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 conversation, Shreya Deora, a senior product manager, shares her journey from being an economist to a product manager, discussing the skills that have helped her in her role. She emphasizes the importance of innovation in product development, particularly through design sprints and the use of AI. Shreya highlights the need for a user-centered approach to innovation and the significance of storytelling in product management. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating organizational structures and the importance of stakeholder management.TakeawaysShreya transitioned into product management from an economics background.Her journey was somewhat accidental, highlighting the diverse paths into product roles.Domain expertise is beneficial but not essential for product management.Data analysis skills from her economist background have been crucial in her product role.Innovation should focus on new revenue streams and market opportunities.Design sprints can help avoid bureaucratic decision-making in large organizations.AI should be used to solve real user problems, not just for the sake of technology.Using AI as a creative partner can enhance the ideation process.Stakeholder management is key to successful product development.Iterative value demonstration is essential in changing organizational culture.

In this episode of Product Confidential, Michael Palmer interviews Caroline Clark, a product leadership coach and aspiring space psychologist, about the imposter phenomenon. They discuss its origins, manifestations, and the impact of self-perception and environmental factors, particularly in product management. Caroline shares insights on navigating imposter feelings, the importance of supportive environments, and strategies for coping. The conversation also explores the connection between space psychology and product management, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.TakeawaysImposter phenomenon is a common experience, affecting up to 95% of people.The term 'imposter syndrome' can pathologize individuals rather than address environmental factors.Self-perception plays a crucial role in feelings of being an imposter.Product managers often face unique pressures that can exacerbate imposter feelings.Creating supportive environments can help mitigate imposter feelings in the workplace.Open conversations about imposter feelings can foster connection and reduce isolation.Recognizing key trigger points for imposter feelings is essential for support.Individuals can benefit from reflecting on their achievements to combat imposter feelings.Strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps can help manage perfectionism.The lessons from space psychology can inform leadership and teamwork in product management.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Imposter Phenomenon08:08The Cycle of Imposter Feelings15:51Navigating Imposter Feelings as a Product Manager22:08Supporting Teams to Combat Imposter Feelings26:59Linking Space Psychology and Product ManagementFind Caroline on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-clark-psychologist/

Join us in this insightful episode of Product Confidential as we dive deep into the world of streaming platforms with Stephen, a Senior Product Manager at Channel 4 Streaming. Discover the unique challenges and strategies involved in creating successful streaming platforms, balancing work-life dynamics, and the evolving media landscape.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction to Stephen and Michael's roles and backgrounds [03:00] Differences between streaming platforms and traditional product management [07:30] Challenges in releasing updates across multiple TV platforms [12:00] Strategies for balancing testing and learning in TV app development [18:00] Insights from BBC iPlayer's experimentation with new platforms [23:00] The importance of user research and phased releases [28:00] Device constraints and optimizing for different platforms [33:00] Work-life balance: Stephen's approach to compressed hours and mental health [40:00] The role of coaching in personal and professional development [45:00] Building a community for streaming product professionals [50:00] Advice for aspiring product managers in the streaming industry [55:00] Closing thoughts and recommendations for TV showsDon't miss out on future episodes filled with expert insights and practical advice. Subscribe now to stay updated and join our community of forward-thinking product enthusiasts!

In this enlightening episode, Evie Brockwell engages in a profound discussion with Nesrine Changuel, a seasoned product management leader with a wealth of experience from industry giants like Skype, Spotify, and Google. Nesrine shares her journey of discovering the power of emotional connection in product design, emphasizing the importance of creating products that not only meet functional needs but also resonate on an emotional level with users.You'll gain insights into how Nesrine's experiences at Spotify led her to understand the significance of motivational segmentation, a strategy that aligns product features with user desires and emotions. The conversation delves into the three pillars of delight: reducing friction, anticipating user needs, and exceeding expectations. You'll learn practical tips for implementing delight in both B2B and B2C contexts, with real-world examples of how companies have successfully integrated these principles into their products.02:38 Understanding Emotional Connection in Product Design 05:31 The Three Pillars of Delight08:33Common Misconceptions About Delight 11:26 Measuring the Impact of Delight14:16Applying Delight in B2B vs B2C17:05 Tangible Tips for Product Teams24:52 Understanding User Motivators28:07 The Delight Grid Framework29:03 The Importance of Inclusion in Product Design31:50 The 50-40-10 Model for Product Roadmaps35:49 Humanizing Products in the Age of AI41:10 Introducing 'Product Delight' BookSubscribe now to transform your product strategy with these insights.Important links:Product Delight Book: https://nesrine-changuel.com/product-delight-book/https://nesrinechanguel.substack.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nesrinechanguel/?locale=en_US

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