Shows
Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepHow to Manage Executives Without Authority (as a PM)In this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we tackle one of the most challenging — and crucial — aspects of product leadership: influencing executives and senior stakeholders without formal authority.You’ll learn:Why product managers are often called “mini-CEOs” — and where that analogy breaks downHow to build trust and communicate with senior leadership effectivelyTactics to manage up: from aligning on KPIs and organizational priorities to navigating power dynamicsStrategies for conflict resolution, fostering psychological safety, and earning executive buy-inReal-world insights on data-driven prioritization, storytelling, and stakeholder...2025-07-1950 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepMastering Stakeholder Management – Part 4: Ethics, Power, and Inclusive Decision-MakingIn Part 4 of our Stakeholder Management series, Frameworks, Stories & Strategy explores the ethical dimensions of stakeholder engagement — from power imbalances to inclusive decision-making in complex environments.You’ll learn:How to identify ethical risks in stakeholder interactions and strategic decisionsWhy power dynamics matter — and how to amplify underrepresented voices in your processThe role of transparency, equity, and accountability in building long-term stakeholder trustPractical strategies for ethical communication, responsible prioritization, and inclusive collaborationHow these principles apply in real-world scenarios, from supply chain management to DEI in...2025-07-1839 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepMastering Stakeholder Management – Part 3: Strategies, Tools, and Building TrustIn Part 3 of our Stakeholder Management series, Frameworks, Stories & Strategy focuses on the strategies, tools, and mindset shifts that lead to long-term stakeholder success.You’ll learn:How to analyze stakeholder power, influence, and interest using tools like Mendelow’s MatrixWhy tailored communication is key — and how to choose the right message for the right personHow to build lasting trust with internal and external stakeholders through empathy, cultural awareness, and follow-throughTips for managing competing priorities, defusing conflict, and keeping alignment as projects evolveReal-world exampl...2025-07-171h 15Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepMastering Stakeholder Management – Part 2: Principles, Practices, and Common ChallengesIn Part 2 of our Stakeholder Management series, Frameworks, Stories & Strategy focuses on the core principles, everyday practices, and real-world challenges that come with managing diverse stakeholders across teams and organizations.You’ll learn:Key principles behind effective stakeholder engagement — from transparency to active listeningCommon challenges product managers face, including conflicting priorities, changing expectations, and stakeholder fatigueHow to adapt your approach to different levels of influence, interest, and communication stylesStrategies for engaging or disengaging stakeholders based on evolving project needsThe role of ethics and emer...2025-07-161h 18Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepMastering Stakeholder Management – Part 1: Identifying and Communicating with StakeholdersIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we kick off a two-part series on stakeholder engagement — starting with how to identify the right people, understand their needs, and communicate in a way that builds alignment instead of tension.You’ll learn:How to identify, categorize, and prioritize stakeholders in product developmentStrategies for effective communication with executives, engineers, customers, and moreHow to frame proposals from your stakeholder’s perspective to gain influenceTechniques for managing expectations and avoiding misalignment earlyWhy conflict is normal — and how to turn...2025-07-1537 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepProduct Discovery in Practice: Real-World Examples and Case StudiesIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we go beyond theory and dive into real-world applications of product discovery — showing how teams have used discovery techniques to build better products, avoid costly mistakes, and uncover what users actually need.You’ll learn:How companies use interviews, usability testing, and frameworks like the Double Diamond in live product environmentsCase studies that illustrate discovery done well — and what happens when it’s ignoredHow cross-functional teams collaborate to turn insights into validated solutionsLessons from startups and established companies that evolved...2025-07-1439 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepProduct Discovery: How to Find the Right Problems to SolveIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore the essentials of Product Discovery — the phase of product development where great solutions actually begin.You’ll learn:What product discovery is — and why it matters at every stage, not just before launchHow to shift from a project mindset to a product mindset focused on outcomesCore practices like user interviews, analytics, prototyping, and assumption testingTools and frameworks to support your process — including Opportunity Solution Trees and Jira Product DiscoveryCommon discovery pitfalls (like building on shaky as...2025-07-131h 02Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepThe Product Life Cycle: What to Do from Launch to DeclineIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we break down the Product Life Cycle (PLC) — the classic model for understanding how products evolve from launch to eventual decline.You’ll learn:The key stages: Introduction, Growth, Shake-Out (optional), Maturity, and DeclineHow sales, profits, and cash flow behave at each phase — and what that means for your product strategyWhich tactics to prioritize: from aggressive marketing and feature rollouts in growth to cost optimization and sunset planning in declineHow to recognize when your product is shifting stages — and how to a...2025-07-1255 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepEscaping the Feature Factory: How to Build Outcome-Driven Product TeamsIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we dig into the concept of the Feature Factory — where shipping features is celebrated, but impact is ignored.You’ll learn:What defines a Feature Factory, and how to recognize the warning signsWhy delivering features without measuring outcomes leads to wasted effortHow to shift toward empowered product teams that focus on solving real user problemsWhat outcome-driven roadmaps look like — and how to use product discovery to prioritize smarterThe role of leadership, team structure, and validated learning in bui...2025-07-1148 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepAgile Stage-Gate: How Hybrid Product Development WorksIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we break down the Agile Stage-Gate model — a hybrid approach that combines the structured checkpoints of traditional Stage-Gate with the flexibility and speed of Agile development.You’ll learn:What Stage-Gate is and why it’s used in product developmentHow Agile methods are being integrated into this process to improve adaptabilityThe key benefits of the hybrid approach — faster time-to-market, better feedback loops, and improved team engagementChallenges teams face when combining structure with iteration, and how to make it work in real...2025-07-1033 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepHire This Podcast: Understanding Jobs to Be DoneIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we dive into the Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) framework — a powerful lens for product innovation that focuses on what your customers are actually trying to achieve, not just what they say they want.You’ll learn:The core idea: customers “hire” products to do specific jobs — functional, emotional, or socialThe difference between JTBD-A (Activities) and JTBD-P (Progress) — and why it matters for designing the right solutionHow legendary examples like McDonald’s milkshakes and Netflix applied JTBD thinking to out-innovate competitorsInterview te...2025-07-0951 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepWaterfall: The Structured Past (and Unexpected Future) of Project ManagementIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore the Waterfall methodology — the classic, linear approach to managing projects step by step, phase by phase.You’ll learn:The six key phases of Waterfall: Requirements → Design → Implementation → Testing → Deployment → MaintenanceHow to remember the Waterfall sequence with a simple mental modelWhen Waterfall works well — and when it absolutely doesn’tThe biggest critiques (hello, inflexibility) and how hybrid models combine Waterfall planning with Agile adaptabilityReal-world use cases where Waterfall still dominates — from government to manufacturing to high-stakes infra...2025-07-081h 00Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepKanban, WIP Limits & the Value of VisibilityIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore Kanban — the lean, flexible method that helps teams visualize their workflow, limit chaos, and continuously improve without the ceremony of traditional Agile frameworks.You’ll learn:The core principles of Kanban: Visualize work, limit WIP, manage flow, make policies explicit, implement feedback loops, and improve collaborativelyHow to use Kanban boards to manage bottlenecks and spot blockers in real timeWhy WIP limits are the secret weapon for reducing context-switching and burnoutThe difference between Kanban and Scrum, and when a hy...2025-07-0759 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepCrystal Agile Frameworks for Software DevelopmentIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore the Crystal Agile Framework — a lesser-known but powerful alternative to traditional Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban.You’ll learn:What makes Crystal different: a context-driven, people-first framework that adapts to team size, project risk, and organizational complexityThe seven core properties that define Crystal teams: from osmotic communication and reflective improvement to personal safety and frequent deliveryHow Crystal’s color-coded variations scale with project criticality (without scaling bureaucracy)The framework’s unique strengths in environments where rigid Agile processe...2025-07-0637 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepMinimum Lovable Product (MLP): Crafting Products People Actually WantIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore the Minimum Lovable Product (MLP) — the next evolution beyond MVPs, designed not just to validate functionality, but to spark real user connection.You’ll learn:What separates an MLP from an MVP — and why "just good enough" may not be good enough anymoreHow to infuse delight into early-stage products without over-engineeringThe role of user research, competitive analysis, and behavioral insight in finding the lovable edgeHow to balance speed and emotion — creating an experience that works and wins hearts2025-07-0554 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepUnderstanding Proof of Concept in Product DevelopmentIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we dig into the Proof of Concept (PoC) — the often-overlooked but critical step that answers one essential question: Can this idea work?You’ll learn:What a PoC really is — and how it differs from a prototype or MVPWhen and why to build a PoC — especially when you're exploring technical feasibility or innovation under uncertaintyHow to define success criteria, identify key risks, and communicate results to stakeholders or investorsReal-world examples of how PoCs have de-risked big bets and saved teams fr...2025-07-0434 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepAI x MVP: Building an MVP Smarter, and FasterIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping MVP development — from coding your prototype to analyzing your user feedback before you even brew your second coffee.You’ll learn:How AI can help generate MVP assets: code, UI, storyboards, and even marketing copyHow to use predictive analytics to prioritize core features and avoid overbuildingTools for automated user research — from sentiment analysis to instant interview transcriptsWhy product managers are shifting from creators to curators of AI-generated ideasThe risks: bad da...2025-07-0337 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepMVPs Done Right: What to Build, When to Launch, and How to LearnIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we take a deep dive into the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) — one of the most powerful tools for testing ideas, minimizing risk, and getting real feedback fast.You’ll learn:What an MVP really is — and what it’s not (hint: it’s not a buggy beta)The role of MVPs in the Build-Measure-Learn loopFamous MVPs that launched global companies — like Airbnb’s hacked-together website, and Amazon’s “sell one book” testCommon MVP pitfalls: feature overload, no clear problem, ignoring feedbackHow t...2025-07-0232 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepFrom Sketch to Click: Prototyping in Product DevelopmentIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore the world of prototyping — a critical but often misunderstood phase of product development that helps teams learn fast, fail cheap, and align early.You’ll learn:The difference between low-, medium-, and high-fidelity prototypes — and how to remember when to use whichWhy prototypes are not the same as MVPs (and what each one is really for)How tools like paper sketches, clickable wireframes, and even Lego models help surface design flaws earlyHow prototyping improves cross-functional communication, reduces rework, and ke...2025-07-011h 17Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepLean Startup: Build, Measure, LearnIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we break down the Lean Startup methodology — not as a Silicon Valley slogan, but as a practical framework for building smarter, faster, and with way less waste.You’ll learn:How the Build → Measure → Learn loop really works — and how to remember itWhat a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) actually is (hint: it’s not “build less”)How companies like Dropbox, Airbnb, and Buffer turned scrappy MVPs into global platformsHow Lean Startup thinking applies beyond startups — in big companies, legacy products, and even your next...2025-06-301h 21Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepSAFe or Sorry? A Guide to the Scaled Agile FrameworkIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we unpack the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) — one of the most widely adopted (and hotly debated) approaches to scaling Agile across large organizations.You’ll learn:The core components of SAFe, including Program Increment (PI) Planning, alignment rituals, and built-in quality practicesKey values like transparency, predictability, and alignment across teams — and how they play out in practiceCommon critiques: Is SAFe just “Waterfall with standups”? Why do some call it agile theater?How SAFe compares to leaner models like LeSSA mental...2025-06-2954 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepScrum in Real Life: Roles, Rituals & the Reality Behind the FrameworkIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we take a deep dive into Scrum — one of the most widely used Agile frameworks in the world, and one that’s often done wrong but talked about a lot.You’ll learn:The core components of Scrum: roles like Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team, and the rhythm of Sprint Planning, Daily Standups, Sprint Reviews, and RetrospectivesWhy Scrum works — and when it doesn’tCommon pitfalls: story point drama, meeting fatigue, and what happens when the “ceremony” overtakes the purposeHow Scrum co...2025-06-2833 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepAgile Methodologies: Principles, Practices, and PitfallsIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we break down Agile methodologies — not just the buzzwords, but what they actually mean for product teams trying to ship great software.You’ll learn:The core principles behind Agile (and how to remember them without memorizing the manifesto)Key practices like Scrum, Kanban, and the roles of Product Owners and Scrum MastersHow to track progress with meaningful Agile metrics — beyond just velocityCommon pitfalls: from leadership misalignment to AI-enhanced delivery teams that move fast but forget the “customer” partWhether...2025-06-2759 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepThe Dunning-Kruger Effect: Understanding Overconfidence and MisjudgmentIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore the Dunning-Kruger Effect — that sneaky cognitive bias where a little knowledge can lead to a lot of overconfidence.You’ll learn:What causes the Dunning-Kruger Effect — and why it’s especially dangerous in product managementHow overconfidence can distort forecasts, derail strategy, and lead to risky betsTechniques to recognize and counteract this bias in yourself and your teams — from fostering intellectual humility to building feedback loops and embracing a beginner’s mindsetWhy “knowing what you don’t know” is one of the most...2025-06-2643 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepThe OODA Loop: Decision-Making for a Dynamic WorldIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we break down the OODA Loop — a decision-making cycle built for speed, adaptability, and staying ahead in dynamic environments.You’ll learn:The four stages: Observe → Orient → Decide → Act — and how to lock them into memoryWhy speed of iteration often beats the quality of individual decisionsHow the OODA Loop applies beyond its military roots — from Lean Startup to MVPs to day-to-day product leadershipHow to foster continuous feedback, psychological safety, and a team culture that embraces rapid learning and iterationIf you’re...2025-06-251h 08Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepThe Ladder of Inference in Leadership and Decision-MakingIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we unpack the Ladder of Inference — a powerful model for understanding how we jump from observation to action (often without realizing it).You’ll learn:The mental steps that make up the Ladder of Inference — and how to remember themWhy unchecked assumptions and past experiences quietly distort decisionsHow to use self-awareness, curiosity, and balanced inquiry to spot flawed thinking — in yourself and your teamPractical ways to slow down the climb and make better, more collaborative decisionsIf you’ve e...2025-06-241h 03Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepMastering Second-Order ThinkingIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we dive deep into second-order thinking — the essential mental model for seeing past quick wins and anticipating the ripple effects of your decisions.You’ll learn:What separates first-order from second-order thinkingHow to anticipate unintended consequences and downstream risksWhy this mindset is crucial for product strategy, leadership, and career decisionsSimple techniques to build second-order thinking into your daily habits — so you remember to use it when it matters most (and impress in interviews!)If you’ve ever launched...2025-06-231h 09Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepWardley Maps - Strategic Planning for Business EvolutionIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore Wardley Maps — a powerful visual tool for understanding how your business evolves and how your product fits in the bigger picture.You’ll learn:The core elements of a Wardley Map: Value Chain → Evolution Stages (Genesis → Custom → Product → Commodity)How to mentally map and remember the framework so you can explain it to your team or interview panel without fumblingHow mapping helps you spot opportunities, manage risk, and align product decisions with larger business strategyThe connection between product positioning...2025-06-221h 01Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepBuilding BICEPS: A Framework for Business Impact & Sustainable GrowthIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore the BICEPS framework — a simple but powerful tool to help leaders and product teams think holistically about value creation and performance.We’ll break down the six pillars of BICEPS:Business ResultsInnovative EdgeCustomer ExperienceEmployee ExperienceProcess OptimizationSustainabilityYou’ll learn how to mentally map and remember BICEPS (without getting lost in jargon), how to apply it to strategic planning, and how to use it in interviews to demonstrate big-picture thinking. We’ll...2025-06-2134 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepOpportunity Solution Tree: Mapping what MattersIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore Teresa Torres’s powerful product discovery tool — the Opportunity Solution Tree (OST) — and how to mentally map it, use it, and remember it in the heat of your next product decision or interview.We break down:The key levels of the tree: Outcome → Opportunities → Solutions → Assumption TestsHow to align discovery work with business goals through continuous interviewing and ideationMental tricks and visual hooks to help you recall and explain OSTs clearly to stakeholders (or recruiters)We also touch on common ch...2025-06-1744 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepShape Up method explainedIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we unpack Shape Up, the product development methodology created by Basecamp that challenges traditional agile models and replaces backlogs with bets.We’ll break it down in a way that’s easy to remember and apply — using mental models and mnemonics to help you retain:The shaping phase: where senior folks define the problem, appetite (time budget), and rough solutionThe betting table: how projects get greenlit for a focused 6-week cycleThe concept of fixed time, variable scope — and how it helps teams ship wit...2025-06-1637 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepLeadership is not Ownership: Rethinking Responsibility at WorkIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we challenge the increasingly popular mantra of “think like an owner” — and unpack why leadership isn’t the same as ownership.We explore:The difference between showing initiative and being expected to carry disproportionate weightWhy “ownership mentality” can feel empowering — or exploitative — depending on compensation, boundaries, and contextReal-world perspectives from employees and managers who’ve questioned this mindsetAlternative ways to align teams — like transparent compensation, phantom equity, and financial literacy — without blurring the lines between loyalty and free laborThis isn’t about...2025-06-1532 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepThe Double Diamond Design ProcessIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we turn the Double Diamond design process into something you’ll never forget — literally.We’ll walk through each of the four stages — Discover, Define, Develop, Deliver — and show you how to lock them into memory using mnemonics, visual cues, and narrative structure. You’ll learn:The logic behind the two “diamonds” of divergence and convergenceHow to use the framework to structure product thinking, even in messy orgsHow to recall it confidently in interviews, workshops, or when leading strategyThis isn't just a des...2025-06-1551 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepThe Definitive Guide to A/B TestingIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we break down A/B testing into memorable, bite-sized pieces — helping you retain what matters and avoid the most common traps.You’ll learn:How to remember the key stages of A/B testing using simple mnemonicsWhat terms like control, treatment, and statistical significance actually mean (and how to explain them in interviews without sweating)How to spot false positives, underpowered tests, and sample size issues — before they derail your resultsPlus: how to ethically approach A/B testing with user privac...2025-06-141h 18Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepYour Brain, Upgraded: Mnemonics, Memory Palaces & Remembering What MattersIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore how to turn your brain into a high-performance workspace using mnemonics, memory palaces, and other proven memory techniques.Whether you're prepping for interviews, managing complex product work, or just tired of forgetting acronyms like RICE or INVEST mid-sentence, this episode shows you how to:Build and use a Memory Palace to store frameworks, processes, and talking pointsCreate mental hooks using association, imagery, and storytellingUse multimodal rehearsal (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to lock things in long termFrameworks aren’t th...2025-06-1339 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepTeam Topologies: Designing Teams for Flow, Focus, and Faster DeliveryIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we break down Team Topologies — a powerful framework for structuring software teams to maximize delivery, reduce friction, and scale with clarity.You’ll learn the four key team types:Stream-aligned – delivering end-to-end valuePlatform – enabling others by building reusable internal servicesEnabling – coaching teams through change and capability growthComplicated-subsystem – tackling deep technical complexityWe’ll also cover how team interaction modes, cognitive load, and aligning with business value streams can make or break your org design. This episode pulls from real-worl...2025-06-1158 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepInverse Conway Maneuver: Design the Org to Design the SystemIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we focus on the Inverse Conway Maneuver — the idea that if your system’s architecture mirrors your organization, then changing the org structure is the fastest path to a better system.We explore how this concept plays out in real product and engineering environments, why Team Topologies supports it, and how to intentionally structure teams to enable the systems you want (instead of the ones your current silos accidentally create).You’ll also learn:When to apply the Inverse Conway Maneuver (and when it backfires)Why...2025-06-1017 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepUnderstanding and Applying Conway's LawIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore Conway’s Law — the idea that the way your teams communicate will directly shape the systems they build.Originally introduced in 1968 (and still haunting engineering teams today), Conway’s Law isn’t just a quirky observation — it’s a powerful lens for understanding why product and technical decisions often reflect internal silos, not intentional design.We’ll dive into examples of how organizational structure leaks into system architecture, why this matters for product managers, and how to use the Inverse Conway Maneuver to flip the script: shaping your t...2025-06-1059 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepShreyas Doshi's “Product Work Types” and LNO frameworkIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we dive into the LNO Framework by Shreyas Doshi — a no-nonsense lens to help Product Managers focus on the work that actually moves the needle.We’ll break down how to categorize your tasks into Leverage, Neutral, and Overhead, and how that clarity can help you prioritize smarter, reduce busywork, and make more impact with less burnout.We’ll also touch on Shreyas’ view of product leadership archetypes — the Operator, the Craftsperson, and the Visionary — and how understanding your own style can shape your influence, role fit, and the kind of...2025-06-0951 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepExploring the Kano Model for Customer SatisfactionIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we unpack the Kano Model — a powerful tool that helps Product Managers go beyond “what users say they want” and focus on what actually drives satisfaction (and surprise delight).You’ll learn how to categorize features into Must-haves, One-dimensional satisfiers, Delighters, and Indifferent extras, and how to use Kano surveys and evaluation tables to prioritize what’s worth building. We’ll even touch on a real-world case study that applied the Kano Model to... university libraries in Sweden (because yes, even bookworms need good UX).This episode will help you thi...2025-06-0815 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepThe Four Fits of Company GrowthThese sources collectively discuss the crucial concept of Product-Market Fit (PMF) for startups, emphasizing that it is the alignment of a product with a market that truly needs it, leading to significant growth and sustainability. Achieving this often involves an iterative process of understanding the target audience, developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and continuously refining the offering based on user feedback and data analysis, especially through metrics like customer satisfaction and retention. Several sources also introduce related concepts like Brian Balfour's Four Fits (Market-Product, Product-Channel, Channel-Model, and Model-Market Fit), highlighting that success depends on the alignment of multiple busines...2025-06-0847 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepThe CIRCLES Method for Product ManagementIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we break down one of the most popular product interview frameworks: the CIRCLES Method.From Comprehend the situation to Summarize your recommendation, we’ll walk through each of the seven steps that make up this structured approach to solving product design challenges — and show you how to make it your own. We’ll also discuss how CIRCLES can be flexed into a simpler 3-step model when you’re under time pressure or tackling messy real-world problems.Beyond interviews, we explore how CIRCLES can help you align teams, prioritize solution...2025-06-0826 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepStrategies for Job InterviewsIn this crossover episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we bring together two high-stakes worlds: venture capital and product interviews.You’ll learn what VCs really look for when evaluating startups — from TAM/SAM/SOM to team dynamics, financials, and product-market fit. But we’re not just talking spreadsheets and hockey-stick graphs — we dig into the human element too.On the interview side, we break down how behavioral questions (using STAR) are used to test for soft skills like leadership, prioritization, and collaboration. Whether you're raising capital or trying to raise your own career level, these insights...2025-06-0831 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepStrategies for Building and Managing AI ProductsIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore how Artificial Intelligence is changing the game for product managers — not in theory, but in practice.We dive into real-world applications of agentic AI, machine learning, and hybrid models that blend rule-based systems with cognitive smarts. You’ll learn what makes a strong AI product strategy, how to structure your AI team (spoiler: you need more than just a data scientist), and why a rock-solid data foundation is the hill most AI products quietly die on.Plus, we’ll look at the ethical implications PMs can’t afford...2025-06-081h 00Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepMastering the North Star MetricIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we explore the bright (and sometimes blinding) power of the North Star Metric — that one metric to rule them all.We break down what makes a good NSM, why it’s more than just a number, and how companies like Airbnb use it to align teams, guide product development, and avoid the trap of vanity metrics. You’ll learn how to identify your own NSM, connect it to long-term outcomes, and troubleshoot when things get fuzzy (spoiler: they will).Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to speak...2025-06-0846 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepGibson Biddle Product Strategy FrameworksIn this strategy-packed episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we unpack the methods and models that shape product thinking at the highest level — from Netflix to Airbnb.You'll learn about Gibson Biddle’s DHM and GLEE frameworks, how to run your own product strategy workshops, and why Airbnb’s product evolution during the pandemic offers a masterclass in adaptability. We’ll also explore the Product Strategy Stack, a model that connects company mission to execution, and discuss how you can apply it not just to your product — but to your career.Plus, we’ll address the elephant in...2025-06-0846 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepFour Lessons from Product Manager InterviewsInterviewing for a product role? Whether you're targeting an associate PM spot or eyeing a director seat, this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy breaks down what it really takes to stand out.We’ll cover essential prep strategies: how to research the company and product, tailor your story using STAR and CIRCLES, and confidently showcase both your technical and leadership chops. You'll also hear how expectations differ between startups and larger orgs, and why red flags go both ways — it’s not just about getting hired, it’s about finding the right fit.By the end, you...2025-06-0822 minFrameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepDonella Meadows and Systems ThinkingEver feel like pulling one lever in your product sends the whole system spinning? In this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we dive into systems thinking — a powerful approach to understanding complexity and making better product decisions.We’ll explore how tools like causal loop diagrams and stock-and-flow models can help Product Managers identify feedback loops, spot unintended consequences, and find leverage points that lead to outsized impact. Whether you're planning roadmaps, managing stakeholders, or fixing feature bloat, this mindset can radically change how you lead and build.If you're ready to stop firefighting and star...2025-06-081h 15Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepBecoming and Leading a Product TeamWhat does it really take to go from Product Manager to Head of Product? In this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we unpack the evolution from execution to strategic leadership.We’ll break down the core responsibilities of a Head of Product — from shaping vision and defining KPIs to leading teams and influencing company culture. You’ll hear how this role differs from day-to-day product management, and why storytelling, stakeholder alignment, and quantifiable impact are your best tools for leveling up.Whether you’re eyeing that next big title or wondering if you’re already doing half...2025-06-081h 05Frameworks, Stories and Strategy: Product Manager Interview PrepAgile and RAPID Decision Making FrameworksIn this episode of Frameworks, Stories & Strategy, we dive into the tangled world of decision-making — where overthinking is real, data is imperfect, and the clock is always ticking.We explore how Product Managers can navigate analysis paralysis, balance intuition with analytics, and make effective calls when the pressure's on. You'll hear about proven frameworks like RAPID, insights on the role of training and experience, and how creating the right organizational environment can empower your team to act confidently — even without perfect information.Whether you're leading a roadmap pivot or triaging a bug at 4 p.m. on a...2025-06-0843 min