Product Powers - Human Skills for Product Thinkers to Thrive in the Age of AI

Future-proof your product career by mastering the human skills that AI can’t replicate easily—creativity, collaboration, and communication.
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Do you want to future-proof your product career in the age of AI? Join Paddy Dhanda, Director of Product Management and Agile Practices at the UK’s largest technology trainer, as he helps product people master the human skills AI can’t replicate easily. Each episode delivers research-backed insights and practical tools to boost your creativity, collaboration, and communication, the essential superpowers for today’s product thinkers! www.superpowers.school

  1. Dr Maya Ackerman on Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us

    OCT 7

    Dr Maya Ackerman on Creative Machines: AI, Art & Us

    Dr. Maya Ackerman is a generative AI pioneer, CEO of WaveAI, and author of Creative Machines: AI, Art, and Us. In this episode, we dive deep into what it means for machines to be creative, how to build AI that empowers humans, and why the real threat isn’t AI itself, but how we choose to use it. Takeaways 1. AI is Already Creative (Whether We Like It or Not) 2. “Humble Creative Machines” Should Be the Goal 3. ChatGPT Succeeded Because It Feels Like a Partner 4. The Real Bottleneck Isn’t Model Size, It’s Interaction 5. AI Music Creation Is Evolving Fast 6. We’re Underestimating Human Intelligence 7. Advice for Parents and Young Creatives 8. The Real Threat? Greed. Resources & Links * Maya’s book: Creative Machines: AI, Art, and Us * WaveAI – Tools for songwriters * LyricStudio 00:00 AI Art Shocks the World 01:38 Introducing Dr. Maya Ackerman 04:27 The Journey into Generative AI 08:49 The Rise of Creative Machines 24:00 Exploring AI in Music 26:53 AI and Music Diversity 28:41 AI's Commercial Focus vs. Creativity 29:58 The Future of AI and Human Roles 35:22 Advice for the Next Generation 40:37 The Importance of Adaptability 43:58 Challenges in AI Development 46:51 The Misuse of AI in Search Engines 50:17 Final Thoughts ⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI. Host: Paddy Dhanda Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI. Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school Subscribe to my newsletter: 👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe Get full access to Product Powers at www.superpowers.school/subscribe

    54 min
  2. Master Product Discovery with AI - John Gordon

    SEP 23

    Master Product Discovery with AI - John Gordon

    John Gordon shares his journey from the military to launching his startup, Acelo, focusing on AI-driven automation in sales and marketing. He demonstrates the practical applications of AI in building product requirement documents without any code, emphasising the importance of context engineering. Key takeaways for product people include: 1) The importance of context engineering in AI to avoid hallucination. 2) Utilising low-code tools like n8n and make.com for automation. 3) The significant shift from code writing to mastering requirements documentation. 4) Emphasising the reduction of manual tasks, allowing more time for strategic product thinking and client interactions. 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Meet John Gordon: From Military to AI Innovator 03:17 The Rise of AI in Product Development 07:38 Understanding AI Agents and Context Engineering 09:13 Live Demo: Building a Requirements Document with AI 19:17 Practical Applications and Workflow Automation 29:22 Getting Started with AI Tools and Automation 35:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Resources mentioned in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAIAutomators https://www.youtube.com/@nateherk https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGPope https://www.youtube.com/@ColeMedin Contact: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gordon-39135287/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-martin-3aa28490/ ⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI. Host: Paddy Dhanda Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI. Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school Subscribe to my newsletter: 👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe Get full access to Product Powers at www.superpowers.school/subscribe

    36 min
  3. The Question is the Answer and Why Great Leaders Don’t Give the Best Answers

    SEP 16

    The Question is the Answer and Why Great Leaders Don’t Give the Best Answers

    Laura Ashley-Timms, COO of Notion and co-author of 'The Answer is a Question,' discusses the revolutionary impact of operational coaching. Laura shares insights from a comprehensive study with the London School of Economics, revealing how operational coaching can significantly enhance productivity, collaboration, and job satisfaction. Practical scenarios, such as dealing with urgent problems and delivering bad news, are explored to illustrate the effectiveness of the STAR model. The episode also highlights the emotional and practical benefits of adopting this coaching style in personal and professional settings, emphasizing its universal applicability and potential to transform workplace cultures. 00:00 Introduction 03:06 Meet Laura Ashley-Timms: A Global Leader in Coaching 04:08 The Missing Superpower: Operational Coaching 13:15 The STAR Model: A Framework for Effective Management 18:41 Applying the STAR Model in Real Scenarios 23:04 Managing Overwhelm and Taking on Too Much 23:22 Delivering Bad News with Empathy 24:11 Preparing for Challenging Conversations 28:38 Surprising Research Findings on Coaching 33:27 Measuring the Impact of Coaching 36:34 AI's Role in Future Management 39:02 Applying Coaching Techniques in Personal Life 41:28 Abolishing the Line Manager Lottery 44:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI. Host: Paddy Dhanda Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI. Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school Subscribe to my newsletter: 👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe Guest: Laura Ashley-Timms Laura Ashley-Timms is recognised as one of the UK’s top Executive Coaches and is the co-creator of the STAR® model (2010) and the multi-award-winning STAR® Manager program (STARmanager.global). She is an expert and thought leader on how to leverage Operational Coaching™ behaviors across organizations to drive commercial results and improve productivity and engagement levels. As the co-founder and COO of Notion, a performance improvement consultancy established in 2000, Laura has led the team to win a string of awards for innovation, learning design and academic partnerships and for its work with FTSE and Fortune 500 clients, including Personnel Today magazine's prestigious Learning & Development Supplier of the Year award in 2021. The Answer is a Question LinkedIn Get full access to Product Powers at www.superpowers.school/subscribe

    45 min
  4. Rewiring Your Mind for AI with Dr David Wood

    SEP 9

    Rewiring Your Mind for AI with Dr David Wood

    This week on the podcast I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr David Wood, Glenn D. Ardis Professor of Accounting at Brigham Young University, prolific author of over 200 publications, and the mind behind the new book Rewiring Your Mind for AI. David is not only an academic voice in accounting, but a leading thinker on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we learn, work, and create. He discusses the concept of neuroplasticity, the growth of AI capabilities, and the importance of a transformational mindset in leveraging AI. The conversation highlights the rapid evolution of AI and its dual potential to enhance or disrupt various aspects of life and work. 00:00 Masako Wakamiya's Coding Journey 03:06 Meet Dr David Wood: Integrating AI in Education 04:26 The Role of AI in Modern Education 05:55 AI as a Superpower: Transforming Knowledge Access 07:48 Rewiring Your Mind for AI 14:04 The Future of Jobs in an AI-Driven World 18:25 Embracing AI: From Fear to Transformation 19:39 Mindset Shift: Embracing AI for Personal Growth 20:21 The Journey of Writing a Book with AI 23:31 AI's Rapid Advancement and Future Potential 26:53 Creative Uses of AI in Everyday Tasks 28:28 Feedback and Future Predictions for AI 34:13 Concluding Thoughts ⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI. Host: Paddy Dhanda Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI. Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school Subscribe to my newsletter: 👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe Guest: Dr. David A. Wood Dr. David A. Wood is passionate about understanding new technologies and implementing them into the curriculum of Brigham Young University, where he works as the Glenn D. Ardis professor of accounting. He has published over 200 articles in a combination of respected academic and practitioner journals, monographs, books, and cases, including a recently released book on AI titled, “Rewiring your Mind for AI: How to Think, Work, and Thrive in the Age of Intelligence”. He has been awarded more than 30 awards for teaching, research, and service contributions. He has helped companies and organizations around the world learn about and implement GenAI and other tech topics. In 2023, he was named by Accounting Today one of the 100 most influential people in accounting. He is a cocreator of a free generative AI governance framework (see here), and of two companies related to GenAI training and reviewing Excel workpapers (http://skillabyte.com/ and https://hiddenhawkai.com). Get full access to Product Powers at www.superpowers.school/subscribe

    37 min
  5. How to Build Communities of Practice That Actually Work (In a Virtual World, With Real Impact)

    JUL 23

    How to Build Communities of Practice That Actually Work (In a Virtual World, With Real Impact)

    Originally recorded for: Comparative Agility Podcast with Dee Rhoda In this episode, Dee Rhoda chats with Superpowers School host Paddy Dhanda (yes, that's me!) about how Communities of Practice (CoPs) can go from being side projects to powerful tools for collaboration, culture, and learning. Drawing from my experience of leading one of the UK's most vibrant visual thinking communities, and creating a new Communities of Practice Health Check with Comparative Agility, I share practical insights on what actually keeps communities alive, what causes them to fizzle out, and how community leaders can stop chasing vanity metrics and start focusing on real impact. 00:00 Introduction 00:20 Deep Dive into Communities of Practice 01:03 Comparative Agility and the Health Check Survey 05:43 Challenges and Solutions in Community Engagement 18:45 The 90-9-1 Rule of Participation 23:12 Virtual Communities and Visual Thinking 30:05 The Role of AI in Communities of Practice 34:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Try the Communities of Practice Health Check from Comparative Agility: Click Here This episode was first recorded for the Comparative Agility Podcast, hosted by the brilliant Dee Rhoda. Get full access to Product Powers at www.superpowers.school/subscribe

    37 min
  6. The Value-Driven Business Analyst with Laura Brandenburg

    JUL 15

    The Value-Driven Business Analyst with Laura Brandenburg

    Laura Brandenburg, an internationally recognised leader in business analysis, shares insights from her new book, 'Value-Driven Business Analyst,' She discusses the importance of aligning business analysis with organisational outcomes. We delve into her eight-step business analysis process, the significance of being value-driven, and how to leverage AI in the field. Laura also talks about her journey into business analysis, her motivations for writing the book, and addresses how business analysts can future-proof their careers in an AI-driven world. 00:00 Introduction 01:35 The Role and Impact of Business Analysts 03:15 Laura's Journey and Insights into Business Analysis 05:36 The Value-Driven Business Analyst 23:11 The Eight-Step Business Analysis Process 26:01 Future-Proofing with AI in Business Analysis 31:13 Sustainability and Business Value 33:57 Conclusion and Farewell ⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI. Host: Paddy Dhanda Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI. Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school Subscribe to my newsletter: 👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe Guest: Laura Brandenburg Laura Brandenburg, CBAP, is an internationally-recognized leader who helps mid-career professionals start and thrive in business analysis careers. She is the founder of Bridging the Gap, author of The Value-Driven Business Analyst and How to Start a Business Analyst Career, and creator of The Business Analyst Blueprint® training program. With over 20 years of experience, Laura is passionate about building the profession one business analyst at a time and empowering others to achieve confidence and success. Book: https://www.bridging-the-gap.com/value/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BridgingtheGapBA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabrandenburg/ Get full access to Product Powers at www.superpowers.school/subscribe

    35 min
  7. 6 Skills You Need for the Future of Work: Rethinking Work - Rishad Tobaccowala

    JUL 1

    6 Skills You Need for the Future of Work: Rethinking Work - Rishad Tobaccowala

    Rishad Tobaccowala, a renowned author and futurist, shares insights from his latest book 'Rethinking Work' and provides actionable advice on how individuals can future-proof their careers. The episode also delves into the significance of creativity, continuous learning, and leveraging technology to enhance one's professional journey. 00:00 Introduction 03:08 The Importance of Physical Books 06:43 Rishad's Two Careers: Job vs. Work 14:42 The Future of Work: Key Changes and Predictions 17:40 The Role of AI and the Changing Ecosystem 21:13 Rethinking Office Culture and Collaboration 29:40 Future-Proofing Your Career: The Six Cs 30:39 Introduction to Creativity and AI 32:11 The Importance of Storytelling 32:48 Future-Proofing Skills 33:39 The Role of Writing and Speaking 34:31 The Book Writing Process 37:22 Investing in AI Tools 39:18 Taking Control of Your Career 41:12 The Connection Between Work and Well-being 42:38 Exploring the Future of Work 48:12 Advice for the Next Generation 55:20 Final Thoughts and Resources ⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI. Host: Paddy Dhanda Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI. Contact Paddy: paddy@superpowers.school Subscribe to my newsletter: 👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe Guest: Rishad Tobaccowala Author, futurist, and one of the most respected voices in business reinvention. With over 40 years of experience advising some of the world’s biggest brands, Rishad has been named by BusinessWeek as one of the top business leaders and by TIME magazine as a marketing innovator. He’s the author of the bestselling book Restoring the Soul of Business and his latest, Rethinking Work, challenges us to redesign work to be more human, more purposeful, and more future-ready. He also writes a brilliant weekly thought-letter, read by over 30,000 leaders worldwide, and hosts the podcast What Next? Website: https://rishadtobaccowala.com/ Get full access to Product Powers at www.superpowers.school/subscribe

    57 min
  8. How to Design Workshops for Neurodivergent Brains

    JUN 24

    How to Design Workshops for Neurodivergent Brains

    In this episode, agile coach and creative facilitator Laura Re Turner shares how her neurodivergent traits have shaped her facilitation style—and what every product person should do to make workshops more inclusive, energising, and effective. 00:00 Introduction 02:19 Exploring Neurodivergence 03:54 Facilitation and Coaching Insights 05:24 Writing 'Becoming Agile' During the Pandemic 13:00 Impact of Neurodivergence on Work 25:11 Facilitation Techniques and Neurodiversity 31:34 Understanding Zoom Fatigue 32:04 The Impact of Resting Face 33:10 The Joy of In-Person Workshops 34:06 Exploring Creativity Through Sketching 37:56 Rediscovering a Passion for Art 43:19 Advice for Tech Newcomers 45:48 Fun and Serious Superpower Wishes 49:30 Connecting and Upcoming Events Guest: Laura Re Turner Laura Re Turner is an experienced coach and facilitator who blends professional coaching, expert facilitation, and Lean-Agile principles to support organisational change. As the founder of Future Focus Coaching, she helps leaders and teams thrive in complex environments through one-to-one coaching and dynamic group facilitation. Known for creating psychological safety and fostering deep collaboration, Laura draws on a wide range of approaches including systemic coaching, applied positive psychology, and Nancy Kline’s ‘Time to Think’. She is the author of Becoming Agile: Coaching Behavioural Change for Business Results and a regular speaker on the intersection of coaching and Agile. Website: https://futurefocuscoaching.org/ Book: https://futurefocuscoaching.org/about-us/laura-re-turner/becoming-agile/ ISC25 Event: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/visualjam/1480999 Get full access to Product Powers at www.superpowers.school/subscribe

    52 min
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5
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12 Ratings

About

Do you want to future-proof your product career in the age of AI? Join Paddy Dhanda, Director of Product Management and Agile Practices at the UK’s largest technology trainer, as he helps product people master the human skills AI can’t replicate easily. Each episode delivers research-backed insights and practical tools to boost your creativity, collaboration, and communication, the essential superpowers for today’s product thinkers! www.superpowers.school

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