ENLIVEN, with Andrew Skotzko

Itamar Gilad is the author of Evidence Guided, which is my favorite book out there on how to practically DO product discovery. Prior to becoming a product consultant and trainer, he had a long product career at Google where he led the creation and launch of products that are now used by over a billion people.In this conversation we explore the GIST approach to product discovery through the origin story of Gmail's tabbed inbox, to help you see what great product discovery looks like in practice.—Topics discussed(01:33) Creating frameworks and coming up with catchy models(10:02) GIST: the meta framework organizing model concept.(15:02) Illustrating GIST through the story of Gmail tabbed inbox(21:06) Refocusing goals led to stronger, simpler idea.(25:08) Prioritize, filter, and reevaluate for effective ideas.(29:02) Usability and value risks, low confidence, evolution.(35:43) Key results drive achieving goals, engaging company.(40:07) Inquiring about applying startup approach to enterprises.(45:32) Navigating uncertainty in strategy with evidence and discovery.(50:44) Emphasizing iterative nature of product discovery process.(59:10) Encouraging analysis for companies hesitant about changes.(01:01:18) Evaluate, test, experiment, launch, measure, impact, outcomes—Links & resources mentioned• Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email• Itamar Gilad : website, LinkedIn• Evidence Guided (book) - website, Amazon—Related episodes:• #55: How does continuous discovery come together for a new product?• #44 Teresa Torres: Habits for clear thinking and better product bets—Books:• Evidence Guided: website, Amazon—Other resources:• Itamar's downloadable frameworks & resources• The GIST framework• Confidence meter for ICE scoring• Creating Product Strategy with Multiple Strategic Tracks (MuST)• Marty Cagan: The four big risks• Gibson Biddle: proxy metrics (within product strategy) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Steve Portigal is a veteran user research leader and consultant who helps companies mature their research practices. He's the author of Interviewing Users, a classic in the field, and the host of the design leadership podcast Dollars to Donuts. In this conversation, we explore:• how to use creative practices to develop your voice as a leader and storyteller• how to be a smart consumer of research findings when you aren't an expert in the craft of research• one simple question leaders can ask to set their organizations to make the most of research• and how to create the conditions for high-impact, effective creative work in your team—Topics discussed(10:21) Experimenting with writing and finding one's voice(15:47) Feedback model: GASP - goals, attempts, successes, possibilities(19:53) Workshops, creativity, and self-doubt(27:06) Embrace authenticity, find your unique facilitation style(28:10) Appreciating different approaches, understanding executives' skepticism(34:37) Engage with compassion(39:29) Research is essential for informed decision-making(49:01) Compassion and reflection are crucial for leaders(50:48) Create a safe learning space for engagement(56:03) Assessing code quality and marketing effectiveness(01:00:39) Research raises questions, timing and deployment important(01:10:31) Stay fascinated with the world around you—Links & resources mentioned• Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email• Steve Portigal: website, LinkedIn• Book: Interviewing Users• Podcast: Dollars to Donuts—Related episodes• #3 Christina Wodtke: Unleashing potential with extraordinary teams• #62 Sahil Lavingia: Independent Thinking & Pricing at Gumroad—Books• Interviewing Users• Don't Make Me Think—Other resources• Great User Research (for Non-Researchers)• When to Use Which User-Experience Research Methods• Nielsen: Why You Only Need to Test with 5 Users This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Christian Idiodi is a partner at Silicon Valley Product Group (SVPG). Before SVPG, he profoundly shaped or reshaped the culture and products of CareerBuilder, Snagajob, and led the product transformation in Datasite, the first SaaS for due diligence in the finance industry.—Topics discussed(08:56) An unusual childhood leads to survival skills, creativity(12:25) Aspiring doctor turned innovator seeking problem-solving opportunities(18:33) Guiding others through transformation, not crafting it(21:31) Thriving on tech success, driven by motivation(28:40) Cycle of innovation: growth, stagnation, reversion, reaction(36:45) Reading biographies as a leader to improve your decision-making(37:40) Key to career success: leadership, insight, humility(47:23) Transitioning roles, what were key mindset shifts?(56:30) Prioritizing practice before game day(01:03) Choose kindness, support, and do good work—Links & resources mentionedFind the full transcript at: https://podcast.makethingsthatmatter.com/christian-idiodi-telling-the-story-of-transformation/#transcript* Christian Idiodi - SVPG* New book: TRANSFORMED* Inspire Africa Conference* Innovate Africa Foundation—Related episodes:* Marty Cagan: Moving to the product model* Martina Hodges-Schell: Understanding your operating model* Product Therapy - What is product sense?—People & orgs:* Jay Acunzo—Books:* Turn the Ship Around - L. David Marquet* An Everyone Culture - Robert Kegan* Build - Tony Fadell* Walter Isaacson - Steve Jobs* Team of Rivals - Abraham Lincoln* Invention: A Life of Learning Through Failure* Sam Walton: Made In America This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Martina Hodges-Schell is a transformation coach and consultant that helps organizations adopt a Silicon Valley approach to innovation. She spent 25 years leading design and innovation in tech companies, and now she loves providing a fresh, outside perspective to help teams develop and mature their product practice.In this conversation, we…* define transformation and what it means for your company operating model* explore how a company operating model might be shifted by adapting AI technology* Discuss how embodied leadership practices like equine coaching can give leaders the most honest feedbackEnjoy!—Topics discussed(05:31) A horse's feedback reflects your behavior and communication(06:51) Feedback on your actions and decision making(10:48) Leaders MUST be involved in change process(13:57) Control is equated with power, active involvement important(18:58) Change is difficult, people resist it(19:45) Balancing ideas within organizations, encouraging participation(25:37) Four lenses for an operating model(29:18) How AI transforms operating model: structure and collaboration challenges(31:36) Organizational structure should promote collaboration and communication(37:17) Optimistic about innovation, promoting change and collaboration(39:55) Focus on broad possibilities, capabilities, and brand(43:16) Closing the loop from teams to leadership(50:20) Guiding questions in life(52:49) Book recommendations—Links & resources mentionedFind the full transcript at: https://podcast.makethingsthatmatter.com/martina-hodges-schell-operating-model/#transcript* Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email* Martina Hodges-Schell: website, LinkedIn* Book: Communicating the UX Vision: 13 Anti-patterns That Block Good Design—Related episodes:* #72 Pam Fox Rollin: Growing Groups Into Teams* #75 Chris Smith: Simple guidelines for AI investment sizing* #74 Chris Smith: How to think about adding AI to your product* #77 Marty Cagan: Moving to the product model* #39 Melissa Perri: Product strategy and the missing middle in organizations—People & orgs:* Noelle Saldana—Books:* The Build Trap* Growing Groups Into Teams* TRANSFORMED* Managing Transitions* Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes* Leading Change—Other resources:* Martina's OMG (operating model goals) canvas* North Shore - AI transformation blog series This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Marty Cagan joins me for real talk about what it takes to transform into a strong product company. You can read the episode transcript here.—Topics discussed:(00:00) The process and challenges in writing a book(12:27) Real world products need tech for results(17:28) Deciding on investments, solving problems, and changing processes(28:11) Understanding disconnects(36:00) Top leadership support crucial(40:28) How product coaches help(44:57) "Being agile" doesn't always mean "doing agile"(49:52) Handling objections well(54:45) How it comes together in an organizational operating model—Links & resources mentioned:Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailMarty Cagan• LinkedIn, website• New book: TRANSFORMED• Previous books: INSPIRED, EMPOWERED• SVPG—Related episodes:• #31 Marty Cagan - Empowering product teams—Books:• The Crux• Good Strategy, Bad Strategy• The Art of Action—Other resources:• Product Management Theater• Product Leadership Theater• Transformation Theater• So You Want To Write a Book? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Randy Silver is a product leadership advisor, podcast host, and global product community weaver. We explore the conversations needed to drive impact and perception of value.You can also read this episode here.—Topics discussed:(04:00) Moving from a journalistic editor to product editor(07:34) Parallels between product management film production(09:53) Missed opportunities & the need for collaboration(15:21) Alignment with stakeholders(18:24) Sales misalignment and restructures(21:10) Diagnosing teamwork challenges with partners(25:02) Diagnosing your new org via informational interviews(28:05) Creating a manager README(30:11) Roles and responsibilities convo for better understanding(35:19) Guiding conversations and change(44:22) Did reorganization at Airbnb address strategy misalignment?(46:18) Defensive reaction within product community to Airbnb(52:14) Coordinating while scaling—Links & resources mentionedFind the full transcript at: https://podcast.makethingsthatmatter.com/randy-silver-conversations-create-impact#transcriptSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailRandy Silver: website, LinkedIn, Twitter• MTP talk: “Getting aligned with your exec team by Randy Silver”• Podcast: The Product Experience• Book: “What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of Crisis”• The product environment canvas• Stakeholder Informational interview template—Related episodes:• Andrew on Randy's podcast, The Product Experience• #72 Pam Fox Rollin: Growing groups into teams• #44 Teresa Torres: Habits for clear thinking and better product bets• #18 Josh Seiden: Create clarity with outcomes thinking• #5 Rich Mironov: Building a thriving product organization• #3 Christina Wodtke: Unleashing potential with extraordinary teams—People & orgs:• Georgie Smallwood• Matt LeMay• Alan Albert - value based pricing• Itamar Gilad—Books:• Growing Groups Into Teams• Evidence Guided• The Team That Managed Itself• Continuous Discovery Habits• Outcomes Over Output• Making Things Happen: Mastering Project Management—Other resources:• Product, it's time to grow up• The 11 Laws of Showrunning• Rich Mironov: The slippery slope of sales-led development• The Journey to Empowered Teams - Twitter, Airbnb & Tumblr• Product Strategy Acid Test• OODA loop• Manager README: The Indispensable Document for the Modern Manager• Roman Pichler - the decision making chart• Relentless equanimity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Chris Smith is a longtime engineering leader who has been in the trenches of building with AI & machine learning for years. This is a short, bonus episode to go along with our main conversation: https://pod.fo/e/20a5ef—Topics discussed:(00:00) AI tooling allows for cost-effective testing.(06:02) Scoring and statistical measures to track progress.(09:22) Costs if model needs rebuilding or hyperparameter tuning(11:31) Order of magnitude investment estimates(15:10) Decide upfront when to cut bait.(17:12) Investment essentials for meaningful results and outcomes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Chris Smith is a longtime engineering leader who has been in the trenches of building with AI & machine learning for years. He's led the development of data systems & strategies at tech giants like early Google, Yahoo, and Sun; S&P 500's like Live Nation; and a wide variety of startups.—Topics discussed:(00:00) AI industry at inflection point, causing chaos(09:05) Machine learning, neural nets, and generative AI(14:03) Generative AI: LLMs + broad understanding(21:56) Open source models improve specialized problem solving(25:06) Access to data leads to competitive advantage(32:53) AI training improves productivity and learning speed(42:51) Reduced investment in GPT models speeds results(48:47) Expectation mismatch leads to brand perception risks(53:54) Non-technical work is crucial for AI product success(57:30) Building a computer vision product from scratch(01:03:14) A strategic approach to refining and testing prototypes(01:08:04) Closing learning loops—Links & resources mentionedFind the full transcript at: https://podcast.makethingsthatmatter.com/chris-smith-how-to-add-ai-to-product/#transcriptSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailChris Smith:• LinkedIn• X / Twitter: @xcbsmith• Bluesky @xcbsmith—Related episodes:• #75 Chris Smith: Simple guidelines for AI investment sizing—People & orgs:• Dr. Marily Nika - AI Lead, Meta Reality Lab• Travis Corrigan - Head of Product, Smith.AI—Books:• Evidence Guided - Itamar Gilad—Other resources:• GPT = “generative pre-trained transformer”• Wizard of Oz experiment• Tom Chi - learning loop• Joel Spolsky: The iceberg secret, revealed• ML Ops• Computer vision• Precision-Recall curves• Leaked Google memo: “There is no moat”• Universal basic income (UBI)• Stop-loss order This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Nacho Bassino is a veteran product leader and the author of Product Direction, one of my go-to books on how to actually generate a product strategy. There are many excellent books out there on strategy as a whole, but surprisingly few that specifically cover product strategy.—Topics discussed:(00:02:12) Nacho's journey into product leadership(00:09:23) How leaders can adapt to others' communication and cross-cultural preferences(00:10:50) Strategy: defining problems and prioritizing solutions(00:19:44) Painful, but typical; a fake strategy(00:24:20) Time and team needed for first big strategy creation(00:30:17) Three key aspects of quarterly reviews: OKRs, roadmaps, and Opportunity Solution Trees(00:35:33) Connection between impact, outcomes, and initiatives with revenue generation(00:40:11) Empowerment: teams' accountability and autonomy(00:51:36) Nacho's hard product leadership call(00:58:15) Strategy for startups vs larger companies(00:59:02) How the opportunity space expands with company growth—Links & resources mentionedFind the full transcript at: https://podcast.makethingsthatmatter.com/nacho-bassino-build-your-first-product-strategy/#transcript• Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email• Nacho Bassino: Website, LinkedIn• Book: Product Direction• Podcast: 100 Product Strategies—Related episodes:• #68 Adam Thomas: Operationalizing product strategy—Books:• Product Direction• The Culture Map• Playing to Win• Product Roadmaps Relaunched—Other resources and articles:• A product strategy acid test• What is "strategy"?• Burnout as a strategy problem• Should leaders be prescriptive about strategy?• Product strategy: focus vs prioritization• Does strategy matter before product-market fit (PMF)?• Execs care about revenue. How do we get them to care about outcomes? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Pam Fox Rollin is an executive coach and strategist. This is a conversation about the conversations that leaders are not having. These are THE difference between building a truly committed team that delivers the future you care about… and having a group which is a team in name only.Topics discussed:(00:03:55) Writing a book about teams as a team.(00:11:41) Teamwork failure due to individual mindset silos.(00:14:51) Telling the difference between hard work and commitment(00:18:40) OKRs align and drive team objectives.(00:20:54) Incentive structures and team behaviors(00:24:02) Shared promise vital for effective team; align goals and coordinate efforts.(00:28:25) Leaders build futures that matter through conversations.(00:33:08) Finance team doubts engineering's budget needs.(00:36:23) Trust: vulnerability in actions and five dimensions.(00:38:21) Dimensions of trust(00:42:23) Design conversations as a leader to level up.(00:46:01) Challenges of remote work and trust.(00:49:05) Missing conversations hinder team building efforts.(00:53:44) Collaboration needed in achieving desired outcomes.—Links & resources mentionedFind the full transcript at: https://podcast.makethingsthatmatter.com/pam-fox-rollin-growing-groups-into-teams/#transcript* Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email* Pam Fox Rollin: LinkedIn, Altus Growth Partners* New book: Growing Groups Into Teams* Altus' Growth podcast: Missing Conversations—Related episodes:* #22 Pam Fox Rollin: Be a leader who helps people come alive—People & orgs:* Bob Dunham - Institute for Generative Leadership—Books:* Growing Groups Into Teams* The Thin Book of Trust - Charles Feltman—Other resources:* IBM study: “Augmented work for an automated, AI-driven world”* Paper: On the Folly of Rewarding A, While Hoping for B This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Zooming in on three common change management issues: forecasting, role transitions, and departmental power dynamics.—Topics discussed(00:03:01) Companies transforming into product organizations(00:05:01) Revenue shift: smaller now, longer-term impact(00:08:30) Practical topics: forecasting, transition, change management(00:10:04) Identifying leading measures and assumptions in forecasts(00:14:25) Seeking tech-enabled scale, revenue visibility, innovation(00:20:29) Power shifts in organizations impact staffing and funding(00:22:12) Evolving organizational model for product-centric strategy(00:27:23) Key considerations for acquiring a company: purpose, integration, impact(00:31:18) Leaders modeling simple mental health practices shift organizations. Organizational change requires supporting structures and models(00:35:38) Quieting the mind to connect and trust(00:37:33) Organizations need specific change management for success(00:40:40) "Name fears, tame them; face personal insecurities."—Links & resources mentionedFull transcript at: https://podcast.makethingsthatmatter.com/eisha-armstrong-pragmatic-change-management-strategies/#transcript* Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email* Guest: Eisha Tierney Armstrong - LinkedIn* Book: Fearless: How to Transform a Services Culture and Successfully Productize—Related episodes:* #2 Barry O'Reilly: Unlearning and creating culture change* #9 Amy Edmondson: Building teams where people feel safe* #59 Kenny Borg: Identity transformation and embodying fulfillment—Books:* Fearless: How to Transform a Services Culture and Successfully Productize (Eisha's book)* "Leading Change" by John Kotter* “Managing Transitions: Making the Most of the Change” by William Bridges This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

MJ Jastrebski is the CPO of Stylitics, a rapidly scaling retail technology company that helps retail websites automate styling and bundling for their consumers.Click here to fill out the MTTM listener survey form by August 16, 2023: https://makethingsthatmatter.com/survey—In this episode, we cover:(00:07:20) Understanding product roles/levels, influence, and career growth.(00:13:10) Product and process management at different levels.(00:19:22) Leadership training emphasizes accountability among executive teams, prioritizing cross-functional exec peer relationships & alignment.(00:28:27) The importance of buoyancy.(00:36:17) How mindfulness and empathy are important for effective leadership.(00:43:41) What Stylitics is doing and how it's scaling up(00:47:12) Expanding internationally and into new verticals. Emphasis on shipping and team muscle building.(00:55:38) Creating product families to address pain points, setting expectations, iterating with alpha, beta, and GA stages, building retailer relationships, understanding different market needs.(01:02:08) Changing roles, building skills, and evolving identity.(01:11:30) Creating psychological safety is crucial for innovation. It allows people to take risks without fear of judgment or failure. This enables organizations to gather more information and make better decisions.—Links & resources mentioned• You can end episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email• Guest: MJ Jastrebski & Stylitics—Related episodes:• Mike Saloio: Leadership, meditation, ego, and ubuntu• Amy Edmondson: Building teams where people feel safe• Kenny Borg: Identity transformation—People & orgs:• Stylitics• Carlota Perez—Books:• Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital: The Dynamics of Bubbles and Golden Ages• The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership• Multipliers—Other resources:• Give away your legos• How to craft your product team at every stage, from pre-PMF to hypergrowth• The 3 lenses of innovation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

It's been quiet around here because I'm in deep in the creative process of reimagining this show, and I need your help. Podcast analytics are terrible, and I want to know more about YOU.Please fill out this short, 5-ish minute survey. Your help on this goes a LONG way, and I appreciate you taking the time!Click here to complete our listener surveyhttps://makethingsthatmatter.com/survey This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Donna Lichaw is an executive coach for unconventional leaders, and the author of the newly-released book The Leader's Journey. Donna brings a background in design and product to her executive coaching and helps unconventional leaders take control of the story to drive impact for themselves and within their teams. We go deep on:* how to handle managing our own stories in healthy conflict* creating psychological safety* what it looks like to “give yourself an A” so you feel freed up to invent new possibilitiesListen now on Apple, Spotify, Google, Overcast, or Youtube.Links & resources* Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email* Donna Lichaw: website, LinkedIn, Twitter* Donna's new book: The Leader's Journey—Related episodes:* Mike Saloio: Leadership, meditation, ego, and ubuntu—People & orgs:* Neuroleadership Institute—Books:* The Art of Possibility* Rethinking Positive Thinking* The Upside Of Your Dark Side* Nonviolent Communication* Radical Candor—Other resources:* Donna's toolkit* The SCARF model (psych safety)* 3F model This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Adam Thomas is a coach that helps product teams operationalize strategy so they spend more time focused on building the right products and less time fighting fires.—Sign up here to get upcoming essays + episodes emailed to you.Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts ? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)—Links & resources mentioned:* Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email* Adam Thomas: website, LinkedIn, Twitter* Adam's Maven workshop: Survival Metrics—Related episodes:* Melissa Perri: Product strategy and the missing middle—Books and media:* Good Strategy, Bad Strategy* The Crux—Other resources:* Warhammer 40K—Timestamps:[00:01:48] War gaming shaped product strategy[00:03:22] Warhammer 40K[00:07:11] Michael Jordan's Winning Shot[00:11:22] The whole person equation[00:14:15] Emotions in the workplace[00:17:54] Survival metrics[00:23:08] Implementing survival metrics[00:27:26] Trust issues in product development[00:30:05] Internal value exchange[00:34:33] Being "Product Led" is Misleading[00:36:26] Using survival metrics consistently[00:39:23] Focusing on important outcomes[00:45:12] Complying with regulations in finance[00:50:13] Questions to ask yourself This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Mike Saloio is the CEO and cofounder of Huddle, a startup that brings together fractional swat teams of expert builders to help startups generate real momentum on their most important projects within a week.This is a candid conversation about leadership and how our egos, sense of identity, and personal practices shape our company cultures. In particular, I think you'll find practical benefit from our discussion about decoupling the concepts of morality and integrity to have healthier team dynamics.—* Mike Saloio - Twitter, LinkedIn* Huddle—Related episodes:* Barry Brown: Work as a pathway of transformation—People & orgs:* Steph Golik (cofounder)* TechStars* EXPA* Rick Rubin* Alfred Adler* Ray Dalio* Russell Simmons (+ meditation book)—Books and media:* The Courage To Be Disliked* Article - Polarities* Polarity Management (book)* Success Through Stillness* Rick Rubin book* Huddle launch article* The Playbook—Other resources:* Ikigai* “You must become somebody before you become nobody”* Ubuntu* Transcendental Meditation* Four minute mile effect - Bannister effect This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

The SaaS Playbook will shave years off your learning curve if you want to build a SaaS. Rob Walling is a serial entrepreneur and the internet godfather of indie SaaS businesses who has built six companies and has been a long-standing voice in creative, independent paths into product building and entrepreneurship since 2010.Links & resources mentioned* Book: The SaaS Playbook* Back the Kickstarter* Startups for the Rest of Us podcast & MicroConf YouTube* TinySeed* MicroConf—Related episodes:* Rob Walling (ep28): Build a great business and let that be enough* DJ DiDonna: Navigating sabbaticals and career breaks—People & orgs:* TinySeed* MicroConf* Dr Shelly Walling* Justin Jackson - choosing a market—Books:* The SaaS Playbook* The Entrepreneur's Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t Together* Start Small, Stay Small: A Developer's Guide to Launching a Startup* The Zen Founder Guide to Founder Retreats—Other resources:* MicroConf* IndieHackers* The 5PM idea validation framework* Survivorship bias* Stair step method of bootstrapping This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

What do you do when one of your top three KPIs is stagnant, and the product isn't growing? A micro case study in debugging retention and unlocking growth.—You can read the original article here: https://tinyurl.com/2hdmy2zpLINK: STARTING CONDITION CHART: https://tinyurl.com/2fnemaszLINK: DEEPER DIVE PIE CHART: https://tinyurl.com/2lyjalyp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Petra Wille is a product leadership coach and the author of Strong Product People, my go-to book for the people development side of being a product leader. In this conversation, we dive deep into why and how a community of practice can level up your team and save training budget.You can also read this episode here.—Sign up here to get upcoming essays + episodes emailed to you.Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!—Links & resources mentioned:Petra Wille:• Website• Twitter @loomista• LinkedIn• Book: Strong Product People • Conference: Product at Heart—Related episodes:• Amy Edmondson: Building teams where people feel safe—People & orgs:• Robert Kegan• Tolingo (translation company)—Books:• Strong Product People• An Everyone Culture• The Culture Map• Selling the Dream—Other resources:• Product Communities of Practice: Everything You Need to Know• Dan Pink - Autonomy, mastery, purpose• The (product) cultural iceberg This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Bob Moesta is one of the pioneers of Jobs To Be Done (JTBD) theory, which has fundamentally changed the way we think about building products and discovering what progress people actually need and want from the products they hire.—Sign up here to get upcoming essays + episodes emailed to you.Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts ? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)—LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONEDSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailBob Moesta: The Rewired Group, LinkedIn, TwitterBob's books and podcast Learning to Build Demand-Side Sales 101 Jobs to be Done Handbook The Circuit Breaker podcast—RELATED EPISODES:April Dunford: Find your power in the market through positioning—PEOPLE & ORGS:W. Edwards DemingClayton ChristensenGenichi TaguchiWillie Hobbs MooreTim DavisClaire SullentropeApril DunfordRyan SingerBasecampIntercom—BOOKS:Learning to BuildCompeting Against LuckGritIntroduction to Quality EngineeringOrthogonal Arrays and Linear GraphsShape UpHow Will You Measure Your Life?Never Split the Difference—OTHER RESOURCES:Orthogonal arraysMagic squaresL9 prototype This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Sahil Lavingia has had an epic journey as an entrepreneur: he dropped out of college to become employee #2 at Pinterest and then went on to found Gumroad, one of the largest platforms for creators to sell their work and earn a living online. After the company failed to meet its VC-driven growth timeline and almost died, Sahil had to lay everyone off and build it back up into the resilient, streamlined, and fully distributed company it is today.Episode web page.—Sign up here to get upcoming essays + episodes emailed to you.Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts ? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)—Links & resources mentioned:• Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email• Sahil Lavingia: Gumroad, Twitter, personal site• Book: The Minimalist Entrepreneur• “Reflecting on My Failure to Build a Billion-Dollar Company”: essay + talk• Sahil's early stage investment fund—Related episodes:• #42 ARM: A mental model for fulfilling work—People & orgs:• Gumroad• USC• Patreon• BandCamp• Substack• Daniel Vassallo tweet about money he's made Gumroad• Paul Graham: “You've found market price when buyers complain but still pay.”—Books:• The Minimalist Entrepreneur• Essentialism• Only the Paranoid Survive—Other resources:• How Gumroad is run: No Meetings, No Deadlines, No Full-Time Employees• Video: Gumroad Q4 2022 board meeting - where pricing change was announced• “Reflecting on My Failure to Build a Billion-Dollar Company”: essay + MicroConf talk• What is a transformer model (AI)? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

Five things I (re)learned from spending a week with SVPG + some of the best product coaches in the world.=====You can read this episode here.Sign up here to get upcoming audio essays emailed to youFollow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn! If you haven't already would you do me a favor and  take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts ? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on  Twitter @askotzko , or via email —Related episodes• #60 DJ DiDonna: Navigating sabbaticals and career breaks —People & orgs • Marty Cagan & SVPG —Books• The Thin Book of Trust—Other resources mentioned• Vision example: SpaceX• Vision example: Microsoft productivity• Vision example: Apple's Knowledge Navigator• Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)• Original agile manifesto  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit blog.makethingsthatmatter.com

DJ DiDonna helps us approach taking REAL time off and evolving our identity along with our career.Whether you're feeling like you need to take time off, or if you're curious about what sabbaticals are and why they might be good for both you and your organization, have a listen. You'll learn about how your interests and identity can evolve along with your career, but not be bound by your career.—Links & resources mentioned• Send episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via email• DJ DiDonna: LinkedIn• The Sabbatical Project—Related episodes:• #59 Kenny Borg: Identity transformation and embodying fulfillment—People & orgs:• The Sabbatical Project—Books:• Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life• Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes• Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One• How Will You Measure Your Life?• The Lies of Locke Lamora—Other resources:• TED talk: Stefan Sagmeister: The power of time off• DJ's TEDx talk: Sabbaticals: Time [off] well spent• LinkedIn career break feature• Research: “The three meanings of meaning in life: Distinguishing coherence, purpose, and significance”• Exercise: 2022 Reflection + 2023 Goal Setting This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit makethingsthatmatter.substack.com

Kenny Borg helps us explore the ongoing evolution of our identity, deal with imposter syndrome, and embody fulfillment throughout the journey instead of putting it off to the end. He cofounded Ethr, a coaching collective that exists to help you develop a relationship with your own consciousness and actualize your wisdom. Before that, he spent more than a decade as a founder & CEO operating and advising direct to consumer brands. -----You can also read this episode here.Sign up here to get upcoming audio essays emailed to youFollow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts ? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailKenny Borg: LinkedIn, InstagramEthrRelated episodes#24 Laura Garnett: Find your zone of genius and never fear a job search again#9 Amy Edmondson: Building teams where people feel safePeople & orgsEthrJoseph MarshallCrazy HorseBooksAn Everyone CultureAtomic HabitsThe Power of RitualThe Genius HabitThe Power of Four: Leadership Lessons of Crazy HorseThe Lakota Way

Scott Young is an expert on rapid, effective learning. This ep will help you learn new skills effectively and quickly amidst the chaos of real life.-----You can also read this episode here.Sign up here to get upcoming audio essays emailed to youFollow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts ? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailScott Young: website, TwitterBook: UltralearningScott's podcastCourse: Top PerformerPrevious challengesThe MIT ChallengeThe Year Without EnglishRelated episodes#54 David Kadavy: Creative self-actualizationPeople & orgsCal NewportBenny LewisSteve PavlinaJames ClearBooksDeep WorkFluent in 3 MonthsFour Thousand Weeks: Time Management for MortalsAtomic HabitsFluent ForeverPolarity ManagementOther resources mentionedDesirable Difficulties: When Harder is Better for Learning - Scott H YoungThe Human Brain | Brain and Cognitive Sciences | MIT OpenCourseWareThinking on the margin - Definition and examples — Conceptually.)Anki

Rob Fitzpatrick is the author of The Mom Test, and he'll help you fight the good fight to bring your ideas into the world.-----You can also read this episode here.Sign up here to get upcoming audio essays emailed to youFollow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts ? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailRob Fitzpatrick - Twitter, websiteBooks:The Mom TestThe Workshop Survival GuideWrite Useful BooksNonfiction Author's CommunityRelated episodes#56 Ash Maurya: The Innovator's Gift#54 David Kadavy: Creative Self-ActualizationPeople & orgsSherry WallingBooksThe Entrepreneur's Guide to Keeping Your Sh*t TogetherRocket FuelPartnering: Forge the Deep Connections That Make Great Things HappenFour Thousand Weeks: Time Management for MortalsMind Management, Not Time ManagementOther resources mentionedThe shape of an idea - Rob FitzpatrickEffectuationTrends.vcThe new biz model for indie creators? Gluing it all together with an Outcome-Oriented Community.

Ash Maurya introduces "The Innovator's Gift" to help you find problems worth solving, and navigate the uncertainty of new product ideas.-----You can also read this episode transcript here.Sign up here to get upcoming audio essays emailed to youFollow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts ? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailAsh Maurya - LEANSTACK, TwitterAsh's books:New: Running LeanScaling LeanRelated episodes#55: How does continuous discovery come together for a new product?#44 Teresa Torres: Habits for clear thinking and better product betsPeople & orgsBob MoestaTom ChiTom Chi talk @ MindValley: Everything is Connected - Here's HowW. Edwards DemingPeter DruckerSteve BlankEric RiesDave McClureSean EllisBooksThey All Laughed: The Fascinating Stories Behind the Great Inventions That Have Changed Our LivesUser Story MappingWhen Coffee and Kale Compete (JTBD) - Alan KlementDemand-Side Sales - Bob MoestaThe ONE ThingThinking in SystemsOther resources mentionedCustomer forces canvasLEAN canvasJobs to Be Done (JTBD)The Milkshake StudyRecency Bias

How to apply continuous discovery techniques to a nascent, early stage product that doesn't yet have product-market fit.-----You can also read this episode here.Sign up here to get upcoming audio essays emailed to youFollow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts ? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailRelated episodes#44 Teresa Torres: Habits for clear thinking and better product bets#31 Marty Cagan: Empowering product teams to do the best work of their livesPeople & orgsTeresa TorresAsh MauryaJeff PattonMarty CaganBooksContinuous Discovery Habits, by Teresa TorresINSPIRED, by Marty CaganOther resources mentionedAndrew's original Twitter threadOpportunity Solution Trees - Teresa TorresJeff Patton - Story MappingLean(er) Canvas - Ash MauryaJobs to Be Done (JTBD)Images mentioned   

David Kadavy will help you follow your curiosity, find your way to creative self-actualization, and learn to discern what you really want.-----You can also read this episode here.Sign up here to get upcoming audio essays emailed to youFollow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts ? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailDavid Kadavy: website,Twitter, podcastDavid's podcast: Love Your WorkDavid's newsletter, Love MondaysDavid's books:Design for HackersThe Heart to StartMind Management, Not Time ManagementDigital Zettelkasten: Principles, Methods, & ExamplesRelated episodes#49: Founders Pledge - Thoughts on entrepreneurship and philanthropy#9 Amy Edmondson: Building teams where people feel safePeople & orgs80,000 HoursEffective AltruismBooksWork, by James SuzmanDoing Good Better (effective altruism)Why We Make Things and Why It Matters, by Peter KornFlow, by Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiThe Time Paradox, by Philip ZimbardoBorn Standing Up, by Steve MartinSo Good They Can't Ignore You, by Cal NewportThe Case Against Education, by Brian CaplanThe Art of Learning, by Josh WaitzkinOther resources mentionedDonald Rattner on David's podcastMy Creative SpaceFounders PledgeEzra Klein podcast with James SuzmanSteve Jobs 2005 Stanford commencement addressSocial desirability biasTheranos - Elizabeth HolmesTaylorismNaNoWriMo

Some short thoughts on how to review and close out a tough year, and set ourselves up for a powerful, generative new year.-----You can also read this episode here.Sign up here to get upcoming audio essays emailed to youFollow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts ? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Completion questions: remembering and reviewing"Remember" questionsWhat was your favorite music playlist?Who was your favorite artist?What was your favorite song?What was your favorite concert?What were your favorite photos?What were your favorite videos?What was your favorite movie?What were your favorite articles?What was your favorite travel?What were your favorite experiences?What was your favorite speaking, teaching, awards, or recognition?What were your favorite memories?What was your favorite restaurant?What was your favorite meal?What was your favorite first meeting? Past year calendar reviewThis is an exercise I learned from Tim Ferriss, and it's great. If you do nothing else, I'd do this.Simply put, you go through the entire past year on your calendar, and make a list of the people, activities, and commitments that triggered peak positive/negative emotions on a weekly or monthly basis. Then, find the 20% of each list that produced the most reliable or powerful peaks. Proactively schedule the positive ones now, and avoid/reduce the negative ones. Areas of life reviewLook holistically across your life. Don't solely focus on your career. I tend to go through the following eight areas of life:health & wellbeingcreative expression & fun (hobby, travel, adventure, etc)wealth / financesrelationships (family, friends, romance, other)personal systems (habits, routines, processes) & personal developmentcareer/mission/workemotions / spiritualmindFor each area, I ask the following five questions (I don't necessarily answer all of them every time though):what was accomplished?what wasn't accomplished?what worked?what didn't work?what was missing?Lastly, I like to have a freeform section that is just "is there anything else I need to say about this to feel complete?" I'm often surprised at what comes out here, so don't underestimate this question.

Flow is defined as an optimal state of consciousness, where you feel and perform at your best. This episode will help you get more of it in your day.-----You can also read this episode here.Sign up here to get upcoming audio essays emailed to youFollow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts ? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailRelated episodes#12 Rian Doris & Conor Murphy: Flow — Cultivating the optimal experience of life (part 2)People & orgsMihaly CsikszentmihalyiDavid KadavyCal NewportFlow Research CollectiveBooksMind Management, Not Time ManagementDeep WorkFlowThe Power Of Full EngagementOther resources mentionedSteven Kotler - FAQs on FlowAdam Grant - The Other Side of Languishing Is Flourishing. Here's How to Get There.David Kadavy: Arrange your time and tasks according to these seven mental states, and you'll be a creativity machineBrain.fm - music designed to help you focusFocus (app)Freedom (app)Apple releases iOS 15 with Focus mode and moreCal Newport's Time Block PlannerFantastical (app)Incubation stage of creativity 

Wow: two years of making things that matter! Andrew checks in with lessons learned in year two, impactful episodes and show updates.-----You can also read this episode here.Sign up here to get upcoming audio essays emailed to youFollow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailRelated episodes#31 Marty Cagan: Empowering product teams to do the best work of their lives#39 Melissa Perri: Product strategy and the missing middle in organizations#42 ARM: a mental model for fulfilling work#43 Courtney Bigony: Life above neutral with Positive Product Design#44 Teresa Torres: Habits for clear thinking and better product bets#48 ARM redux: 4 nuances of fulfilling work (#48)#50 Bo Burlingham: Small Giants & the roots of great businessesPeople & orgsHayley DardenHayley's explanation of her verbs modelGeorge KaoBooksHow To Do The WorkThe DipOther resources mentionedSign up here to get upcoming audio essays emailed to youArticle: "How to know if you're interviewing at a product-led company."Nicole LePera: IG post on self-regulationPositive Product Design PPD

Best known for his books Small Giants and The Great Game of Business, Bo is an editor-at-large of Inc. magazine and the author of five books which have profoundly impacted values-led business creation. I don't know of anyone that has explored more deeply, through real-world examples, what it means to build a *meaningful* business. -----Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already, would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko, or via emailBo Burlingham - website, TwitterRelated episodes#9 Amy Edmondson: Building teams where people feel safe#43 Courtney Bigony: Life above neutral with Positive Product DesignPeople & orgsTugboat Institute & Evergreen CompaniesDave WhortonAdam SmithHarriet RubinJack StackJim CollinsKleiner PerkinsJohn DoerrClay ChristensenNorm BrodskyGary Erickson & CLIF BarBooksBo's booksSmall GiantsThe Great Game of Business (GGOB)A Stake in the OutcomeFinish BigThe Fifth DisciplineGood to GreatThe New New ThingThe Innovator's DilemmaHow Will You Measure Your Life?Battle Cry of FreedomThe Lessons of HistoryOther resources mentionedSmall Giants CommunityGreat Game of Business CommunityLife After PiOpen Book ManagementHow to Build a Company That Will Last for 100 Years | Inc.comInc MagazineSomething VenturedSpringfield ReManufacturingTranscendental Meditation (TM)

This episode flips the script and makes Andrew the guest, exploring his views on entrepreneurship and philanthropy.-----Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already, would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko , or via emailRelated episodes#28 Rob Walling: Build a great business and let that be enough#42 ARM: A mental model for fulfilling work#48 ARM redux: 4 nuances of fulfilling workPeople & orgsFounders Pledge80,000 HoursEffective Altruism (EA)TinySeedMicroConfSingularity University (SU)Simon SinekIodine Global Network (IGN)Pebble smartwatchBooksBlitzscalingDoing Good Better (effective altruism)80,000 Hours: Find a fulfilling career that does goodOther resources mentioned"Eat me if you wish"Skunk works

This episode explores four nuances of creative and fulfilling work. It share lessons from follow-on conversations to ep42 about ARM, a mental model for fulfilling work.-----Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already, would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko, or via emailRelated episodes#42 ARM: A mental model for fulfilling work#43 Courtney Bigony: Life above neutral with Positive Product Design#14 Derik Mills: Cultivating a faculty of wonder in business and lifePeople & orgsGloJay ShettyBooksPrimed to PerformThe Creative HabitThe Purpose FactorOther resources mentionedIkigai

Matt Kressy is the founding director of the Integrated Design & Management program at MIT. This conversation is a heartfelt exploration about art, design, and the inner drives that fuel our creative work.-----Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already, would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedMatt Kressy - LinkedIn, TwitterMIT IDM programNew England Innovation AcademyDesignturnPeople & orgsGloHugh MacLeod - GapingvoidRelated episodes#14 Derik Mills: Cultivating a faculty of wonder in business and lifeBooksHillbilly ElegyOther resources mentionedHuman centered design

This episode reviews the key ideas from "The Infinite Game," a massively transformative book by Simon Sinek, and explores how to apply them to your work.  -----Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already, would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko or via emailBooksThe Infinite GameFinite and Infinite Games

Exploring the translation of the core ideas from "The Timeless Way of Building," a classic of architectural theory, to creative and personal leadership. -----Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already, would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedSend episode feedback on Twitter @askotzko or via emailOriginal book: The Timeless Way of BuildingClick here to get PDF of the full "Timeless Way of Leading Adaptation"Ep #22 Pam Fox Rollin: Be a decisive leader who helps people come alive

Teresa Torres teaches an approach to product creation and creative work that will help you think more clearly, make better decisions, and raise the odds your bets will pay off. She's the author of the new book, Continuous Discovery Habits.-----Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already, would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedTeresa Torres - website, @ttorresNew book: Continuous Discovery HabitsProduct Talk membership programProduct Talk Academy (courses)People & orgsHope GurionAsh MauryaTom ChiRelated episodes#27 Hope Gurion: What nobody told you about being a product leader#31 Marty Cagan: Empowering product teams to do the best work of their livesBooksDecisive - Chip & Dan HeathPeak - Anders EricssonHow We Think - John DeweyTesting Business Ideas, David BlandThinking in Bets, Annie DukePolarity ManagementOther resources mentionedHow to know if you're interviewing at a product-led companyBusiness Model CanvasLean CanvasLEANSTACKHuman Centered DesignStanford Symbolic SystemsExplore / exploit - how to choose new opportunities

Courtney Bigony is on a mission to align tech products with the latest science of human thriving.  She's the creator of Positive Product Design and the Director of People Science at 15Five. -----Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already, would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedCourtney Bigony - Twitter, LinkedInPositive Product Design15FiveBest Self ManagementPeople & orgsMartin SeligmanCenter for Humane TechnologyTristan HarrisScott Barry KaufmanRelated episodes#9 Amy Edmondson: Building teams where people feel safe#26 David Dylan Thomas: Understand cognitive bias to create positive impact in your work#35 Dianne Frommelt: Building products to help people become their best selves#42 ARM: A mental model for fulfilling workBooksTranscendFlourishDesigning Your LifeNonviolent CommunicationPermission to FeelThe Upside of Your Dark SideSmall GiantsThe Great Game of BusinessHookedIndistractableSay Goodnight to InsomniaOther resources mentionedVIA character strengths testBrené Brown value sheetPositive psychologyMeliorismHigh quality connections - Jane DuttonTugboat InstituteTim Ferriss - past year reviewFeed forward interviewChilliPadSchool of Transformation - feelings chartVirtual distancePERMAPerceived proximityGallup strengthsMood Meter (emotions tracking app, from Permission to Feel book)The Social Dilemma (documentary)AsanaDiana Chapman - Conscious Leadership GroupDeep Feedback Movement

ARM is a simple mental model to help you intentionally craft more fulfilling work.-----Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already, would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedVIA Character strengths surveyAndrew's original Tweetstorm on ARM model (expanded version of these ideas)Saeed Khan's "3 things in a job" model responseRelated episodes:#11 Rian Doris & Conor Murphy: Flow — Cultivating the optimal experience of life#24 Laura Garnett: Find your zone of genius and never fear a job search againBooks and other resourcesBrené Brown - values listSo Good They Can't Ignore YouDesigning Your LifeThe Infinite GameJob craftingWhat Job Crafting Looks Like - HBRJob Crafting - Univ of Michigan80,000 Hours Guide: A guide to using your career to help solve the world’s most pressing problemsUncharitable: How Restraints on Nonprofits Undermine Their Potential

Barry Brown helps leaders be more of who they are and be more effective in making their unique contribution to the world.-----Follow the MTTM journey on Twitter or LinkedIn!If you haven't already, would you do me a favor and take ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts? It really helps. (Scroll to bottom of page for rate/review links.)Links & resources mentionedBarry Brown - LinkedInBarry's company: Human EthosBooksAndrew's must-read book listThe Wisdom of No Escape - Pema ChodronWhy We Make Things and Why It MattersThe Craftsman - Richard SennettSo Good They Can't Ignore YouOther resources mentionedSingularity UniversityWoodstock, VermontLarry BrilliantPeter DiamandisDavid RobertsTransformative Technology Conference

Eric Steege is an energetic product leader intent on spreading great product cultures and practices. This conversation explores how to use product thinking to build your culture.-----Links & resources mentionedEric Steege - TwitterRelated episodes#18 Josh Seiden: How to create clarity with outcomes thinking#35 Dianne Frommelt: Building products to help people become their best selves#14 Derik Mills: Cultivating a faculty of wonder in business and lifeBooksThe Infinite GameFinite and Infinite GamesOutcomes Over OutputThe Hard Thing About Hard ThingsThe Lean StartupWho Moved My Cheese?Other resources mentionedNUMMI (2015) - This American LifeGall's LawAmazon bar raiser programAmazon leadership principlesADKAR Change Management Model OverviewHEART metricsPirate metricsEarly adopters15Five cultureAsana cultureGlo & The Glo PodcastMagic Mind matcha green tea

Melissa Perri is on a mission to grow great product leaders. This conversation will help you to become more strategic and multiply your impact. -----Please consider taking ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts. It really helps. (Rate/review links at the very bottom of the page.)Click here to directly email Andrew your questions, comments, and feedback! He reads everything that is sent in (click 'Allow' if you get a popup): connect@makethingsthatmatter.comLinks & resources mentionedMelissa Perri: Twitter, websiteMelissa's new podcast, Product ThinkingMelissa's book: Escaping the Build TrapRelated episodesMarty Cagan: Empowering product teams to do the best work of their lives (#31)Hope Gurion: What nobody told you about being a product leader (#27)BooksMelissa's book: Escaping the Build TrapThe Art of ActionOther resources mentioned"The Product of You": A Talk from Melissa Perri on Product LeadershipHow to know if you're interviewing at a product-led companyWhat is Good Product Strategy? — Melissa PerriCost of delayGib Biddle strategy framework

Sarah Avenir is a full-hearted leader who models vulnerable strength in her experiments to create sustainable businesses that are good for people.-----Please consider taking ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts. It really helps. (Rate/review links at the very bottom of the page.)Click here to directly email Andrew your questions, comments, and feedback! He reads everything that is sent in (click 'Allow' if you get a popup): connect@makethingsthatmatter.comLinks & resources mentionedSarah Avenir: Twitter, websiteSarah's books:Gather the PeoplePeople-First Growth&yetFind Your WeirdosRelated episodes:Nilofer Merchant — Unleashing Onlyness to benefit from the ideas and potential in every person (#20)BooksNature and the Human SoulEmergent StrategyThe Power of OnlynessThe Infinite GameThe Heart Aroused: Poetry and the Preservation of the Soul in Corporate AmericaFalling UpwardDuneOther resources mentioned:The Nine Enneagram TypesWhy Software is Eating the WorldDune - Litany Against FearWaking Up appDavid Whyte seriesThe Invitational Identity - David WhyteBabette's Feast (movie)

C Todd Lombardo brings a blend of humanity, rigor, and innate curiosity to the questions that shape what we do. Learn to ask better questions and unlock clarity in your work.-----Please consider taking ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts. It really helps. (Rate/review links at the very bottom of the page.)Click here to directly email Andrew your questions, comments, and feedback! He reads everything that is sent in (click 'Allow' if you get a popup): connect@makethingsthatmatter.comLinks & resources mentionedC Todd Lombardo: Twitter, LinkedInC Todd's books:Product Research RulesProduct Roadmaps RelaunchedRelated episodes:#31 Marty Cagan: Empowering product teams to do the best work of their livesMachine MetricsQuestion formulation technique (QFT)BooksSwitchTurn the Ship Around

Michael O'Bryan is on a quest to make truly humane systems by transforming how organizations understand and support human development, interaction, and performance. An expert in the fields of community development, organizational culture, and human wellbeing, he's spent more than a decade working directly with resilient yet underserved populations, including veterans, adults in recovery, returning citizens, and families experiencing homelessness. -----For the transcript and full show notes, go to: https://bit.ly/3tDQhmaPlease consider taking ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts. It really helps. (Rate/review links at the very bottom of the page.)If you have a moment, I’d love it if you could give me a little feedback via this SurveyMonkey link. (It only takes one minute.)Click here to directly email Andrew your questions, comments, and feedback! He reads everything that is sent in (click 'Allow' if you get a popup): connect@makethingsthatmatter.comYou can submit your own audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/andrewskotzko

Dianne Frommelt is the VP of Product for 15Five, a company I am a longtime fan of. They're on a mission to create high performing, highly engaged teams, and to create a product that helps everyone who uses it to be and become their best selves.-----For the transcript and full show notes, go to: Please consider taking ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts. It really helps. (Rate/review links at the very bottom of the page.)If you have a moment, I’d love it if you could give me a little feedback via this SurveyMonkey link. (It only takes one minute.)Click here to directly email Andrew your questions, comments, and feedback! He reads everything that is sent in (click 'Allow' if you get a popup): connect@makethingsthatmatter.comYou can submit your own audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/andrewskotzko

Will Toms is the cofounder of REC Philly, an incubator, community, and resource center aimed at helping independent creatives make a sustainable living. In short, he's out to challenge the narrative of the starving artist and create an international community of creatives who control their own destinies.  For the transcript and full show notes, go to: https://bit.ly/2XtS3HEPlease consider taking ~40 seconds to rate/review the show on Apple Podcasts. It really helps. (Rate/review links at the very bottom of the page.)If you have a moment, I’d love it if you could give me a little feedback via this SurveyMonkey link. (It only takes one minute.)Click here to directly email Andrew your questions, comments, and feedback! He reads everything that is sent in (click 'Allow' if you get a popup): connect@makethingsthatmatter.comYou can submit your own audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/andrewskotzko

For the last episode of 2020, Andrew reflects on 8 big lessons learned from guests this year, and shares a few reflection questions to ask yourself. Wishing you all a peaceful end to this turbulent year. Here's to making things that matter in 2021!For the transcript and full episode notes/resources, go to: https://bit.ly/3rCEUcYAnd if you have a moment, I’d love it if you could give me a little feedback via this SurveyMonkey link. (It only takes one minute.)Click here to directly email Andrew your questions, comments, and feedback! He reads everything that is sent in (click 'Allow' if you get a popup): connect@makethingsthatmatter.comYou can submit your own audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/andrewskotzkoIf you enjoy the podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a rating/review. It really helps!

For the transcript and full episode notes/resources, go to: https://bit.ly/3qR4FpzAnd if you have a moment, I’d love it if you could give me a little feedback via this SurveyMonkey link. (It only takes one minute.)Click here to directly email Andrew your questions, comments, and feedback! He reads everything that is sent in (click 'Allow' if you get a popup): connect@makethingsthatmatter.comYou can submit your own audio questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/andrewskotzkoIf you enjoy the podcast, please consider subscribing and leaving a rating/review. It really helps!