto emphasizes empathy's role in leadership and practical strategies for enhancing emotional intelligence, particularly in a technology-driven age where human connection remains vital.

In this discussion, Martina Lauchengco, a partner at SVPG and author with over 25 years in marketing, shares invaluable insights for startup enthusiasts. She emphasizes that success goes beyond having a great idea, highlighting the need for market validation and a resilient mindset. Topics include the cultural differences between startups and enterprises, the essential traits of effective founders, and the importance of teamwork. Lauchengco also explores how to assess a startup's viability and readiness, making it a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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.