Product Academy Tough Stuff

Product Academy
  • 0.0 (0)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED DAILY
Product Academy Tough Stuff

Product Academy Tough Stuff is tackling the toughest challenges in product management. Each episode features experienced product leaders who address one tough question with actionable insights—no fluff, no filler. Condensed for your busy schedule. Join your hosts, Tanja Lau and Francesca Cortesi, as they engage in honest, no-nonsense conversations with inspiring guests. In less than 30 minutes they share practical, proven advice and provide you with a fresh angle on one specific topic. Let's dive in!

Episodes

  1. #10 Main Take-Aways of Season 1 - with Francesca Cortesi and Tanja Lau

    12/27/2024

    #10 Main Take-Aways of Season 1 - with Francesca Cortesi and Tanja Lau

    SUMMARY In this special episode, Francesca Cortesi and Tanja Lau share their main takeaways from season 1 of Tough Stuff. CHAPTERS 00:50 Francesca’s Takeaways 04:10 Tanja’s takeaways QUOTED EPISODES Episode #3 How do you recover when your product fails? - Pippa Topp (Coach & Consultant at EQ Product Group) Episode#7 How do I align my product strategy? - Erik Almenberg (CPO Kognity) Episode #9 How do I regain product-market fit? - Nina Schneider (CPO Sherpany) Episode #2 Does talking about burnout harm my career? - Dominique Jost (Head of Product atDoist) Episode #4 How do I avoid over-customizing my B2B product? With Julia Bastian (Product lead at Alasco) Episode #6 How do I get better at managing up? With Petra Wille (Product Leadership coach)

    7 min
  2. #9 How do I regain product-market fit? - Nina Schneider (CPO Sherpany)

    12/18/2024

    #9 How do I regain product-market fit? - Nina Schneider (CPO Sherpany)

    In this conversation, Francesca Cortesi and Nina Schneider talk about market fit, exploring its definition, the challenges of maintaining it, and strategies for regaining it when lost. Nina shares her experiences from two companies, emphasizing the importance of a clear value proposition, customer satisfaction, and the dangers of premature diversification. They discuss the impact of market changes, including technological advancements like AI, and the necessity of continuous evaluation and alignment among teams to ensure sustained market fit. **CHAPTERS** (timing starts after intro video) **00:00**Understanding Market Fit **06:58**The Pitfalls of Diversification **12:55**Regaining Market Fit in Changing Times **18:43**Aligning Teams for Success **24:55**Final Thoughts on Market Fit **ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON MARKET-FIT** A citation going back to the early days: [The Only Thing That Matters](https://pmarchive.com/guide_to_startups_part4.html) by Marc Andreesen Lenny’s Newsletter: [How to know if you’ve got Product-Market-Fit](https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-to-know-if-youve-got-productmarket) **OUR GUEST** Nina Schneider, CPO Sherpany A product management leader with a background in business strategy and international relations, Nina is currently working as CPO at Sherpany, a global software company helping enterprises solve the meeting madness. In her previous roles at Appway she was in charge of go-to-market and before that built and institutionalized product management during the company’s growth from 30 to 200 employees. She holds a degree in Strategy and International Management from the University of St. Gallen. When she is not doing gymnastics, Nina spends her spare time recharging on sunlight in Ticino, following world politics and trying to find her voice as a passionate supporter of women in leadership. You can follow Nina on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninaschneider/ **COOK WHILE LISTENING** In this week’s episode we have a special recipe, the one for the perfect meeting. Ingredients: - juicy purpose - a clear plan - the right people - the right information - the ideal venue - clear minutes Instructions 1. start with the why 2. formulate your agenda as questions 3. invite and accept with intention 4. clarify what people need to know to be successful 5. visualize the flow to conduct the meeting 6. open making the purpose explicit 7. request including, critical, and unique ideas from all 8. close summarizing the meeting Emerge engaged and committed, more resilient, and adaptive.

    28 min
  3. #8 How do I acquire an entrepreneurial mindset? - with Sebastian Schuon (Co-Founder of Alasco & Schub)

    12/11/2024

    #8 How do I acquire an entrepreneurial mindset? - with Sebastian Schuon (Co-Founder of Alasco & Schub)

    In this conversation, Tanja Lau and Sebastian explore the concept of an entrepreneurial mindset, discussing its definition, key traits, and how it can be cultivated in individuals and organizations. They delve into the importance of accountability, risk management, and decision-making processes, emphasizing the role of leadership in fostering an entrepreneurial environment. The discussion also touches on the challenges of teaching this mindset, the significance of resilience, and practical strategies for identifying entrepreneurial traits during hiring processes. OUR GUEST Sebastian Schuon is a German entrepreneur and technologist known for co-founding several successful companies. He earned a Master of Science in Computer Science from Stanford University and a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich where he was part of the CDTM. In 2008, Schuon co-founded Stylight, a fashion platform, where he served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) until 2016.  After Stylight was acquired by ProSiebenSat.1 in 2016, he took a brief hiatus before launching Alasco in 2018 as co-founder and CEO. Alasco is a software company that digitizes financial management for construction projects, aiming to streamline processes in the real estate and construction industries. Sebastian also serves as Chairman at Luminovo, a company specializing in artificial intelligence solutions and is Business Angel for several companies.  He recently co-founded Schub with Space & Labs, an incubator in Munich.  CHAPTERS  (timing refers to episode after introduction jingle) 00:00 Defining the Entrepreneurial Mindset 06:54 Creating an Entrepreneurial Environment 15:59 Teaching the Entrepreneurial Mindset 23:55 The Role of Resilience in Entrepreneurship SHOWNOTES Sebastian on Linkedin Schub (Basti's new accelerator in Munich) RECIPE We serve every episode with a recipe you can prepare while listening to the conversation. This time you get to try one of Basti’s favorite dishes: Kaiserschmarrn.  https://swissfamilyfun.com/kaiserschmarrn/ Enjoy!

    27 min
  4. #7 How do I align my product strategy? - Erik Almenberg (CPO Kognity)

    12/04/2024

    #7 How do I align my product strategy? - Erik Almenberg (CPO Kognity)

    In this conversation, Francesca Cortesi and Erik Almenberg discuss how to align a product strategy, emphasizing the importance of shared insights and alignment across teams. They discuss the economic drivers of product strategy, the significance of collaborative opportunity solution trees, and the value of engaging with customers to gain insights. The conversation also touches on overcoming internal pushback and the frameworks for investing in product strategy, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that considers reach, retention, and pace over time. **OUR GUEST** Erik Almenberg, CPO Kognity Erik Almenberg is a seasoned product leader with over 20 years of expertise, including pivotal roles at Yahoo and Motorola during the transformative smartphone revolution. He currently serves as the Chief Product Officer at Kognity, a fast-growing ed-tech company. Erik is a champion for connecting business and product strategy and a role model for creating autonomous, aligned, and accountable teams. You can follow Erik on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikalmenberg/ **CHAPTERS** (starting after the intro jingle) **00:00** Introduction to Product Strategy **06:59** The Importance of Economic Drivers **12:52** Collaborative Customer Insights **18:47** Aligning on Profitability and Growth **24:41** Final Thoughts on Relationships and Trust **COOK WHILE LISTENING** Char with tarragon and roast vegetables Ingredients - 1 Arctic char ~750g gutted, rinsed, dried (can substitute for other fatty fish) - 1 small red onion, sliced - 1 some (dried) tarragon - Cut vegetables for roasting such as broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes Instructions - Heat oven to 200 - Take the fish and sprinkle the body cavity generously with tarragon, covering up to 50% on both sides - On one of the sides, cover the tarragon with a single layer of red onion slices - Place on an oiled baking sheet - Toss vegetables in oil, salt, pepper - Surround fish with the vegetables - Roast for 45 min

    29 min
  5. #6 How do I get better at managing up? - with Petra Wille (Product Leadership Coach)

    11/27/2024

    #6 How do I get better at managing up? - with Petra Wille (Product Leadership Coach)

    Is your boss a micro-manager? Or do you wish for more guidance and clarity about the product strategy? In this conversation, Tanja Lau and Petra Wille discuss the concept of 'managing up'—the practice of individual contributors actively shaping their relationships with their bosses to foster better communication and feedback. They explore the dynamics of feedback, the expectations employees can have from their leaders, and the importance of creating a safe environment for giving and receiving feedback. The discussion also delves into the challenges of micromanagement, the art of delivering feedback effectively, and the need for leaders to establish clear principles for their teams. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the mutual benefits of open communication and feedback in the workplace. OUR GUEST Petra Wille is an independent product leadership coach and the author of STRONG Product People and the recently released STRONG Product Communities. She's been helping product teams boost their skill sets and product leaders develop their teams (and themselves) since 2013. Alongside her freelance work, Petra co-organizes Product at Heart in Hamburg, Germany. USEFUL RESOURCES Petra’s talk about Managing up: https://www.petra-wille.com/talk-managing-up 5 Boss Personas: https://www.petra-wille.com/blog/managing-up-part-5-your-cheat-sheet-and-guide-to-boss-personas  10 Responsibilities of a leader: https://www.petra-wille.com/blog/managing-up-part-1-understanding-what-you-can-expect-from-your-boss  For leaders: how to request feedback: https://www.petra-wille.com/blog/want-to-become-a-better-product-leader-simple-tips-for-requesting-feedback  RECIPE We serve each episode with a recipe you can prepare while listening to the conversation. This week on the menu:  Vegetarian Quesadilla https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/quesadilla_84511 Enjoy!

    29 min
  6. #5 How can I use AI effectively? - with Stephanie Leue (Group PM at Ringier)

    11/20/2024

    #5 How can I use AI effectively? - with Stephanie Leue (Group PM at Ringier)

    In this conversation, Francesca Cortesi and Stephanie Leue explore the implications of AI in product management, discussing how AI can enhance efficiency, the importance of strategic thinking, and the need for PMs to adapt to new tools and methodologies. They emphasize the balance between leveraging AI for repetitive tasks while maintaining the human element in product management, ultimately advocating for a mindset that treats AI as a supportive coach rather than a replacement. CHAPTERS 0:00 Navigating the AI Landscape as a PM 05:32 The Role of AI in Product Management 10:25 Strategic Thinking in the Age of AI 11:37 Tools and Best Practices for AI Utilization 16:35 Final Thoughts on AI as a PM (time stamps starting after the introduction jingle) OUR GUEST Stephanie Leue has over 15 years of product management experience at companies such as PayPal, Doodle, and Contentful. Currently, she leads AI and innovation initiatives at Ringier, focusing on leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive product growth. Known for her candid and thoughtful posts on LinkedIn, she offers a perfect blend of strategic insight and empathy, making her a must-follow for anyone interested in product leadership and innovation. Follow Stephanie on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-leue/ Follow Francesca on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-cortesi/ COOK WHILE LISTENING Stephanie's favorite Dan dan Noodles ⁠https://www.recipetineats.com/dan-dan-noodles-spicy-sichuan-noodles/⁠

    18 min
  7. #4 How do I avoid over-customizing my B2B product? - with Julia Bastian (Product Lead at Alasco)

    11/13/2024

    #4 How do I avoid over-customizing my B2B product? - with Julia Bastian (Product Lead at Alasco)

    In this conversation, Julia & Tanja discuss the challenges of over-customization in B2B, particularly in the SaaS industry. How do you find a good trade-off between short- and long-term strategy? What does cash flow have to do with customization? And how do you co-create instead of customize? Julia explains why there is no such thing as a small customization request and which strategies she developed at Alasco to not fall into the over-customization trap. OUR GUEST Julia has been the VP of Product at Alasco, a fast-scaling prop tech startup in Munich. She has built up the product & engineering department from 10 to 60 people over five years. Throughout this time she has experienced how to make a product market fit for two different products, drive financing rounds from the product side and build up a product organisation throughout the different phases of a startup. Now she is leading research and innovation projects at Alasco with a focus on Generative AI to discover future opportunities for the company but also to enable the product and engineering team to apply new technologies. USEFUL LINKS Ask me anything about "Unlocking B2B Product Discovery" with Julia Bastian  Avoiding over-customization The Cost Of A Feature by John Cutler Online B2B Group Coaching with Julia HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH JULIA www.linkedin.com/in/julia-bastian  https://juliabastian.medium.com/ RECIPE We serve every episode with a dish you can prepare while listening to this conversation. On the menu today:  Spinach Ricotta Cannelloni: https://www.recipetineats.com/spinach-ricotta-cannelloni/ Enjoy - and don’t forget to rate and review the podcast!

    23 min
  8. #3 How do you recover when your product fails? - with Pippa Topp (Coach & Consultant at EQ Product Group)

    11/06/2024

    #3 How do you recover when your product fails? - with Pippa Topp (Coach & Consultant at EQ Product Group)

    In this conversation, Francesca Cortesi and Pippa Topp discuss the challenges faced by product leaders when crises arise, particularly focusing on the emotional and practical aspects of navigating failure. Pippa shares her personal experiences of redundancy and the importance of self-reflection, understanding control versus influence, and the need to decouple self-worth from professional success. The discussion emphasizes the significance of humility, compassion, and learning from experiences to foster resilience in product management. CHAPTERS 00:00-Introduction to Resilience in Product Management 01:55- Navigating Redundancy and Market Crashes 08:07-Personal Accountability and Learning from Failure 14:08- Ego, Influence, and Control in Product Management 19:54- Beliefs, Self-Worth, and Moving Forward OUR GUEST Pippa Topp, Coach & Consultant at EQ Product Group Pippa Topp has worked in Product & Tech for over 15 years, taking on various roles across different industries. She discovered her passion for bringing products to life by combining excellent product practices with emotionally intelligent leadership. Her experience spans a range of companies, including eBay Classifieds, British Gas, TES, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, and giffgaff. Three years ago, Pippa founded the EQ Product Group. This optimistic venture aims to help individuals, teams, and businesses thrive using an approach she calls "Pockets of Brilliance." This method blends tapping into core values, strengthening product capabilities, and building strong relationships with others. SHOW NOTES Follow Pippa on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pippa-topp/ Read more of Francesca's content at https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-cortesi/ COOK WHILE LISTENING Pippa's favorite miso salmon from Gordon Ramsey https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=hhkTHfsl_iM

    25 min
  9. #2 Does talking about burnout harm my career? - with Dominique Jost (Head of Product at Doist)

    10/31/2024

    #2 Does talking about burnout harm my career? - with Dominique Jost (Head of Product at Doist)

    In this conversation, Tanja Lau and Dominique Jost discuss the topic of burnout and its impact on careers. They explore the importance of owning one's narrative and turning a negative experience into a positive one. You'll learn more about Dominique's view on how to seek help and the potential career implications of talking about burnout openly. If you detect signs of burnout in yourself, please seek professional assistance and take good care of yourself! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Burnout 03:00 Factors to Consider When Speaking Up About Burnout 07:15 Preparing for a Conversation About Burnout 10:21 The Career Implications of Talking About Burnout 13:54 Leaving a Toxic Environment 21:08 Reflections on Burnout and Prioritizing Health OUR GUEST Dominique is the Head of Product at Doist, the makers of Todoist and Twist, where he is building a world-class, remote, and async-first product organization. Prior to that, he was the CPO at Scout24 (now Swiss Marketplace Group), Switzerland's largest network of classifieds. He started his career writing code for web applications but quickly gravitated toward the art and science of shaping and shipping great products. This interest in all things product, and his appetite for sharing and learning new ways of working, inspired him to take on various leadership roles throughout his 20-year career in engineering and product. His ultimate goal is to create empowering environments where teams can create value for customers and the business — all while having fun and staying sane. SHOWNOTES Stress & Burnout Difference between stress & burnout Calm and Confident under stress (English, German) Methods for Stress Management How to know when to stop https://www.calmr.works/bulletproof-soul  Therapy How to Be Your Own Therapist: Boost your mood and reduce your anxiety in 10 minutes a day Fear Less: How to Win at Life Without Losing Yourself Leadership The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership: A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success Mastering Leadership: An Integrated Framework for Breakthrough Performance and Extraordinary Business Results Enjoy and see you next week!

    25 min
  10. #1 What makes a Senior PM senior? - with Chiedza Muguti

    10/24/2024

    #1 What makes a Senior PM senior? - with Chiedza Muguti

    OUR GUEST Chiedza Muguti, Consultant Business Analyst at World Health Organisation (WHO) Chiedza is an experienced product strategist with a customer-centric approach and a proven track record in driving growth across diverse organisational landscapes, from startups to established corporates. Skilled communicator adept at fostering collaboration and effectively scaling teams through strategic recruitment and tailored training programmes. Recognised for keen problem-solving abilities, consistently identifying and addressing customer pain points to deliver value-driven solutions. Proficient in leveraging data-informed insights to inform product decisions and measure performance, driving continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.   SUMMARY In this conversation, Tanja Lau and Chiedza Muguti discuss what makes a senior product manager (PM) senior. They explore the challenges of assessing one's own seniority and identify cautionary signs that someone is not yet senior. They also discuss the key areas to assess seniority, including communication, conflict resolution, collaboration, and holistic thinking. You’ll also learn whether Chiedza and Tanja believe that the number of years in a position actually contribute to a PM’s seniority.   CHAPTERS 00:00  Introduction and Overview 00:56   Cautionary Signs of Lack of Seniority 03:16    Self-Awareness and Impact on Others 07:25 Communication and Listening Skills 08:19 Being Easy to Give Feedback to and Open to Learning 15:26 Seniority Beyond Years: Repetitions and Experience 19:02 Contextual and Nuanced Criteria for Assessing Seniority 21:59    Conclusion and Next Steps   USEFUL RESOURCES https://www.petra-wille.com/blog/my-highly-opinionated-guide-to-product-maturity-assessment https://www.mindtheproduct.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Mind-the-Product-Skills-Assessment-PDF.pdf

    24 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Product Academy Tough Stuff is tackling the toughest challenges in product management. Each episode features experienced product leaders who address one tough question with actionable insights—no fluff, no filler. Condensed for your busy schedule. Join your hosts, Tanja Lau and Francesca Cortesi, as they engage in honest, no-nonsense conversations with inspiring guests. In less than 30 minutes they share practical, proven advice and provide you with a fresh angle on one specific topic. Let's dive in!

Information

You Might Also Like

  • Filip & Fredrik podcast
    Comedy
    Comedy

    Updated Weekly

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada