Product Thinking

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A podcast with a fresh perspective about the best in product thinking. From product management and UX design to psychology and philosophy. How can we bring it all together to make life, our products, and our user experiences better.

Kyle Evans

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    • Jul 18, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 14m AVG DURATION
    • 100 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Product Thinking

    Saying "No" Effectively: 5 Ways to Say No As a Product Manager

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2023 10:56


    Saying “no” is a big part of parenting and a big part of product management. We can't do everything, whether that is buying every stuffed animal or building every feature request. But we can do more than simply say “no”.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Saying "No" Effectively: 5 Ways to Say No As a Product Manager Or just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    The End of Product Management at Airbnb

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2023 7:53


    Airbnb is done with product management? Maybe, but not so fast. In this episode we explore what they did and why it very much depends on what a company wants.Product management is always different at different companies, and often fills the void of whatever is needed. Sometimes that leans more toward discovery and user experience. Sometimes it leans toward more technical. And sometimes it leans more toward business outcomes and general management. None of these are wrong, and the role always encompasses parts of all of it. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: The End of Product Management at AirbnbOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Winner Takes All: Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 8:38


    Winner Takes All: Case Studies in how Online Marketplaces are Creating Modern Monopolies delves into the world of online marketplaces and how they are shaping the modern economy. It gives a brief history of digital marketplaces, starting with some of the earliest (like eBay and Craigslist) and then goes through the evolution of those marketplaces. In this episode, we explore some key takeaways from the book.  Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Winner Takes All: Book Review Or just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Messi, Estimating, Heatwaves, AI, and House of Suns: Monthly Wrap from June

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2023 10:27


    Messi, AI, and House of Suns. What more do you need? Another month, another host of great articles, listens, books and other finds from Product Thinking and around the internet. Here's what you may have missed.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Messi, Estimating, Heatwaves, AI, and House of Suns: Monthly Wrap from June Or just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Why We're So Bad At Estimating: And What We Can Do About It

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 22:03


    We, as humans, are bad at estimating. Everyone falls victim to the planning fallacy. We consistently underestimate the time it will take to complete something. Why do we underestimate? And what can we do about it? Listen as we explore.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Why We're So Bad At Estimating: And What We Can Do About ItOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Lessons in Thinking Long Term: Understanding Consequences of Short-Term Focus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 9:45


    This week we explore short-term and long-term thinking with an example from Covid-19. We'd have been much better served during the pandemic if the FDA hadn't relaxed its rules for so long or had thought about the long-term consequences of their hand sanitizer policy. And we'd be better off as product teams and organizations if we thought more about the long term while balancing our short-term needs. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Lessons in Thinking Long Term: Understanding Consequences of Short-Term Focus Or just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values - Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 13:11


    The Alignment Problem by Brian Christian was an excellent read. If you are interested in AI—including its history, its future implications, and the philosophical ramifications—then this is a book for you. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values - Book ReviewOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Twitter, True Grit, and Giving Up On Your Dreams: Monthly Wrap from May

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2023 15:24


    Another month, another host of great articles, listens, books and other finds from Product Thinking and around the internet. Here's what you may have missed.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Twitter, True Grit, and Giving Up On Your Dreams: Monthly Wrap from May Or just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Product Failures From Twitter and Others: Learning From Past Mistakes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2023 17:47


    We have to understand the problems we're solving, our users, and our business. If we don't, we'll create products that fail. Those products may be small feature sets, or they may be bet-the-company initiatives like Twitter Blue. Either way, we can all learn some lessons from these failures. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Product Failures From Twitter and Others: Learning From Past MistakesOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Ingredients of a Roadmap: Like Cookies, You Need Some Key Elements

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 11:24


    Like we love to say, a roadmap is not the project plan. It won't include all the technical details for the next year. Nor should it. There is a time and place for those, but it is not the roadmap. Just like there is a time and place for nuts, but it is not in chocolate chip cookies. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Ingredients of a Roadmap: Like Cookies, You Need Some Key ElementsOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    The Innovator's Handbook: Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 15:43


    The Innovator's Handbook provides a range of practical tools, strategies, and insights for anyone involved in the innovation process. It's a fun read, and a well-designed book (it looks like a post-it note pad, so I love it). It's a good one to add to our growing list of books about innovation.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: The Innovator's Handbook: Book ReviewOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Skepticism, Martian Westerns, and Better Call Saul: Monthly Wrap from April

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 14:47


    Another month, another host of great articles, listens, books and other finds from Product Thinking and around the internet. Here's what you may have missed.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Skepticism, Martian Westerns, and Better Call Saul: Monthly Wrap from AprilOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    A Healthy Dose of Skepticism: Finding the Signal in the Noise

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 13:31


    Healthy skepticism is an important ingredient to work and life. It keeps us from being manipulated or from making the wrong decision—whether that's taking a job that seems too good to be true or building a product feature simply because the CEO is passionate about it. It is the first step to truth, which should be our main goal. It's not about doubting everything, but about being humble enough to question assumptions until we can identify the truth. And then being willing to adjust as we get more information. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: A Healthy Dose of Skepticism: Finding the Signal in the NoiseOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Product Management and Engineering: How to Effectively Communicate and Work Together

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2023 18:04


    Product managers and engineers often come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives. We need this for great product development. But it can lead to misunderstandings. Different groups value different things. But we can work together to create the right outcomes. It starts with understanding each other better, respecting the way we work and what we each bring to the group, and building on our shared goals. By focusing on clear expectations, a shared understanding, an iterative feedback process, and building trust, product managers and engineers can foster a strong working relationship that drives successful product development and delivery.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Product Management and Engineering: How to Effectively Communicate and Work TogetherOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World - Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2023 15:50


    The world is awash in bullshit. Mostly the figurative kind. Which is why it is critical we're able to discern between fact and bullshit, especially as the bullshit becomes increasing dressed in data.Which is why this month we're reviewing the book Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World by Carl T. Bergstrom and Jevin D. West. This is a book that aims to equip us with the tools to critically evaluate data-driven claims and arguments that we encounter in various aspects of our lives. From our work to the news to the posts we see on social media. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Calling Bullshit: The Art of Skepticism in a Data-Driven World - Book ReviewOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Decision Demons, TikTok, and Emoji Watches: March Monthly Wrap

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2023 16:12


    Another month, another host of great articles, listens, books and other finds from Product Thinking and around the internet. Here's what you may have missed.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Decision Demons, TikTok, and Emoji Watches: March Monthly WrapOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Why We Can't Have Nice Things: Curiosity, TikTok, and Free Speech

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2023 9:34


    TikTok is an incredible platform for anyone to reach an audience, find their voice, and join a community. There isn't anything else like it. Banning apps out of fear or lack of understanding is dystopian-level sci-fi. I like to think we're better than that, but I'm not so sure. Which is why we probably can't have nice things… Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Why We Can't Have Nice Things: Curiosity, TikTok, and Free SpeechOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    3 Lessons from Silicon Valley Bank: What The Rest of Us Can Learn from the Failure of SVB

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2023 13:06


    Hopefully SVB will hold its spot as the second-largest bank failure for a long time. We don't need bigger ones any time soon. But for those of us not running banks or working as founders or in finance, there are still some good things to learn. We can take courage knowing that no one really knows that much. We also need to diversify in most areas of our businesses and our lives. And watch out for the unintended consequences.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: 3 Lessons from Silicon Valley Bank: What The Rest of Us Can Learn from the Failure of SVBOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Finding Whole-Life Balance: Avoiding Myopia and Burnout, and Actively Finding Balance

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2023 13:15


    Balance is an active process. We can't wait until we're older to play outside, because it will be too late then. We need the sun while we're growing up. We can't wait until mid-terms are over because there will always be some sort of mid-term in our life. We need to find balance each day and each phase of our life. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Finding Whole-Life Balance: Avoiding Myopia and Burnout, and Actively Finding BalanceOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Life is Hard: Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2023 11:42


    Life is incredibly hard. We can only choose to live well within the constraints we have. Which is what the book Life is Hard by Kieran Setiya explores. Often it will be less than the ideal that many would envision. But as we shift our mindset away from the idea of ourselves as failures, as projects that need completion, as people who need to be perfect, we can progress, empathize with each other, and create meaningful lives. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Life is Hard: Book ReviewOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Product Roadmaps, Mechanical Watches, and the Science of Fun

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2023 16:23


    Another month, another host of great articles, listens, books and other finds from Product Thinking and around the internet. Here's what you may have missed.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Product Roadmaps, Mechanical Watches, and the Science of FunOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    The Messiness of Doing The Work: What Some Managers Don't Understand

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2023 10:56


    The creation process is always messy. We can't avoid it. As we work to dig and uncover the right things to do, those of us doing the work are often down in the hole shoveling mud. But that is how we eventually get to the right thing. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: The Messiness of Doing The Work: What Some Managers Don't UnderstandOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Product Roadmaps: What Are They Good For

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2023 13:10


    A roadmap won't fix everything (and is often the source of its own problems), but having a product vision and strategy that you can communicate, prioritize against, and ultimately deliver on through your roadmap, will make you a much better product manager and a better product organization. So how can we create good product roadmaps? Listen in for that and more.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Product Roadmaps: What Are They Good ForOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking and @kylelarryevans ★ Support this podcast ★

    Zone to Win: Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2023 15:13


    This month we're reviewing the book Zone to Win by Geoffrey Moore. Last month we reviewed the book Crossing the Chasm by the same author. It offers good insight into the need for separating zones in an organization. Using the three horizons framework, it makes sense to allow different types of innovations to operate differently. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Zone to Win: Book ReviewOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Shower Thoughts, Inner Circles, Networks and Prioritization

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 13:05


    Another month, another host of great articles, listens, books and other finds from Product Thinking and around the internet. Here's what you may have missed.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Airplane Seat Switching and The Endowment EffectOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Airplane Seat Switching and The Endowment Effect: Having Empathy and Understanding Our Own Fallacies

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2023 15:04


    Loss aversion, or the endowment effect, is a cognitive bias that describes why, for individuals, the pain of losing is psychologically twice as powerful as the pleasure of gaining. Once you recognize the endowment effect or loss aversion, you will begin to see it more frequently. From switching airplane seats to company changes. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Airplane Seat Switching and The Endowment EffectOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Product Prioritization: A Strategic Framework for Building the Right Thing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2023 13:44


    Working on the right thing is one of the most important aspects of product development. It is one of the key roles of product management. So understanding the right framework for getting our priorities correct is critical for all product managers and product teams. We can't overlook the broader strategic prioritization framework while we're considering how to prioritize within our products. So don't miss the forest for the trees, or the strategy for the backlog. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Product Prioritization: A Strategic Framework for Building the Right Thing Or just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Crossing the Chasm: Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2023 14:38


    Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore is a classic for good reason. The principles are as relevant today as they were 20 years ago. And while the companies continually change, the need to understand that our marketing, sales, and product development need to adapt in order to meet the needs of the right group of customers at the right time will always be constant. It's easy to get lost in our current customers, especially for early technology products. But by keeping the chasm in mind, and understanding we need to adapt our products (and companies) to cross the chasm and reach the mainstream, we can avoid becoming another body in the void. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Crossing the Chasm: Book ReviewOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_designTikTok: @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Taylor Swift, Quiet Quitting, Ninja Turtles and Books: Monthly Wrap from December

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2022 16:41


    Another month, another host of great articles, listens, books and other finds from Product Thinking and around the internet. Here's what you may have missed.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Taylor Swift, Quiet Quitting, Ninja Turtles and BooksOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_design ★ Support this podcast ★

    Top Books of 2022: A Look Back at our Favorite Product and Non-Product Books

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2022 13:54


    With 2022 coming to a close, we're finally ready to put this rollercoaster of a year behind us. But before we do, we need to back at some of the best books we reviewed from this past year, along with a few others we've read and recommended for outside of the office. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Top Books of 2022: A Look Back at our Favorite Product and Non-Product BooksOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_design ★ Support this podcast ★

    ChatGPT and Cautious Optimism: Imminent Job Killer? Probably Not.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 13:41


    While ChatGPT and the underlying AI aren't necessarily the imminent threats that many have called them, they have the potential to reshape our industry and many industries in ways we won't be able to predict. So hold on to your butts.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: ChatGPT and Cautious Optimism: Imminent Job Killer? Probably Not. Or just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_design ★ Support this podcast ★

    Four Thousand Weeks: Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 16:52


    If you feel you're in conflict, or simply feel you are always trying to get more done that you'll ever be able to, you should definitely pick up a copy of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. Hopefully, it will change your perspective as much as it has changed mine.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Four Thousand Weeks: Book ReviewOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_design ★ Support this podcast ★

    Reggae, Holiday Gifts, Blue Checks, and Van Gogh: Monthly Wrap from November

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2022 12:52


    Another month, another host of great articles, listens, books and other finds from Product Thinking and around the internet. From Reggae albums to holiday gifts to blue checks on Twitter. Here's what you may have missed in November. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Reggae, Holiday Gifts, Blue Checks, and Van Gogh: Monthly Wrap from NovemberOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_design ★ Support this podcast ★

    10 Gift Ideas for Product Managers and Designers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 18:05


    The holiday season is upon us once again (I know, I'm struggling to believe it too). But that means egg nog, sugar cookies, and giving gifts. You may find yourself looking for ideas for holiday gifts for those special people in your life. Or struggling with ideas for your own gift list. And if you or anyone you know happens to be a product manager or a designer, we've got you covered.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: 10 Gift Ideas for Product Managers and Designers Or just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking and @prod_by_design ★ Support this podcast ★

    Elon, Twitter, and Blue Checks: Product Feature Critique

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2022 15:31


    To create an excellent product or product feature, two things are critical: An understanding of your users An understanding of the problem Without these elements, you will miss the mark most of the time.Elon Musk has been putting on masterclass so far at Twitter (and on Twitter) in everything not to do at a company. Let's set that aside for a moment though, and zoom in on one specific area of the recent fiasco: the blue checkmark.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Elon, Twitter, and Blue Checks: Product Feature CritiqueOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    The Laws of Creativity: Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2022 11:58


    Creativity is a critical part of our jobs and our lives. Yet it is often misunderstood. In his new book, The Laws of Creativity, founder Joey Cofone identifies 39 laws of creativity and discusses how each law applies to different scenarios in our lives and how we can harness these laws and ideas to recognize creativity and become more creative. Let's dive into it for this month's book review.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: The Laws of Creativity: Book ReviewOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Underpants Gnomes, Chess Cheating, and The Laws of Creativity: Monthly Wrap from October

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 14:48


    Another month, another host of great articles, listens, books and other finds from Product Thinking and around the internet. Here's what you may have missed.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Underpants Gnomes, Chess Cheating, and The Laws of Creativity: Monthly Wrap from OctoberOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Sales Commitments vs. Product Commitments: Maybe We're Not So Different After All

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2022 11:56


    I initially balked at the idea that sales and product/engineering should be treated the same. Then I realized that it is exactly what we are always asking for. We want the focus to be on the impact, not on the features. Listen in for more discussion about product management and commitments. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Sales Commitments vs. Product Commitments: Maybe We're Not So Different After AllOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Mastering Future Questions: Practicing So You Can Be Prepared

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2022 11:14


    The more thought we put in ahead of time, the more thoughtful and prepared we can be. I've long been of the opinion that no one is great at “thinking on their feet” as we like to say. Rather, some people have simply put more thought in ahead of time and can draw on that preparation more than others. So put in the preparation now.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Mastering Future Questions: Practicing So You Can Be PreparedOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Making Work Visible: Exposing Time Theft to Optimize Work & Flow: Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 15:48


    If you are like me, so much of the work you do, and the work your team does, is invisible to most outside observers. You may understand what you're working on, and your team likely understands it as well. But as soon as you move outside of the inner circle, the work becomes opaque. Move further away, it becomes a black box that outsiders peer into, but can't discern what is happening.This is often the source of immense conflict and consternation. Which is why this month we review the book Making Work Visible: Exposing Time Theft to Optimize Work & Flow by Dominica DeGrandis.  Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Making Work Visible: Exposing Time Theft to Optimize Work & Flow: Book ReviewOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Lumber Prices, Second Jobs, Floppy Disks and Pax Romana: September Monthly Wrap

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2022 16:55


    Another month, another host of great articles, listens, books and other finds from Product Thinking and around the internet. Here's what you may have missed.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Lumber Prices, Second Jobs, Floppy Disks and Pax Romana: September Monthly WrapOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    The Art of Exploration: Taking an Idea from Abstract to Concrete

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2022 18:40


    Bringing ideas from abstract concepts to reality is a critical part of product and design thinking. The better we understand how to do it, the better we can create the best experiences for our users. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Being Overconfident, Getting Stupider, and Banning NFTs: Monthly Wrap from JulyOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    The Importance of Simplicity: Keeping It Simple Early

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2022 8:41


    It is easy to complicate our work. Many of the tools we use these days make it incredibly easy to add more and more with less and less effort. Steve Jobs knew that keeping things simple was the key to a good user experience. We can add two keyboards to an iPad, but users don't need two keyboards to type on. We need to keep our work simple too. And we explore that in this episode. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: The Importance of Simplicity: Keeping It Simple EarlyOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Loved: How to Rethink Marketing for Tech Products - A Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2022 18:02


    This month we're reviewing Loved: How to Rethink Marketing for Tech Products by Martina Lauchengco. It is the latest book from SVPG and focuses on product marketing. So how does it stack up?Overall, I was disappointed by Loved. I had hoped for a solid book on product marketing with insights or tidbits I could use as a product manager or product leader. I didn't feel like I got that. It felt more like a heavily corporatized book, focused on the boardroom or consultant.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Loved: How to Rethink Marketing for Tech Products - A Book Review Or just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Systems, Three-Body Problems, Resurrectionists and Yellowstone: August Monthly Wrap

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2022 19:06


    Another month, another host of great articles, listens, books and other finds from Product Thinking and around the internet. Here's what you may have missed.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Systems, Three-Body Problems, Resurrectionists and Yellowstone: August Monthly WrapOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Dogs and Data and Assumptions: Bonus Week and Off Topic

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2022 19:14


    It's interesting to think about how much our pets influence us vs. how much they are a reflection of our existing preferences. I suspect it is both, though how much is an open question. We certainly can't escape how our decisions shape our environment, which in turn shapes our decisions.It seems like a stretch to say that dog owners take more risks and conform to their pets' stereotypical traits without adjusting for many of the other factors at play. Which is why it is so important to look at all of these types of articles and research studies with a critical eye. And ask questions and examine sources. Which also goes for our own research for our products and our companies. It's easy to confirm our own biases and assumptions, but we have to dig deeper and question our hypotheses rather than confirm our stereotypes.  Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Dogs and Data and Assumptions: Bonus Week and Off TopicOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    When the System is the Problem: Working within the system vs changing the system

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2022 9:53


    The system we work in is critical for our success. We can make improvements within the system, and those are important incremental changes. A new rule or a new process can improve the system. But we need to assess the system holistically. Is it the right system? In our work and our lives, this means critically thinking about everything around us.In this episode, we explore some classic examples of systems, as well as broken systems such as: Our car dependence Our current education system Government crisis management Religion and hierarchy Software development  Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: When the System is the ProblemOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    The Forest for the Trees: Zooming out to see the real problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 12:05


    When we zoom out and consider the entire system, we're able to see that the problem may not be optimizing the existing system, but rather changing it entirely. Because we get so caught up in the water we're swimming in that we don't see the problems all around us. And that is at the heart of product thinking. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: The Forest for the Trees: Zooming out to see the real problems Or just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker: Book Review

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 11:54


    As people, we gather frequently. For meetings at work, for dinner as friends, for holidays as families. Yet so frequently, our gatherings disappoint us. But we still continue to do the same things, expecting different results (insanity, right?).Book: The Art of Gathering by Priya ParkerDon't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker: Book ReviewOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    Being Overconfident, Getting Stupider, and Banning NFTs: Monthly Wrap from July

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2022 17:13


    Another month, another host of great articles, listens, books and other finds from Product Thinking and around the internet. Here's what you may have missed.Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: Being Overconfident, Getting Stupider, and Banning NFTs: Monthly Wrap from JulyOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

    How to Be Wrong and Overconfident

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2022 9:13


    Being confident is good, being overconfident is better. Right or wrong, and especially when wrong, it's critical that you maintain that level of overconfidence you've carefully developed. With the steps we've discussed here, you can continue to work on being more and more overconfident in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. And you'll be better for it. The world will be better for it. Remember, you've got the magic. The space magic. Don't forget to subscribe at productthinking.ccWeekly newsletter: How to Be Wrong and OverconfidentOr just want to leave a tip: buy me a coffee?Twitter: @kylelarryevans and @producthinking ★ Support this podcast ★

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