Product Therapy

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Latest Episodes:

Coaching Product Marketing Nov 21, 2024

In this episode, Christian Idiodi and fellow SVPG partner, Martina Lauchengco, discuss product marketing. Martina is a leading mind on the subject and the author of “Loved: How to Rethink Marketing for Tech Products.” Learn what product marketing is, how it fits with other functions, and why it ultimately matters.

In this discussion we unpack:

The fundamentals of product marketing

Its interplay with product management, traditional marketing, and sales

A real world success story

Identifying a need for product marketing at your company
The case for product marketing at your company

References:

Costanoa Ventures: https://costanoa.vc/
LOVED: How to Rethink Marketing for Tech Products, by Martina Lauchengco: https://www.svpg.com/books/loved-how-to-rethink-marketing-for-tech-products/

Where to find SVPG:

SVPG’s newest book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/

Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/

Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/

Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/
Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

Where to find Christian Idiodi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

Where to find Martina Lauchengco:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinalauchengco/

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Intro

[00:01:37] Product marketing 101

[00:03:24] Which companies need product marketing?

[00:07:30] Structuring product marketing

[00:09:40] How product marketing differs from traditional marketing and sales

[00:10:28] An example of successful product marketing

[00:14:46] Healthy collaboration between product marketing and product management

[00:18:57] How to do product marketing without product marketers

[00:20:52] Making the case for product marketing at your company

[00:24:03] Outro

Disclaimer:

While this podcast is named “Product Therapy”, it is not hosted by licensed therapists or mental health professionals, and it is in no way a substitute for professional mental health services. We recognize the importance of mental well-being and encourage anyone facing personal difficulties to seek support from qualified professionals. See https://findahelpline.com/

Production:

Production by supermix.io

Coaching Product Career Advice Oct 24, 2024

In this episode, Christian Idiodi and fellow SVPG partner, Jon Moore, coach product career advice. In recent years, the level of interest, formality and resourcing around product careers has grown significantly. But there are still many misconceptions about the nature of the discipline, how to break into it, and how to progress in the field. Hear Christian and Jon’s candid thoughts on the different resources available, as well as practical advice for entering product and developing your career.

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In this discussion we unpack:

Approaching your career like a product
The value of certifications vs self-education vs life experience
The role of mentorship and coaches
The importance of “human skills”
What employers look for when hiring PMs

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References:

Kate Leto on “Human Skills”: https://www.kateleto.com/articles/human-skills-wheel

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Where to find SVPG:

SVPG’s new book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/
Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/
Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/
Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/
Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

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Where to find Christian Idiodi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

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Where to find Jon Moore:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathonmoore/

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:22) Jon's journey into product

(04:26) Common paths to becoming great at product

(08:50) Advice for people interested in a product career

(11:10) Are formal courses valuable?

(15:29) How John assesses early-career PMs

(17:52) The importance of "human skills”

(24:04) Make a product vision for your product career

(28:48) The importance of humility and patience

(32:18) What people forget about product roles

(36:34) Outro

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Disclaimer:

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Production:

Production by supermix.io

Coaching Stakeholder Collaboration Sep 26, 2024

In this episode, Christian Idiodi and fellow SVPG partner Lea Hickman go deep on stakeholder collaboration. They explain what a stakeholder is and exactly how to collaborate with them. Learn from real life examples and tactical advice for avoiding common pitfalls.

In this discussion we unpack:

A practical definition or “stakeholder”
How they can be enablers rather than barriers
The importance of being proactive
Why one-on-ones are better than group meetings
How to navigate stakeholder-driven roadmaps

References:

SVPG’s newest book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/
Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/
Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/
Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/
Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

Where to find SVPG:

Where to find Christian Idiodi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

Where to find Lea Hickman:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahickman/

Timestamps:

[00:01:15] Defining "stakeholder" (voice vs vote)

[00:04:12] Example of identifying and engaging stakeholders

[00:09:35] Example of stakeholders being enablers, not barriers

[00:11:01] The importance of being proactive

[00:13:21] Engaging via documents vs conversations

[00:16:13] Why one-on-ones are better than group meetings

[00:17:53] The value of engaging with the sales team

[00:19:43] Navigating stakeholder-driven roadmaps

[00:24:24] How to help stakeholders understand customer problems

[00:27:14] The rule of improv in stakeholder engagement

[00:28:23] Outro

Disclaimer:

Production:
Production by supermix.io

Coaching Feedback Aug 29, 2024

In this episode, Christian Idiodi and fellow SVPG partner, Martina Lauchengco, go deep on all things feedback. They discuss why feedback matters, how to give and receive it well, and how best practices change at different levels of a team hierarchy. Hear real examples of feedback conversations and actionable frameworks, phrases and tactics that you can use today.

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In this discussion we unpack:

How to give feedback to leaders
How leaders can facilitate feedback
The time and place to give feedback
Real life examples of feedback conversations
Actionable frameworks, phrases and tactics

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References:

Costanoa Ventures: ⁠https://costanoa.vc/⁠
Radical Candor: ⁠https://www.radicalcandor.com/⁠
Martina’s version of the SHARED feedback model: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/feedback-model-changed-my-life-martina-lauchengco-47o8c/⁠

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Where to find SVPG:

SVPG’s new book, TRANSFORMED: ⁠https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/⁠
Other books: ⁠https://www.svpg.com/books/⁠
Articles: ⁠https://www.svpg.com/articles/⁠
Workshops: ⁠https://www.svpg.com/⁠
Videos: ⁠https://www.svpg.com/videos/⁠

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Where to find Christian Idiodi:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/⁠

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Where to find Martina Lauchengco:

LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinalauchengco/⁠

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Timestamps:

[00:46] Why feedback matters

[02:55] What effective feedback sounds like

[08:32] Actionable phrases, tools and tactics

[11:56] How leaders can facilitate feedback

[14:27] How to give feedback to seniors

[18:57] The time and place to give feedback

[20:07] How to give positive feedback

[22:06] The coaching mindset

[26:21] Outro

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Disclaimer:

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Production:

Production by ⁠supermix.io

Coaching Imposter Syndrome Jul 25, 2024

In this episode, Christian Idiodi and fellow SVPG partner, Chris Jones, discuss imposter syndrome. They explain what imposter syndrome looks like, the different things it can signal, and how to coach yourself and others through it. Hear real stories about experiencing imposter syndrome and the proven tactics to help you overcome it.

In today’s discussion, we unpack:

What imposter syndrome looks like
Why it can be a useful signal
Chris and Christian’s experiences with imposter syndrome
How to coach others through imposter syndrome
Why and how to ask others for help

References:

Coaching Imposter Syndrome, SVPG blog post: https://www.svpg.com/coaching-imposter-syndrome
Lea Hickman on Coaching Trust:https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/product-therapy/id1738373011?i=100065739482

Where to find SVPG:

SVPG’s new book, TRANSFORMED: ⁠https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/
Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/
Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/
Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/
Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

Where to find Christian Idiodi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

Where to find Chris Jones:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjonessvpg/

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:48) What imposter syndrome looks and feels like

(03:17) What is imposter syndrome really telling you?

(04:15) How does it manifest?

(06:20) Christian’s experience with imposter syndrome

(10:02) Chris' experience with imposter syndrome

(13:40) How to coach others through imposter syndrome

(16:00) A hack for learning skills you're afraid of

(18:40) Managing imposter syndrome as a leader

(21:42) Creating a culture of coaching

(27:15) Anxiety of anticipation > anxiety of reality

(28:05) Outro

Disclaimer:

Production:
Production by supermix.io

Coaching Ethics Jun 27, 2024

In this episode, Christian Idiodi and fellow SVPG partner, Jon Moore, discuss ethics. They explain why good ethics is good business, who owns ethics in a company, and how to escalate ethical concerns. Hear real stories about complex ethical scenarios and practical advice for navigating these challenges in the workplace.

In today’s discussion, we unpack:

The role of ethics in product development
Who “owns” ethics at companies
What to do when you notice something unethical
The link between ethics, diversity and psychological safety
The ethical landscape surrounding generative AI

References:

Coaching Ethics: https://www.svpg.com/coaching-ethics/
Radhika Dutt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radhika-dutt/
Rob Chestnut, ex-Chief Ethics Officer at Airbnb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robchesnut/
UK ministers considering ban on smartphone sales to under-16s: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/apr/10/uk-ministers-considering-banning-sale-of-smartphones-to-under-16s

Where to find SVPG:

SVPG’s new book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/
Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/
Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/
Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/
Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

Where to find Christian Idiodi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

Where to find Jon:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathonmoore

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Intro

[00:01:11] The role of ethics in technology development

[00:05:00] Who owns ethical questions within companies?

[00:09:38] A challenging ethical scenario

[00:13:38] Why good ethics is good business

[00:18:56] The ethical landscape surrounding generative AI

[00:21:30] Who owns the ethical responsibility in AI?

[00:24:20] The importance of diversity

[00:26:51] Ethics reflection exercise

[00:27:52] Outro

Disclaimer:

Production:

Production by supermix.io

Coaching Trust May 31, 2024

In this episode, Christian Idiodi and fellow SVPG Partner, Lea Hickman delve into the critical role of trust in empowered teams. They discuss why it's essential in product work, the complex dimensions of trust, and how you can help build and maintain trust in your own organization. Hear real stories and examples of being vulnerable, investing in relationships, and building an environment that sets product teams up for success.

In today’s discussion, we unpack:

Why trust matters
How to earn, build, and maintain trust
The relationship between trust, vulnerability, making mistakes, and asking for help
Trust dynamics with new hires
How to break a culture of mistrust

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Intro

[00:01:07] Why trust matters

[00:03:40] Trust doesn't require friendship

[00:05:03] Building trust is leadership work

[00:06:21] The many dimensions of trust

[00:09:23] How vulnerability builds trust

[00:12:57] The delicate trust dynamics involved with new hires

[00:19:04] How to break a cycle of mistrust

[00:21:33] Trust is a two-way street

[00:23:06] The importance of a shared vision

[00:26:04] Building trust requires courage

[00:29:14] Outro

References:

Christian’s onboarding programme: https://www.svpg.com/new-employee-bootcamp/

Servant leadership: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servant_leadership

Where to find SVPG:

SVPG’s new book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/-

Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/

Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/

Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/

Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

Where to find Christian Idiodi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

Where to find Lea Hickman:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahickman/

Disclaimer:

Production:

Production by supermix.io

Coaching Product Sense May 02, 2024

In this episode, Marty and Christian discuss product sense. Product sense is one of the most valuable traits for anyone in product. It makes someone a prime candidate for promotion, and considerably improves job satisfaction. However, while many people recognize the value of product sense, too many uphold a misconception that it is a trait you have to be born with. In fact, product sense is something you can develop by embracing the right mindsets and putting in the effort to make the most of the resources around you.

In today’s discussion, we unpack all things product sense:

What it is and why it matters
The misconception that product sense is a gift you have to be born with
How anyone can develop product sense
The characteristics and attitudes required to develop product sense
The rich resources available across your customers, colleagues, and industry
Actionable tactics for developing product sense

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Intro

[00:00:36] Defining product sense

[00:02:55] Spotting product sense

[00:05:48] Humility

[00:09:44] Curiosity

[00:10:11] Empathy

[00:14:05] How Marty built and builds his product sense

[00:17:20] Why domain expertise is a double-edged sword

[00:20:59] How to develop the foundations of product sense

[00:23:01] Resources within your company that will help build product sense

[00:24:48] Finding the "smartest person at the company”

[00:28:11] How biographies can build product sense

[00:29:55] Outro

References:

Build, by Tony Fadell: https://www.amazon.com.au/Build-Unorthodox-Guide-Making-Things/dp/0063046067
Lincoln, by David Herbert Donald: https://www.amazon.com.au/Lincoln-David-Herbert-Donald/dp/068482535X/ref=sr_1_6
Product Sense Demystified: https://www.svpg.com/product-sense-demystified/
Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson: https://www.amazon.com.au/Steve-Jobs-Walter-Isaacson/dp/1451648537

Where to find SVPG:

SVPG’s new book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/

Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/

Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/

Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/

Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

Where to find Christian Idiodi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

Where to find Marty Cagan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cagan/

Disclaimer:

Coaching Mindset Apr 15, 2024

In this episode, Marty and Christian discuss the mindset behind strong product teams. While there are plenty of resources around the skills used on such teams, there is a lack of resources around the attitudes underpinning their success. If you are “stuck in a feature team” these concepts will feel especially unfamiliar. However, SVPG has collected a series of case studies proving that these mindset shifts can drive outcomes across a range of industries and geographies.

In today’s discussion, we unpack:
Why ideas are only 10% of product work
Why cross-functional skills are critical
Steve Jobs’ take on product discovery and collaboration
The necessity of friction when collaborating
The value of involving engineers in discovery
How to handle disagreements
How to win the hearts and minds of your team

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Episode Intro

[00:01:30] Steve Jobs on Product Discovery

[00:02:49] Reaction to Steve Jobs on Product Discovery

[00:06:55] How ICs can advocate for a better product model

[00:09:14] Problem discovery versus solution discovery

[00:13:43] The role of enabling technology

[00:14:35] Why cross-functional skills are critical

[00:19:55] Steve Jobs on Collaboration

[00:21:35] The necessity of friction when collaborating

[00:25:30] The importance of psychological safety and diversity of views

[00:30:55] Why outsourced engineering doesn't work

[00:34:00] The value of involving engineers in discovery

[00:36:11] How to handle disagreements

[00:39:30] Dealing with ego in disagreements

[00:41:00] The definition of “stakeholders” and advice for engaging with them

[00:45:13] How to win the hearts and minds of your team

[00:48:50] Response to: "But my company can’t do this!”

[00:52:23] Where to find SVPG resources

[00:52:34] About SVPG’s new book: Transformed

[00:54:02] Disclaimer

References:

Amazon’s PRFAQ: https://www.svpg.com/example-prfaq/

Einstein quote about problem solving: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/60780-if-i-had-an-hour-to-solve-a-problem-i-
Google’s research on effective teams: https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/intl/en-emea/consumer-insights/consumer-trends/five-dynamics-effective-team
President Kennedy’s challenge for NASA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmN1wO_24Ao&ab_channel=NASAVideo

Steve Jobs, The Lost Interview:https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/steve-jobs-the-lost-interview/umc.cmc.493j4pff9l0e7b6lbca47x2j8

Where to find SVPG:

SVPG’s new book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/

Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/

Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/

Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/

Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

Where to find Christian Idiodi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

Where to find Marty Cagan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cagan/

Disclaimer:

Coaching Agency | Symptoms and Solutions Mar 29, 2024

Welcome to SVPG's podcast! This podcast tackles challenges that aren’t discussed enough in the product world: the behavioral, cultural, and mindset issues holding most teams back. We unpack these topics through authentic conversations between SVPG partners based on real-world experience leading and coaching product companies.

Our first episode is focused on coaching agency. Agency comes down to how strongly someone believes that they can change their circumstances. When people don’t have a sense of agency at work, they often feel helpless, unempowered, and believe “things will never change”. Agency is a difficult development area because it requires high self-awareness, and intersects with many other deep topics, such as the motivation behind people’s work and the drivers of people’s fears. Agency is an important development area for anyone in product because it is a key ingredient for unlocking a team’s full potential and doing meaningful work.

In today’s discussion, we unpack:

What agency means
The symptoms of a lack of agency
Why agency is a difficult development area
The link between agency and “empowered teams”
Real-life examples of coaching agency
Why and how to “invoke care”
How to foster agency as a leader, and as an IC
Concrete tips for practicing stronger agency

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Episode intro

[00:00:43] Podcast intro

[00:05:38] A big caveat: we are not therapists

[00:10:37] Today's topic: agency

[00:10:58] What does agency mean?

[00:12:20] Symptoms of a lack of agency

[00:14:59] Feature teams vs empowered teams

[00:19:51] Feeling unworthy of agency

[00:20:55] How low agency can make people feel safe

[00:23:23] Product Leadership Theatre

[00:25:39] How to coach and develop an agency mindset

[00:25:52] Real-life example of coaching agency

[00:28:32] Why and how to "invoke care”

[00:34:33] Misconceptions about the role of product management

[00:37:06] How to foster agency as a leader

[00:39:30] How to develop agency as an IC

[00:42:23] How to turn these insights into action

[00:46:41] Where to find SVPG resources

[00:47:00] About SVPG’s new book: Transformed

[00:48:26] Disclaimer

References:

Product Leadership Theater: https://www.svpg.com/product-leadership-theater/

Product Management Theater: https://www.svpg.com/product-management-theater/

Product vs Feature Teams: https://www.svpg.com/product-vs-feature-teams/

Shreyas’ comment on product leaders blaming others: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cagan_product-leadership-theater-silicon-valley-activity-7163181139476623363-MHAW

Shreyas Doshi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shreyasdoshi/

Where to find SVPG:

SVPG’s new book, EMPOWERED: https://www.svpg.com/books/empowered-ordinary-people-extraordinary-products/

Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/

Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/

Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/

Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

Where to find Christian Idiodi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

Where to find Marty Cagan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cagan/

Disclaimer: