Practical Product Management

In this episode of Practical Product Management, hosts Leah Farmer and Marilyn McDonald sit down with Ryan Dew, CPO at Thredd, a global issuing processor based in London, to explore what innovation really means when you're operating at the foundation of the payments ecosystem.Ryan explains how Thredd approaches innovation as a "slow burn" in a heavily regulated industry — building guardrails first, earning trust before shipping features, and letting their fintech and program manager customers build the flashy user experiences on top. The conversation covers the emergence of trust-as-a-service as a critical pillar for AI and agentic commerce, how the role of the product manager is evolving into a full-stack builder, and why stablecoin may be the most significant disruptor the payments industry has seen in years.KEY TAKEAWAYS1. In regulated industries, trust is the product. Innovation in payments isn't about moving fast — it's about building the guardrails first. Trust-as-a-service has moved from a nice-to-have to a foundational requirement, especially as AI and agentic commerce introduce new layers of complexity and risk.2. The plumbing has to be right before the experience can be delightful. Platform product management gets underestimated, but no consumer experience works if the underlying infrastructure fails. The most innovative fintech UX in the world is worthless if the payment doesn't go through.3. AI in payments isn't new — but where it's going is. Machine learning has been powering fraud detection in payments for over a decade. The next wave is agentic commerce, intelligent payment routing, and stronger authentication — and stablecoin rails may change cross-border money movement more fundamentally than anything we've seen.4. Consumer behavior changes faster than we think — when it has to. The pandemic forced entire markets to shift from cash to digital payments almost overnight. The lesson for product managers: when the benefit is clear and the reason is compelling, people adapt. The job is to make that transition feel safe and obvious.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, hosts Leah Farmer and Marilyn McDonald sit down with Evan J. Schwartz, Chief Innovation Officer at AMCS Group, to explore what innovation really looks like inside a large, mature SaaS organization.Evan explains how his role works as a separate innovation track — taking high-risk bets on AI and emerging technology, running lean matrixed teams, and handing proven concepts back to the product organization once they've reached critical mass. The conversation covers how to structure innovation without creating resentment among product and engineering teams, the difference between technical innovation and product innovation, and why the most important question is simply: is there a there there?The second half digs into ERP transformations — one of the most reliably painful experiences in enterprise technology. Evan draws on his book and years of implementation experience to explain why transformations fail, why weak upfront requirements are the root cause of most project death marches, and why "do nothing" should always be a viable outcome of a systems review. Marilyn and Leah push back, debate, and ultimately arrive at the same place: map your as-is, define your to-be, and know your why before you touch anything.Key Takeaways1. Innovation needs a separate track — and a clear handoff. At a certain company size, core product teams can't run high-risk bets alongside mature product delivery. A dedicated innovation function proves ideas out fast and hands them back once the questions are answered — with tight oversight and shared standards throughout.2. Fail fast, fail cheap, and know when to stop. The job of an innovation team is to answer questions, not build finished products. "Not a good bet" is a valuable outcome. The goal is to find that out as quickly and cheaply as possible and redirect the budget.3. ERP transformations fail because companies skip the foundations. The technology is rarely the problem. Weak goals, no baseline metrics, and undocumented processes are where implementations go sideways. Map your current state and define three ROI-backed reasons for the change before you sign anything.4. "We have to upgrade" is not a vision. A compelling, shared picture of the future state is what carries teams through the friction of a rollout. Without it, every paper cut becomes a project-stopper.

In the Season 3 premiere of Practical Product Management, hosts Leah Farmer and Marilyn McDonald ditch the traditional PM reading list and get personal — sharing the books outside of product management that have most shaped their careers, their leadership, and how they show up as humans at work.From Brené Brown's case for vulnerability and clear communication, to Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication and the surprisingly violent language baked into everyday tech culture, to Susan Cain's exploration of introversion and what it means to make space for quieter voices — the conversation covers a remarkable amount of ground. They also dig into perfectionism as a superpower, the concept of who deserves a seat at your personal board table, what it means to truly reject feedback you don't believe is true, and why the four short agreements in Don Miguel Ruiz's classic might be the most practical PM framework nobody talks about.Season 3 promises more of the same: honest, human, practical conversations about the craft — with some interesting guests already on the way.KEY TAKEAWAYS1. The best PM reading list isn't a PM reading list. Books about communication, vulnerability, introversion, and human behaviour do more to shape great product leaders than most frameworks ever will. The craft is fundamentally human work — and the reading should reflect that.2. Clarity is kindness — and sloppy language is a leadership risk. Whether it's Brené Brown's argument against the feedback "shit sandwich," Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication, or Jefferson Fisher's practical conversational strategies — the throughline is the same: words matter enormously, especially under pressure. Intentional language builds trust; careless language erodes it.3. Your perfectionism might be a superpower in disguise. Katherine Morgan Schafler's The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control reframes perfectionism not as something to fix, but something to direct. For PMs who spend more time being wrong than right — and doing the job well means you do — learning to aim toward the North Star without freezing is a genuinely useful skill.4. Not everyone earns a seat at your table — and your company definitely doesn't. You are the CEO of your own life, and that means being intentional about who gets to influence your identity and decisions. Managers, companies, and randos don't automatically get a seat. The people at your table should know you, have your long-term wellbeing at heart, and carry no agenda.

In the Season 2 finale of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn close the year with an honest and deeply human conversation. They revisit the idea of being the CEO of your own life, choosing who gets a seat at your personal board table, and why your job doesn’t deserve a vote in your identity. They explore the hard parts of product leadership and reflect on the importance of having a strong spine as a team. They also share the joyful, real-life practices that keep them grounded, from baking to moon rituals to community building, ending the season with a hopeful reminder: if your life doesn’t feel the way you want it to, you get to choose again. Key Takeaways 1. You Are the CEO of Your Life - You choose who gets a seat on your personal board of directors...and your job, your boss, and your company don’t get a vote. The people who guide you should care about your joy, humanity, and long-term well-being, not your output.  2. Courage + Clarity Are Non-Negotiable - Whether it’s prioritization, layoffs, financial decisions, or leadership accountability, most organizational pain stems from avoiding the hard conversations. Teams need spine, honesty, and transparency to make real progress.  3. Humanity vs Frameworks - No org chart, process, or framework can fix a team that’s running on fear. Creativity and problem-solving only happen when people feel safe, trusted, and able to tell the truth. Product is fundamentally human work and leaders must “human” before anything else.

In this second Best Of episode, Leah and Marilyn revisit Episodes 11–20 — a set of conversations that explored burnout as data, the importance of communication, and the courage it takes to build meaningful products. Featuring guests like Charity, Sunny, Greg, Ryan, Steve, and Ali, this collection highlights the deeply human side of product work. It’s a reminder that great product leadership comes from curiosity, clarity, and the willingness to challenge old patterns.Key Takeaways1. Burnout Is Data, Not DramaWhen energy fades or creativity dips, it’s not failure — it’s a signal worth paying attention to.2. People Build Software — Communication Is the Real GlueMost product challenges stem from communication breakdowns, not technical ones. Trust and clarity are foundational.3. Curiosity + Courage > Predictability + RoadmapsExperimentation, iteration, and informed risk-taking are essential — not chaotic — parts of modern product craft.

In this special Best Of episode, Leah and Marilyn look back at the first ten episodes of Season 2 — a lively mix of conversations that capture the depth, humor, and humanity of product work. From fractional leadership and accessibility to GovTech, AI, and personal growth, these highlights reveal just how dynamic the product world has become.Featuring guests like Peter Collingridge, Mike Paciello, Rob Monroe, Sam Zebarjadi, Jen Bloom, and more, this compilation explores the edges of product practice — where leadership meets curiosity, where bureaucracy becomes a design challenge, and where learning never stops.As they wrap up this half of the season, Leah and Marilyn reflect on the themes that have stayed with them: focus over frenzy, context over theory, and the courage to do less but do it better.Key TakeawaysContext is EverythingProduct theory only matters when it meets reality. Success comes from understanding your environment — and adapting accordingly.Focus Over FrenzyIn an AI-driven world, clarity beats speed. Being essential in the moments that matter is more powerful than doing more, faster.Practice Like You PlayLeadership is a daily practice. Show up, even when it’s messy. Repetition builds confidence and muscle memory for when it counts.Do Less, BetterImpact matters more than activity. Prioritize the work that truly moves your product — and your people — forward.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, hosts Leah Farmer and Marilyn McDonald sit down with Sunny Lee, Experience Design Director at EA’s Full Circle Studio, to explore the intersection of design, empathy, and play. Sunny’s career spans from building AAA games at EA Sports to shaping purpose-driven experiences in health tech — and back again to lead design for Skate, EA’s newly relaunched open-world game. She shares how thoughtful design can empower players, foster inclusion, and build real human connection in digital spaces. The conversation moves from the craft of experience design to the ethics of monetization, from diversity in game culture to the importance of making failure fun. Whether you’re building software or skate parks, this episode is a reminder that great design — like great leadership — is about creating spaces where people feel seen, confident, and free to explore. Key Takeaways 1. Design Is More Than Pixels — It’s About Human Connection. Great design balances usability, emotion, and purpose. Sunny emphasizes that creating for humans means understanding both what they say and how they actually behave. 2. Make Failure Fun - From learning new tricks in Skate to building new products, progress comes through iteration. Embrace experimentation and treat failure as part of play, not proof of defeat. 3. Diversity Makes Better Products — and Communities. “Games look like the people who make them.” Diverse creators lead to richer, more inclusive experiences. Representation isn’t just ethical — it’s essential for designing products that truly connect.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, hosts Leah Farmer and Marilyn McDonald are joined by Steve Brieloff, a seasoned product leader from Expedia Group, for a conversation about what truly defines great product management. Steve shares insights from his years leading teams across Expedia’s product suite, highlighting how getting the fundamentals right—from crafting precise problem statements to choosing meaningful success metrics—sets the foundation for success. The trio dives deep into the importance of language, the evolution of confidence and conviction in product decisions, and how bravery shows up at every level of a PM’s career. From building trust through vulnerability to balancing open debate with decisive action, this episode explores how mastering the basics and leading with courage can transform teams, culture, and products alike. Key Takeaways 1. Master the Fundamentals — and the Words You Choose Matter. Great product work starts with writing a precise problem statement and choosing the right success metrics. One misplaced word can send a team in the wrong direction. 2. Bravery is a Core Product Skill. Whether it’s voicing dissent, standing behind a decision, or leading culture change, bravery shows up at every level of product work — from junior PMs to execs. 3. Build Trust Through Vulnerability and Debate. Encourage disagreement, listen deeply, and be transparent — but also know when the debate is over. Leadership is about hearing others, making the call, and moving forward together.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn sit down with Ali Rakhimov, Senior Product Leader, fintech founder, and author of Make Pigs Fly. Ali shares his unconventional path into product management as a self-taught immigrant, the lessons learned from scaling fintech for underserved schools, and leading $10M+ initiatives at Macy’s and T-Mobile. The conversation ranges from the value of asking “stupid” questions in technical meetings, to translating empathy into reliable systems, to the balance between directness and tact in communication. Ali also draws parallels between raising four kids and managing teams—emphasizing adaptability, humility, and listening as core product skills.Key TakeawaysCuriosity over credibility: Asking the “stupid” questions is often how you uncover blind spots, learn fast, and earn trust.Empathy into action: Observing real users and solving their core problems matters more than shipping flashy features.Adaptability is leadership: Whether managing teams or parenting, effective product leaders flex their style to the audience and context.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, hosts Leah Farmer and Marilyn McDonald welcome back returning guests Alesha Cronie and Geno White for a candid conversation about iteration. Together, they unpack why iteration is more than a process—it’s a mindset centered on learning, courage, and embracing discomfort. The discussion explores the “courage gap” that often holds organizations back, the tension between incentives and innovation, and why MVPs so often miss the mark. The group also debates the evolving balance of product and engineering roles in the age of AI, and the importance of curiosity in solving real customer problems. It’s a lively and unfiltered look at what it truly means to “fuck around and find out” in product development.Key TakeawaysIteration is about learning, not perfection – moving fast matters less than learning fast, and that requires comfort with uncertainty.Courage and trust are critical – organizations often get stuck not because the data isn’t there, but because leaders lack the courage to pivot or empower teams.MVPs are often meaningless – reframing them as learning vehicles (or prototypes) keeps teams focused on outcomes instead of excuses.

In this episode, Leah and Marilyn sit down with Mike Maynard, Chairman at Napier B2B PR & Marketing, to unpack why B2B is far from boring. Mike shares why complex buying committees make B2B uniquely challenging, how synthetic personas can help but never replace real conversations, and why respect for the problem (not just the proposed solution) is essential. Along the way, they dig into the pitfalls of surveys, the role of product-led growth in long development cycles, and what it takes to move products from “nerds” to “norms.”Key TakeawaysB2B decisions are complex and committee-driven — success means understanding multiple perspectives (engineers, CEOs, finance, InfoSec) and tailoring your approach accordingly.Surveys often mislead — synthetic personas and data can support you, but nothing replaces real conversations with customers in context.Respect the problem, not just the solution — product managers must look beyond what customers ask for, uncover the root issue, and bring all stakeholders’ voices into the room.

In this candid conversation, hosts Leah and Marilyn talk with product leader Charity about ambition, burnout, and the elusive art of slowing down. From unexpected career starts to the relentless pursuit of the next goal, they explore how high-achievers push themselves (sometimes too far) and what it takes to recognize when it’s time to rest. The episode offers a mix of personal stories, leadership insights, and practical reflections on sustaining both success and well-being.3 Key TakeawaysAmbition can be double-edged. The same drive that fuels achievement can also lead to exhaustion if left unchecked.Rest rarely happens by accident. True downtime often requires intentional boundaries and self-awareness — and sometimes the courage to walk away.Leaders set the tone. Your energy impacts your team; burnout in leadership can ripple outward in ways you might not realize until later.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn are joined by Greg Weinger—SVP of Product at SheerID and founder of the Powerful Introvert podcast and newsletter. Greg shares his journey from engineer to product leader, revealing how introversion and deep self-reflection became the unexpected keys to his leadership success. Together, the trio explores what it takes to scale product in growth-stage startups, the push-pull between customer success and product strategy, and how to work with enterprise clients without losing your soul (or your roadmap). They also dive into why companies often overlook quiet leadership and how to build inclusive teams that surface better ideas. Key Takeaways 1.Introverts can be exceptional leaders—but the workplace must create space for them. Leaders don’t have to be loud. Influence often grows from reflection, calm, and clarity. 2. Customer success and product must partner—not compete—for priority. When enterprise customers make asks, product teams must balance strategic focus with relationship value. 3. Scaling a product doesn’t mean scaling chaos. Greg breaks down how enduring product-market fit, clarity of purpose, and good customer success can drive scale without losing your soul.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn are joined by Alesha Cronie, a seasoned engineering leader with a talent for bringing cross-functional teams into alignment.The trio dives into what true collaboration looks like—beyond roles, titles, or processes. They explore how product managers and engineers can build trust, navigate ambiguity, and influence one another without ego. Alesha shares how she works with strong personalities, deals with vague vision statements, and why transparency and storytelling are essential leadership tools.With laughs, real talk, and some hard-earned lessons, this episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to build better software—and better teams.Key TakeawaysTrust is built through context and transparency. Frame your questions, share your intent, and give people space to bring their expertise to the table.Iteration isn’t just “breaking things into smaller pieces.” It’s about delivering real value sooner—and requires collaboration between product and engineering on how to slice the work.Stay in your lane—but know when to blur the lines. PMs shouldn’t be committing code, and engineers shouldn’t be solving business problems in isolation. Collaboration thrives when everyone plays their part—while staying connected to the whole.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Marilyn and Leah talk with Ryan Scott, Head of Product: AI and Innovation at DNA Behavior.Ryan shares how learning his own behavioral style has shaped the way he leads, communicates, and builds product strategy. They explore how self-knowledge supports better collaboration, why it’s worth investing in shared language across teams, and how great leaders make space for diverse thinking styles.A thoughtful and practical conversation about the inner work of great product leadership.3 Key TakeawaysSelf-Knowledge Is a Leadership Advantage Understanding your own behavioral style—how you communicate, process, and respond—helps you lead with clarity and consistency.Shared Language Builds Stronger Teams Behavioral tools can give product and engineering teams a shared framework for understanding one another and reducing friction.Good Leaders Ask Curious Questions Ryan emphasizes the importance of inquiry over certainty, especially in roles that span strategy, innovation, and cross-functional leadership.

In this special anniversary episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn celebrate one year (and 33 episodes!) of no-fluff, real-talk product leadership. They reflect on what it’s taken to stick with the podcast, why they started it in the first place, and what it’s meant to have each other through the ups and downs of careers in tech.They dive into some of their favorite guests and episodes, what makes a conversation great (and what doesn’t), and share honest thoughts about growth, AI, agency waste, and why roadmaps are mostly fiction. At its core, this episode is about friendship, longevity, and the love of building things that matter—with the people who matter.Key TakeawaysThere’s Power in Sticking With It Many women leave tech mid-career—and product leadership can be lonely. This podcast started as a way for two friends to stay connected and talk about real problems. A year later, it’s still about that (and it still matters).Frameworks Don’t Build Products—People Do Marilyn and Leah have worked across industries, teams, and countries—and the lesson is always the same: theory is great, but nothing replaces curiosity, experimentation, and showing up with integrity.Product Work Is Changing—And It Should From the AI hype cycle to shifting DEI conversations to the breakdown of “growth” as a silo, the future of product management demands new thinking. Real innovation will come from those brave enough to question how things have always been done.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Marilyn and Leah sit down with newly retired product leader Steve Jasper to explore the human side of product leadership. With decades of experience in payments at companies from startups to Big Tech, Steve brings deep insight into how great leaders grow, not just themselves, but the people around them. This conversation goes beyond frameworks and roadmaps. Marilyn and Leah talk with Steve about the power of mentorship and sponsorship, the art of giving meaningful feedback, and the importance of building trust within teams. They also dig into the realities of burnout, why it’s so common among product leaders, and what it actually looks like to lead with intention instead of exhaustion. Warm, thoughtful, and full of real-world wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone building teams, navigating career growth, or trying to be a better human at work. Key Takeaways Mentorship and Sponsorship Are Not the Same - Mentorship is guidance. Sponsorship is action. Steve shares how real career growth often hinges on having someone who will speak your name when you’re not in the room—and how to pay that forward. Feedback Is a Gift (If You Give It That Way) - Great product leaders give clear, kind feedback—even when it’s hard. Steve talks about how honest coaching can unlock growth and how teams thrive when trust runs both ways. Your Team Doesn't Need a Superhero, They Need a Human - Burnout happens when leaders confuse value with volume. Steve reminds us that showing up with curiosity, presence, and vulnerability is far more powerful than working 80-hour weeks. Leave your comments or show ideas here...or go to our website at practicalpmpodcast.com

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Marilyn McDonald and Leah Farmer welcome their longtime friend and former colleague Geno White, founder of Dockett Ellis Consulting and a seasoned technology strategist with a career spanning Microsoft, Amazon, Expedia, Moderna, and more. Together, they explore what it means to bring real product leadership into complex environments. Geno shares hard-earned lessons from his years building software systems and leading change at scale: how to cut through misalignment with simple questions, why so many companies misunderstand what it means to be “product-led,” and how to coach executives and teams toward shared understanding and lasting results. The conversation is full of warmth, humor, and sharp insights—plus practical advice on managing conflict, building cross-functional alignment, and knowing when (and when not) to raise your hand. Key Takeaways 1. Rigor Isn’t a Buzzword—It’s a Commitment Everyone wants to “build like Amazon” until they realize how much discipline and accountability that really requires. Geno reminds us that frameworks don’t fix culture. Rigor does. 2. Clarity Beats Complexity Complex systems are solvable. Complicated BS is not. Geno breaks down how asking simple (and persistent) questions exposes misalignment—and builds shared understanding. 3. You Were Hired for a Reason—Act Like It One of Geno’s most famous pieces of advice? Don’t raise your hand too early. You don’t need to prove your worth by doing everything. Wait until you know how to win, then go all in. Leave comments here or visit the "Ask Us" page on PracticalPMPodcast.com

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Marilyn and Leah are joined by Brad Jefferson, immersive product leader and filmmaker, to talk about what it really means to build for augmented, virtual, and mixed reality. From medical simulations to interactive storytelling, Brad shares how “immersive product management” expands the way we think about users, environments, emotions, and agency. They explore how AR/VR is reshaping high-stakes industries like healthcare, law enforcement, and manufacturing—and why embodied UX is more than a buzzword. Brad also shares his journey into interactive AI filmmaking, how AI is transforming accessibility, and why storytelling is still the ultimate product skill. Key Takeaways Immersive Product Management Starts with Embodied UX: AR/VR product work requires a new lens on design—where the user is not just clicking, but moving, reacting, feeling. Body awareness, presence, and perception are central to experience design. VR is Transforming Training in High-Risk Environments: Whether it’s heart surgery, law enforcement, or ladder safety, Brad explains how immersive simulations allow users to train safely, gain confidence, and even experience emotional responses—without real-world risk. Product Work is Still Psychology Work: Rage clicks, cognitive overload, user panic—it’s all part of how people interact with products. Whether you’re building for AR or apps, understanding the chemical and emotional experience of your user is essential. AI Is a Creative Partner (and a Wacky One): Brad’s foray into AI filmmaking reveals the promise (and weirdness) of generative tools. Prompts become spells. Models argue about frogs with beards. And yet, the output—done well—is pure magic. Leave us a comment here or visit practicalpmpodcast.com for more ways to connect.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Marilyn and Leah interview Jen Bloom, a seasoned product leader and fintech expert with a background in global payments, compliance, and partnerships. Jen shares her journey from accounting to product management at Microsoft, Amazon, and Stripe, and how her curiosity and domain expertise helped her thrive in the fast-paced world of tech. They discuss real-world examples of launching products in international markets, including payment localization challenges in Turkey, trust-driven design in Germany, and mobile-first experiences across regions. Jen also opens up about the power of mentorship, women supporting women in tech, and the life-long value of learning how to negotiate effectively. This episode is packed with insights for product managers, fintech professionals, and women navigating leadership in the tech industry. Key Takeaways Product Management Doesn’t Have One Path - Jen’s journey from accounting to tech to product shows that many PMs don’t start out with the title—and that’s okay. What matters is curiosity, learning in context, and growing with mentors (and sometimes, friends).Domain Expertise is a Superpower - Jen's deep knowledge of payments has helped her build trust across partnerships, legal, and product teams. T-shaped skills are important—but that deep vertical knowledge can be your differentiator. Global Products Need Local Wisdom - What works in one market can backfire in another. The team shares stories from launching payments in Turkey, Germany, and India—where even removing friction can reduce trust. Negotiation is a Life Skill, Not Just a Job Skill - From moving countries to vendor contracts, the team discusses how to ask for what you need, build win-win outcomes, and develop a negotiation muscle—especially as women in tech. Keywords: product management, global payments, fintech, negotiation, women in tech, mentorship, localization, partnerships, tech careers, product leadership Share questions here or go to our website for more: practicalpmpodcast.com

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn sit down with Sam Zebarjadi, a product leader with deep experience at the intersection of healthcare, tech, and regulation—including roles at Amazon, Moderna, and multiple startups. Together, they dig into what it means to drive innovation in highly regulated industries, the power of “dumb” questions, and how to partner with compliance and legal to build great (and safe) products. Sam also shares what makes a great PM today—and why staying practical, curious, and adaptable is more important than ever. Key Takeaways 1. Regulation Isn’t the Enemy of Innovation - Sam flips the script on the typical tech vs. regulation narrative. Instead of viewing regulation as a blocker, the best product teams use it as a framework that forces better, more sustainable innovation. 2. Ask Better Questions—Especially the Dumb Ones “Help me understand why…” can be the most powerful phrase in a PM’s toolbox. Dumb questions often reveal flawed assumptions or outdated procedures that are ripe for change. 3. Tech Should Fade Into the Background - In healthcare and fintech, user delight isn’t about flash—it's about making tech disappear so patients, providers, and users can do what they need to do. Familiarity and trust matter more than novelty. 4. Great PMs Are Translators and Empaths - Sam reminds us that PMs succeed when they deeply understand their customers, collaborate across domains, and sit in the hard stuff—whether it’s a compliance meeting or a 2am production outage. Leave us comments here or check out our website at practicalpmpodcast.com

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn are joined by Rob Monroe, to explore the real-world complexity of product management in high-stakes environments like GovTech. Rob shares how he has built outcome-driven product practices across defense, finance, and internal systems by shifting the focus from flashy features to mission-critical impact. Together, they discuss the tension between output and outcome, how to lead transformation without ego, and what it means to help users and teams unlearn old patterns in order to adopt better ways of working. With deep insights into leadership, systems thinking, and practical experimentation, Rob challenges product managers to focus on what really matters. These include behavioral change, continuous delivery, and aligning product work with the actual mission, whether you're building a military system or an internal analytics tool. Key Takeaways: 1. Start with the first experiment by shipping something safely to production. In any organization, establishing a working path to production, even for a low-risk "Hello World" app, is essential for building trust and laying the foundation for continuous delivery. 2. Behavior change is the real outcome. Features alone do not equal success. True impact comes from changing user behavior, team habits, or decision-making processes in ways that align with strategic goals. 3. Context matters more than frameworks. There is no one-size-fits-all playbook. Effective product managers adapt their language, tools, and measurement to fit the risk profile, industry, and cultural environment they are working within. Check out the resource guide on practicalpmpodcast.com for a list of all the books Rob mentions.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn sit down with accessibility pioneer Mike Paciello to discuss how accessibility is evolving beyond compliance—and why product managers need to think bigger. For too long, accessibility has been treated as a checkbox, driven by legal requirements rather than user needs. But with the rise of AI, automation, and personalization, the possibilities are expanding. Mike shares how AI agents could reshape assistive technology, why accessibility should be woven into product strategy rather than treated as a last-minute fix, and how the best user experiences adapt to individuals instead of forcing users to conform. Throughout the conversation, Leah and Marilyn explore practical steps that product managers can take to make accessibility a competitive advantage rather than just a legal obligation. Key Takeaways: 1. Accessibility is a Personalization Challenge, Not a Compliance Burden. The best products don’t just check the boxes—they adapt to the user. AI and automation are making it possible to create truly personalized digital experiences that work for all users, not just those who fit traditional design molds. 2. AI Agents Could Revolutionize Assistive Technology. We’re on the brink of a shift where AI-powered interfaces will interpret needs in real-time, eliminating the need for users to adapt to rigid digital experiences. Instead, products will adjust themselves to the user’s abilities and preferences. 3. Product Managers Need to Own Accessibility as Part of Strategy. The industry has been stuck in a compliance-first mindset, but serving a broader audience is a business advantage, not just a legal requirement. PMs who invest in accessibility will unlock new markets and opportunities instead of just avoiding lawsuits. Leave us comments here or go to our website Ask Us Page for comments, questions or show suggestions. practicalpmpodcast.com

🔍 Episode Summary:In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn dive deep into a critical, often overlooked factor in career success: choosing the right boss. Beyond titles, funding rounds, and company prestige, your next leader—and their leader—can shape your growth, learning opportunities, and job satisfaction. They discuss how to evaluate potential managers during interviews, the importance of values and leadership styles, and why fostering a human connection matters more than you think. Whether you're searching for your next role or stepping into leadership yourself, this episode offers practical insights that go beyond the job description.🚀 3 Key Takeaways:Your Boss Shapes Your Success: The two most important people in your career are your boss and your boss’s boss. They determine not just what you’ll learn, but how much space you’ll have to grow.Look for Leaders Who Elevate, Not Compete: A great boss shares their knowledge without ego, champions your success, and fosters a learning mindset, regardless of hierarchy or seniority.Ask the Right Questions During Interviews: Dig into how potential managers handle disagreement, their leadership style, and their values. Questions like “What does it look like when we disagree?” can reveal how open they are to collaboration and feedback.💡 2 Questions for PMs to Reflect On:When interviewing for your next role, how will you evaluate whether a manager aligns with your learning and leadership style?How does your current boss support your growth as a product manager—and what could be better?Reach out to us at PracticalPMPodcast.com with your comments or show ideas.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, hosts Leah Farmer and Marilyn McDonald sit down with Peter Collingridge, a seasoned product leader, to explore the evolving world of fractional product management. Together, they unpack the nuances of fractional roles—how they differ from traditional full-time positions, the balance of ownership and consulting, and the importance of time management. Peter shares insights from his own fractional CPO experience, discussing the need for clear boundaries, deep focus, and rapid impact in fractional work. The conversation delves into leadership dynamics, the power of data-driven decision-making, and the critical role of diagnosing organizational issues. The trio also highlights the often-overlooked emotional layer of product management—how navigating human dynamics, trust-building, and team alignment can be just as crucial as solving functional challenges. Throughout the episode, they offer practical advice for Product Managers looking to embrace uncertainty, set boundaries, and optimize their impact—whether in a fractional role or a full-time position. Key Takeaways: 1. Fractional product roles require laser focus – Unlike traditional full-time roles, fractional product leaders must prioritize impact over politics, making every hour count. 2. Ownership sets fractional work apart from consulting – Fractional PMs aren’t just offering advice; they take accountability for outcomes, often with founder-level intensity. 3. People problems are often bigger than product problems – Diagnosing organizational challenges requires understanding both functional inefficiencies and emotional dynamics. 4. Data, not opinions, should drive decisions – A strong research foundation helps align leadership, reduce bias, and focus teams on what truly matters for customers.

In this kickoff episode of season two of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn dive into New Year’s resolutions and their parallels to product management practices. They tackle the common resolutions people set—like losing weight, spending more time with family, and getting out of debt—and reframe them for PMs as trimming backlogs, improving customer and stakeholder relationships, and managing tech debt. The conversation emphasizes the importance of intentionality in meetings, strategic time management, and learning new skills to grow personally and professionally. Leah and Marilyn reflect on flexibility, experimentation, and the value of creating leaner processes in both life and product management.Key TakeawaysTrimming the Fat: Clean up your backlog by removing unnecessary items and outdated features, and keep MVPs truly minimal.Building Relationships: Spend more time with the “family” of your work—customers, stakeholders, and engineering—by breaking down barriers and improving collaboration.Managing Debt: Address tech and relationship debt by honoring commitments, mending connections, and being strategic with budgeting.Intentionality Matters: Reevaluate meeting cadences and communication habits to improve efficiency and focus on high-value activities.

🎄 A Special Holiday Episode to Wrap Up 2024 🎁In the final episode of Practical Product Management Season 1, Leah Farmer and Marilyn McDonald celebrate the year with a thought-provoking conversation featuring Toni Dos Santos, a B2B product consultant and AI expert. Toni shares his remarkable journey from economics and the music industry to entrepreneurship, offering insights into how startups can find product-market fit faster and build sustainable business models.This festive season, we reflect on how AI is transforming the world of product management, why solving real problems matters more than chasing trends, and how visionary leadership can light the path for future innovation. Join us as we unwrap the lessons of 2024 and look ahead to a bright, innovative 2025.Key Takeaways:AI as the Gift That Keeps Giving: Use AI to streamline your workload and focus on what matters most—creating meaningful, human-centered solutions.MVPs: The Perfect Stocking Stuffer: A well-crafted MVP is like the best holiday gift—thoughtful, practical, and exactly what the recipient needs.Visionary Leadership: The North Star: Just like Santa's sleigh, a strong vision guides teams through challenges and keeps innovation on course.🎅🎄✨

🍂 In this special Thanksgiving episode of Practical Product Management, hosts Leah and Marilyn dive into how product management skills transcend the workplace and enrich everyday life. From communication and prioritization to empathy and feedback loops, they explore how these principles help navigate challenges and build stronger connections outside of work. The episode features 7 inspiring stories from the PM community, showcasing real-life applications of product thinking. Whether it’s managing family dynamics, planning a garden with a Kanban board, or organizing a dinner party using MVP principles, these stories illustrate how product management skills create clarity and drive results in personal life. 🎙️ Key Highlights: ➡️ Communication builds stronger relationships. ➡️ Prioritization helps focus on what matters most. ➡️ Feedback loops create growth in personal and professional contexts. ➡️ Gratitude for PM skills fosters intentionality and connection. This Thanksgiving-themed episode is a celebration of the ways product management transforms lives. Tune in to hear practical insights, heartfelt stories, and inspiration for applying PM principles beyond work.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn sit down with Jil Berning, founder of Femote, to discuss her journey from product manager to entrepreneur in healthcare tech. Jil dives into her motivations for creating a company focused on remote gynecological solutions and shares the challenges she’s encountered along the way. The conversation touches on building a supportive company culture, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and the importance of addressing the gender gap in healthcare. Together, they explore themes of resilience, the power of open communication, and why having a strong “why” is crucial for founders. Jil’s story offers valuable insights for anyone passionate about making a difference in tech and healthcare. Key Takeaways From Product Manager to Purpose-Driven Founder: Jil's transition from product management to founding Femote showcases how PM skills like iteration, MVP thinking, and empathy apply in entrepreneurial roles. Vulnerability and Culture-Building: Open, honest conversations are essential in fostering a healthy team environment, particularly when navigating the pressures of a startup.Championing Women’s Health: Jil’s focus on femtech highlights the need for women’s health to be prioritized in healthcare and research, given longstanding gender biases.Embracing Discomfort as Growth: Jil emphasizes that courage in entrepreneurship means stepping into discomfort and valuing growth, even when outcomes are uncertain. Feel free to leave comments here or go to our Ask Us page on the website for comments, questions, or show ideas: practicalpmpodcast.com

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn sit down with Mirela Mus, founder of Product People, to unpack the unique world of interim product management. They discuss how interim roles differ from traditional product management, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, tactical execution, and navigating the challenges of temporary engagements. Mirela shares insights on balancing strategy with execution under time constraints and how market trends have reshaped the product management landscape. She offers a candid look at the evolving demands of the industry and her vision for a more resilient, business-integrated future for product management.Key TakeawaysAdaptability in Interim Roles: Interim product managers must quickly assess situations, identify priority tasks, and integrate into teams without the long onboarding period of in-house roles.Navigating Market Dynamics: As market trends shift, so do the opportunities and expectations for product managers, making resilience and flexibility essential traits in this evolving field.Building a Broad Skill Set: Interim roles provide PMs with exposure to diverse industries and challenges, building versatile, adaptable skill sets that are valuable in the changing product landscape.Feel free to leave comments here or go to the ASK US page on our website (practicalpmpodcast.com)See less

In this episode, Leah and Marilyn dive into the nuanced world of product management through the lens of team dynamics, particularly focusing on transitions when employees move on. They discuss the challenges leaders face emotionally and strategically during these transitions, highlighting the need for open communication and empathy. The conversation explores how leaders can balance the transactional nature of employment with a supportive work culture, advocating for a holistic approach that sees employees as whole individuals. Leah and Marilyn share practical strategies for product leaders to enhance team resilience, understand the impacts of performance evaluations, and encourage career growth within and beyond the team. Key Takeaways Transitions as Growth Moments: Employee departures, while challenging, are opportunities for growth and evolution within the team and organization. Empathy-Driven Leadership: Empathetic leadership that sees employees as whole individuals fosters stronger team dynamics and open communication. Understanding the Employment Transaction: Recognizing the transactional nature of employment helps leaders stay grounded, manage transitions without taking them personally, and build supportive workplace relationships. Leave us a comment or check out our "Ask Us" page at practicalpmpodcast.com

In this episode of Practical Product Management, we sit down with Jay Fluegel, a seasoned product leader with 25 years of experience spanning startups, Microsoft, Expedia, and Axon. Together, we explore the evolving role of product management across different organizational contexts, from big tech giants to traditional, non-digital companies. The conversation underscores the importance of fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and building resilient teams across industries.Key TakeawaysProduct Management as a PhilosophyContext MattersOvercoming ResistanceFinding Joy and SupportFeel free to leave your comments/questions here, or to check out our website: practicalPMpodcast.com

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn sit down with guest Ekaterina Gabaruk Monnot to dive into the nuances of technical and platform product management. They explore how Ekaterina transitioned into product management, the specific challenges faced by technical product managers, and how understanding both customer needs and system architecture is critical. The discussion touches on managing stakeholders, balancing the complexity of technical products with simplicity, and building a culture of curiosity and continuous learning. They also cover how to stay on top of technology trends and reflect on the evolving nature of product management in today's fast-paced world. Key Takeaways Balancing Complexity and Simplicity: Successful technical product managers must navigate the fine line between managing complex systems and delivering simple, scalable solutions. Empowerment Through Platforms: Platforms should enable other teams and drive collaboration, not just be technical constructs. Curiosity Fuels Innovation: A culture of learning and curiosity is key to overcoming challenges and embracing new technologies. Understanding Customer Needs: At the heart of any product, technical or otherwise, is a deep understanding of the customer and their needs. Feel free to leave us comments here or on our website: practicalpmpodcast.com

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn sit down with Pete Peterson, a seasoned product design leader with a wealth of experience in building design teams and user research practices. They dive deep into the intricacies of product management in large organizations, uncovering how harmonizing design standards can foster a unified user experience. Pete also shares his wisdom on balancing B2B and B2C products, the power of advocating for user research, and why empowering teams to step beyond their core responsibilities leads to greater success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the value of user research and the challenges of driving product harmony in complex environments. Key Takeaways: 1. Influence is everything - Advocating for design and research is crucial in large organizations where multiple teams and stakeholders are involved. 2. B2B needs love too - B2B products often don't get the same attention as B2C, but they benefit greatly from thoughtful user research and design standards. 3. Challenge assumptions - Recognizing and eliminating biases, like confirmation bias, is critical for making better product decisions and truly understanding customer needs. 4. Empower your team - Product leaders who encourage their teams to explore beyond their roles see stronger collaboration and more impactful results. Leave us comments here or come over to our Ask Us page on practicalpmpodcast.com

SummaryIn this episode, Leah and Marilyn dive into the world of fintech and its intersection with product management. They break down what fintech encompasses—everything from payments to lending and wealth management—and discuss their vast experiences in the field. The conversation highlights key elements such as the movement of money, the importance of security, compliance with regulations, and the challenge of creating user-friendly financial products. They explore how product management in fintech mirrors product management in other industries but comes with the added complexity of building customer trust around financial transactions.Key TakeawaysUnderstanding Financial Transactions: Fintech product managers must have a solid grasp of how money moves within systems, along with the layers of security and compliance that accompany it.User Experience is Key: Creating a seamless and intuitive user experience is essential, as users expect secure and effortless interactions with their financial transactions.Unique Regulatory Challenges: Fintech brings unique regulatory challenges, and product managers must ensure that their products adhere to constantly evolving standards.Trust is the Foundation: While product management skills are transferable, building customer trust is more critical in fintech, requiring a deeper understanding of financial systems and regulations.

In this episode, Leah and Marilyn delve into the often-overlooked negative aspects of product management, highlighting how certain practices can harm users. They cover the ethical concerns surrounding manipulative marketing tactics, the pervasive use of cookies for tracking user behavior, and the role of algorithms in fostering echo chambers and amplifying divisive content. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the need for product managers to consider the long-term consequences of their decisions, advocating for a more responsible approach to product development that prioritizes the well-being of users and society at large. Key Takeaways Long-Term Impact: Product managers must consider the long-term effects of their products on users and focus on creating solutions that enhance, rather than diminish, quality of life.Ethical Marketing: Avoid using manipulative marketing tactics, such as fear, guilt, or urgency, which can negatively affect users and erode trust. User Privacy: The practice of using cookies to track and collect data without user consent is unethical and needs to be addressed through more transparent and respectful data practices. Algorithmic Responsibility: Algorithms that create echo chambers and amplify controversial content contribute to societal polarization and should be reassessed to promote healthier discourse. We would love to hear your thoughts here or on our Ask Us page at practicalpmpodcast.com

In this episode, Leah and Marilyn sit down with Haresh Bajaj, the VP of Product Growth at PLEO, to delve into the evolving landscape of product management. Haresh sheds light on the critical role of product growth, which goes beyond traditional product management by focusing on driving user growth, increasing revenue, and managing cross-functional teams. As the head of the SMB business at PLEO, Haresh shares valuable insights on how product managers can elevate their impact by balancing revenue, costs, and customer experience. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on how product management roles are broadening to encompass the overall success of the business.Key Takeaways:Product growth is more than just product management. It's about driving user growth, revenue, and effectively managing cross-functional teams to ensure business success.Product managers need to focus on the big picture. Balancing revenue, cost, and customer experience is essential in today’s product management roles.The role of product management is expanding. Product managers are now expected to take on a broader charter, being directly involved in driving the business forward.Questions for Product Managers:How can you align your product management efforts with broader business goals like revenue growth and cost management?In what ways can you collaborate more effectively with cross-functional teams to drive product and business success?Are you ready to embrace the expanding role of product management and take on a more strategic position within your organization?

In this episode, Leah and Marilyn dive into the evolving relationship between AI and product management. They discuss the common fear of AI replacing jobs and provide a fresh perspective on how AI should be seen as an augmentation tool rather than a replacement for human roles. The conversation centers around the opportunities AI presents to product managers, from enhancing ideation processes to automating repetitive tasks. Leah and Marilyn emphasize the importance of continuous learning and adapting to AI advancements, while also highlighting the irreplaceable value of human creativity and storytelling.Key TakeawaysAI enhances a product manager's capabilities, allowing them to focus on higher-level tasks that require human insight and creativity.Leveraging AI can lead to more innovative ideas and perspectives.Product managers should educate themselves on AI’s history, functions, and potential to maximize its benefits in their work.Staying updated on AI developments helps product managers remain competitive and effective in their roles.Human creativity and storytelling remain irreplaceable.

In this episode, Leah and Marilyn delve into the intricacies of hiring exceptional product managers. They discuss the core competencies necessary for the role, such as having a customer-centric mindset, thriving in ambiguity, and possessing a strong drive to get things done. The conversation also covers the challenges of transitioning individuals from other roles into product management and the importance of instilling a product management mindset. The episode wraps up with practical advice on crafting effective interview questions and the value of concise, thoughtful answers.Key Takeaways: Core Competencies: Product managers need a customer-centric mindset, the ability to work in ambiguity, and a strong drive to get things done.Transitioning Roles: Successfully transitioning individuals into product management requires teaching the product management mindset and being patient with the learning process.Interview Focus: Effective interview questions should assess a candidate's understanding of the role, their problem-solving skills, and their impact on customer experience.Concise Answers: Demonstrating suitability for the role through concise and thoughtful answers is crucial during interviews.Broad Skill Set: Product managers should be adaptable and possess a broad range of skills to succeed in various product management roles.

In this episode, Leah interviews Greg Cohen, CEO of Fortis about the current state of the financial technology industry. They discuss the concept of "The Great Restoration" and how the industry is experiencing a shift due to changing interest rates and market dynamics. They also explore the challenges faced by startups in the industry, such as the need for profitability and regulatory compliance. The conversation highlights the importance of building a strong foundation and focusing on long-term sustainability in order to navigate the changing landscape.Takeaways: The financial technology industry is going through a 'great restoration' due to changing interest rates and market dynamics.Startups in the industry are facing challenges such as the need for profitability and regulatory compliance.Building a strong foundation and focusing on long-term sustainability is crucial for navigating the changing landscape.Acquisitions and partnerships can be opportunities for growth and scalability.Regulation can help legitimize and create a level playing field for emerging payment methods like buy now pay later.Feel free to leave comments/questions here or go to our website: practicalpmpodcast.com for more.

In this podcast episode, Leah and Marilyn discuss OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and their role in product management. They explore the misconceptions and challenges surrounding OKRs, emphasizing the importance of understanding the purpose and context behind them. Overall, they stress the need for a thoughtful and practical approach to implementing OKRs. Takeaways OKRs are often misunderstood and seen as a magical solution, but they require a thoughtful and practical approach to be effective. OKRs should be aligned with the overall business strategy and goals, and all teams and individuals should understand how their work contributes to those objectives. OKRs provide a framework for measuring progress and driving business agility, but they should not replace other management practices or be used as a standalone solution. Understanding the economics of the business and the different seasons or stages of the company is crucial for setting meaningful OKRs. OKRs enable teams to focus on key results and learn from their progress, rather than just chasing arbitrary metrics or targets.

In this episode, Leah and Marilyn discuss the importance of psychological safety in product management. They define psychological safety as creating an environment where team members feel safe to take risks, be vulnerable, and share their opinions without fear of humiliation or criticism. They reference a study done at Google, which found that psychological safety and trust were the top factors that contributed to team productivity and effectiveness. The hosts emphasize the need for open and honest communication, a common vision, and the ability to bring one's whole self to work. Takeaways Psychological safety is crucial in product management as it allows team members to take risks, be vulnerable, and share their opinions without fear of humiliation or criticism. A common vision and open communication are essential in creating psychological safety within a team. Leaders should foster an environment of honesty, respect, and kindness to build trust and psychological safety. Bringing one's whole self to work and allowing team members to do the same contributes to psychological safety. Let us know your thoughts on our website at PracticalPMPodcast.com

In this episode, Leah and Marilyn dive into their personal experiences with the highs and lows of product management. They share captivating stories of successful product launches that significantly impacted their organizations and frustrating failures that came with costly lessons. Through these anecdotes, they highlight the importance of iterative development, the power of small, empowered teams, and the challenges of working within highly matrixed organizations. The discussion also covers the crucial role of clear roles and responsibilities and the importance of aligning the company’s vision and mission to create a supportive and collaborative environment for product development. Key Takeaways: Iterative Development: Iterative development is more impactful and valuable than big bang product launches, benefiting both the user and the business. Empowering Teams: Small teams with a common goal can achieve significant wins, creating momentum and a sense of urgency. Clear Roles: Highly matrixed organizations with unclear roles and responsibilities can hinder product development and lead to failures. Bridging Gaps: Product managers should bridge the gap between business and technology, driving the overall vision and mission of the company. Right Fit: Finding the right company that values and supports product managers' skills is crucial for their success. Tell us about your biggest successes (or failures) as a PM by going to our website: PracticalPMPodcast.com

In this episode, Leah and Marilyn talk to Product Leader & Change-Maker Dana Rosenberg about her superpower of galvanizing teams and driving change in product management. The discussion emphasizes the importance of simplifying the story, focusing on key narratives, and regularly delivering measurable progress. The hosts and guest share their experiences and lessons learned in product management and from working with one another. Takeaways Simplify the story and focus on key narratives to drive change and deliver measurable progress.Effective stakeholder management is crucial for success in product management.Creating a consistent rhythm of the business helps teams operate predictably and efficiently.Break down goals into measurable steps and prioritize what will have the most impact.Storytelling is an essential skill in product management, allowing for clear communication and alignment.Ask questions or suggest show topics at PracticalPMPodcast.com

In this episode, Leah and Marilyn discuss some of the biggest misconceptions about the role of a product manager. They start with the idea that product managers are the CEOs of the product, emphasizing that product managers must influence without control and work as part of a team. They also address a few other often discussed myths and misconceptions. Takeaways Product managers are not the CEOs of the product, but rather influencers who work as part of a team. Product managers should focus on understanding the strategy and problem-solving, rather than simply taking orders. Product management and project management are distinct roles with different focuses. Technical skills are not a requirement for product managers, as their role is more about problem-solving and understanding the market. Product management is a challenging and multifaceted role that requires balancing various responsibilities. Leave comments here or ask questions over at PracticalPMPodcast.com

In this episode, Leah and Marilyn discuss the tension between building for customers and building things that matter for a business. They explore why product managers often prioritize customer needs over business goals and the importance of understanding the customer. They also discuss the concept of minimal viable products (MVPs) and the need to focus on solving real customer problems rather than building shiny, pretty products. The conversation highlights the importance of aligning customer needs with business goals and finding the overlap between the two. Takeaways Product managers often prioritize customer needs over business goals, but it's important to find a balance between the two. Understanding the customer is crucial for building products that solve real problems and generate revenue. Minimal viable products (MVPs) should focus on testing a thesis and learning from customer feedback, rather than being maximal or trying to delight customers. Product managers should have a clear path forward for their products, considering both deep and wide expansion and economic viability. Aligning customer needs with business goals and finding the overlap between the two is essential for building successful products. Share your thoughts with us here or at practicalPMpodcast.com

Leah and Marilyn discuss bad habits that product managers often fall into. They share their own experiences and provide insights on how to overcome these habits. Some of the bad habits discussed include avoiding detail work, being too opinionated, over-engineering solutions, trying to emulate larger companies, not talking to customers, and not being honest about project status. They emphasize the importance of being practical, focusing on customer value, and maintaining open communication with the team. Takeaways -Avoiding detail work and not providing clear acceptance criteria in user stories can lead to confusion and delays. Being too opinionated and inflexible can hinder collaboration and innovation within the team. Over-engineering solutions can waste time and resources, and simplicity should be prioritized.Trying to emulate larger companies without considering the unique strengths and limitations of your own organization can lead to unrealistic expectations. Not talking to customers and relying solely on internal perspectives can result in products that don't meet customer needs. Feel free to leave comments, questions, or show ideas here or on our website: PracticalPMPodcast.com

Leah and Marilyn discuss their journey as product managers, the challenges they faced, and the practical aspects of product management. They emphasize the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and the need for practicality in applying product management frameworks. They also share a stakeholder interview tool to help product managers think critically about the work they are being asked to do. Takeaways: The importance of critical thinking and problem-solving in product management The need for practicality in applying product management frameworks The value of exploring other approaches and being open to different solutions The role of a product manager as a servant leader, focused on disambiguation and understanding The stakeholder interview tool as a resource for thinking critically about product management tasks Feel free to leave comments, questions, or show ideas here or on our website: PracticalProductManagementPodcast.com

Here's a little sneak peak to Episode 1 of Practical Product Management.In this episode get to know Leah and Marilyn and hear why they think it's so important to marry theory with practical tools.