Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Product Management Leaders | Strategies for Success

Jenna Gaudio, Co-President of Vydia / Gamma Distribution and Technology, walks through the sprint planning process she built for her team.Her approach changes when planning happens, who is involved before planning day, and how ownership is distributed during the sprint. By the time her team sits down to plan, the hard decisions are already made.The sprint itself runs differently too. Jenna describes a structure where the PM shares leadership with people in roles that rarely carry it, and a closing rhythm that pulls every department into what the team shipped. The cycle she walks through covers the full loop, from idea intake to company-wide rollout.Jenna started her career in government operations managing electronic warfare projects before moving into private sector tech and product leadership.🎯 PM Select connects product managers with companies actively hiring for PM roles. It is part of The Product Way membership, along with the Product Excellence series: full, uncut conversations with award-winning product leaders. Jenna's runs over an hour. https://patreon.com/theproductway/membership

Garrett Lang has spent over a decade building PlateRate, the only pickup/delivery app that credits diners for trying a restaurant's highest-rated menu items. PlateRate won the TPMAS (The Product Management Awards) award for Visionary Product of the Year 2019.In this Product Excellence clip, Garrett explains how he validated PlateRate by running beta events at real restaurants with real diners. The product confirmed. Diners could order, manage checks, tip through the app. And the feature that generated the strongest response was the freedom of walking out without waiting for a check. Order, tip on the app, leave. The restaurant already knows you paid.That signal showed up because Garrett tested in real environments with real users. Real-world beta events surface behavioral data that surveys and assumptions leave on the table.Garrett also shares his quality thresholds for moving from beta to public marketing: user friendly, intuitive, bug free, and performant. If you are building something and trying to figure out when you have enough signal to move forward, this is what that process looks like from a founder who has been iterating on the same product for over a decade.🔗 Join The Product Way on Patreon for deeper strategies on startup methodology, turning beta feedback into product direction, and knowing when your product is ready for growth: https://patreon.com/theproductway/membershipMembers also get access to PM Select, our service matching product managers with hiring managers at top companies.🔗 Connect with Garrett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettlang1/

When you walk into a product organization as an interim leader, everyone knows you are temporary. There is no slow ramp to build trust. Credibility comes from one place: visible action that demonstrates genuine investment in the team's success.Harpal Singh has been in that position more than a dozen times. As an interim CPO managing teams of 10 to 12 product managers, he developed a philosophy that carries real cost: he would rather compromise the quality of the product than fail to give his people what they need to succeed.In this clip, Harpal traces how that philosophy developed over two decades. He shares the early career habits he had to unlearn, why interim roles forced a clarity that permanent positions often allow leaders to defer, and what it looks like when a team recognizes that a leader's commitment to their growth is backed by consistent action.Harpal Singh is CPO-in-Residence at Rothschild & Co, with previous interim CPO engagements at Ada Health, Automata Robotics, Lendis, and Epica.ai. He holds degrees from the University of Oxford and UCL.🎙️ If the people side of product leadership is where you want to grow, TPW members get actionable strategies on building teams, earning trust, and leading through complexity. Plus PM Select, a curated service that introduces PMs to hiring managers looking for product talent: https://patreon.com/theproductway/membership#productmanagement #leadership #interimCPO #theproductway #productexcellence

What do great product managers actually do every single day?Maya Brooks is a Product Manager at Klaviyo leading Billing & Monetization (Growth), with over 10 years of PM experience, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a background as a startup founder and CEO.In this Product Excellence clip, Maya shares the three daily habits she believes separate great PMs from good ones: knowing your team deeply, building transparency into your processes, and talking to your customers obsessively.She explains why knowing your team is not about task tracking. It is about understanding how people communicate, where they get stuck, and what they need to do their best work. She also shares how she built an environment at a 12-person startup where people were genuinely not afraid to say they needed help.The full-length interview goes deeper on all three habits. Available exclusively for members of The Product Way on Patreon, along with early access to all Product Excellence clips and PM Select, our curated introduction service connecting product managers with hiring managers. 👉 https://patreon.com/theproductway/membership

Many teams keep moving forward without ever slowing down to reflect. Over time, small frustrations pile up, problems go unspoken, and trust quietly erodes.In this Product Excellence clip, Maya Brooks explains why regular team retrospectives matter just as much as shipping. She shares how creating a consistent space to surface issues, talk honestly about workload, and reflect on team dynamics improved both product outcomes and team health.This clip gives product leaders a simple, practical way to prevent issues from festering and help teams reset before problems compound.What You Will Learn• Why teams sweep issues aside when there is no structured reflection• How regular retros create psychological safety and trust• What to include in retros beyond product metrics• Why emotional and workload check-ins improve execution🎥 Want more? Members of The Product Way on Patreon get exclusive access to the full-length interviews and early access to all Product Excellence clips.👉 https://patreon.com/theproductway/membershipAs a Practitioner member, you also unlock access to PM Select, our curated introduction service connecting product managers with hiring managers and decision makers.#ProductManagement #ProductLeadership #CareerGrowth #Innovation #ProductExcellence

For years, product managers learned the craft alone. Each PM owned a piece of a product, optimized for local outcomes, and figured things out as they went.In this Product Excellence clip, Drew Falkman explains why that era is changing. As product teams grow and scale, coordination, shared language, and organizational alignment matter more than individual heroics. Drew reflects on how conferences, community, and evolving practices like portfolio management and product operations are shaping the next phase of product leadership.This clip offers perspective for PMs who feel the weight of uncertainty and shows why that uncertainty is part of a discipline growing up.What You Will Learn• Why imposter syndrome is common in product roles• How product teams evolve as organizations scale• What portfolio thinking solves that individual ownership cannot• Why better internal communication leads to better products

Daily standups are meant to create clarity. Over time, many teams discover they are doing the opposite.In this Product Excellence clip, Maya Brooks explains how standups lose value when they are applied uniformly instead of intentionally. She shares how her teams adjusted process based on the type of work underway and why matching rituals to risk and complexity restores focus, transparency, and trust.This clip helps product leaders rethink ceremonies that have quietly become habit instead of help.What You Will Learn• Why daily standups can reduce clarity over time• When standups are genuinely worth the cost• How to tailor process to the size and risk of the work• What makes reporting out useful instead of draining

In this Product Excellence clip, Jenna Gaudio shares how accountability works best when it focuses on solving problems rather than blaming people. She explains why trust, safety, and honest retrospectives turn mistakes into learning and help teams grow stronger over time.🎥 Already watched the full interview? This clip captures one of Jenna’s most important leadership principles.🧠 Haven’t yet? Watch the full Product Excellence episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/jenna-gaudio-to-118893809Members also get access to PM Select, our curated introduction service connecting product managers with hiring managers.

Most teams talk about culture as if it’s a slogan. But the best product organizations build it through systems.In this Product Excellence clip, Harpal Singh explains how combining product-led and customer-led thinking creates a real culture of alignment. He shows how shared ownership across product, sales, and marketing changes how companies operate, turning culture from something aspirational into something operational.What You Will Learn• How to connect product-led and customer-led thinking• Why shared ownership between product and commercial teams matters• How cultural clarity unlocks engagement and execution

If you have ever felt drained at the end of a day in product this clip will help you understand why.In this Product Excellence clip, Drew Falkman explains the hidden emotional load PMs carry. PMs sit at the center of every conflict • design vs engineering • sales vs delivery • ideas vs realityUnderstanding this pattern gives PMs a clearer sense of what they are actually managing so they can approach the role with more calm, control, and confidence.What You Will Learn• Why PMs absorb cross team tension even when they are not the cause• How understanding the emotional load helps you protect your energy• Why naming the pressure leads to clearer decisions and calmer leadership🎥 Want more? Members of The Product Way on Patreon get exclusive access to the full-length interviews and early access to all Product Excellence clips.👉 https://patreon.com/theproductway/membershipAs a Practitioner member, you also unlock access to PM Select, our curated introduction service connecting product managers with hiring managers and decision makers.🔔 Subscribe for weekly interviews with top product leaders: https://www.youtube.com/theproductway#ProductManagement #ProductLeadership #TeamCulture #ProductExcellence

Some product careers begin with a plan. Jenna Gaudio’s began with curiosity.In this Product Excellence clip, Jenna (Co-President & COO, Vydia) shares how she moved from marketing into product management by stepping deeper into the development process, asking questions, and learning everything she could about cross-functional teams and agile delivery.Her story is a reminder that product leadership starts long before the title. It starts with initiative.What You Will Learn• How curiosity led Jenna from marketing to product leadership• The importance of inserting yourself into the process to make impact• How self-driven learning built a foundation for leadership success🎥 Want more? Members of The Product Way on Patreon get exclusive access to the full-length interviews and early access to all Product Excellence clips.👉 https://patreon.com/theproductway/membershipAs a Practitioner member, you also unlock access to PM Select, our curated introduction service connecting product managers with hiring managers and decision makers.🔔 Subscribe for weekly interviews with top product leaders: https://www.youtube.com/theproductway#ProductManagement #ProductLeadership #TeamCulture #ProductExcellence

One conversation with his manager at GE completely changed how Garrett Lang approaches leadership.In this Product Excellence clip, Garrett shares how his boss sat him down on day one and explained his leadership style page-by-page. It was direct, explicit, and transformative. That 30-minute conversation inspired Garrett to create his own leadership document, one he still uses with every new team member today.What You Will Learn• Why clarity builds stronger relationships than assumptions• How to make expectations explicit from day one• Why great leaders document how they lead🎥 Want more? Members of The Product Way on Patreon get exclusive access to the full-length interviews and early access to all Product Excellence clips.👉 https://patreon.com/theproductway/membershipAs a Practitioner member, you also unlock access to PM Select, our curated introduction service connecting product managers with hiring managers and decision makers.

What do you do when you join a team without a product process in place?In this Product Excellence clip, Maya Brooks (COO, IFundWomen) shares how she built a complete end-to-end product process from scratch, from ideation with the CEO to execution across design, research, and marketing.She walks through how to balance big-picture conversations with tactical sprint cycles, why every product needs a “Dope Ideas” board, and how early team alignment prevents chaos later in development.What You Will Learn• How to start a product process from zero• The power of visible idea pipelines and open contribution• How to balance top-down and team-led collaboration• Why alignment early saves rework later🎥 Want more? Members of The Product Way on Patreon get exclusive access to the full-length interviews and early access to all Product Excellence clips.👉 https://patreon.com/theproductway/membershipAs a Practitioner member, you also unlock access to PM Select, our curated introduction service connecting product managers with hiring managers and decision makers.🔔 Subscribe for weekly interviews with top product leaders: https://www.youtube.com/theproductway#ProductManagement #ProductLeadership #CareerGrowth #Innovation #ProductExcellence

Before leading product strategy and innovation, Drew Falkman started as a designer and accidentally became a developer when a project went sideways.That moment launched a journey of creativity, learning, and product thinking that still defines his approach today.In this Product Excellence clip, Drew shares how his curiosity for creation led him from building websites in the dot-com era to shaping entire product strategies, and why the “blank canvas” still fuels his passion for product work.What You Will Learn• How Drew transitioned from design to product leadership• Why curiosity and creative energy drive long-term success• What makes the “empty canvas” the most exciting part of any project🎥 Want more? Members of The Product Way on Patreon get exclusive access to the full-length interviews and early access to all Product Excellence clips.👉 https://patreon.com/theproductway/membershipAs a Practitioner member, you also unlock access to PM Select, our curated introduction service connecting product managers with hiring managers and decision makers.🔔 Subscribe for weekly interviews with top product leaders: https://www.youtube.com/theproductway#ProductManagement #ProductLeadership #CareerGrowth #Innovation #ProductExcellence

What do you do when the product you inherit is unloved by users and stakeholders alike?In this Product Excellence clip, David Clements shares the challenge of taking over The Sun’s mobile app, a product that had low ratings, dwindling usage, and no support from leadership.He breaks down what it takes to rebuild momentum, regain trust, and turn around a product when no one believes it can be saved.What You Will Learn• What signals to focus on when product sentiment is low• How to rebuild support across leadership and users• Why every turnaround starts with clarity and execution

Product managers don’t just ship features. They carry the weight of pain — pain they didn’t cause, but still take responsibility for solving.In this clip from Product Excellence, Jenna Gaudio (Co-President & COO, Vydia) shares what it means to feel urgency that others don’t see, to be the emotional translator for the user, and to see the impact on the other side of a painful wait.What You Will Learn• Why PMs are often the first to feel the pain• How empathy becomes action• What makes the job both emotional and rewarding🎥 Want more? Members of The Product Way on Patreon get exclusive access to the full-length interviews and early access to all Product Excellence clips.👉 https://patreon.com/theproductway/membershipAs a member, you also unlock access to PM Select, our curated introduction service connecting product managers with hiring managers.🔔 Subscribe for weekly interviews with top product leaders: https://www.youtube.com/theproductway#ProductManagement #ProductLeadership #ProductExcellence

Too often we point to blockers, dependencies, or someone else's delay. But if your name is on it, it is your responsibility to move it forward.In this clip from Product Excellence, Drew Falkman shares the best career advice he ever received -- a mindset shift that rewired how he approaches ownership, urgency, and progress.What You Will Learn• Why “waiting your turn” is a trap for PMs• How fallback plans keep your initiative alive• The mindset that separates product leaders from excuse-makers🎥 Want more?Members of The Product Way on Patreon get exclusive access to the full-length interview with Drew Falkman and early access to all other Product Excellence clips. As a member, you will also unlock access to PM Select, our curated introduction service connecting product managers with hiring managers.👉 https://patreon.com/theproductway/membership🔔 Subscribe for weekly interviews and insights from product leaders: https://www.youtube.com/theproductway?sub_confirmation=1#ProductManagement #ProductLeadership #ProductMindset #ProductExcellence

Startups often launch with vision but no roadmap. Founders know their business domain but lack the product and technical expertise to turn ideas into real apps.In this episode from Product Excellence, Drew Falkman, Principal at Moves the Needle, shares how his CTO work naturally evolved into product leadership. He explains how guiding founders through customer discovery, product planning, and building the right teams became the most critical part of his role.What You Will Learn• Why non-technical founders struggle to translate vision into products• How customer discovery reshapes early product thinking• Why product leadership mattered more than code in Drew’s CTO role• The evolution of product as a discipline in the 2000s and beyond• Why a strong product foundation sets the stage for technical executionMembers of The Product Way on Patreon get exclusive access to the full interview with Drew Falkman and early access to clips before they are released anywhere else in Product Excellence, plus strategies, case studies, and examples from award winning product leaders.👉 Join here: https://patreon.com/theproductway/membership

Hiring the wrong product manager costs more than money. It can slow down execution, derail team alignment, and waste months of opportunity.In this episode from The Product Excellence Collection, Harpal Singh, CPO-in-Residence at Rothschild & Co, shares his proven approach for identifying high-impact product managers before they join your team. You will learn how to ask the right questions, spot the red flags that others miss, and set expectations that lead to success.What you will learn• The hidden hiring mistakes that weaken product teams• How to identify top PM candidates early in the process• One interview question that reveals a candidate’s true product thinking• Red flags even experienced hiring managers overlook• Why expectation setting before the hire is critical for successMembers of The Product Way on Patreon get exclusive access to the full interview and early access to clips in the Product Excellence Collection, plus strategies, case studies, and examples from award-winning product leaders.👉 Join here: https://patreon.com/theproductway/membership

In this episode, Harpal Singh, CPO-in-Residence at Rothschild & Co, shares how he transformed his mentorship approach, from status updates and problem-solving sessions to structured personal development. Learn how he helps product managers build clarity, confidence, and capability through personalized support, safe experimentation, and consistent feedback.🔑 What You'll LearnMentorship Mistakes: Why turning 1:1s into status meetings leads nowhereTherapy, Not Tactics: The surprising value of just listeningFormat That Works: Weekly, short sessions with clear focus and prepPersonalized Growth: Mapping PMs against org needs to plan their developmentThe Real ROI: How opportunity, not advice, becomes the best teacher#ProductManagement #Mentorship #PMGrowth #CareerDevelopment #ProductLeadership

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Drew Falkman talks about the critical importance of prioritization in product management. Drew explains how having a numbered list of tasks, no matter how small, helps ensure that the most important work gets done. Whether you’re working in an agile environment or managing multiple deadlines, this episode provides actionable advice on how to prioritize effectively and keep your team focused on what truly matters.🔑 What You'll Learn:• Prioritization Gaps: Why unordered backlogs quietly stall progress• Structure in Agile: How prioritization helps even in non-fixed delivery environments• Impact Over Activity: The danger of busy teams building the wrong things• Ruthless Focus: How to align teams around what actually matters• Tactical Clarity: What PMs can do today to improve execution without overhauling process

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," David Clements discusses the challenges of joining a new team and establishing credibility as a product manager. He also explores the common struggle of being confused with project management, especially when stakeholders expect product managers to be responsible for delivery timelines. David shares his strategies for staying focused on product vision and outcomes while managing the tension between product and delivery teams. If you’ve ever felt pulled into the 'how' rather than the 'what,' this episode is for you.🔑 What You'll Learn:• The PM vs. Project Manager Trap: Why product managers must protect their scope• Establishing Credibility: How David approached his first six weeks in a new team• Influence vs. Ownership: The challenge of pushing delivery without owning the how• Stakeholder Misalignment: What happens when execs don’t understand your role• Staying Strategic: How to resist getting dragged into velocity, process, or status

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Jenna Gaudio emphasizes the growing need for product managers to understand big data, AI, and predictive analytics. She explains how to responsibly manage and interpret data to provide real value to users while navigating emerging technologies to enhance product experiences. If you're ready to master the skills needed for the future of product management, this episode is for you.​🔑 What You'll Learn:• Data Fluency for PMs: Why managing, interpreting, and protecting user data is now a must-have skill• Common Mistakes with Data: How cherry-picking and over-analysis can mislead product direction• Making AI Useful: Why bots and predictive models only work when tied to product needs• Ethical Responsibility: What PMs must know about data regulation and user trust• Future-Proofing Skills: The evolving PM toolkit and why understanding tech is not optional

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Harpal Singh dives into how personal development and team competency mapping are critical for high-value delivery. He also discusses the biases that can arise in leadership and hiring processes, explaining how he tackles these challenges by staying aware and adjusting his behaviors. If you’re looking to foster growth in your team while managing biases, this episode offers valuable strategies.🔑 What You'll Learn:• Leadership Biases: How good intentions can create unnecessary pressure• Team Culture: Why the best PMs learn to listen, adapt, and own the outcome• Hiring Smarter: Moving beyond instinct to structured evaluation• Balancing Standards: How to push for excellence without burning out your team• Growing as a Leader: Practical shifts that help product managers improve influence and collaboration

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Maya Brooks shares I Fund Women’s approach to building value into its platform, focusing on supporting female entrepreneurs long-term. She discusses how creating a holistic community that offers both free and paid resources ensures entrepreneurs can thrive at every stage. Maya also explains how the platform fosters a culture of paying forward knowledge and opportunities, helping women hire, collaborate, and co-host events together. If you want to learn about building meaningful product value, this episode is for you.​🔑 What You'll Learn:• Designing for Goodwill: Why community-centered product strategy pays off• Real-Time Feedback Loops: Using tight-knit Slack communities for continuous insight• Holistic PM Thinking: Building long-term value across every founder stage• Product with Purpose: Balancing mission and business priorities at scale• Leadership Through Community: How iFundWomen empowers through inclusion and empathy

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Harpal Singh discusses the challenges product managers face with the growing number of tools in the industry. He shares his experiences with tools like Miro, Jira, Asana, and Microsoft To Do, explaining how they impact team collaboration and productivity. Harpal emphasizes the need for fewer tools to get tasks done faster and more efficiently. If you're struggling with tool overload in product management, this episode offers practical solutions.​🔑 What You'll Learn:• The Tool Fragmentation Problem: Why most PMs rely on patchwork toolsets and the hidden cost of setup and integration.• What’s Missing in the Industry: The need for tools that are purpose-built for product management.• Harpal’s Tool Stack: From Miro to Asana to Microsoft To Do and why his choices are shifting.• Managing Diverse Teams: How tool choice changes when managing engineers, designers, and content teams.• Going Mobile & Voice-First: How Harpal’s workflow is evolving as he works on the move across countries.

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Jenna Gaudio emphasizes the importance of cross-functional learning and transparent communication in product teams. She shares how weekly sync meetings and demo sessions help teams stay aligned, improve processes, and foster collaboration. Jenna also explains how external learning opportunities, like meetups, enrich team decision-making. If you’re looking to break down silos and enhance knowledge sharing, this episode is for you.​🔑 What You'll Learn:• Breaking Down Silos: Why cross-department communication prevents misalignment and resentment.• Making Knowledge Sharing Routine: How syncing meetings and demo classes build transparency and learning.• Vulnerability Builds Stronger Teams: Why open communication fosters trust and collaboration.• Cross-Functional Learning: How product teams stay connected to every department’s challenges and goals.• External Learning Opportunities: Why bringing in thought leaders and participating in outside events sharpens team intelligence.

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Drew Falkman talks about the importance of being fully present in meetings, especially in today’s world of constant distractions. Drew shares how actively listening to key stakeholders, users, and team members allows him to gain valuable insights and better support his team. He also discusses the need to reassess meetings where full attention isn't possible and find more efficient ways to structure communication. If you’ve ever struggled to stay focused, this episode will show you how presence can enhance your effectiveness as a product manager.🔑 What You'll Learn: • The Power of Presence: Why being fully present is a critical and underrated product management skill. • Overcoming Distractions: How Drew manages Slack, phones, and meetings to stay focused. • Active Listening as a Superpower: How true listening leads to better ideas, stronger teams, and smarter decisions. • Respecting Time and Meetings: Why restructuring meetings is sometimes better than half-showing-up. • Supporting Teams by Listening: How being present helps PMs identify blockers and better support their teams.P.S. Want even more?Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Drew Falkman and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: https://www.patreon.com/theproductwayRelated Links: Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuyEmail: [email protected]#ProductManagement#LeadershipSkills#ActiveListening#TeamLeadership#FocusAndProductivity

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Drew Falkman talks about the misconceptions he had early in his product management career, from making too many decisions based on assumptions to relying too heavily on customer feedback. Drew explains how learning to listen to the underlying needs of customers, rather than their surface requests, has been key to creating more innovative and successful products. If you’ve ever struggled with balancing customer input and product vision, this episode will help you find that sweet spot.🔑 What You'll Learn:• The Whiteboard Trap: Why building products based on assumptions—rather than customer insights—often leads to failure.• From Overconfidence to Overcorrection: Drew’s journey from ignoring customer input to relying on it too heavily.• Beyond What They Ask For: Why innovation comes from understanding real needs, not just user requests.• Listening vs. Solving: How to avoid being misled by surface-level feature requests and dig into root problems. P.S. Want even more?Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Drew Falkman and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: https://www.patreon.com/theproductway Related Links: Explore our full podcast series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt_nAQD_ZpQhbxw5G_1IGGWRxb236D--6Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuyEmail: [email protected] #ProductManagement#LeanStartup#Innovation#UserResearch

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Garrett Lang shares how his experience at GE helped him develop a keen sense for filtering good ideas from bad ones. He discusses the importance of listening to business strategies, overcoming technical challenges, and always looking for solutions when faced with roadblocks. If you’re interested in how to effectively evaluate ideas and improve product outcomes, this episode will provide valuable insights.🔑 What You'll Learn:• Lessons from GE Leadership: How observing top executives shaped Garrett’s business acumen.• Technical Grit: Why a strong technical foundation helps PMs overcome “impossible” challenges.• Negotiation Tactics: What Garrett learned from the person who negotiated Microsoft contracts for GE.• The Product Manager as a Filter: Why the ability to identify good ideas (and weed out bad ones) is the most vital PM skill.• What Drives Effective Products: How filtering ideas well leads to better products—and better sales.P.S. Want even more?Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Garrett Lang and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: https://www.patreon.com/theproductway#ProductManagement#LeadershipSkills#BusinessStrategy#TechLeadership#Innovation

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Garrett Lang discusses how PlateRate has evolved through customer feedback, team input, and innovative thinking. He explains how listening to everyone from restaurant owners to creative thinkers has helped him build a unique loyalty program for restaurants. Garrett also shares how being a good filter for ideas is the key to success in product management. If you're looking for insights into product evolution, this episode will inspire you.🔑 What You'll Learn:• How a Dinner Date Sparked a Startup: Garrett’s obsession with picking the perfect menu item led to the creation of PlateRate.• From Idea to Impact: The origin story of a patented approach to menu-item-level loyalty rewards.• The Power of Listening: Why great product managers are exceptional filters—not idea generators.• Customer-Driven Innovation: How feedback from users, team members, and restaurateurs reshaped the product.• Finding “Idea People”: How Garrett sources and identifies the most creative collaborators.P.S. Want even more?Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Garrett Lang and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: https://www.patreon.com/theproductway#ProductManagement#StartupStory#CustomerFeedback#Innovation#FoodTech

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Jenna Gaudio highlights the importance of communication in product management. She explains how understanding different communication languages and emotional cues helps product managers influence decisions and gain team alignment. Jenna emphasizes that product managers must effectively convey the value and impact of solutions to ensure consensus across teams. If you're looking to enhance your communication skills as a product leader, this episode is essential listening.​🔑 What You'll Learn:• The Underrated Superpower: Why communication is the most essential skill for product managers.• Building Alignment: How to get buy-in from engineers, designers, and executives.• Influencing Without Authority: Using empathy, clarity, and storytelling to drive decision-making.• Defining & Selling the Problem: How clearly articulating a problem sets the stage for real product value.P.S. Want even more?Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Jenna Gaudio and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: https://www.patreon.com/theproductway Related Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennagaudio/ Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuyEmail: [email protected] #ProductManagement#ProductManager#Agile#Leadership#Management

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Maya Brooks discusses the balance between creating revenue-focused and socially impactful products. She explains how flexibility in product design supports entrepreneurs through both good times and challenges. If you're interested in social impact product management, this episode offers key insights on building user-centric solutions.​🔑 What You'll Learn:• Balancing Impact and Revenue: How to stay true to your social mission while building a sustainable business.• Creating Non-Exploitative Products: The importance of designing flexibility into your business model.• Long-Term Impact: Why social impact products must serve users beyond short-term success.• User Research for Mission Alignment: How direct engagement ensures your product delivers lasting value. 🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights from leading product managers: https://www.youtube.com/theproductway P.S. Want even more?Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Maya Brooks and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: https://www.patreon.com/theproductway Related Links: Explore our full podcast series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt_nAQD_ZpQhbxw5G_1IGGWRxb236D--6Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuyEmail: [email protected] #SocialImpact#ProductManagement#MissionDrivenBusiness#Entrepreneurship#UserResearch

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Drew Falkman dives into the growing field of product operations (product ops). Drew explains how product ops focuses on operationalizing product management processes and data to remove inefficiencies and improve collaboration across teams. From eliminating silos to optimizing handoffs between product managers and stakeholders, product ops is designed to make product teams more effective. If you're curious about how this new field can enhance your product team’s performance, this episode provides valuable insights into its potential impact.🔑 What You'll Learn:• What Is Product Ops? Understanding the emerging role of product operations.• Streamlining Product Management: How product ops removes inefficiencies across teams.• The Role of Data in Product Ops: How shared data prevents silos and improves decision-making.• Scaling with Efficiency: Why product ops is becoming critical as teams grow.P.S. Want even more?Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Drew Falkman and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: https://www.patreon.com/theproductway Related Links: Explore our full podcast series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt_nAQD_ZpQhbxw5G_1IGGWRxb236D--6Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuyEmail: [email protected] #ProductManagement#ProductOps#Operations#Strategy#Teamwork#DataDriven

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," David Clements highlights the difficulties of managing communication between onshore and offshore teams using collaborative tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Google Suite. David discusses how the lack of integration between these tools can lead to confusion, outdated information, and miscommunication, and he offers insights into improving workflow synchronization for remote teams. If you’re navigating the complexities of remote collaboration, this episode is full of practical advice.🔑 WhatYou'll Learn:• The Challenge of Collaboration Tools: Why existing tools fall short for remote teams.• Syncing Issues Across Platforms: The inefficiencies of updating multiple systems manually.• Preventing Communication Gaps: How misalignment in tools leads to outdated information and confusion. 🔔Subscribe for more expert insights from leading productmanagers: https://www.youtube.com/theproductway P.S. Want even more?Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with David Clements and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: https://www.patreon.com/theproductway Related Links: Explore our fullpodcast series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt_nAQD_ZpQhbxw5G_1IGGWRxb236D--6Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuyEmail:[email protected] #ProductManagement#Collaboration#Remote#Hybrid#Agile#Innovation

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Maya Brooks recounts her career transition from finance to product management. She shares the challenges of entering the tech world without a traditional background and how her experiences in coding bootcamps and networking helped her secure a product role. Maya explains the impact of these diverse experiences on her current leadership style at I Fund Women. If you’re navigating a career transition, this episode offers valuable advice.​🔑 What You'll Learn:• Breaking into Product Management: Maya’s transition from finance to tech and product leadership.• From Banking to Tech: Lessons from her time at JP Morgan and pivoting into entrepreneurship.• Learning to Build: How coding bootcamps helped Maya develop problem-solving skills.• Networking for Success: How meeting the right people helped her land her first PM role.P.S. Want even more?Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Maya Brooks and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: https://www.patreon.com/theproductwayRelated Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-brooks/Explore our fullpodcast series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt_nAQD_ZpQhbxw5G_1IGGWRxb236D--6Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuyEmail:[email protected] #ProductManagement#CareerChange#WomenInTech#Entrepreneurship#TechLeadership

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Jenna Gaudio shares her journey from being a detail-oriented perfectionist to learning the importance of prioritization in product management. She discusses the challenges of managing an ever-growing backlog and the value of focusing on current priorities rather than trying to complete every task. If you're struggling with perfectionism in your product role, this episode offers key lessons in letting go and focusing on impact.​🔑 What You'll Learn:• The Backlog Myth: Why striving for an "empty backlog" is an impossible and misguided goal.• Prioritization Over Perfection: How focusing on what truly matters leads to better product decisions.• Letting Go of the Past: Why older backlog items often lose relevance as new insights emerge. 🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights from leading product managers: https://www.youtube.com/theproductway P.S. Want even more?Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Jenna Gaudio and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: https://www.patreon.com/theproductway Related Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennagaudio/ Explore our full podcast series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt_nAQD_ZpQhbxw5G_1IGGWRxb236D--6Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuyEmail: [email protected] #ProductManagement#ProductManager#Agile#Prioritization#Management#Leadership

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders," we sit down with David Clements, the product lead for Wireless, home to major UK radio stations like talkSPORT and Virgin Media. David has a rich history in both media and finance, having also led product for The Sun newspaper and worked on mobile banking apps for the Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays. Tune in as he discusses the unique challenges and rewards of building mobile apps for both industries, and how he’s navigated the evolving landscape of product management across multiple sectors. 🔑 What You'll Learn: • Managing apps for large-scale media brands • Applying product principles across industries • Lessons from mobile banking product leadership P.S. Want even more? Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with David Clements and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/theproductway⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuy Email: [email protected] #ProductManagement #ProductManager #Agile #ProductDesign #ProjectManagement #UserExperience #ProductDevelopment #ProductOwner #Innovation #UXDesign

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Harpal Singh explains his approach to managing product processes by emphasizing principles over rigid methods. He discusses how prioritizing customer insights, collaboration, and data helps unlock better results for teams. Harpal shares examples of how companies can break free from overly linear or rigid processes and focus on real business outcomes. If you're looking to refine your product management approach, this episode offers practical strategies.​ 🔑 What You'll Learn: • Rethinking Processes: Why focusing on principles and outcomes beats rigid workflows. • Common Pitfalls in Product Teams: How teams can fall into delivery or process traps. • Customer Insights vs. Assumptions: How to ensure true customer obsession drives decisions. • Adapting with Agility: The importance of simplicity and collaboration over complex systems. Related Links: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/harpalcpo/⁠ P.S. Want even more? Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Harpal Singh and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/theproductway⁠⁠ Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuy Email: [email protected] #ProductManagement #ProductManager #Agile #ProductDesign #ProjectManagement #UserExperience #ProductDevelopment #ProductOwner #Innovation #UXDesign

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Jenna Gaudio discusses her struggles with finding a product management tool that balances both high-level strategy and detailed task management. She explains how most tools are either too simple or too complex and fail to communicate the full story of a company’s progress. If you’ve been frustrated by the limitations of roadmapping software, this episode offers insightful reflections on what’s needed in the market.​ 🔑 What You'll Learn: • The Challenge with Tools: Why existing systems fail to tie strategy, roadmaps, and tasks together effectively. • The Complexity of Roadmapping: How roadmapping tools struggle to balance simplicity and depth.• What Executives Need: Insights into the gaps in tools for managing company-wide roadmaps and progress. Related Links: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennagaudio/ P.S. Want even more? Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Jenna Gaudio and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/theproductway⁠⁠ Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuy Email: [email protected] #ProductManagement #RoadmappingTools #LeadershipChallenges #TechInnovation #ExecutiveTools

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Harpal Singh shares his unique career path, starting as a UX designer and evolving into an interim Chief Product Officer. Harpal discusses how founding his own startup and building an e-commerce recommendation engine helped him transition into product management. If you’re looking to understand the shift from design to leadership, this episode is packed with valuable insights. 🔑 What You'll Learn: • UX to Product Leadership: Navigating career transitions. • Lessons from a Startup: Insights from launching and closing a tech venture. • Holistic Thinking: How startups shaped Harpal’s approach to product leadership. Related Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harpalcpo/ P.S. Want even more? Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Harpal Singh and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/theproductway⁠ Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuy Email: [email protected] #ProductManagement #ProductLeadership #StartupJourney #UXDesign #CareerGrowth #ChiefProductOfficer

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Garrett Lang explains why daily communication with developers is crucial for product managers. He shares his own routine of meeting with his offshore developers every day to ensure clarity and overcome any ambiguity in product specifications. Garrett stresses that while other team members might not require daily touchpoints, developers do. If you're looking to improve collaboration with your development team, this episode is packed with practical advice. 🔑 What You'll Learn: • Daily Communication: Why great product managers talk with developers every day. • Addressing Ambiguity: How to ensure clarity in specs and foster better collaboration. • Adaptability in Management: Balancing team preferences with what works best for the product. Related Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennagaudio/ P.S. Want even more? Join The Product Way on Patreon for full-length discussions with Garrett Lang and other award-winning product leaders, plus exclusive content you won't find on any other platform. 👉 Unlock strategies, case studies, and more: https://www.patreon.com/theproductway Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuy Email: [email protected] #ProductManagement #Collaboration #LeadershipSkills #Teamwork #AgileDevelopment

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Jenna Gaudio explains how product managers can harness tension as a tool to get to the root of issues and keep teams focused on the right goals. She discusses the importance of maintaining balance—applying pressure when necessary and resolving tension when it's distracting the team. If you want to understand the art of tension management in product leadership, this episode provides key strategies.​ 🔑 What You'll Learn: • The Power of Productive Tension: How to create and resolve tension to drive better outcomes. • Balancing Empathy and Assertiveness: Navigating tough conversations with clarity and respect. • Leadership in Action: Recognizing when to challenge and when to bring harmony to your team. Related Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennagaudio/ Explore our full podcast series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt_nAQD_ZpQhbxw5G_1IGGWRxb236D--6 Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuy Email: [email protected] #ProductManagement #LeadershipSkills #ConflictResolution #Teamwork #EmpathyInLeadership

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Garrett Lang shares his entrepreneurial story, from working at GE to founding PlateRate. Garrett discusses how PlateRate offers a loyalty system that incentivizes repeat visits to restaurants by rewarding customers for trying the highest-rated menu items. Learn how this innovative approach is reshaping customer retention for restaurants. 🔑 What You'll Learn: • Early Entrepreneurship: Garrett’s journey from selling Gobstoppers to becoming a tech leader. • Lessons from GE: Insights gained from innovative web app development and leadership rotations. • Innovating in Ad Tech: How Garrett used AI to double ad click-through rates. • Building PlateRate: Revolutionizing restaurant loyalty with a customer-focused approach. Related Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettlang1/ Explore our full podcast series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt_nAQD_ZpQhbxw5G_1IGGWRxb236D--6 Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuy Email: [email protected] #ProductManagement #Entrepreneurship #TechLeadership #AdTech #AIInnovation #StartupJourney

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Drew Falkman reflects on the people who have influenced his growth as a product leader. While he never had a formal mentor, Drew found inspiration in business leaders and thought leaders like Eric Rees (Lean Startup), Nir Eyal (Hooked), and Marty Cagan. Drew shares how these figures shaped his thinking around product validation, user engagement, and building successful products. If you're looking for inspiration from some of the biggest names in product management, this episode will resonate with you. 🔑 What You'll Learn: • Influence Beyond Product: How business leaders shaped Drew’s evolution. • Lean Startup Lessons: Key takeaways from Eric Ries on validating ideas and failing fast. • Hooked on Engagement: Insights from Nir Eyal on creating emotional drivers for product success. • The Godfather of Product: Marty Cagan's perspective on excellence in product management. Related Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewfalkman/ Explore our full podcast series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt_nAQD_ZpQhbxw5G_1IGGWRxb236D--6 Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuy Email: [email protected] #ProductManagement #Mentorship #LeanStartup #HookedFramework #CareerDevelopment

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Drew Falkman shares the toughest lesson he’s learned in product management: the importance of failing fast. Drew explains how, early in his career, he spent too much time making assumptions and building features before validating them with users. He reflects on how getting feedback early can prevent costly mistakes and save precious time and resources, especially for startups with limited runway. If you’ve ever wondered how to avoid wasted effort, this episode will provide the answers. What You'll Learn: • Fail Fast, Learn Fast: The importance of testing ideas quickly with users. • Validate Before You Build: How skipping validation wastes resources and limits runway. • Lessons from Experience: Drew’s journey from costly assumptions to smarter development. 🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights from leading product managers: https://www.youtube.com/theproductway Related Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewfalkman/ Explore our full podcast series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt_nAQD_ZpQhbxw5G_1IGGWRxb236D--6 Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuy Email: [email protected] #ProductStrategy #FutureOfWork #ProductManagement #DigitalTransformation #CareerJourney

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Drew Falkman, Principal at Moves the Needle, shares his diverse background in product management, from founding a web agency in the dot-com boom to consulting for companies like HP and Adobe. Drew discusses his passion for ideation, his transition to remote product management, and how he now helps organizations fine-tune their product strategy. If you’re interested in digital transformation, remote work, and product innovation, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn: • Building Great Products: Insights into ideation, concepting, and product strategy. • Adapting to the Future of Work: How Drew thrives in a remote-first environment. • Lessons from Experience: Key takeaways from years of consulting and leading in tech. 🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights from leading product managers: https://www.youtube.com/theproductway Related Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewfalkman/ Explore our full podcast series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt_nAQD_ZpQhbxw5G_1IGGWRxb236D--6 Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuy Email: [email protected] #ProductStrategy #FutureOfWork #ProductManagement #DigitalTransformation #CareerJourney

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Jenna Gaudio shares the traits that have helped her succeed as a product manager. She emphasizes the importance of being curious, vulnerable, and open to learning, even without a technical background. Jenna discusses how being authentic and collaborative with developers has made her a more effective leader. If you're looking to improve in product management, this episode offers valuable insights.​ What You'll Learn: • Ambition and Curiosity: Why a self-starter mindset and openness to learning are essential. • Overcoming Insecurity: How being vulnerable and asking questions can accelerate your growth. • Authenticity in Leadership: The value of honesty about your strengths and gaps to succeed as a product manager. 🔔 Subscribe for more expert insights from leading product managers: https://www.youtube.com/theproductway Related Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennagaudio/ https://www.jerseyshorewomenintech.com/ https://vydia.com/ https://njtechweekly.com/a-great-new-jersey-tech-story-vydia-acquired-by-gamma/ Explore our full podcast series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt_nAQD_ZpQhbxw5G_1IGGWRxb236D--6 Connect with Us: https://linkedin.com/in/TheProductGuy Email: [email protected] #ProductManagement #LeadershipLessons #PersonalGrowth #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Jenna Gaudio explains her approach to mentorship, emphasizing the importance of mentees having clear goals and being self-starters. She discusses why she invests her time in individuals who demonstrate ambition and the willingness to grow, and how mentees can earn guidance and support. If you're looking for meaningful mentorship, this episode offers practical advice on how to make the most of these opportunities.​ What You'll Learn: • Mentorship Done Right: Mentoring and what to look for in mentees. • Crafting Your Personal Brand: Presenting yourself well to seize opportunities. • Earning Opportunities: How ambition and effort pave the way to success. #Mentorship #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipLessons #CareerDevelopment #ProductManagement

In this episode of "Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success," Jenna Gaudio shares her career journey, from starting in government operations and project management to transitioning into marketing and product leadership in the tech sector. She reflects on her time working on acquisitions and building teams from the ground up, including her experience leading a company to a $33 million acquisition. If you're interested in career transitions and leadership, this episode is full of valuable insights.​ What You'll Learn: • Mentorship Done Right: Mentoring and what to look for in mentees. • Crafting Your Personal Brand: Presenting yourself well to seize opportunities. • Earning Opportunities: How ambition and effort pave the way to success. #Mentorship #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipLessons #CareerDevelopment #ProductManagement