Entries from February 2009 ↓

The process of becoming a successful product manager shares many elements of learning a craft. In this episode, Michael talks with Bob Corrigan about topics somewhat off the traditional “beaten path” to product management. Bob shares how he came to product management through the sales/SE ranks, and how product managers can work better with sales. They discuss the ‘craft’ aspect of product management. Until recently no universities had programs focused on product management. As a result, most PMs are there because they learned the skills from a mentor or someone else who helped them learn the craft. Perceptive product managers look for opportunities to train and develop newcomers in the trade.

Bob and Michael discuss how three jewels of Taoism apply to product management:

• Compassion
• Moderation
• Humility

They also discuss how product managers can and should lead their companies to success.

You can read Bob’s musings on his excellent blog ack/nak.
Also check out Bob’s new podcast, The Bob Swami Show (guaranteed to make you laugh).

 

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The role of product management is central to value creation. In this episode of the Product Management Pulse podcast Michael talks with Art Petty about his experience as a product manager. Art discusses his experience of more than two decades and “a million mistakes” in product management and leadership. This experience has helped Art develop people from individual contributors to strategic contributors to executives.

Michael and Art discuss four key areas to help product managers realize their potential:

• Strategic thinking skills
• Core leadership skills
• Development of executive presence
• Process optimization across the organization.

They also discuss what Art looks for when hiring product managers, books that product managers should be reading and the importance of building leadership credibility.

To learn more about Art and his programs visit his Management Excellence blog at artpetty.com.

 

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Product managers work closely with people in many different groups. The exposure to diverse functions within a company draws individuals in to product management. According to Greg Strouse, product managers make the best C-level executives because of the wide-ranging experience to which they are exposed.

In this episode of the Product Management Pulse podcast Michael talks with Greg Strouse, the XOD (’Executive on Demand’) about his experience working in product management and how it helped him to become the XOD. Greg has done some great things in his career and gives sage advice to aspiring product managers. He and Michael discuss important topics including education, the importance of conversation and the relevance of product management. He also answers the question: “If you could go back and change anything in your career, what would it be?” You will love his answer.

You can read Greg’s musings on his excellent blog Tales from an XOD.

 

 Standard Podcast [30:36m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download