Product Confidential: The reality of PM life!

Overcoming Redundancy and Moving Forward Sadly, lots of PMs have experienced redunancy in recent times. With so many affected, we wanted to chat to Andrew as he discusses his how he navigated through his personal redundancy experience. He explains how reshaping his perspective and focusing on his values helped him move forward. Andrew shares practical tips for recognizing and dealing with the emotional impact of redundancy, conducting job searches, and getting prepared for job interviews. He also emphasizes the importance of being authentic, vulnerable, and honest during the job seeking phase. Andrew explains how he stayed positive and found a new role that aligns with his values, while advising others going through a similar experience to be patient, absorb the impact and remain true to their values. 00:00 Introduction to Navigating Redundancy 00:22 Personal Experience with Redundancy 01:08 Coping Strategies and Lessons Learned 02:57 The Emotional Impact of Redundancy 06:08 The Power of Networking and Support 07:17 Transitioning and Regrouping After Redundancy 07:42 The Importance of Values in Job Search 09:34 The Role of Authenticity and Vulnerability 11:18 The Job Interview Experience 30:26 Finding the Right Fit: The New Role 33:56 Reflections and Final Thoughts

Empowering First-Time Product Managers, with Susana Lopes In this podcast episode, Susana Lopes, a product manager with an impressive career journey, discusses how to successfully onboard and develop first-time product managers. She talks in-depth about her own unique experiences The discussion also involves the detrimental effects of bad onboarding on both the individual and the organisation, while proposing practical methods for improvement. Moreover, Susana offers prospective product managers and leaders advice on interview strategies and the significance of a supportive work environment. Links Minimum Viable Product Manager article Susana's coaching 00:00 Introduction 00:00 Susana's Background and Kickboxing Experience 00:11 Onboarding and Developing First Time Product Managers 02:11 Susana's Entry into Product Management 04:08 The Importance of Early Exposure in Product Management 08:13 Common Traits of Bad Onboarding 13:02 Advice for Aspiring Product Managers 20:03 Advice for Product Leaders 25:42 Susana's Coaching Experience 29:52 Conclusion

In the discussion, Adam Warbuton, Vypr's Chief Product Officer, shares his experiences transitioning from CPO at a large corporation to leading product at a scale-up company. Adam discusses the crucial differences and challenges between the two roles the importance of mindset in driving success in a startup environment his insights on building a strong product culture in a fast-growing company. He explains that high performance, impact-orientation, humility, and the ability to cope with risk are some of the key traits required in a start-up context. The conversation also explores issues of diversity in startups and the role that leaders play in modeling work-life balance. Evie & Michael Show notes ⁠Follow the show on LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠Follow Michael⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow Evie Adam's Links Vacancies at Vypr

Andy Walsh is currently a Senior Product Manager at the BBC. Having previously worked as both a product manager and a programme leader at the Department for Education. In this episode, Andy reflects on what it was like making the jump from being a product manager into being a a manager of product managers, including what he feels are the transferable skills. Andy also shared why he’s made the decision to go back into straight up product management in his new role at the BBC. This episode is great for anyone considering entering leadership and is full of top tips.

Evie and Michael catch up with George Manea, Senior Product Manager at MoneySuperMarket. The central topic is high performing teams as George covers what traits they posses as well as sharing some aspirational goals for anyone trying to create one. The conversation also explores what it's like working for MoneySuperMarket taking a deep dive into what makes their culture successful before taking a look at George's unique career path that took him from working in a recycling factory through to where he is today with lots of interesting steps and lessons along the way.

In this episode, Adil Hussain chats to Evie and Michael about.. What it was like starting off as an associate product manager Early stage PM career advice His work with Muslamic Makers And why and how he set up his own product course, Productology! Sit back, enjoy and

Evie and Michael here. In our second episode, we're joined by a great guest - Niko Noll. Niko is a freelance product discovery consultant with an impressive history of helping companies improve their product discovery practice. Niko shares some of his journey into this role, some amazing product discovery tips and gives some great advice on why it's benefitial to build your personal brand on LinkedIn. We also try out a new feature in which they learn what our guests are reading or the last thing they've learnt that's helped them in their craft. Enjoy the show and, if you enjoy the show, please remember to subscribe or leave a review. Show notes Niko's book recommendation - 'The Minimalist Entrepreneur: How Great Founders Do More with Less' by Sahil Lavingia Michael mentions 'Inspired' by Marty Cagan

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

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

Join Evie Brockwell in this insightful episode of Product Confidential as she sits down with Alex Wiley, a dynamic product designer with a rich career journey. From designing websites at 15 to leading a product department, Alex shares his experiences of career pivots, battling imposter syndrome, and finding true passion in product design. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck in their career and looking for inspiration to pursue what truly makes them happy.Timestamps:[00:00 - 02:00] Introduction: Evie introduces the episode and guest, Alex Wiley. [02:01 - 07:30] Early Career: Alex discusses his beginnings in website design and his transition to engineering. [07:31 - 15:00] Career Growth: Moving from engineer to head of product and the challenges faced. [15:01 - 22:00] Imposter Syndrome: Alex shares his experiences with imposter syndrome and how it influenced his career path. [22:01 - 30:00] Building a Product Department: The journey of creating a new department from scratch. [30:01 - 40:00] Personal Challenges: Alex talks about mental health struggles and the decision to make a career change. [40:01 - 50:00] Finding Passion: How Alex rediscovered his love for design and made the pivot to product design. [50:01 - 55:00] Lessons Learned: Reflections on personal growth and career insights. [55:01 - 60:00] Future Outlook: Alex discusses his current role and future aspirations.Find Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwileyy/Feeling inspired by Alex's journey? Subscribe to Product Confidential for more stories of transformation and growth. Don't miss out on our next episode—hit that follow button now!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buzzwords and trends dominate the product world, but how much of it is just noise? In this episode, Evie Brockwell & Michael Palmer sit down with Mirela Mus to cut through the hype and uncover what truly drives product success. They dive into the risks of blindly following trends, the dangers of over-hiring, and why cultural sensitivity can make or break a product strategy.From understanding local markets to leveraging external consultants for fresh perspectives, this conversation is packed with insights for product teams looking to create real impact. Whether you're a product leader or just starting out, this episode will challenge the way you think about innovation, strategy, and value creation.🎧 Tune in to learn how to focus on what really matters and avoid the common pitfalls in product management.Follow Mirela Mus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirelamus/Website: https://www.getproductpeople.com/

Great product decisions don’t just happen, they’re crafted with careful thought and strategy. In this episode of Product Confidential, Phil Hornby, a seasoned product leader, dives into the critical aspects of product management, with a focus on decision-making and how AI is reshaping these processes. He reflects on the evolution of his book and the importance of thoughtful decision-making that balances data, evidence, and intuition. Phil also highlights the role of human accountability in decision-making, even as AI tools become more prevalent. He discusses the shift from feature-based to problem-based roadmaps, the need for tailored roadmaps to meet diverse audience needs, and the efficiency of streamlined roadmapping processes. Additionally, Phil emphasizes the value of discovery roadmaps in managing uncertainty and ensuring clarity throughout product development.Takeaways✅ Making a good product requires extensive discovery and research.✅ AI will become a standard tool in product management, but human decision-making remains crucial.✅ High-quality decisions are more important than labeling decisions as good or bad.✅ Data alone does not inform decisions; it must be interpreted alongside evidence and intuition.✅ Reflection on past decisions is key to improving decision-making skills.✅ Different organizations may prioritise intuition or data differently in their decision-making processes.✅ Combining data, anecdotes, and intuition leads to better decision-making outcomes.✅ The role of product managers will evolve as AI tools enhance productivity. Understanding your own emotions versus intuition is crucial.✅ Explicit thinking helps in making informed decisions.✅ Roadmaps should evolve from features to problems.✅ Tailoring roadmaps for different audiences enhances communication.✅ Efficient roadmapping should not consume excessive time.✅ Discovery roadmaps help clarify the unknowns in product development.✅ Visual storytelling can improve roadmap engagement.✅ Different views of roadmaps cater to various stakeholders.✅ Aligning roadmaps with strategic goals is essential for success.✅ Choosing the right tools for the conversation is key. Books mentioned:✨ Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish: https://a.co/d/fqtrIO1✨ Data Story by Nancy Duarte: https://a.co/d/cI22QNSFind Phil Hornby here:Website: https://www.forproductpeople.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philhornby/Read Phil's book:It Depends: https://www.forproductpeople.com/content/books/it-dependsIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps others discover Product Confidential! 🎧✨

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant juggle of work, parenting, and life’s demands? In this episode of Product Confidential, hosts Evie Brockwell and Michael Palmer are joined by Hannah Clark. They explore the challenges of maintaining balance amidst the chaos. They discuss the early warning signs of burnout, the power of routine in managing ADHD, and the importance of self-compassion when things don’t go to plan. Hannah shares her personal journey, offering practical strategies for reducing decision fatigue, staying resilient, and finding joy in small wins. Throughout the conversation, they highlight how mindset and self-awareness can help you navigate life’s ups and downs and ultimately thrive—both at work and at home. Takeaways:✔ Spotting burnout early can prevent bigger problems down the line.✔ Routines are essential for managing ADHD and maintaining stability.✔ Structured habits help reduce decision fatigue.✔ Self-compassion is key when life feels overwhelming.✔ Mindset and self-awareness play a huge role in overcoming challenges.✔ Burnout can distort your sense of self-worth, but small wins can rebuild confidence. Join us for this insightful discussion on creating balance in a demanding world. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps others discover Product Confidential! 🎧✨

Ever wondered what it’s like to manage products in the world of open source software? In this episode of Product Confidential, we dive deep into the fascinating journey of Karl, who transitioned from a Linux enthusiast in college to a product manager at Microsoft. What You’ll Learn: 👉 The evolution of Microsoft’s relationship with open source. 👉 Challenges of collaboration in open source communities. 👉 Key differences between traditional and open source product management. 👉 How to monetise open source software without losing community trust. 👉 Practical advice for breaking into open source product management. 02:15 Understanding Open Source Development 08:41 The Evolution of Microsoft and Open Source 13:33 Challenges in Open Source Product Management 20:31 Influencing in Open Source Communities 29:03 Monetizing Open Source Software 38:03 Skills for Open Source Product Management 40:23 Conclusion and Future Plans Don’t miss this candid conversation packed with actionable insights for anyone curious about the intersection of open source and product management. See more from Karl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-abbott/ Subscribe to the Product Confidential podcast now and never miss an episode filled with industry secrets, expert interviews, and actionable advice!