Product Confidential: The reality of PM life!

In this enlightening episode, Evie Brockwell engages in a profound discussion with Nesrine Changuel, a seasoned product management leader with a wealth of experience from industry giants like Skype, Spotify, and Google. Nesrine shares her journey of discovering the power of emotional connection in product design, emphasizing the importance of creating products that not only meet functional needs but also resonate on an emotional level with users.You'll gain insights into how Nesrine's experiences at Spotify led her to understand the significance of motivational segmentation, a strategy that aligns product features with user desires and emotions. The conversation delves into the three pillars of delight: reducing friction, anticipating user needs, and exceeding expectations. You'll learn practical tips for implementing delight in both B2B and B2C contexts, with real-world examples of how companies have successfully integrated these principles into their products.02:38 Understanding Emotional Connection in Product Design 05:31 The Three Pillars of Delight08:33Common Misconceptions About Delight 11:26 Measuring the Impact of Delight14:16Applying Delight in B2B vs B2C17:05 Tangible Tips for Product Teams24:52 Understanding User Motivators28:07 The Delight Grid Framework29:03 The Importance of Inclusion in Product Design31:50 The 50-40-10 Model for Product Roadmaps35:49 Humanizing Products in the Age of AI41:10 Introducing 'Product Delight' BookSubscribe now to transform your product strategy with these insights.Important links:Product Delight Book: https://nesrine-changuel.com/product-delight-book/https://nesrinechanguel.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nesrinechanguel/?locale=en_US

In this episode, Evie Brockwell sits down with Kate Syuma, the former Head of Growth Design at Miro, to explore the evolution of growth strategies in the tech industry. Kate shares her journey from joining a small startup to leading a growth team in a billion-dollar company. They discuss the shift from traditional marketing to product-led growth, the role of AI in modern growth strategies, and the importance of user-centric design. Kate also offers practical advice for aspiring growth professionals and insights into the future of growth in a rapidly changing market.[00:11:42]Kate's journey into growth at Miro[00:23:49]The evolution of growth strategies[00:38:33]Product-led growth vs. traditional marketing[00:55:12]The role of AI in growth[01:12:45]User-centric design and its impact[01:30:00]Advice for aspiring growth professionals[01:45:00]Future trends in growthDon't miss out on the latest insights in growth and innovation! Subscribe to our podcast and stay updated with expert interviews and actionable strategies. Join us on this journey to unlock your growth potential!Follow Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaterina-syuma/

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Steve Vorley, Group Product Manager at Booking.com, to explore the art of time management and overcoming burnout. Steve shares his personal journey and practical strategies to reclaim control over your schedule, prioritize effectively, and enhance productivity. Whether you're a product manager or anyone juggling multiple responsibilities, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you thrive in today's fast-paced world.Timestamps:00:00 - 02:00 - Introduction: Meet Steve Vorley, Group Product Manager at Booking.com 02:01 - 05:00 - The Origin of the Episode: From a Burnout Talk to a Podcast 05:01 - 10:00 - Common Challenges in Product Management: Time Management and Burnout 10:01 - 15:00 - Steve's Personal Experience with Burnout and Time Management 15:01 - 20:00 - The Importance of Prioritization and Focus Time 20:01 - 25:00 - Strategies for Effective Diary Management 25:01 - 30:00 - The Role of Virtual Meetings and Context Switching 30:01 - 35:00 - Building a Culture of Time Management: Leadership's Role 35:01 - 40:00 - Practical Tips for Product Managers: Saying No and Giving Feedback 40:01 - 45:00 - The Impact of COVID on Work Culture and Meetings 45:01 - 50:00 - Steve's Coaching and Mentorship Approach 50:01 - 55:00 - Reflections on Personal and Professional Growth 55:01 - 60:00 - Closing Thoughts and Future PlansDon't miss out on future episodes filled with expert insights and practical advice. Subscribe now and take the first step towards mastering your time and boosting your productivity!Find Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-vorley-8b37a820/

In this engaging discussion, Alex Wiley, a talented product designer with a background in engineering and product leadership, shares his journey from teenage website designer to a head of product. He delves into the challenges of imposter syndrome and the need for self-reflection as tools for personal growth. Alex also emphasizes the importance of embracing change and finding true happiness through career pivots, urging listeners to prioritize authenticity and align their work with their passions.

In this episode of Product Confidential, join host Evie Brockwell and seasoned product management leader Beks Yelland as they explore the evolution of product management roles over the past two decades. From the early days of extensive documentation to the agile revolution and the rise of data-driven decision-making, Beks shares her insights on how the role has transformed. Discover how AI is reshaping the landscape and why embracing these changes is crucial for future success. Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing today's product managers.TimestampsIntroduction and Guest Introduction (0:00 - 2:00)Evie Brockwell introduces Beks Yelland and outlines the topics to be discussed.Evolution of Product Management (2:01 - 10:00)Beks Yelland discusses the evolution of product management roles, including shifts from detailed documentation to Agile methodologies and the impact of data accessibility.AI and Fear in Product Roles (10:01 - 18:00)Discussion on the fear surrounding AI's impact on product roles and the importance of embracing AI as a tool for enhancement.Strategic Thinking and Role Evolution (18:01 - 25:00)Beks Yelland talks about the need for strategic thinking and how AI can free up time for more innovative work.Job Market Challenges and Advice (25:01 - 35:00)Exploration of current job market challenges and advice on navigating job searches.Community and Support Initiatives (35:01 - 45:00)Beks Yelland discusses the communities she founded, focusing on mental health and support for product professionals.Conclusion and Final Thoughts (45:01 - End)Evie Brockwell wraps up the episode, thanking Beks for her insights and encouraging listeners to engage with the communities mentioned.Ready to transform your product management career? Tune in to our latest episode with Beks Yelland and discover how to navigate the evolving landscape of product management. Don't miss out on expert insights and actionable advice. Listen now and subscribe for more episodes that keep you ahead of the curve!Follow Beks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyyelland/

From Pandemic Setback to Google PM: Gabor’s Playbook for Career ComebacksIn this inspiring episode of Product Confidential, Michael Palmer sits down with Gabor Mayer, a Google product manager and career coach, to unpack his incredible journey from pandemic-era unemployment to landing a coveted role at Google. Gabor shares real talk on job hunting, why LinkedIn visibility matters more than ever, and powerful tips to stand out in today’s crowded market. Whether you're job hunting, pivoting careers, or just feeling stuck, this episode is packed with honest advice, CV hacks, and motivation to keep going. Your next big break might be closer than you think.Perfect for: Aspiring PMs, career changers, and anyone navigating the job search grind.Chapters00:00 Navigating Career Challenges During COVID-1907:46 Lessons Learned from Unemployment15:17 Current Job Market Insights and Trends27:24 Mastering the Interview Process39:53 Future Projects and Resources for Job SeekersFind Gabor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayergabor/

Is Your Team Truly Agile or Just Faking It?In this energising episode, Evie Brockwell and Michael Palmer sits down with renowned author and consultant Johanna Rothman to unpack what real agility looks like in project management. They dive into the tell-tale signs of "fake agile," why collaboration beats rigid frameworks every time, and how feedback loops can supercharge your team’s effectiveness. Johanna brings her trademark clarity and practical wisdom, offering up actionable strategies for building self-organising teams that still deliver on big-picture goals. If you're tired of buzzwords and ready for meaningful agility, this one’s for you.Chapters00:00 Understanding Fake Agility07:18 The Essence of True Agility10:57 Balancing Team Autonomy and Organizational Direction20:37 The Importance of Feedback Loops35:36 Strategies for Overcoming Resource ChallengesBook: https://www.jrothman.com/books/project-lifecycles-how-to-reduce-risks-release-successful-products-and-increase-agility/More of Johanna's work:https://www.jrothman.com/mpd/2019/04/product-roles-part-1-product-managers-product-owners-business-analysts/https://www.jrothman.com/mpd/2017/09/alternatives-for-agile-and-lean-roadmapping-part-5-the-product-value-team/https://www.jrothman.com/mpd/2023/09/integrate-product-owners-into-many-teams-to-create-good-product-goals-part-3/https://www.jrothman.com/mpd/2023/09/how-scrum-masters-use-facilitative-leadership-especially-when-planning-part-4/https://www.jrothman.com/mpd/2017/08/alternatives-for-agile-and-lean-roadmapping-part-1-think-in-feature-sets/Follow Johanna Rothman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannarothman/And don’t miss the chance to see Evie, one of your Product Confidential hosts, speak at an upcoming event! Get your tickets now and use the code productconfidential20 to score a 20% discount. Grab yours before they sell out!Link to the event: https://ti.to/sequel-media/product-led-summit-amsterdam-2025/discount/productconfidential20

What happens when machines get smarter… and leaders forget to stay human? In this thought-provoking episode, Arne Kittler unpacks the seismic shift AI is bringing to product management—and why empathy, curiosity, and trust are more crucial than ever. We get real about the risks of blindly chasing efficiency, the messy reality of integrating AI tools, and how today’s product leaders can future-proof their teams without becoming robots themselves. If you care about the soul of product work in an AI-powered world, this one’s for you.Follow Arne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnekittler/Want more conversations like this? Check out Product at Heart—the conference Arne organises for product people who care deeply about the craft.

In this episode of Product Confidential, we sit down with Debbie McMahon, Chief Product Officer at the Financial Times, for a candid conversation about leadership, innovation, and career growth. Debbie breaks down what it really takes to step into a senior leadership role, from navigating company politics to making high-stakes decisions. She shares how the FT is leveraging AI to enhance storytelling, the challenges of shifting company culture, and what product leaders should focus on to drive real impact. If you want unfiltered insights on managing teams, measuring success, and staying ahead in the ever-evolving media landscape, this episode is a must-listen.Follow Debbie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmcmahon/And don’t miss the chance to see Evie, one of your Product Confidential hosts, speak at an upcoming event! Get your tickets now and use the code productconfidential20 to score a 20% discount. Grab yours before they sell out!Link to the event: https://ti.to/sequel-media/product-led-summit-amsterdam-2025/discount/productconfidential20

What separates successful products from those that flop? In this insightful episode, Evie Brockwell and Michael Palmer sit down with Teresa Torres, a leading expert in product discovery, to uncover the secrets behind building products that truly resonate.They dive into:🚀 Why products fail and how to prevent it🔍 The power of assumption testing in product strategy👥 Engaging stakeholders to drive better decisions🌍 How culture impacts product discovery🔄 The continuous discovery mindset and why iteration is keyTeresa shares practical frameworks for testing assumptions, defining outcomes, and keeping customer needs at the heart of product development. If you're a product manager, designer, or founder looking to build smarter, more impactful products, this episode is a must-listen!Links mentioned in the episode:✔️ Story mapping: https://jpattonassociates.com/story-mapping/✔️ Testing business ideas: https://www.amazon.es/Testing-Business-Ideas-David-Bland/dp/1119551447✔️ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Continuous-Discovery-Habits-Discover-Products/dp/1736633309Teresa's Website: https://www.producttalk.org/Workshops: https://learn.producttalk.org/Link to their podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ke77wqSgstk3nd048oIGoAnd don’t miss the chance to see Evie, one of your Product Confidential hosts, speak at an upcoming event! Get your tickets now and use the code productconfidential20 to score a 20% discount. Grab yours before they sell out!Link to the event: https://ti.to/sequel-media/product-led-summit-amsterdam-2025/discount/productconfidential20