Product Musings

(Mini-Musing) Strategizing Analytics

In this episode I talk about how to use analytics within a wider strategy and why you can't just follow a purely data-driven approach. 
 

(Mini-Musing) Three Random Tips for Product Managers

In this mini-musing, I go over three quick tips for improving as a product manager; specifically, tips I don't think you'll find too commonplace. 
These tips have worked well for me, but of course your mileage may vary based on your own approach, style, and personality.
 
Tip Titles:
* Use OpenAI Advanced Voice Mode
* Set 1-Minute Meeting Reminders
* Learn to Talk to Yourself

In Defense of Well-Designed Slide Decks

Slide decks are boring. They're also absolutely everywhere. 
In this episode, I dive into why I think designing slide decks beautifully and purposefully helps drive your end goal more effectively; how communication and clarity are dramatically amplified by good design; how you can deliver all this even if you aren't naturally a great designer.
 

Building Effective AI Solutions

Rarely can a product be delivered these days without having an AI-story built into it. What makes these experiences hit and miss though? When do we find that an implementation of artificial intelligence makes sense?Talking through a plethora of examples across traditional and generative AI, let's work on how to build great product experience leveraging AI, but not for the sake of it.

Airbnb and Rethinking Product Management

At FigmaCon in 2023, Brian Chesky - CEO of Airbnb - said: "We got rid of Product Managers."This drove a lot of fear (and perhaps more worryingly: dismissal), but should instead be looked at as a great area for reflection on the PM role and its purpose in an organization. In this episode, I dive into the reasoning behind Brian's comment, its value, and how you should apply his thinking to your job as a PM.
 
Catch Lenny's sitdown with Brian Chesky here — I highly recommend it.

Groupon and the Analytics Trap

No vanity metrics in this episode. Leveraging analytics is a critical part of building great product, and it starts by understanding what makes a great analytical mindset when diving into your data. Building on some personal anecdotes and a story from Groupon's downturn, I'm discussing how to better analyze your data and pull real value from it. 

(Deep Dive) What Happened to Clubhouse?

In this deep dive, we'll assess the reasons why Clubhouse failed, and the key learnings you can take from it.
Specifically, I talk about:
When exclusivity makes sense
Why exclusivity worked for Clubhouse
How the Endless September phenomenon ultimately killed Clubhouse
Why calling its demise due to being a feature is wrong

(Mini-Musing) What Happened to Clubhouse?

In this quick episode of Product Musings, I’m diving into an analysis of why Clubhouse faded so fast. We’ll cut through the common reasons people say and get to the core ideas, so you can hopefully apply those learnings to your product mindset. This is a short and sweet take for those on the go, but if it piques your interest, catch the next episode which is a deeper dive into the same topic!

Great Product Sign Up Workflows

In this episode, I talk about some great sign up, sign in, and onboarding workflows. Key pieces talked about are the sign up process on ProjectionLab, the onboarding workflow of the Kudos app, and general usage of magic links and passkeys for sign in. 

Your First Five Days

In this episode, hear some practical tips on how to nail your first five days in a new product manager role, regardless of whether you've been a PM before. 
 
Key notes:* Be proactive in defining your onboarding path, rather than solely leaning on your manager's path for you.
* Leverage "continuing conversations" to learn your new role while expediting your ability to deliver value.
* Bring back small deliverables to those you've talked with to quickly.