S2, Ep7: Product Management and Structured Creativity with Chris Paterson

In this episode of Venturis Stories, Gaurav and Arjun chat with Chris Paterson, an Innovation Champion and a seasoned Product Leader, who shares our passion for demystifying Product Management. Chris focuses on helping organizations develop a corporate/product strategy and executive Coaching Services. Chris is a believer in Structured Creativity (sounds like an oxymoron? Well, it is the critical product management skill -learn more about it in the episode). This is conversation between 3 Product Nerds. We loved it. Take a listen. Besides the usual Q&A, there is a section where all 3 of us share our views on why Product Management is one of the most misunderstood disciplines in the corporate world today and what it takes to be a great product manager. Chris can be found at: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispaterson7777/ • YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdM6dXJ0siEX1bLfo48mQyw @chrispaterson_Product • Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chrispaterson_product?igsh=NGliZXl5OXZ6amJu&utm_source=qr • TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@chrispaterson_product?_t=8lds1KGbNoU&_r=1

Timestamps:

**Introduction to Product Management (00:00:05)**

Discussion on the combination of product thinking and mindset in product management.

**Chris Paterson's Career Journey (00:01:33)**

Chris Paterson's career progression and experiences in product management and strategy.

**Design Thinking and Product Roadmaps (00:06:58)**

Discussion on the importance of design thinking and its integration into product roadmaps.

**Mentorship and Career Influence (00:14:33)**

The impact of mentors on career development and the role of mentorship in giving back.

**Private Equity and Innovation (00:18:22)**

Exploring the role of private equity in driving innovation and its impact on companies.

**Strategy and Execution in Product Management (00:22:44)**

The importance of aligning strategy with execution and its impact on successful product management.

**Strategy and Execution (00:23:39)**

Discussion about the book "Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done" and its importance in aligning strategy and execution.

**Iterative Strategy Planning (00:25:32)**

Importance of iterative long-range strategy planning exercises and being ready for events and pivoting as needed.

**Misunderstood Discipline (00:26:48)**

Discussion on the blog "Zen and the Art of Product Management," highlighting the challenges and evolving nature of the product management role.

**Evolution of Product Management (00:28:40)**

Comparison of the evolution of product management to the evolution of industrial design, emphasizing the role's consumer focus and leadership requirements.

**Product Manager's Role (00:30:41)**

Explanation of the product manager's role, focusing on understanding market variables, distilling insights into a roadmap, and leading collaboratively.

**Yin and Yang of Product Management (00:34:52)**

Emphasizing the importance of marrying analytics with narratives and the need for a venturis mindset in product management.