Product Academy Tough Stuff

In this episode, Mareike Müller shares with Francesca Cortesi about her insights on maintaining high performance sustainably. Topics include assessing your current state, balancing work and private life, listening to your body, and practical tips for resilience and long-term success.CHAPTERS00:46 Sustaining High Performance: The Challenge06:11 Defining Balance: A Personal Perspective12:31 Mind-Body Connection: Listening to Your Body  16:51 Rewiring Expectations and Self-Compassion26:29  Navigating External Pressures and Meeting Demands31:45 Long-Term Strategies for Sustainable PerformanceOUR GUESTMareike Müller, Leadership coach and mentor focused on resiliencehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mareikemuller/Mareike Müller is a certified leadership coach and mentor, working with founders and senior leaders in VC-backed tech companies to help them navigate the pressure, pace, and increasing team size of fast-growing startups. Drawing on her experience as a Head of People, management team member, and communication expert, her work focuses on leadership, clarity, and high performance, helping her clients lead consistently at a high level, rather than "keep pushing through" and hoping for the best.Her approach enables leaders shift from constant urgency and exhaustion into the confident, strategic leadership their stage demands, so they can delegate effectively, make clear decisions, and drive growth rather than slow it down.When she's not working, you'll find Mareike training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (five years and counting), trying new recipes in the kitchen, exploring coffee shops around Barcelona or wherever she's traveling, or out on a long walk with Machete, her French Bulldog.COOK WHILE LISTENINGMareike’s favourite Khao Soi, Thai coconut noodle soup

OUR GUESTIulia Jacobsson is a product advisor and coach with 10+ years of experience leading product teams at scale — including as VP Product at Beekeeper and Head of Product at FIFA. She advises scale-up founders on product strategy and pricing, and brings a rare combination of hands-on operator experience and investor-fluent strategic thinking. Based in Zürich.EPISODEIn this episode of Product Academy Tough Stuff, we explore the complexities of pricing, how to navigate internal and external factors, and share insights from Iulia Jacobsson’s experience leading a major pricing overhaul at Beekeeper. Whether you're refining your current strategy or starting from scratch, learn how to approach pricing with confidence.Key topics:Why pricing is one of the most consequential product decisionsThe multidisciplinary nature of pricing involving finance, psychology, and market insightsWho should own the pricing process within an organizationLessons learned from Beekeeper’s complete pricing strategy overhaulThe role of beta programs and customer co-design in understanding value and willingness to payPricing models for new features, modules, and the impact of AI on pricingHow to continuously adapt prices in fast-changing markets and technologiesThe importance of having a clear decision-making framework and ownership for price evolutionBalancing short-term wins versus long-term customer targeting in pricing strategiesConnect with Iulia Jacobsson:LinkedInSHOWNOTESPricingSaaS - is a great way to keep updated on trends and individual case studies Their most recent report is a great source. It has the data that backs up what I’ve anecdotally seen with the companies I’m advising:https://pricingsaas.com/reports/plg-slg-2025-2026-analysisWhat's working in SaaS pricing right nowThe Alternative: How to Build a Just Economy - Nick Romeo The Alternative by Nick Romeo review – moral substitutes for the free market model | Economics | The GuardianLessons from Lovable: Pricing for AI - Elena VernaIssue tracking is dead – Linear - “Issue tracking is dead”ENJOY THIS EPISODE WITH IULIA’S RECIPESwedish Waffles:Ingredients: 400 ml wheat flour1 teaspoon baking powder:A pinch of saltOptional: 1-2 vanilla sugar or just a bit of vanilla 500 ml milk100g butter, melted2 eggsInstructions:Mix together the dry ingredients firstAdd milk and melted butterAdd eggsMix together (make sure there’s no lumps)Let rest for 30 minutesPro-tip: double the batch if you have neighborhood kids coming around, like our house (the waffles may be to “blame”) :) 

In this episode, Francesca Cortesi and Parveen Downer explore the concept of confidence, emphasizing that it is a skill that can be developed rather than an innate trait. They discuss the importance of taking action to build confidence, the role of mindset in overcoming inner criticism, and practical strategies such as rejection therapy and creating a confidence playlist. The conversation highlights the significance of consistency and preparation in cultivating a confident mindset, encouraging listeners to take small steps towards building their confidence.CHAPTERS00:46 Understanding Confidence: A Skill, Not a Trait03:43 The Confidence Loop: Action, Competence, and Growth 06:41 Overcoming Inner Criticism: Strategies for Speaking Up09:44 The Role of Mindset and Preparation in Confidence 12:53 Building Confidence Through Small Steps15:44 Rejection Therapy: Embracing No for Growth 18:35 Practical Tips for Cultivating Confidence21:34 Consistency is Key: The Path to Lasting Confidence24:47 Final Thoughts: Small Actions Lead to Big ChangesOUR GUESTParveen Downer, Career Coach, PM instructor, Speaker, Stand-up ComedianParveen Downer is a product manager turned confidence coach with a distinctly portfolio-shaped career. After building her reputation in tech — across operations, regulated industries, and highly technical product roles — she now coaches ambitious professionals to speak up, get noticed, and lead with impact. She teaches product management, designs a circular fashion line celebrating cultural heritage, and occasionally tests her own confidence on stage as a stand-up comedian. Blending evidence-based coaching with real-world product experience (and a healthy dose of humour), Parveen helps quietly brilliant people show the world what they’re capable of.SHOWNOTESMark Manson on confidence: https://markmanson.net/how-to-be-confidentThe Quietly Confident club: https://www.consultwithparveen.com/the-quietly-confident-club/Rejection therapy: https://www.rejectiontherapy.com/100-days-of-rejection-therapyParveen’s confidence playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6OtMyKLk7vj2izFiWpZM9M?si=12b56610943448d5COOK WHILE LISTENINGParvee’s go-to pancakes, worth watching the entire video to get all the best tips:https://www.epicurious.com/video/watch/epicurious-101-the-best-way-to-make-perfect-pancakes

In this conversation, Tanja Lau and Stéphane Turquay discuss the Shape Up methodology, a product development framework that emphasizes fixed timelines with variable scopes. Stéphane shares insights on the shaping and building phases, the challenges faced during implementation at SmallPDF, and the importance of team dynamics. They explore how Shape Up allows for greater ownership among teams and the need for a mature product and skilled team members for successful adoption.Chapters00:00    Introduction to Shape Up01:17      Understanding the Shape Up Methodology01:56     The Shaping and Building Phases05:08    Real-World Application of Shape Up06:05    The Pitch Process in Shape Up10:43     The Betting Table and Team Dynamics15:52      Introducing Shape Up at SmallPDF21:14      Benefits and Challenges of Shape Up22:57     Recommendations and Pitfalls for ImplementationOUR GUESTStéphane Turquay is a Principal Product Manager at Smallpdf, one of the world’s most popular platforms for PDFs and document management.With a decade of experience in SaaS growth and monetization, he helps build products that delight millions of users worldwide.Based in Zurich, Stéphane has worked across international organizations, corporate spin-ups, and startups, driven by curiosity, clarity, and impact.USEFUL RESOURCEShttps://basecamp.com/shapeuphttps://www.houseful.blog/posts/2023/shape-up-at-zoopla/https://techblog.beefree.io/one-year-of-shape-up-part-2-why-it-works-for-us-bb9413b497ab#32d3https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoCGibVonBEhttps://marmelab.com/blog/2024/09/26/shape-up.html COOK WHILE LISTENINGWarm Tuna Sashimi with Rucola, Parmesan & Rice Noodles 

In this episode, Francesca Cortesi and Caroline Clark talk about the complexities of imposter feelings, exploring their prevalence, the impact of perfectionism, and the importance of language in framing these experiences. They discuss strategies for overcoming feelings of inadequacy, emphasizing the significance of connection and belonging in professional environments. Caroline shares insights from her research on imposter feelings among product professionals, revealing that these feelings are common across various levels of experience. The conversation concludes with practical tips for navigating imposter feelings in career growth and the importance of recognizing that these feelings are a shared human experience.CHAPTERS00:46 Introduction to Imposter Feelings03:49 Understanding Imposter Feelings 06:32 The Role of Perfectionism  09:52 The Language of Imposter Feelings12:31  Overcoming Isolation15:52 Creating a Sense of Belonging21:51 Survey Insights on Imposter Feelings24:44  Navigating Imposter Feelings in Career Growth27:41 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysOUR GUESTCaroline Clark, Leadership consultant and coachCaroline Clark is a leadership consultant and coach specialising in performance psychology for leaders in tech and space. As an ex-Product Director with more than 12 years in Product, she understands the unique pressures facing product teams. Her work equips product leaders with evidence-based tools to transform leadership potential into performance - and achieve the impossible.COOK WHILE LISTENINGCaroline’s Lentil dahl - this hearty and fragrant dish is perfect for the colder nights closing in, you can make it as hot or mild to your taste by adjusting the amount of chilli!Ingredients:1 tbsp cooking oil1 onion2-3 cloves of garlic1cm piece of fresh ginger, gratedSpices: 1 tsp dried birdseye chillies, 1 tsp turmeric, 2.5 tsp garam masala150g dried red lentils750ml vegetable stock1x can coconut milk1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminoswhole courgette, gratedbag of spinachTo make:Dice the onion, crush the garlic and grate the ginger, then combine in pan over medium heat, turning until onion browns (a few minutes)Add the spice mix and stir in wellAdd the lentils and dry stir until coated in oil and spicesAdd stock slowly, stirring into lentilsAdd coconut milk and soy sauce or coconut aminos, stirring inLeave to simmer for 5 minutes until liquid starts to reduce, then add courgette and stir wellLeave to simmer for 20 minutes, then add spinach and stir wellLeave to simmer for 5 mins - then it's ready to serve!Serve with rice or naan bread and enjoy!

In this conversation, Francesca Cortesi and Alena Ipanova dig into the complexities of navigating cultural differences in the workplace, especially for expats. They discuss the importance of understanding both personal and national cultures, the significance of effective communication, and the challenges of aligning personal values with company culture. Alena emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the willingness to explore unfamiliar cultural interactions to foster better relationships and collaboration in diverse environments.CHAPTERS00:46 Navigating Cultural Differences at Work09:01 Understanding Personal and National Culture16:06 Improving Communication Across Cultures 19:40 Bridging Company Culture Gaps 26:13 Exploring Unfamiliarity in Cultural Interactions OUR GUESTAlena Ipanova, Cultural Intelligence Expert and Trainerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ialena/Alena is a cultural intelligence expert, trainer, and coach who helps global leaders and teams work better across differences. With a background in psychology, communication, and intercultural leadership - and over 15 years of experience across various industries - she’s trained thousands of professionals to build trust, communicate clearly, and create inclusive, high-performing teams.She specializes in helping organizations identify and bridge the hidden gaps between cultures, expectations, and mindsets - turning potential friction into stronger collaboration and smarter decisions.Alena is also a mom of three, living a nomadic life - moving to a new country every year with her family and turning each new culture into a learning adventure.COOK WHILE LISTENINGAlena’s go-to dessert for surprise guests or impatient kids who want it now :https://scandinaviansimpleeating.com/2019/03/29/crumble-pie-with-summer-berries-smulpaj/

Dive into the latest episode of Product Acaemy Tough Stuff Season 3, where Francesca and Todd Birzer tackle one of the most challenging questions in the professional world: "How do I manage my time better?" .Discover why traditional time management techniques might not work for product managers and learn about strategic focus and strategic neglect. Todd shares insights from his career, including the importance of setting boundaries and leaving time for relationships. Tune in for practical tips and a fresh perspective on balancing priorities.CHAPTERS00:46 The challenges of traditional time management techniques05:47 Strategic focus and neglect10:47 Balancing priorities15:47 Practical tools and techniques to manage your time20:47 Setting boundaries and building relationships25:47 Final tipsOUR GUESTTodd Birzer, Product Management Leader https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddbirzer/Todd Birzer has over 25 years of experience in product management—leading product teams in the US and Canada and consulting with teams worldwide. Todd is a lecturer at Temple University, an instructor partner at Udemy, and author of the book The Three-Minute Product Manager.Todd’s latest course: https://www.udemy.com/course/new-manager-make-an-impact/?referralCode=2F6FD10589F611C481F5COOK WHILE LISTENINGTod’s favorite corn bread: Warm corn bread, with butter and honey, ahhh…glorious 1 cup cornmeal¾ cup flour3 Tablespoons sugar2 ½ teaspoons baking powder½ teaspoon salt1 cup milk2 eggs¼ cup butter, melted1. Preheat oven to 205 degrees C or 400 degrees F2. Mixed dry ingredients in a big bowl3. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and butter4. Pour the milk / egg / butter mixture into the cornmeal mixture, stir gently (until justmoistened)5. Pour entire mixture into a greased baking pan6. Bake for 20 minutesFor myself, I usually don’t use milk but instead mix three big spoons of natural yogurtwith enough water to make one cup.The trick for this recipe: find nice quality cornmeal! Look for cornmeal with both the“germ” and the “bran” – which are the source of nice flavor and texture. I use Bob’s RedMill Medium Grind Cornmeal.Enjoy!

Francesca Cortesi and Kai Stevens discuss the complexities of conducting discovery in hardware. They explore the unique challenges faced in hardware development, including long timelines, irreversible decisions, and the need for robust usability testing. Kai shares insights on balancing discovery with development, innovative approaches to user feedback, and the importance of collaborative decision-making among stakeholders. The discussion emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to discovery that accommodates the specific demands of hardware while remaining agile and responsive to user needs.CHAPTERS00:46 Introduction to Hardware Discovery Challenges02:47 The Context of Hardware Product Management05:15 Understanding the Risks in Hardware Development08:58 Balancing Discovery and Development Timelines12:38 Innovative Approaches to User Feedback15:18 Usability Testing in Hardware17:10 Decision-Making in Hardware Development19:57 Optimizing Discovery Processes23:41 Collaborative Decision-Making for Product Viability26:29 Final Thoughts on Balancing Discovery and ExecutionOUR GUESTKai Stevens, Product Leader & discovery coach https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaistevens/Kai Stevens is the founder of Discovery Doctors, a training and consultancy company dedicated to helping product teams master continuous discovery. As a former Group Product Manager at tado°, Kai led a group of cross-functional teams to develop and launch the next-generation smart thermostats of tado° in May 2024. His hands-on experience applying continuous discovery in the connected hardware space inspired him to support other product teams in building better products through a discovery-driven approach."COOK WHILE LISTENINGKai’s favorite vietnamese spring rolls:  https://www.hungryhuy.com/how-to-make-goi-cuon-vietnamese-spring-rolls/

In this conversation, Corinne Ruckstuhl (Product Manager Data & AI at SRF) shares her insights on transitioning to internal product management, discussing the unique challenges and dynamics involved. Tanja and Corinne discuss the importance of stakeholder management, prioritization, and balancing efficiency with business value. They explore ways of of measuring success through user satisfaction and adoption as well as strategies for building habits among users to ensure successful adoption of internal products.CHAPTERS(Time slots start after the introduction jingle)00:00 Transitioning to Internal Product Management02:59 Stakeholder Dynamics and Prioritization Challenges06:01 Balancing Efficiency and Business Value09:00 Measuring Success in Internal Products12:02 Ethical Considerations in Product Management14:59 Building Habits and User Adoption17:59 Build vs. Buy Decisions in Product DevelopmentOUR GUESTCorinne is a Product Manager for Data & AI at SRF where she develops user-centric data and AI products, driving innovation in the media industry. With a Master’s degree in Business Innovation & Technology and AI studies at MIT, she leads the full product lifecycle—from discovery to delivery—ensuring impactful solutions. Passionate about shaping Switzerland’s tech landscape, she mentors aspiring product managers, invests in startups, and advocates for diversity.RESOURCESTeam Topology - Organizing Business and Technology for Fas Flow: Especially the part about platform teams is interesting to get a view on the topic of internal product management (more information: https://teamtopologies.com/) RECIPEWe serve every episode of our podcast with a recipe you can cook while listening. Corinne shares her recipe for Quesadillas with chickpeas: https://fooby.ch/de/rezepte/21415/

Francesca Cortesi and Tim Herbig dive into one of the trickiest questions in product: how do you know when you’ve done enough discovery?They talk about the real purpose behind discovery, how to avoid getting stuck in process for process’ sake, and why defining your assumptions early matters more than sticking to a framework. From using strategic clarity to guide your work, to building a strong narrative around your findings (and even turning discovery into a game to keep teams engaged) this episode is packed with practical tips and honest reflections.CHAPTERS00:46 Navigating the Discovery Dilemma03:33 Understanding the Purpose of Discovery06:51 The Balance of Process and Value09:45 Defining Success in Discovery12:43 Time Boxing Discovery Efforts15:44 Strategic Clarity in Discovery18:45 Identifying and Validating Assumptions21:40 Creating a Compelling Narrative for Discovery24:37 Gamifying the Discovery ProcessOUR GUESTTim Herbig (Product Management Coach) https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbigt/Tim Herbig is a Product Management Coach who helps companies like StepStone, Deutsche Telekom, and Specsavers treat their ways of working like products—focusing on value over theoretical correctness.With over a decade of hands-on experience across b2c and b2b products—from Premium memberships at XING to Enterprise SaaS platforms—Tim brings unique insight into making product practices truly valuable in different contexts.Through his consulting and training, Tim helps product teams move beyond rigid frameworks by connecting Strategy, OKRs, and Discovery in ways that work for their specific situation.COOK WHILE LISTENINGTim is a true coffee aficionado, here below you can find two coffee brewing recipesIf you are just starting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oB1oDrDkHMTim’s favorite (right now): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUsHI7jdX1k

In this conversation, Tanja Lau and Nesrine Changuel explore the concept of customer delight, emphasizing the importance of emotional connections in product experiences. They discuss how delight can be created even in seemingly boring products, the significance of understanding and measuring delight, and the business case for investing in delightful features. Nesrine spent 12 years of her product management career embedding Delight into tech products. At Spotify, she consistently wove emotional features alongside functional ones, managing to introduce engaging experiences within a fast-paced and highly competitive backlog. At Google Meet, Nesrine served as the Delight PM, where her mission was to bring fun and joy to video calls. Across these two unique environments, she has introduced Delight under various constraints, and is excited to share these experiences with you.ABOUT OUR GUESTNesrine is a passionate and experienced product coach, advisor, and professional speaker.  For over a decade she held senior product management roles at Google, Spotify, and Microsoft. Nesrine managed highly visible consumer products including Chrome, Meet, Spotify, and Skype. Nesrine is also a speaker and lecturer who has addressed multiple product management topics at multiple events. Nesrine holds a Master's degree in electrical engineering and a PhD in media processing and Telecommunication.Nesrine is based in Paris.SHOWNOTESFind Nesrine on Linkedin or via her Substack: https://nesrinechanguel.substack.com/Learn more about her book: https://www.nesrine-changuel.com/product-delight-book Study mentioned in the episode:https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/fueling-growth-through-moments-of-customer-delightRECIPEAs always, we are serving the episode with a delicious recipe you can cook while listening to the conversation. Nesrine is sharing how to cook the Tunisian dish Kafteji in a healthy way: https://carthagemagazine.com/healthy-version-kafteji/Enjoy and see you for the next episode!

In this conversation, Francesca Cortesi and Rich Mironov discuss product managers' challenges in quantifying their initiatives and communicating effectively with sales and finance teams. They explore the importance of using the right language, preparing for sales conversations, and understanding the value of initiatives through rough estimations. Rich emphasizes the need for product managers to balance internal work with revenue-generating projects and effectively engage stakeholders. The discussion also highlights the significance of strategic planning and setting success metrics early in the product development process.CHAPTERS00:46 Navigating the Challenge of Quantifying Initiatives03:46 The Language of Product Management and Sales06.52 Estimating Value: The Importance of Error Bars09:51 Preparing for Sales Conversations12:48 Balancing Internal and External Work15:43 The Politics of Product Management18:50 Bilingual Communication in Product Management21:56 Strategic Planning and Success Metrics24:37  Concluding Thoughts on Product ManagementTO GO DEEPERFinding the non-negotiable in your priorities: https://www.mironov.com/product-pie/How to quickly quantify one’s initiative https://www.mironov.com/digits/ OUR GUESTRich Mironov, 40-year product mgmt veteranRich has led product teams for 40 years, including six B2B startups and 15 interim CPO/VP Products roles.  Today, he coaches product leaders, helps design product organizations, and writes/speaks about how product folks can understand our go-to-market partners.  He has been blogging about software product management since 2002, launched the first product camps, and wrote "The Art of Product Management.”COOK WHILE LISTENINGRich’s favourite Flourless chocolate cake:1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter3/4 cup granulated sugar1/4 teaspoon salt1 to 2 teaspoons espresso powder, optional1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional3 large eggs1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-process cocoa preferred1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips1/2 cup heavy creamdirectionsPreheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease an 8" round cake pan; cut a piece of parchment or waxed paper to fit, grease it, and lay it in the bottom of the pan.To make the cake: Put the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat until the butter is melted and the chips are soft. Stir until the chips melt, reheating briefly if necessary. You can also do this over a burner set at very low heat. Transfer melted chocolate/butter to a mixing bowl.Stir in the sugar, salt, espresso powder, and vanilla. Espresso enhances chocolate's flavor much as vanilla does; using 1 teaspoon will simply enhance the flavor, while 2 teaspoons will lend a hint of mocha to the cake.Add the eggs, beating briefly until smooth. Add the cocoa powder, and mix just to combine.Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.Bake the cake for 25 minutes; the top will have formed a thin crust, and it should register at least 200°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into its center.Remove it from the oven, and cool it in the pan for 5 minutes.Loosen the edges of the pan with a table knife or nylon spreader, and turn it out onto a serving plate. The top will now be on the bottom; that's fine. Also, the edges will crumble a bit, which is also fine. Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing.To make the glaze: Combine the chocolate and cream in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat until the cream is very hot, but not simmering. Remove from the microwave, and stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is completely smooth.Spoon the glaze over the cake, spreading it to drip over the sides a bit. Allow the glaze to set for several hours before serving the cake.   Yield: 8" cake, 8 to 12 servings.

In this conversation, Tanja Lau interviews Justin Groep about his journey from working as a barista in South Africa to securing a product management role in a challenging job market. Justin shares insights on the importance of networking, strategic job hunting, the value of feedback, and the resilience required to navigate the job application process. He emphasizes the significance of community support and mentorship in overcoming obstacles and encourages others to pay it forward by sharing their knowledge and experiences. Don’t forget to check out all the valuable links and resources he offered as part of the shownotes below - including the templates he created to keep track of his job hunt!OUR GUESTJustin Groep (PM at Neho)Justin’s product journey began as a barista in South Africa—daydreaming about tech and yearning for something more. Over the next four years, he dabbled in building websites and photography, which landed him a role at a digital agency Soda Studios, gradually paving his way into product. He broke into product as a PM of the mobile app at Urban Connect. In this fast-moving Swiss corporate mobility startup, Justin had his first real opportunity to dive into product management. Today, he is thrilled to have found an amazing product role, shaping the future of real estate at Swiss Prop tech, Neho Real Estate. On the side, he runs Kaffiabo, a passion project that keeps his love for coffee alive and connects him back to his roots.USEFUL RESOURCESNotion about me page: Justin Groep (shareable profile)Justin’s template for tracking my job applications: Notion job tracker template - “The Job Hunt 🦾”Youtube:Diego Grendaos -https://www.youtube.com/c/pmdiegogranados Exponent -https://www.youtube.com/@tryexponentNewsletters:Lenny’s Newsletter -https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/ Itamar Gilad -https://itamargilad.com/newsletter/ Pawel Huryn -https://www.productcompass.pm/ Podcasts: Lenny’s Podcast -https://open.spotify.com/show/2dR1MUZEHCOnz1LVfNac0j How I built this with Guy Raz (Founder stories) -https://open.spotify.com/show/6E709HRH7XaiZrMfgtNCun Product Thinking with Melissa Perri -https://open.spotify.com/show/3TV1jXZqlSFCzZ3xqvcG96 Books:Product Specific:Escaping the Build Trap – highly practical and applicable.  Lean Product Playbook by Dan Olsen - intersection of UX and finding product market fitInspired – Didn’t resonate at first but gave Justin a good product vocab (when re-reading it after a year in product, it all made a lot more sense)The Lean Startup by Eric Ries– helped Justin understand experimentation and iterative product development.  The mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick –  taught him how to conduct user interviews On a personal levelPeak by Anders Ericcson and Robert Pool - Understanding deliberate practice and how to grow in a skillGrit by Angela Duckworth - While struggling to persevere after a reaching a plateau this was an interesting take of what justin need to do to keep goingDrive by Daniel Pink - Pretty much research on the science of motivation. To help my reframe my growth and development journey.Deep work by Cal Newport - In order for me to develop and cross the “casm” into product. I need to work and go about my daily work differently and change my relationship towards things like Social Media.RECIPEAs always, we serve this episode with a recipe you can cook while listening to the conversation. Justin’s tip: Mixed leaf salad with mozzarella, mint, peach & prosciutto: https://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetables/mixed-leaf-salad-with-mozzarella-mint-peach-prosciutto/Some slightly roasted pine nuts are a nice little addition to this recipe.

SUMMARYIn this conversation, Francesca Cortesi and Alexander Hipp discuss the challenges of balancing long-term and short-term goals in product management. They analyze the complexity of finding a balance and identify three practical steps on how to handle conflicting goals. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of hard conversations and the role of communication in navigating the complexities of product management.CHAPTERS00:43 Navigating the Tension Between Short-Term and Long-Term Goals12:00 Understanding Organizational Dynamics in Product Management20:04 Practical Strategies for Balancing Priorities24:54 The Importance of Communication and VisualizationOUR GUESTAlexander Hipp, Founder of BeyondWith more than 15 years in digital product development, Alex helps teams succeed by breaking down complexity and focusing on what matters most. His background as a product manager, founder, and fractional product leader at companies like N26 and XING taught him that great products come from clear decision-making, strong priorities, and aligned teams. Now, as the founder of Beyond, he enables product teams to make confident, impact-driven choices through strategic mapping and decision trees.COOK WHILE LISTENINGAlex’s favorite roasted cauliflower: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/yotam-ottolenghis-roasted-cauliflower-recipe

In this conversation, Tanja Lau and Vanaja Sriskandarajah discuss the challenges and changes that come with balancing parenthood and a career in product leadership. They explore how becoming a parent shifts one's perspective on work, the importance of time management, and the necessity of setting boundaries. Both share their experiences of returning to work after parental leave, the adjustments they made to their schedule, and the importance of communication in fostering a supportive workplace culture. OUR GUESTVanaja is a lifelong fintech enthusiast and currently the Director of Product at Raisin, a leading savings and investment marketplace that empowers people with greater choice and control over their finances. Previously, she led product teams at Billie, driving innovation in B2B financing, and at N26, where she played a key role in scaling the subscription plan offering.Her fintech journey began in Australia, where she co-founded an investment app—a transformative experience that sparked her passion for startups and building impactful financial products.USEFUL LINKShttps://hbr.org/2019/08/how-to-return-to-work-after-taking-parental-leavehttps://www.mindtheproduct.com/going-part-time-made-better-product-manager/https://www.swisspreneur.org/podcast/ep-67-qa-on-raising-kids-and-growing-a-startupRECIPEWe serve each episode with a recipe you can cook while listening to the conversation. This is one of Vanaja’s favorite pasta recipes - ready in 15 minutes:https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/blender_beetroot_pasta_96501

In this conversation, Radhika Dutt and Francesca Cortesi discuss the challenges of implementing OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) in organizations, emphasizing the pitfalls organizations encounter when they only steer with OKRs, not considering vision and strategy. Radhika introduces the concept of 'vision debt' and advocates for a shift towards a hypothesis-driven approach to product management, encouraging collaborative learning and genuine experimentation. The discussion highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment where teams can thrive without being steered blindly by metrics. CHAPTERS 00:43 Understanding the Challenges of OKRs 11:23 The Duct Tape Analogy: Vision vs. Goals 21:20 Transitioning from OKRs to a Hypothesis-Driven Approach 28:18 Creating a Collaborative Learning Environment ADDITIONAL RESOURCES  1. Radical Product Thinking book: https://a.co/d/flYm3o8 2. Link to Radical Product Thinking Certification: https://www.radicalproduct.com/certification/ Radhika is currently working on her second book. It is about OKRs and rethinking goal-settings. If you'd like to be featured in a case study in the book and you want to transition from an OKR model to the approach I advocate for (Objectives Hypotheses and Learnings), reach out to Radhika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radhika-dutt/ OUR GUEST Radhika Dutt, Author of Radical Product Thinking Radhika Dutt is the author of Radical Product Thinking: The New Mindset for Innovating Smarter which has been translated into languages including Chinese and Japanese. She is an entrepreneur and product leader who has participated in five acquisitions, two of which were companies that she founded. She is currently Advisor on Product Thinking to the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and does consulting and training for organizations ranging from high-tech startups to multinationals on building radical products that create a fundamental change. Radhika has built products in a wide range of industries including broadcast, media and entertainment, telecom, advertising technology, government, consumer apps, robotics, and even wine. She graduated from MIT with an SB and M.Eng in Electrical Engineering, and speaks nine languages.  COOK WHILE LISTENING Radhika’s favorite tiramisù receipt 36 Balocco Ladyfingers (savoiardi) 450g mascarpone 5 egg yolks  3 egg whites, whipped 150g sugar 12 cups coffee 1 shot liquor bitter cocoa (powder) beat the egg yolks together with sugar in a bowl until you obtain a frothy mixture stir in the cheese and mix carefully Add the whipped egg white and then the liquor. Mix well into a smooth cream. In a baking dish, spread a layer of cream, soak the ladyfingers in coffee, turning them on both sides and then line them on the top of the cream. Pour a second layer of cream onto the ladyfingers and then arrange more ladyfingers oakedd in coffee. Top with another layer of cream, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Using a sieve, sprinkle the powdered cocoa generously over the cream. Put into the refrigerator for at least two hours. The Tiramisu' is at its best if you prepare it one day in advance IngredientsPreparation

SUMMARY In this special episode, Francesca Cortesi and Tanja Lau share their main takeaways from season 1 of Tough Stuff. CHAPTERS 00:50 Francesca’s Takeaways 04:10 Tanja’s takeaways QUOTED EPISODES Episode #3 How do you recover when your product fails? - Pippa Topp (Coach & Consultant at EQ Product Group) Episode#7 How do I align my product strategy? - Erik Almenberg (CPO Kognity) Episode #9 How do I regain product-market fit? - Nina Schneider (CPO Sherpany) Episode #2 Does talking about burnout harm my career? - Dominique Jost (Head of Product atDoist) Episode #4 How do I avoid over-customizing my B2B product? With Julia Bastian (Product lead at Alasco) Episode #6 How do I get better at managing up? With Petra Wille (Product Leadership coach)

In this conversation, Francesca Cortesi and Nina Schneider talk about market fit, exploring its definition, the challenges of maintaining it, and strategies for regaining it when lost. Nina shares her experiences from two companies, emphasizing the importance of a clear value proposition, customer satisfaction, and the dangers of premature diversification. They discuss the impact of market changes, including technological advancements like AI, and the necessity of continuous evaluation and alignment among teams to ensure sustained market fit. **CHAPTERS** (timing starts after intro video) **00:00**Understanding Market Fit **06:58**The Pitfalls of Diversification **12:55**Regaining Market Fit in Changing Times **18:43**Aligning Teams for Success **24:55**Final Thoughts on Market Fit **ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON MARKET-FIT** A citation going back to the early days: [The Only Thing That Matters](https://pmarchive.com/guide_to_startups_part4.html) by Marc Andreesen Lenny’s Newsletter: [How to know if you’ve got Product-Market-Fit](https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-to-know-if-youve-got-productmarket) **OUR GUEST** Nina Schneider, CPO Sherpany A product management leader with a background in business strategy and international relations, Nina is currently working as CPO at Sherpany, a global software company helping enterprises solve the meeting madness. In her previous roles at Appway she was in charge of go-to-market and before that built and institutionalized product management during the company’s growth from 30 to 200 employees. She holds a degree in Strategy and International Management from the University of St. Gallen. When she is not doing gymnastics, Nina spends her spare time recharging on sunlight in Ticino, following world politics and trying to find her voice as a passionate supporter of women in leadership. You can follow Nina on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninaschneider/ **COOK WHILE LISTENING** In this week’s episode we have a special recipe, the one for the perfect meeting. Ingredients: - juicy purpose - a clear plan - the right people - the right information - the ideal venue - clear minutes Instructions 1. start with the why 2. formulate your agenda as questions 3. invite and accept with intention 4. clarify what people need to know to be successful 5. visualize the flow to conduct the meeting 6. open making the purpose explicit 7. request including, critical, and unique ideas from all 8. close summarizing the meeting Emerge engaged and committed, more resilient, and adaptive.

In this conversation, Tanja Lau and Sebastian explore the concept of an entrepreneurial mindset, discussing its definition, key traits, and how it can be cultivated in individuals and organizations. They delve into the importance of accountability, risk management, and decision-making processes, emphasizing the role of leadership in fostering an entrepreneurial environment. The discussion also touches on the challenges of teaching this mindset, the significance of resilience, and practical strategies for identifying entrepreneurial traits during hiring processes. OUR GUEST Sebastian Schuon is a German entrepreneur and technologist known for co-founding several successful companies. He earned a Master of Science in Computer Science from Stanford University and a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich where he was part of the CDTM. In 2008, Schuon co-founded Stylight, a fashion platform, where he served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) until 2016.  After Stylight was acquired by ProSiebenSat.1 in 2016, he took a brief hiatus before launching Alasco in 2018 as co-founder and CEO. Alasco is a software company that digitizes financial management for construction projects, aiming to streamline processes in the real estate and construction industries. Sebastian also serves as Chairman at Luminovo, a company specializing in artificial intelligence solutions and is Business Angel for several companies.  He recently co-founded Schub with Space & Labs, an incubator in Munich.  CHAPTERS  (timing refers to episode after introduction jingle) 00:00 Defining the Entrepreneurial Mindset 06:54 Creating an Entrepreneurial Environment 15:59 Teaching the Entrepreneurial Mindset 23:55 The Role of Resilience in Entrepreneurship SHOWNOTES Sebastian on Linkedin Schub (Basti's new accelerator in Munich) RECIPE We serve every episode with a recipe you can prepare while listening to the conversation. This time you get to try one of Basti’s favorite dishes: Kaiserschmarrn.  https://swissfamilyfun.com/kaiserschmarrn/ Enjoy!

In this conversation, Francesca Cortesi and Erik Almenberg discuss how to align a product strategy, emphasizing the importance of shared insights and alignment across teams. They discuss the economic drivers of product strategy, the significance of collaborative opportunity solution trees, and the value of engaging with customers to gain insights. The conversation also touches on overcoming internal pushback and the frameworks for investing in product strategy, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that considers reach, retention, and pace over time. **OUR GUEST** Erik Almenberg, CPO Kognity Erik Almenberg is a seasoned product leader with over 20 years of expertise, including pivotal roles at Yahoo and Motorola during the transformative smartphone revolution. He currently serves as the Chief Product Officer at Kognity, a fast-growing ed-tech company. Erik is a champion for connecting business and product strategy and a role model for creating autonomous, aligned, and accountable teams. You can follow Erik on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikalmenberg/ **CHAPTERS** (starting after the intro jingle) **00:00** Introduction to Product Strategy **06:59** The Importance of Economic Drivers **12:52** Collaborative Customer Insights **18:47** Aligning on Profitability and Growth **24:41** Final Thoughts on Relationships and Trust **COOK WHILE LISTENING** Char with tarragon and roast vegetables Ingredients - 1 Arctic char ~750g gutted, rinsed, dried (can substitute for other fatty fish) - 1 small red onion, sliced - 1 some (dried) tarragon - Cut vegetables for roasting such as broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes Instructions - Heat oven to 200 - Take the fish and sprinkle the body cavity generously with tarragon, covering up to 50% on both sides - On one of the sides, cover the tarragon with a single layer of red onion slices - Place on an oiled baking sheet - Toss vegetables in oil, salt, pepper - Surround fish with the vegetables - Roast for 45 min

Is your boss a micro-manager? Or do you wish for more guidance and clarity about the product strategy? In this conversation, Tanja Lau and Petra Wille discuss the concept of 'managing up'—the practice of individual contributors actively shaping their relationships with their bosses to foster better communication and feedback. They explore the dynamics of feedback, the expectations employees can have from their leaders, and the importance of creating a safe environment for giving and receiving feedback. The discussion also delves into the challenges of micromanagement, the art of delivering feedback effectively, and the need for leaders to establish clear principles for their teams. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the mutual benefits of open communication and feedback in the workplace. OUR GUEST Petra Wille is an independent product leadership coach and the author of STRONG Product People and the recently released STRONG Product Communities. She's been helping product teams boost their skill sets and product leaders develop their teams (and themselves) since 2013. Alongside her freelance work, Petra co-organizes Product at Heart in Hamburg, Germany. USEFUL RESOURCES Petra’s talk about Managing up: https://www.petra-wille.com/talk-managing-up 5 Boss Personas: https://www.petra-wille.com/blog/managing-up-part-5-your-cheat-sheet-and-guide-to-boss-personas  10 Responsibilities of a leader: https://www.petra-wille.com/blog/managing-up-part-1-understanding-what-you-can-expect-from-your-boss  For leaders: how to request feedback: https://www.petra-wille.com/blog/want-to-become-a-better-product-leader-simple-tips-for-requesting-feedback  RECIPE We serve each episode with a recipe you can prepare while listening to the conversation. This week on the menu:  Vegetarian Quesadilla https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/quesadilla_84511 Enjoy!

In this conversation, Francesca Cortesi and Stephanie Leue explore the implications of AI in product management, discussing how AI can enhance efficiency, the importance of strategic thinking, and the need for PMs to adapt to new tools and methodologies. They emphasize the balance between leveraging AI for repetitive tasks while maintaining the human element in product management, ultimately advocating for a mindset that treats AI as a supportive coach rather than a replacement. CHAPTERS 0:00 Navigating the AI Landscape as a PM 05:32 The Role of AI in Product Management 10:25 Strategic Thinking in the Age of AI 11:37 Tools and Best Practices for AI Utilization 16:35 Final Thoughts on AI as a PM (time stamps starting after the introduction jingle) OUR GUEST Stephanie Leue has over 15 years of product management experience at companies such as PayPal, Doodle, and Contentful. Currently, she leads AI and innovation initiatives at Ringier, focusing on leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive product growth. Known for her candid and thoughtful posts on LinkedIn, she offers a perfect blend of strategic insight and empathy, making her a must-follow for anyone interested in product leadership and innovation. Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-leue/ Follow Francesca on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-cortesi/ COOK WHILE LISTENING Stephanie's favorite Dan dan Noodles ⁠https://www.recipetineats.com/dan-dan-noodles-spicy-sichuan-noodles/⁠

In this conversation, Julia & Tanja discuss the challenges of over-customization in B2B, particularly in the SaaS industry. How do you find a good trade-off between short- and long-term strategy? What does cash flow have to do with customization? And how do you co-create instead of customize? Julia explains why there is no such thing as a small customization request and which strategies she developed at Alasco to not fall into the over-customization trap. OUR GUEST Julia has been the VP of Product at Alasco, a fast-scaling prop tech startup in Munich. She has built up the product & engineering department from 10 to 60 people over five years. Throughout this time she has experienced how to make a product market fit for two different products, drive financing rounds from the product side and build up a product organisation throughout the different phases of a startup. Now she is leading research and innovation projects at Alasco with a focus on Generative AI to discover future opportunities for the company but also to enable the product and engineering team to apply new technologies. USEFUL LINKS Ask me anything about "Unlocking B2B Product Discovery" with Julia Bastian  Avoiding over-customization The Cost Of A Feature by John Cutler Online B2B Group Coaching with Julia HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH JULIA www.linkedin.com/in/julia-bastian  https://juliabastian.medium.com/ RECIPE We serve every episode with a dish you can prepare while listening to this conversation. On the menu today:  Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni: https://www.recipetineats.com/spinach-ricotta-cannelloni/ Enjoy - and don’t forget to rate and review the podcast! 

In this conversation, Francesca Cortesi and Pippa Topp discuss the challenges faced by product leaders when crises arise, particularly focusing on the emotional and practical aspects of navigating failure. Pippa shares her personal experiences of redundancy and the importance of self-reflection, understanding control versus influence, and the need to decouple self-worth from professional success. The discussion emphasizes the significance of humility, compassion, and learning from experiences to foster resilience in product management. CHAPTERS 00:00-Introduction to Resilience in Product Management 01:55- Navigating Redundancy and Market Crashes 08:07-Personal Accountability and Learning from Failure 14:08- Ego, Influence, and Control in Product Management 19:54- Beliefs, Self-Worth, and Moving Forward OUR GUEST Pippa Topp, Coach & Consultant at EQ Product Group Pippa Topp has worked in Product & Tech for over 15 years, taking on various roles across different industries. She discovered her passion for bringing products to life by combining excellent product practices with emotionally intelligent leadership. Her experience spans a range of companies, including eBay Classifieds, British Gas, TES, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, and giffgaff. Three years ago, Pippa founded the EQ Product Group. This optimistic venture aims to help individuals, teams, and businesses thrive using an approach she calls "Pockets of Brilliance." This method blends tapping into core values, strengthening product capabilities, and building strong relationships with others. SHOW NOTES Follow Pippa on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pippa-topp/ Read more of Francesca's content at https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-cortesi/ COOK WHILE LISTENING Pippa's favorite miso salmon from Gordon Ramsey https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=hhkTHfsl_iM

In this conversation, Tanja Lau and Dominique Jost discuss the topic of burnout and its impact on careers. They explore the importance of owning one's narrative and turning a negative experience into a positive one. You'll learn more about Dominique's view on how to seek help and the potential career implications of talking about burnout openly. If you detect signs of burnout in yourself, please seek professional assistance and take good care of yourself! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Burnout 03:00 Factors to Consider When Speaking Up About Burnout 07:15 Preparing for a Conversation About Burnout 10:21 The Career Implications of Talking About Burnout 13:54 Leaving a Toxic Environment 21:08 Reflections on Burnout and Prioritizing Health OUR GUEST Dominique is the Head of Product at Doist, the makers of Todoist and Twist, where he is building a world-class, remote, and async-first product organization. Prior to that, he was the CPO at Scout24 (now Swiss Marketplace Group), Switzerland's largest network of classifieds. He started his career writing code for web applications but quickly gravitated toward the art and science of shaping and shipping great products. This interest in all things product, and his appetite for sharing and learning new ways of working, inspired him to take on various leadership roles throughout his 20-year career in engineering and product. His ultimate goal is to create empowering environments where teams can create value for customers and the business — all while having fun and staying sane. SHOWNOTES Stress & Burnout Difference between stress & burnout Calm and Confident under stress (English, German) Methods for Stress Management How to know when to stop https://www.calmr.works/bulletproof-soul  Therapy How to Be Your Own Therapist: Boost your mood and reduce your anxiety in 10 minutes a day Fear Less: How to Win at Life Without Losing Yourself Leadership The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success Mastering Leadership: An Integrated Framework for Breakthrough Performance and Extraordinary Business Results Enjoy and see you next week!

  OUR GUEST Chiedza Muguti, Consultant Business Analyst at World Health Organisation (WHO) Chiedza is an experienced product strategist with a customer-centric approach and a proven track record in driving growth across diverse organisational landscapes, from startups to established corporates. Skilled communicator adept at fostering collaboration and effectively scaling teams through strategic recruitment and tailored training programmes. Recognised for keen problem-solving abilities, consistently identifying and addressing customer pain points to deliver value-driven solutions. Proficient in leveraging data-informed insights to inform product decisions and measure performance, driving continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.   SUMMARY In this conversation, Tanja Lau and Chiedza Muguti discuss what makes a senior product manager (PM) senior. They explore the challenges of assessing one's own seniority and identify cautionary signs that someone is not yet senior. They also discuss the key areas to assess seniority, including communication, conflict resolution, collaboration, and holistic thinking. You’ll also learn whether Chiedza and Tanja believe that the number of years in a position actually contribute to a PM’s seniority.   CHAPTERS 00:00  Introduction and Overview 00:56   Cautionary Signs of Lack of Seniority 03:16    Self-Awareness and Impact on Others 07:25 Communication and Listening Skills 08:19 Being Easy to Give Feedback to and Open to Learning 15:26 Seniority Beyond Years: Repetitions and Experience 19:02 Contextual and Nuanced Criteria for Assessing Seniority 21:59    Conclusion and Next Steps   USEFUL RESOURCES https://www.petra-wille.com/blog/my-highly-opinionated-guide-to-product-maturity-assessment https://www.mindtheproduct.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mind-the-Product-Skills-Assessment-PDF.pdf