The Product Opscast

Product Opscast Episode 21: The Research Engine

In this episode, Graham Reed [https://substack.com/profile/59063873-graham-reed] and Antonia Landi [https://substack.com/profile/25613780-antonia-landi] chat with Julian Della Mattia [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdelmat]; user insights manager at DuckDuckGo and author of Building the Research Engine, sharing insights on establishing effective research operations in organisations. The discussion covers how to start research practices from scratch, building a research engine, and integrating AI responsibly into research workflows. Good research takes time, but quality matters Highlights * The Importance of Building Research Practices * Navigating Research Challenges in Organisations * The Role of AI in Research * Research as a Validation Tool * The Dynamics of Research and Decision Making * Navigating Research Challenges in Product Management * Building Effective Research Practices * Creating a Research Flywheel * Maximising Research Outputs * Cultural Shifts in Research Practices Check out more of what Julian does, and get his book now: Competition Time!For the chance to win a copy Julian’s book, Building the Research Engine, complete our Product Ops Confidential Subscriber Survey, which includes telling us your biggest takeaway from this episode! Complete this survey by Friday 12th June (12:00 UK time). Even if you don’t want to enter the draw, please complete the survey and help us improve both the podcast and newsletter! Watch here on Substack, or listen on your favourite platform. We’re on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts What should the team discuss next? Share your thoughts about a future topic you love them to dive into… maybe you are even that guest to talk to. Get full access to Product Ops Confidential at www.productopsconfidential.com/subscribe [https://www.productopsconfidential.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Product Opscast Episode 20: Human in an AI World

In this episode, Graham Reed [https://substack.com/profile/59063873-graham-reed] and Antonia Landi [https://substack.com/profile/25613780-antonia-landi] chat with Caroline Clark [https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-clark-psychologist/]; Product coach, mentor and space enthusiast (very much close to Graham’s heart!). She shares her journey and discusses the impact of AI on careers and organisations. They discuss strategies to build confidence and foster community in the era of rapid technological change. There is a lot of heart in this episode! Highlights * AI disruption and organisational impact * Building confidence through practice and community * The role of product ops in transformation * Reframing identity and roles in the age of AI * Strategies for learning and experimentation with AI Check out more of what Caroline does via her website [https://carolineclark.space/] and published some great content on her substack [https://liftoff.carolineclark.space/] Watch here on Substack, or listen on your favourite platform. We’re on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts What should the team discuss next? Share your thoughts about a future topic you love them to dive into… maybe you are even that guest to talk to. Get full access to Product Ops Confidential at www.productopsconfidential.com/subscribe [https://www.productopsconfidential.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Product Opscast Episode 19: The Decision Stack

In this episode, Graham Reed [https://substack.com/profile/59063873-graham-reed] and Antonia Landi [https://substack.com/profile/25613780-antonia-landi] welcome Martin Eriksson; well-loved product expert, co-founder of Mind the Product & Product Tank, and serial author, to discuss his latest book, The Decision Stack - a mental model for aligning organisational strategy, decision-making, and communication. He shares the journey that led him to writing the book, the importance of clarity, principles, and continuous alignment in product and company strategy. “Connect strategy to daily decisions” Highlights: * The five questions of the Decision Stack * The role of principles in decision-making * Communication and alignment in organizations * Empowering teams through clarity * The importance of continuous strategy review Read Graham’s review of The Decision Stack too: Watch here on Substack, or listen on your favourite platform. We’re on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts What should the team discuss next? Share your thoughts about a future topic you love them to dive into… maybe you are even that guest to talk to. Get full access to Product Ops Confidential at www.productopsconfidential.com/subscribe [https://www.productopsconfidential.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Product Opscast Episode 18: First Principles Product Ops

In this episode, Graham Reed [https://substack.com/profile/59063873-graham-reed] and Antonia Landi [https://substack.com/profile/25613780-antonia-landi] welcome long-time peer & well-loved Product Ops pioneer, Hugo Froes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugofroes/] - formerly at Farfetch, Olx and now into the consulting world - to chat about First Principles Product Ops. Hugo shares insights on first principles thinking, the importance of small incremental changes, breaking down organisational silos, and aligning product strategies with business goals. Overall, the importance for both product and product ops professionals to carve out that time to pause, step back, breathe and really consider the value in what is being discussed, planned and worked on. Ask why you're doing this, at every step. Highlights: * First principles thinking as a foundational approach * The importance of small, incremental changes over large overhauls * Breaking organisational silos for better collaboration * Aligning product work with business objectives and metrics * The role of leadership and incentives in fostering innovation Watch here on Substack, or listen on your favourite platform. We’re on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts What should the team discuss next? Share your thoughts about a future topic you love them to dive into… maybe you are even that guest to talk to. Get full access to Product Ops Confidential at www.productopsconfidential.com/subscribe [https://www.productopsconfidential.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Product Opscast Episode 17: Product Leadership Operating System

In this episode, Graham Reed [https://substack.com/profile/59063873-graham-reed] and Antonia Landi [https://substack.com/profile/25613780-antonia-landi] chat with Stephanie Leue [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-leue/], a seasoned, well-respected product expert, formerly at PayPal, Contentful, Doodle and now at Ringier, to explore the complexities of product leadership. They discuss the competing forces that product leaders face, the importance of self-confidence, and the critical role of product operations. They delve into the challenges posed by AI, the need for collaboration over education, and the evolving expectations of product leaders in a rapidly changing landscape. “Product leaders are herding cats on steroids!” Highlights: * Product leadership is influenced by multiple competing forces. * Self-confidence is essential for effective leadership. * Frictions exist at all levels of leadership, not just CPOs. * Product Ops plays a crucial role in bridging gaps between teams. * AI introduces new challenges and opportunities for product leaders. * Collaboration is more effective than trying to educate stakeholders. * Product leaders must adapt to reactive and chaotic environments. * Establishing strong relationships is key to successful product leadership. * The mindset of product leaders must shift from being a bottleneck to enabling teams. * Understanding the unique dynamics of each organisation is vital for success. PS: Graham had a couple of technical difficulties during this episode (he blames the inter-web!), which resulted in a couple of jumps in editing. Our apologies… You would never believe we worked in technology! Watch here on Substack, or listen on your favourite platform. We’re on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts What should the team discuss next? Share your thoughts about a future topic you love them to dive into… maybe you are even that guest to talk to. Get full access to Product Ops Confidential at www.productopsconfidential.com/subscribe [https://www.productopsconfidential.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]