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Hi Product People,
As we wrap up 2024, I wanted to bring together some of the most impactful conversations from the Product Thinking podcast this year. From Steve Portigal's insights on modern user research to Quincy Hunte's practical approach to decision-making at AWS, each guest brought unique perspectives that resonated deeply with our audience.
This special episode features highlights from conversations with product leaders who have shaped our understanding of effective product management. Jeff Gothelf and Josh Seiden's discussion on OKRs, Kate Leto's wisdom on leadership coaching, and Leah Tharin's approach to product-led growth – each conversation offers valuable lessons for product professionals at all levels.
Join me for this year-end reflection on the insights that have helped shape product thinking in 2024, and get inspired for the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025!
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See you next week,
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Melissa Perri
Founder Product Institute, Board Member, and Teacher
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Key Moments on the Podcast to Check Out:
01:15 - The Evolution of User Research with Steve Portigal
Steve Portigal shares his perspective on how research is about discovering what we don't know we don't know. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open mindset in research, particularly when dealing with complex product development challenges. The discussion highlights how traditional research methods have evolved to meet modern product development needs while maintaining their fundamental purpose of uncovering deep user insights.
02:27 - Decision-Making in Complex Organizations with Quincy Hunte
Quincy Hunte delves into the challenges of making decisions in large, complex organizations like AWS. He addresses the common pattern of decision paralysis, where teams get caught in loops between executive expectations and product management responsibilities. His insights reveal how fear of making mistakes can create environments where decisions stall, and he offers practical solutions for breaking through these organizational barriers.
04:00 - OKRs and Team Alignment with Jeff Gothelf & Josh Seiden
Jeff Gothelf and Josh Seiden provide valuable insights into setting effective OKRs that align with organizational structure and influence. They explain how different levels of the organization should approach goal-setting, from enterprise-wide objectives to team-specific metrics. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating clear, focused goals that enable teams to contribute meaningfully to larger organizational objectives.
06:11 - The Power of Coaching in Product Leadership with Kate Leto
Kate Leto explores how coaching can transform product leadership by empowering team members to find solutions within themselves. She emphasizes that effective coaching reduces the pressure on leaders to have all the answers, instead creating an environment where team members can develop their problem-solving capabilities. This approach not only builds stronger teams but also creates more sustainable leadership practices.
07:08 - Navigating Product Growth Across Business Functions with Leah Tharin
Leah Tharin shares insights on creating comprehensive business cases that span across all business functions. She discusses the importance of balancing acquisition, retention, and monetization while focusing on activation as a key metric. Her approach demonstrates how growth teams can identify opportunities across different business areas while maintaining focus on long-term customer retention rather than just sales.
Episode Resources:
Other Resources:
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THE PRODUCT THINKING PODCAST IS SPONSORED BY
Product Management training at scale for teams and individuals, created by Melissa Perri.
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Click worthy
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Episode 200: Building a Minimal Lovable Product with Tomer London
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The CPO Accelerator is a members-only live virtual course for product leaders taught by Melissa Perri. The move from product leader to VP or CPO can be challenging. It takes a whole new set of skills to succeed at the next level, and you may be the first person at your company to hold this seat at the executive table.
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Product Thinking is the newsletter of Product Institute, Inc. and Melissa Perri. |
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