Product Management Pulse

Product managers are the messengers to the market for their companies. In this episode of the Product Management Pulse podcast Michael talks with the strategic product manager himself, Steve Johnson. Through his years of experience as a software developer, SE, sales rep and then product manager, Steve has gained a deep understanding of technology products, from idea to release to success. Steve shares his experience in his typically humorous and instructive manner. Steve and Michael discuss important principles of product management such as being more systematic, creating standardized demos and sales kits, and making decisions based on market facts. Steve shares his passion for the importance of win/loss analysis and discusses its strategic importance. Steve and Michael also discuss important trends for product managers in the next three to five years, and they throw in a few tips for executives. You can read about Steve’s latest ideas on his blog and download his eBook The Strategic Role of Product Management from his web site.

Product managers are the leaders of their product teams. In this inaugural episode of the Product Management Pulse podcast, Michael invites Dr. Paul Jenkins (known to many as “Dr. Paul”) to discuss the importance of leadership in product management. Through his experience as a clinical psychologist, speaker and coach, Dr. Paul brings great insight to the “people” skills of product management. Michael and Dr. Paul discuss five factors of leadership that will improve your ability to lead people and increase your effectiveness as a product manager. They also discuss two important books: The 5 Laws That Determine All of Life’s Outcomes by Brett Harward and The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni. You can listen to Dr. Paul’s excellent podcast at Live On Purpose Radio.