The Product Porch

By: Ryan Cantwell Todd Blaquiere Joe Ghali
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  • Summary

  • On The Product Porch, every topic is a product topic. Dive into casual conversations on product management and career growth, woven with pop culture and real-life insights. Each episode offers actionable takeaways as the hosts tackle pressing questions and challenges in the product field. Settle in with Joe Ghali, Ryan Cantwell, and Todd Blaquiere!
    2024 The Product Porch
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Career Success Economics Management Marketing
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Episodes
  • AI's Impact on Product Management

    AI's Impact on Product Management
    Jan 7 2025
    Are you worried about how AI might impact your career in product management?Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Join us for this special episode of The Product Porch, where we welcome special guest Dean Peters and dive into the AI trends every product manager needs to know. We’ll explore how AI is transforming the role of product managers, from decision-making and prioritization to stakeholder collaboration and strategic planning.You’ll gain actionable insights on using AI as a tool to enhance your impact, stay relevant, and secure your role in an AI-driven future. Plus, we’ll tackle the tough questions: Is AI a threat to product managers? How can you adapt to these changes and position yourself as a leader in the evolving landscape?Whether you’re curious, concerned, or both, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in the era of AI. References & LinksFollow Dean at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanpeters/Dean's Blog | Dean on Delivery: https://www.deanondelivery.com/What is Agentic AI? https://hbr.org/2024/12/what-is-agentic-ai-and-how-will-it-change-workTwinery: https://twinery.org/ Show Notes: Episode 15 - AI's Impact on Product Management[2:00] Welcome to the PodcastDean kicks off the discussion with a story that sets the stage for exploring AI and Product Management trends.[3:20] The End of Product Manager Jobs?Dean makes a bold claim: the Product Manager role as we know it is disappearing.[4:11] 2025 Product Management Trends BeginDean predicts the biggest changes AI will bring to Product Management in 2025.[4:48] Prediction #1: Automated Explainer VideosDean shares how Artificial Intelligence will revolutionize the creation of explainer videos, making it faster and cheaper.[7:20] “It’s Already Happening!”Joe backs up Dean’s prediction with real-world examples of AI automating video production at a low cost.[8:48] What Does This Mean for PMs?Todd agrees with Dean but poses the critical question: Is this shift good for Product Managers?[11:41] The Rise of Storytelling in Product ManagementWhy being a great storyteller, with empathy and compassion, is a critical skill in an AI-driven future.[13:54] Problem Statements as ArtTodd compares writing a strong problem statement to creating a masterpiece, emphasizing the artistry involved.[14:56] Most PMs Struggle with Problem StatementsTodd explains why many Product Managers fall short and how asking the right questions can turn "garbage" into gold.[16:24] Prediction #2: Agentic and Customizable AIDean introduces the rise of AI tools tailored to individual needs. (Check the show notes for a definition.)[18:54] Better Workflows, Thanks to AIDean explains how AI will revolutionize workflows, making them more efficient and adaptive.[21:30] Introducing “Twinery”Dean teases a new concept that could reshape how Product Managers approach storytelling. (Details in the show notes.)[22:43] Prediction #3: Open Source AI ModelsDean highlights the rise of open-source AI and its implications for the Product Management space.[23:45] Proof of Life for Product ManagersHow open-source AI models are creating new opportunities for Product Managers to validate user needs.[27:00] Todd’s 2025 Prediction: AI in User TestingAI will revolutionize user behavior analysis, allowing PMs to run customer simulations with unprecedented accuracy.[28:40] Prediction #4: The Rise of Synthetic DataDean predicts synthetic data will allow PMs to simulate user interactions with their products.[33:00] Prediction #5: Automating the Scrum Master RoleAI could replace the “Jira Slinging Ticket Monkey” function, automating repetitive tasks.[34:40] 2025 Product Management Wish ListThe team shares their hopes and dreams for the future of Product Management.[35:45] Product Roadmaps: Art Over ScienceThis is a reminder that creating roadmaps requires creativity and intuition, not just data.[37:30] Dean’s Wish: Automatic Fine-TuningDean imagines a “Ronco Brain Dump” system for effortless idea refinement.[38:30] Connect with Dean PetersFind Dean on social media for more insights on AI and Product Management.[40:00] Key TakeawaysAI is reshaping Product Management with automation, storytelling, and new tools—adapt now to stay ahead in 2025. Help keep the Product Porch lights on by giving at Patreon.com/TheProductPorch.
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    43 mins
  • Ace Your Annual Performance Review

    Ace Your Annual Performance Review
    Dec 24 2024
    Is your experience with annual performance reviews anxiety-inducing? Stop sweating, and join us for this episode of The Product Porch, where we discuss strategies product managers need to ace their annual performance reviews. From framing your accomplishments to overcoming common review pitfalls, we’ll show you how to turn your review into an opportunity for recognition and growth. You’ll leave with practical tips to effectively communicate your value, align with leadership expectations, and set the stage for success.We even discuss why the annual review process feels broken and share ideas to make them more meaningful and effective. References & LinksNine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader's Guide to the Real World | https://store.hbr.org/product/nine-lies-about-work-a-freethinking-leader-s-guide-to-the-real-world/10214?srsltid=AfmBOopQNCeo0kYerQGhXkfI7-3TR1XIXn6seajzp9hW8H8sn1wvqb5O Show Notes for Episode 14: Ace Your Annual Performance Review[1:15] Our Feelings on Annual ReviewsRyan reveals he’d rather mulch than tackle an Annual Review.[2:54] First Performance Review PTSDRyan shares a traumatic Performance Review experience as a Product Manager and the infamous “Be More Like Me” feedback.[3:52] Why Performance Reviews Don’t WorkTodd lists four flaws: recency bias, diverse value expressions, unreliable ratings, and focus on weaknesses.[6:40] Judging a Quarter, Not a YearWhy most evaluations in Product Management focus on events from the last 6–8 weeks.[7:51] The Surprise-Free ReviewJoe explains why surprises in Performance Reviews spell trouble.[10:47] Ideal EvaluationsWhat’s the best way to evaluate people, and what matters most in a Product Manager’s performance?[11:50] Measuring a Product Manager’s ImpactHow do you fairly assess the breadth and depth of Product Manager responsibilities?[13:23] Sales Team BacklashRyan wonders: Will presenting bad news to sales hurt his Performance Review, even if it’s not his fault?[14:30] Evil Todd Strikes AgainTodd brings humor to the broken Annual Review process.[15:21] Gaming the SystemRyan shares how some Product Managers manipulate their Performance Reviews to hit numbers.[16:10] Recency Bias in Product ManagementHow recency bias can distort evaluations for Product Managers.[17:40] Hero Complex in Product ManagementDo great Product Managers need to play the hero?[18:27] Leading Indicators Over OutcomesWhy it’s crucial to sell leading indicators when Performance Reviews don’t account for long-term results.[20:31] Should we Aim for Well-Rounded or Spikey?Are the best Product Managers balanced, or should they excel in specific areas?[23:12] Risks of Focusing on WeaknessesWhat happens if you only focus on improving low competencies?[24:44] Why We Focus on NegativesExploring the human tendency to zero in on flaws during Annual Reviews.[28:14] Evaluating Product SpikesTodd explains how to measure a Product Manager against their product spikes.[29:00] Values-Based ReviewsTodd critiques values-based reviews as being too subjective.[31:36] Perception vs. RealityWhy perception is reality in the Product Management world and how it impacts Performance Reviews.[34:17] Ditching Annual ReviewsJoe advocates for quarterly reviews over Annual Reviews, drawing parallels to roadmap trends.[35:40] Fixing Annual ReviewsTodd’s actionable recommendation to improve Annual Performance Reviews.[38:00] Why Annual Reviews PersistExamining why companies cling to Annual Review models.[38:41] 90% IneffectivenessRyan shares that 90% of Annual Reviews fail to deliver results.[38:59] Manager Dissatisfaction95% of managers dislike their organizations’ review structures.[39:54] Fixing Annual ReviewsStrategies to overhaul the Performance Review process.[41:30] Measuring What MattersThe importance of clear product and organizational metrics in Product Management.[43:00] Build a Wins DocumentWhy tracking your wins can help with Annual Reviews and how to get promoted.[45:56] Crushing the Fourth QuarterTips to end the year strong as a Product Manager.[47:18] Seek FeedbackProactively gather feedback to excel in Performance Reviews.[47:30] Key Takeaways“We are not reliable raters of other people,” but improvements are possible for Product Managers and their teams. Help keep the Product Porch lights on by giving at Patreon.com/TheProductPorch.
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    47 mins
  • Battling Product-Market Drift

    Battling Product-Market Drift
    Dec 10 2024

    Is your product losing traction or failing to grow? You might be experiencing product-market drift—the silent killer of product success. In this episode, we are joined by David Nash, who helps us spot the warning signs and shows you how to realign with customer needs, market trends, and evolving technologies. Learn how to stay ahead of the drift with actionable strategies that ensure your product remains relevant and continues to deliver value. Don’t let your hard work go to waste—listen in and discover how to keep your product healthy, adaptable, and ready for growth.

    Show Links

    Dave Washa- Product Market Drift

    https://www.mindtheproduct.com/fighting-product-market-drift-by-dave-wascha/

    Find David Nash on Linkedin

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/dnashpdx/

    Show Notes for Episode 13: Battling Product-Market Drift

    [1:00] Welcome, David Nash!
    David joins us to talk about product-market drift and how product managers can stay ahead of it.

    [1:30] The Secret to Hiring Great Product Leaders
    David shares his knack for building stellar product teams.

    [2:06] What Is Product-Market Drift?
    We dive into what this sneaky challenge is and why it matters.

    [3:50] The 6 Causes of Product-Market Drift
    David breaks down the top reasons products lose their way.

    [5:30] David’s Big Contributions
    How David’s work helps product managers keep their products relevant.

    [9:00] When Startups Lose Focus
    Ryan explains how a lack of focus leads to failed products.

    [10:49] Customers Want More (and They’re Not Waiting)
    65% of people expect better services now than just a few years ago.

    [12:30] Joe’s Vegas Love Story
    What online travel agencies after 9/11 taught us about market evolution.

    [15:07] David’s Vegas Adventure
    A fun story about a father-daughter trip and customer expectations.

    [18:00] Southwest Airlines and Risks of Change
    Joe questions Southwest’s decision to tweak its winning formula.

    [21:06] Risk: The Biggest Organizational Mistake
    David explains why avoiding risk can be deadly for products.

    [24:00] AI Projects and Taking Risks
    David shares lessons from his team’s first AI project.

    [27:10] Todd’s Stakeholder Management Lesson
    An unforgettable story about managing tricky stakeholders.

    [29:55] Driving Risk Through Red Tape
    David introduces his “risk register” to help product managers tackle organizational barriers.

    [31:45] Job Description Drift
    When roles shift, how do you stay on track?

    [32:30] Todd’s Big Epiphany
    What makes product managers such a unique and fascinating group?

    [35:00] Key Takeaways
    Learn how to spot and fix product-market drift before it’s too late.

    Help keep the Product Porch lights on by giving at Patreon.com/TheProductPorch.
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    40 mins

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