All Things Product with Teresa and Petra

Dive into the world of AI evaluations, where evals go beyond mere quality checks. Discover the nuances between golden datasets, synthetic data, and real-world traces. Learn how to spot error modes and turn them into actionable evaluations. Uncover the importance of continuous maintenance and the concept of criteria drift. Explore the interplay of evals, guardrails, and human oversight, as well as the critical role of discovery practices in shaping effective AI product evaluations.

Explore the evolving landscape of AI product management, distinguishing between AI-powered and AI product managers. Discover the intricacies of prompt engineering, including its unique demands and the importance of system design. Learn why observability is crucial for LLM products and the challenges of assessing non-deterministic features. Plus, unpack the hidden maintenance costs of AI solutions and insights into effective risk mitigation strategies. This conversation offers a roadmap for navigating the complexities of building AI products!

This discussion challenges the pursuit of promotions, highlighting how they often lie beyond one's control. It emphasizes reframing career goals towards skill-building and meaningful impact. Listeners are prompted to consider what they truly want to be known for, rather than getting distracted by shiny titles. The conversation stresses the importance of personal growth and questions the true costs associated with chasing status, advocating for substance over mere titles.

Discover the pivotal role of curation in shaping product decisions and strategies. Explore how avoiding the ‘Homer Simpson car’ helps maintain quality in fast-paced development. Learn about the importance of defining your ideal customer and tailoring products to meet specific needs. Hear insights on balancing personal branding with audience expectations. The discussion highlights how personal experiences can guide content relevance and the powerful impact of intentional curation in user experience.

The hosts share vibrant summer plans filled with outdoor excitement and sunshine. They reflect on the joys of the season, fostering an upbeat atmosphere. Listeners can expect a brief hiatus with a playful promise to return refreshed on September 2nd. It's a light-hearted conversation celebrating summer adventures!

Discover why going straight to the source is essential for a true understanding of product concepts. The discussion highlights the pitfalls of relying on secondhand information. Learn how to spot reputable sources and avoid red flags in your research. Real-world examples of frameworks like OKRs and the Jobs to Be Done theory illustrate the importance of original thought. Additionally, tips for curating your own learning journey emphasize the value of diverse perspectives and practitioners' insights in an age muddled by social media.

What We Cover: The explosion of product coaches — and why it's harder than ever to choose one Red flags: overpromising results, one-size-fits-all approaches, lack of relevant experience Green flags: coaching mindset, relevant product and coaching experience, transparency in approach How to assess if a coach is a good fit for your domain, stage, and style Why the best coaches won’t tell you what to do — and what they should be doing instead The difference between coaching and training (and when to look for each) Chemistry calls: what to ask and how to spot misalignment early Why coaches need to have had coaching too Key Takeaways: Great coaches help you develop your own thinking — they don’t just hand you answers. Look for relevant domain and coaching experience — not just a shiny title. A good coach puts you in the driver’s seat and meets you where you are. Fit > credentials: coaching is personal, and chemistry matters more than a certificate. Resources & Links: Follow Teresa Torres: https://ProductTalk.org Follow Petra Wille: https://Petra-Wille.com Mentioned in this episode: Our previous episode on Types of Product Coaches Product Discovery Training and Product Discovery Courses by Teresa Torres Product Leadership Coach by Petra Wille Petra’s blog with coaching success stories The Prosperous Coach by Rich Litvin (briefly discussed — and gently critiqued)

Discover how funding dynamics impact project discovery work, and why CFOs are rethinking traditional funding methods. Explore the advantages of funding teams instead of individual projects, enhancing accountability and adaptability. Learn how product teams can effectively communicate their value to finance, bridging the gap between both worlds. With insights on aligning financial and product goals, the conversation encourages a shift towards performance-driven team funding that supports sustainable growth. Finally, uncover the necessity for clear language when discussing ROI in the product landscape.

The hosts explore the innovative Product Leadership Wheel, a self-assessment tool that aids product leaders in personal growth. They discuss the three critical buckets of product leadership: People, Product, and Ways of Working. Overwhelm in leadership is tackled with practical strategies to manage it. The conversation emphasizes the risks of splitting leadership roles too soon and shares insights on empowering teams without relinquishing authority. Plus, listeners get an exclusive sneak peek into Petra's upcoming email course for aspiring product leaders!

Discover how AI prototyping tools are transforming product development, making it faster and more interactive. Learn why understanding engineering is still crucial, even in a no-code landscape. The discussion highlights common pitfalls and the importance of teamwork in building effective prototypes. You’ll also hear about the role of iterative testing and the surprising value of even failed prototypes. Get ready to rethink what it means to prototype and test assumptions efficiently!