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Here’s why we come to work at Freshcognate. We proudly call them our 7 principles: Pursue Self Growth  Embrace the “Why”  Center Relationships  Create Fun (and a Little Weirdness)  Delight Customers!  Do More With Less Wait, there’s not 7? Yep, that’s right. There’s a secret one that we all know, and that's kind a value too =). We came up with these together, and we’ll continue to refine them together. I think we’ll eventually want to narrow it down to maybe 3. But for now, they help us align about who we are and how we work together. We place integrity at the center of our work and it's why we so deeply value long-term client relationships. We believe the best work is done in the context of deeply trusting relationships where people can push each other to new heights. 📸 Some of our team mid-brainstorm at an off-site 👋 Hi! I’m Doug. I’m a learning leader who works with leaders, organizations and instructional design teams to improve production, delivery and impact of educational experiences at all levels. 🔔 Follow me for more content on learning best practices that you might employ in your career. 📨 DM me for a free consultation on how we could work together.

Reflecting on My Journey with IT&D HR: 📅 Today marks the end of an incredible chapter in my career: my last day with the IT&D HR team. As I prepare to take my next steps in Reckitt, I find myself reflecting on the past 2 and ½ years—a whirlwind of growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Learning and Adapting From day one, I dove headfirst into the world of IT&D. Simple tasks like crafting Agile user stories soon evolved into a deep understanding of the technology landscape. I learned to bridge the gap between complex systems and end users, translating intricate details into clear explanations. It’s amazing how much ground we can cover when we’re open to learning and adapting! Global Connections One of the highlights has been the opportunity to travel. I’ve explored amazing countries, met colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and built lasting connections across the globe. Whether discussing best practices with my team in Slough or brainstorming solutions in Sao Paulo, these interactions have enriched my professional journey. Unexpected Skills As a Product Manager, I initially questioned how my existing skills would fit within an IT context. But guess what? I discovered that my abilities—both technical and interpersonal—were incredibly transferable. I applied what I knew and eagerly embraced new challenges. It’s true what they say: stepping out of our comfort zone leads to growth. Brainpower and Innovation Every day in IT&D felt like a puzzle to solve. I tested my brainpower, learned at lightning speed, and contributed to delivering an amazing product. But it didn’t stop there. We constantly sought ways to enhance onboarding and learning, making our products the best they could be. Innovation was our compass. Looking Ahead And now, as Monday approaches, I’m filled with anticipation. My new role awaits, and I’m ready to apply all that I’ve absorbed during my time with IT&D. It’s not just about what I’ve learned; it’s about how I’ll use it to drive impact. The thrill of testing out new skills fuels my excitement. Gratitude To my IT&D and HRT colleagues, and the partners I've worked with (too many to individually tag everyone): thank you for the support, empowerment and the shared victories. You’ve shaped my journey, and I carry your insights with me. Here’s to growth, resilience, and the joy of embracing the unknown. 🚀 Onward to new horizons! See you on the other side. 🌈 P.S. If you’re curious about my journey or want to connect, feel free to reach out! Let’s keep the conversation going. 😊 Andrew North, Nataliya Otluoglu, Charlotte Pattison, Bipasha Paul, Mairi Donaldson, Alison Rippon, Shravan Balli, Katie Neal, Sharn Sandhu, Johnny Vega

🚀 Drumroll, Please... Our New Tagline: Innovate | Empower | Inspire Hey everyone! We’re buzzing with excitement at WHY Hospitality as we roll out our brand-new tagline. We wanted something that captures what we’re all about, and we think we’ve nailed it: ✨ Innovate: Cooking up fresh ideas to make guest experiences unforgettable. 💪 Empower: Cheering on teams and partners to be their absolute best. 🌈 Inspire: Leading the charge and making positive waves in hospitality. Our goal? To sprinkle some magic into the mix, providing fresh perspectives and valuable lessons that ignite innovation and drive success. At WHY Hospitality, we’re not just about sharing knowledge—we’re about giving you that extra boost to go from good to great (and having a laugh along the way). Join us as we dive into all things hospitality, serving up insights and strategies for pros at every career stage. Our content is designed to motivate, challenge, and support your growth and achievements. So, buckle up and get ready for some fun, some learning, and a whole lot of inspiration. Let’s turn the ordinary into the extraordinary together! #WHYHospitality #InnovateEmpowerInspire #HospitalityLeadership #Consulting #TrainingAndDevelopment #GuestExperience

In today's interconnected world, where markets are increasingly diverse and interconnected, understanding cultural trends and embracing diversity is crucial for product managers. It's not just about recognizing surface-level differences; it's about delving deep into the nuances of various cultures, traditions, and perspectives. By immersing themselves in different cultural contexts, product managers gain invaluable insights that inform every aspect of product development, from design to marketing. They learn to anticipate the needs and preferences of diverse audiences, ensuring that their products are not only accessible but also deeply resonant. Moreover, embracing diversity isn't just a moral imperative—it's also a strategic advantage. Inclusive products have a broader appeal, reaching audiences that might otherwise feel excluded or overlooked. By celebrating diversity in all its forms, product managers unlock new opportunities for innovation and creativity, tapping into a rich mosiac of perspectives and experiences. Ultimately, creating inclusive products isn't just about meeting market demands; it's about making a positive impact on society. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, product managers have the power to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and foster greater understanding and empathy among users. In essence, cultural awareness and diversity aren't just buzzwords for product managers; they're guiding principles that drive meaningful and impactful product development in today's global marketplace. For a better grasp of the topic, check out the slides below for more insights into understanding cultural trends and diversity in product management. Thank you Shravan Tickoo for deepening our understanding of these important topics. Team share the feedback Raghav Mehta Neha Rajput Prabhansh Rai Mithlesh Labroo Harsh Wardhan Keshri Gowri Shankar Somi Singh Attharv Sardesai Dev Yadav #ProductManagementInsights #CulturalTrends #DiversityInclusion #InclusiveProducts #ProductStrategy #ProductDevelopment #UnderstandingAudiences #InclusiveDesign #ProductManagement #EmbracingDiversity #artandproductmusings

🌟 What If Our Mothers Were Product Managers? Ever wondered what it would be like if our mothers switched roles and became product managers? I bet our products would have a touch of that unique 'mom magic'. Here are some qualities we can learn from our mothers that could revolutionise product management: 1. Empathy is Everything: Mothers are experts in empathy. They know when something's up even before we say a word. Imagine a product built with that level of understanding of user needs and emotions! 2. Multitasking Masters: Moms juggle a thousand tasks without breaking a sweat. Product managers could definitely borrow this skill to balance various aspects of product development seamlessly. 3. The Art of Negotiation: Remember trying to extend your curfew? Moms are natural negotiators, balancing firmness with understanding. This skill is gold in stakeholder management. 4. Budgeting Bosses: Moms can stretch a budget like nobody's business. In product management, this translates to maximising resources and ROI, just like mom gets the most out of every grocery trip. 5. Intuition + Data = Mom Magic: Moms have this uncanny ability to 'just know' things. Combine mom-intuition with data analytics, and you've got a winning strategy for predicting market trends. 6. Unconditional Support and Tough Love: Moms support us unconditionally but also know when to dish out tough love. Similarly, great product managers support their teams but also push them to achieve their best. Conclusion: If our moms were product managers, our workspaces would be filled with warmth, efficiency, and maybe even freshly baked cookies during sprint meetings! While we can't have that, we sure can imbibe their qualities to make our products and teams better. So, next time you're in a fix at work, think, 'What would Mom do?' You might just find the solution with a smile. #MomAsAProductManager #ProductManagementLessons #WorkplaceWisdom #MomMagic #EmpathyInTech #TeamworkGoals #ProductDevelopment #product

A positive work culture is not: - Free fruit - Foosball table - Beer on Friday - Company-mandated values - A room with PS5 and/or X-Box - Illogical return to office policy ("To promote closer collaboration") - Calling employees a family (until some of them need to be laid off) A positive work culture is: - Keeping morale and motivation high - Being truthful and open in communication - Using plain words, not corporate sudo-talk. - Treating each other as adults and with respect - Having priorities straight (even if it's financial goals!) - Helping ones in crisis pick up and become strong again - Celebrating successes and preventing future issues together - Being empathic with your team, subordinates, and managers - Focusing on outcomes and reaching goals, not time dedicated. - Giving others the benefit of the doubt if something doesn't add up - Taking the time to give everyone the right context and point of view. Your company might not build a positive culture right, but as a Product Manager you can, no, you SHOULD lead by example. If nothing else, create a great culture around your team and peers and ignore any fake culture around you. This will help you, the Product Manager, create great products and have fun with your team when doing so. Trust me, I worked through different corporate BS and pitfalls and always made sure that at least my team was smiling and productive, regardless of the fake enthusiasm around my team. Lead by example. Be a Product and People manager. After all, you can't do it alone. You shouldn't even try. What is your take on this? Do you feel supported by your company's culture? Or maybe it's fake as shit and makes you feel bad every time management mentions it? Sound off in the comments! #productmanagement #productmanager #companyculture 📌 P.S. There is so much more to being a great manager than leading a positive micro-culture. To learn to be a Great Product Manager and leader, enroll in my courses at www.drbartpm .com!

The work we do in business consultancy almost always takes place behind the scenes. We help deliver growth and evolution for our clients' businesses, but exactly how we do it might not always be clear from the outside. We've just launched a linked slider to provide you with deeper insights into the product owner role I fulfill at one of our valued customers. 🚀 Let's dive into the dynamic world of product ownership together! Don't hesitate to drop your thoughts and questions in the comments below. 💬 PS: If you’re interested in joining me at Harmony and making your own impact, make sure you reach out to me or our HR partner Melanie G. and we’ll guide you through the steps to making your mark with us! #TeamUpForDigitalChange

My PM/HR Experiences. The world of Product management and Human Resources are different but they also have their similarities and for someone who features in both capacities, I will be sharing some tips and some of my experiences here. Let's go 🚀 🚀 📍 Sparking Creativity in Team Projects. 📍 As a product manager, I believe fostering creativity is key to unlocking innovation. Encourage diverse perspectives, provide autonomy, and set clear objectives to inspire your team's imagination. Remember, creativity thrives in an environment that celebrates risk-taking and embraces failure as a stepping stone to success. From the HR perspective, nurturing creativity involves recognizing individual strengths, promoting a culture of collaboration, and offering opportunities for continuous learning and development. Organize brainstorming sessions, team-building activities, and workshops to ignite creativity and build strong bonds among team members. Welcome to my world of PM & HR adventures. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. #productmanager #humanresources #productmanagement #interpersonalskills #creativity #teamwork

Ever heard of the MGI? Yesterday, we hosted an AMA session on stakeholder management at Product Academy with the one and only Stephanie Leue who I value for her candid opinions. I guess the whole conversation can be distilled into two themes: 1) Be aware of your sphere of influence and don't lose energy on things that are outside of your control (spoiler: we are not entitled to control or change other people's emotions or opinions. We are, however, in charge of our own emotions and reactions!). And to paraphrase Stephanie: most difficult situations are just a snapshot in your life - zoom out and see the bigger picture. 2) Approach conversations and people with curiosity. We've all been there: Sometimes you have to work with people whose opinions, actions or values don't make sense to us. Why does management force us to ship so many features? Why do the PMs not think more holistically? I see many teams playing the blame game top-down and bottom-up... My default mindset in difficult conversations was to convince the other party that I was right. There is a concept that has fundamentally changed how I approach these situations and it actually comes from my research on parenting. Have you ever heard of the MGI? MGI = Most Generous Interpretation This is a concept from the book "Good Inside" by Dr. Becky Kennedy which basically always points back to the core belief: People are good inside (yes, against common belief kids are little people, too). When they don't behave as we expect them to, they usually have a reason. By asking: "What is the most generous interpretation of the current situation if I am assuming this is a good person having a hard time?" you can start building your empathy muscle and uncover aspects of the other person's situation you have not been aware of. So the next time you get upset about someone's behavior remember we are often lacking a lot of context and try to look for the MGI :-) #product #productmanagement #stakeholders #productleader

A positive work culture is not: - Free fruit - Foosball table - Beer on Friday - Company-mandated values - A room with PS5 and/or X-Box - Illogical return to office policy ("To promote closer collaboration") - Calling employees a family (until some of them need to be laid off) A positive work culture is: - Keeping morale and motivation high - Being truthful and open in communication - Using plain words, not corporate sudo-talk. - Treating each other as adults and with respect - Having priorities straight (even if it's financial goals!) - Helping ones in crisis pick up and become strong again - Celebrating successes and preventing future issues together - Being empathic with your team, subordinates, and managers - Focusing on outcomes and reaching goals, not time dedicated. - Giving others the benefit of the doubt if something doesn't add up - Taking the time to give everyone the right context and point of view. Your company might not build a positive culture right, but as a Product Manager you can, no, you SHOULD lead by example. If nothing else, create a great culture around your team and peers and ignore any fake culture around you. This will help you, the Product Manager, create great products and have fun with your team when doing so. Trust me, I worked through different corporate BS and pitfalls and always made sure that at least my team was smiling and productive, regardless of the fake enthusiasm around my team. Lead by example. Be a Product and People manager. After all, you can't do it alone. You shouldn't even try. What is your take on this? Do you feel supported by your company's culture? Or maybe it's fake as shit and makes you feel bad every time management mentions it? Sound off in the comments! #productmanagement #productmanager #companyculture 📌 P.S. There is so much more to being a great manager than leading a positive micro-culture. To learn to be a Great Product Manager and leader, enroll in my courses at www.drbartpm .com! Use the code “linkedinfollower” on checkout to receive a 30% discount on all of them :)