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Here are some great takeaways from #2023ProductExcellence so far: "Take a step back, envision the end result, and work backward on how to execute on that." — Ramin Vatanparast, CPTO at Proximie "The key to product leadership is to be able to explain things simply. Product has responsibility without authority. You can’t get that authority unless you can simplify your goals in a way that everyone can get behind." — David Subar, Founder and Managing Partner at Interna "To build a strong product culture, be clear and unapologetic about what your product is and isn't." — Julie Aouizerate, Head of Product at Believe So many great sessions and speakers to come, and there's still time to join us!

The Product Operating Model consists of key competencies that every product organization needs to have. Product Leadership is one of them. But what does it really take to be a product leader? We break down insights shared by Marty Cagan (Founder of Silicon Valley Product Group) from his talk at INDUSTRY: The Product Conference in 2023. #productmanagement

Hello, NYC friends (or soon-to-be-friends!)! I am headed to your city this week for the Product-Led Alliance Product Ops Summit (co-located with the CPO Summit and Product-Led Growth Summit). If you are going to be there or are already in town because you live or work there, let me know if you want to find time for coffee or a quick meet-up. I'd love to take advantage of being in town to meet you face to talk about Products or Product-Led Operation Models! #productleadership #transformation #CPO #productoperations

Product Tip of the Day: Embrace the Product Org Blueprints & Frameworks. 🚀 Utilize a robust Strategy Formulation/Execution framework to ensure alignment across your product teams. By systematizing your approach, every member knows the direction and how their role fits into the broader mission. This not only optimizes operation but also empowers your team to deliver consistent value efficiently. 💼💡

“PMs have often been proven wrong by something that their instincts told them had to be true.” It was such a pleasure to speak with Kristin D. of Viator about her approach for gathering and prioritizing customer feedback. Kristin reflected on her career progression into product leadership and the evolution of her role from problem-solving to problem-spotting. #ProductManagement #ProductManagementLeadership #ProductLeadership Link in the 1st comment 👇

Three weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the Product Leadership Program, which left me eager to return to work and apply what I learned. Here's a summary of the key takeaways: 1. Presence in Leadership: When leading others and yourself, presence is crucial. Be fully present and offer your presence to others. Actively listen and be genuinely curious about the beliefs driving behavior, both your own and others'. Changing perspectives is essential for development, and having a trusted group of advisors, like a personal board of directors, can greatly aid this process. 2. Machine Learning and Data Quality: Machine learning, including generative AI, has many limitations but can be highly beneficial in various business cases if the data quality is high. Therefore, prioritize improving data quality. 3. Responsibilities of a Product Leader: As a product leader, your responsibilities include creating a coherent product strategy, determining where to play and how to win. Ask yourself if you have a clear product strategy. Additionally, focus on hiring and firing based on mindset—prefer those who proactively figure out what to do over those who wait for instructions. Finally, drive value creation by removing unnecessary features and simplifying processes, encouraging your team to do the same. Thanks to Noah Askin, Ville Satopää, Ken Chin, Rémi Guyot, Tilke Judd, Michael Bullion and my fellow attendees for an inspiring week, and Tobias Janiesch for sponsoring the program.

Product Tip of the Day: Immerse yourself deeply in Strategy Formulation by using the Strategy Formulation/Articulation/Execution framework. 🌟 By methodically defining your product's mission and translating it into actionable objectives, you can ensure that every team member is aligned and moving towards the same goals. This approach not only streamlines execution but also fortifies your product strategy against market volatilities. 🛡️🚀

The first 30 days are crucial for customers AND employees. Make sure to dig deep early so you have clear expectations on what you'll deliver short and long-term - so you can measure results. Do as much in parallel as possible while learning the product, customer base and the company at the same time.

True leadership begins with a fundamental principle: 'Start with the customer and work backwards. The essence of leadership lies in our unwavering commitment to earning and maintaining the trust of our customers. It's about actively listening to their needs, understanding their pain points, and delivering solutions that truly make a difference. In every decision we make, every product we create, and every service we offer, the customer's trust should be at the forefront of our minds. Trust is not simply granted; it's earned through a consistent display of integrity, authenticity, and a deep understanding of what matters most to those we serve. As leaders, let's continue to work vigorously to uphold this trust, because when our customers trust us, we are on the path to success. #CustomerFirst #Leadership #TrustMatters #BusinessSuccess"

In the evolving landscape of product management, a concerning trend is emerging globally—increasingly, product leaders are being appointed without firsthand experience as individual contributors (ICs) within the discipline. This phenomenon is not just a localized issue but a challenge I have observed across the industry, highlighting a deeper systemic problem. I often find myself still justifying the fundamental role and impact of product teams. This ongoing need for justification underscores a gap in understanding and leveraging the strategic potential of product management in driving organizational vision. Beks highlights the root of this issue, in my opinion. A disconnect in leadership roles. Unlike well-established functions such as technology, finance, or marketing, where leaders typically have substantial direct experience in their respective fields, product management is still in a phase of defining its pathways to leadership. This lack of experienced leadership is akin to a scenario where a CTO or CFO lacks foundational experience in their domains—an unlikely and unacceptable situation in those fields. Furthermore, she adds that the rise of "Product Gurus"—centralized thought leaders often removed from the day-to-day realities of the role—exacerbates the problem. Their theoretical and sometimes purist approaches to product management frequently clash with the practical, nuanced realities required on the ground. Effective product leadership necessitates a blend of theoretical knowledge and substantial practical experience—qualities that only come from years of being in the trenches of product development and management. At NSPYR N8N, I recognize the critical need for seasoned leaders who can bridge this gap. This platform is committed to transforming skilled product managers into visionary product leaders who are well-equipped to lead with empathy, innovation, and strategic insight. We understand that to truly lead a product team to success, one must have lived the challenges and triumphs of the role firsthand. #empathy Join us in reshaping the future of product leadership, where experienced, insightful, and empathetic leadership is the norm, not the exception. Let's elevate the discipline of product management together, building on a foundation of real experience and strategic execution. #ProductManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #NSPYRMe #TechLeadership #Innovation