Product Therapy

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.

Marty Cagan, founder of SVPG and a leading expert in product strategy, joins Christian Idiodi to dive into the intricacies of transformation politics. They discuss the common political dynamics during product transformations and the vital role of champions and pilot teams in driving success. The conversation highlights the importance of securing quick results and building trust among stakeholders. Cagan emphasizes the need for effective communication and strategic leadership to navigate the delicate balance of organizational change.

In this episode, Christian Idiodi swaps from interviewer to interviewee. He breaks down his approach to employee onboarding, prompted by fellow SVPG partner, Chris Jones. Learn about the hidden dynamics in every employee onboarding, and Christian’s day-by-day guide for navigating them. Whether you are actively onboarding talent or need to re-onboard existing staff, this episode will help you set your team up for success. - Today’s discussion unpacks: Why onboarding time is a rare and precious resource The hidden dynamics in every onboarding How to enable trust between new and existing team members A step-by-step guide to a new hire’s first weeks Christian’s favorite tactics from years of onboardings - References: Coaching Tools - The One on One by Marty Cagan: https://www.svpg.com/coaching-tools-the-one-on-one/ New Employee Bootcamp by Christian Idiodi: https://www.svpg.com/new-employee-bootcamp/ Social Comparison Theory: https://dictionary.apa.org/social-comparison-theory - 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 Chris Jones: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjonessvpg/ - Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:20) Why onboarding matters (03:13) Trust dynamics with new hires (06:57) Onboarding starts before day 1 (12:57) Framing onboarding (18:07) Onboarding in cohorts (21:44) Creating a safe initial environment (23:07) Week 1 (25:39) Week 2 (27:58) Onboarding to a remote team (31:32) Critical onboarding milestones (35:22)  The first paycheck (39:07) Creating public wins (41:14) Closing thoughts - 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

In this episode, Christian Idiodi sits down with SVPG founder Marty Cagan to discuss founder-style leadership. Building on themes from Paul Graham’s essay “Founder Mode,” Christian and Marty break down what effective product leadership looks like. Anyone can learn these skills through enough effort and care, whether they are a founder or not. - Today’s discussion unpacks: Misconceptions about founder-style leadership Why you can’t be a good manager without being a good coach The line between founder-style leadership and micromanagement How to scale product sense Lessons from Apple, Google and Amazon’s leadership principles - References: Amazon’s Leadership Principles: https://www.amazon.jobs/content/en/our-workplace/leadership-principles Apple’s Leadership Principles: https://www.apple.com/jobs/pdf/HBR_How_Apple_Is_Organized_For_Innovation-4.pdf Bill Campbell (Executive Coach): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Campbell_(business_executive) Coaching Founder Mode by Marty Cagan: https://www.svpg.com/coaching-founder-mode/ Founder Mode by Paul Graham https://paulgraham.com/foundermode.html Founder-Style Leadership by Marty Cagan: https://www.svpg.com/founder-style-leadership/ Google’s Leadership Principles: https://www.geeknack.com/2020/07/31/google-leadership-principles-at-a-glance/ Mike Fisher (CEO of MyFitnessPal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-fisher-3317a8/ Pilot Teams by Chris Jones: https://www.svpg.com/pilot-teams/ Product Sense Demystified by Marty Cagan: https://www.svpg.com/product-sense-demystified/ Steve Jobs on Professional Managers (1985): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVKcxK_tVBM&ab_channel=ConsultingComedy The Coaching Mindset by Chris Jones: https://www.svpg.com/the-coaching-mindset/ - 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 Marty Cagan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cagan/ - Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:44) Initial reactions to "Founder Mode" (03:46) "Better management" not "less management" (06:18) Historical examples of founder-style leadership (10:22) Founder-style leadership in startups (14:44) Scaling product sense (23:46) Europe's "People-Only Manager" trend (26:34) The line between founder-style leadership and micromanagement (33:00) Shifting a culture toward founder-style leadership (37:06) Success stories: Apple and Amazon (40:13) Closing thoughts - 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 SVPG partner and time management expert, shares his insights on maximizing productivity in product development. He discusses the common struggles of professionals swamped by excessive meetings, emphasizing the urgent versus important task dilemma. Jones advocates for reshaping meeting cultures to foster trust and empowerment among teams. He provides actionable strategies for evaluating time use and reducing pointless meetings, helping listeners prioritize meaningful work over mere urgency.

Martina Lauchengco, a partner at SVPG and author of "Loved: How to Rethink Marketing for Tech Products," dives into the essentials of product marketing. She highlights the crucial differences between product and traditional marketing, emphasizing the need for clear value propositions. The conversation covers how product marketing can transform market adoption and its strategic role in business growth. Martina also shares insights on identifying the need for product marketing within companies, providing a real-world success story to illustrate her points.

In this insightful discussion, Jon Moore, a partner at SVPG and product management expert, shares his journey and advice on navigating product careers. He emphasizes the importance of approaching your career like a product while highlighting the value of self-education over formal certificates. Jon discusses the significance of mentorship and emotional intelligence in product management, along with what employers seek in candidates. Listeners gain practical tips for intentional career development and adapting to the evolving landscape of product management.