In this episode of Product Confidential, join host Evie Brockwell and seasoned product management leader Beks Yelland as they explore the evolution of product management roles over the past two decades.
From the early days of extensive documentation to the agile revolution and the rise of data-driven decision-making, Beks shares her insights on how the role has transformed. Discover how AI is reshaping the landscape and why embracing these changes is crucial for future success.
Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing today's product managers.
Timestamps
2.15 Product Management evolution:
19:06 Job Market and Career Advice:
Ready to transform your product management career? Tune in to our latest episode with Beks Yelland and discover how to navigate the evolving landscape of product management. Don't miss out on expert insights and actionable advice.
Listen now and subscribe for more episodes that keep you ahead of the curve!
Follow Beks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckyyelland/
From Pandemic Setback to Google PM: Gabor’s Playbook for Career Comebacks
In this inspiring episode of Product Confidential, Michael Palmer sits down with Gabor Mayer, a Google product manager and career coach, to unpack his incredible journey from pandemic-era unemployment to landing a coveted role at Google.
Gabor shares real talk on job hunting, why LinkedIn visibility matters more than ever, and powerful tips to stand out in today’s crowded market. Whether you're job hunting, pivoting careers, or just feeling stuck, this episode is packed with honest advice, CV hacks, and motivation to keep going.
Your next big break might be closer than you think.
Perfect for: Aspiring PMs, career changers, and anyone navigating the job search grind.
Chapters
Find Gabor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayergabor/
Is Your Team Truly Agile or Just Faking It?
In this energising episode, Evie Brockwell and Michael Palmer sits down with renowned author and consultant Johanna Rothman to unpack what real agility looks like in project management.
They dive into the tell-tale signs of "fake agile," why collaboration beats rigid frameworks every time, and how feedback loops can supercharge your team’s effectiveness.
Johanna brings her trademark clarity and practical wisdom, offering up actionable strategies for building self-organising teams that still deliver on big-picture goals. If you're tired of buzzwords and ready for meaningful agility, this one’s for you.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Fake Agility
07:18 The Essence of True Agility
10:57 Balancing Team Autonomy and Organizational Direction
20:37 The Importance of Feedback Loops
35:36 Strategies for Overcoming Resource Challenges
Johanna's Book: https://leanpub.com/agileprogrammanagement
More of Johanna's work:
Follow Johanna Rothman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannarothman/
And don’t miss the chance to see Evie, one of your Product Confidential hosts, speak at an upcoming event! Get your tickets now and use the code productconfidential20 to score a 20% discount. Grab yours before they sell out!
Link to the event: https://ti.to/sequel-media/product-led-summit-amsterdam-2025/discount/productconfidential20
What happens when machines get smarter… and leaders forget to stay human?
In this thought-provoking episode, Arne Kittler unpacks the seismic shift AI is bringing to product management—and why empathy, curiosity, and trust are more crucial than ever.
We get real about the risks of blindly chasing efficiency, the messy reality of integrating AI tools, and how today’s product leaders can future-proof their teams without becoming robots themselves. If you care about the soul of product work in an AI-powered world, this one’s for you.
Follow Arne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnekittler/
Want more conversations like this? Check out Product at Heart—the conference Arne organises for product people who care deeply about the craft.
In this episode of Product Confidential, we sit down with Debbie McMahon, Chief Product Officer at the Financial Times, for a candid conversation about leadership, innovation, and career growth. Debbie breaks down what it really takes to step into a senior leadership role, from navigating company politics to making high-stakes decisions. She shares how the FT is leveraging AI to enhance storytelling, the challenges of shifting company culture, and what product leaders should focus on to drive real impact. If you want unfiltered insights on managing teams, measuring success, and staying ahead in the ever-evolving media landscape, this episode is a must-listen.
Follow Debbie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmcmahon/
And don’t miss the chance to see Evie, one of your Product Confidential hosts, speak at an upcoming event! Get your tickets now and use the code productconfidential20 to score a 20% discount. Grab yours before they sell out!Link to the event: https://ti.to/sequel-media/product-led-summit-amsterdam-2025/discount/productconfidential20
What separates successful products from those that flop? In this insightful episode, Evie Brockwell and Michael Palmer sit down with Teresa Torres, a leading expert in product discovery, to uncover the secrets behind building products that truly resonate.
They dive into:
🚀 Why products fail and how to prevent it
🔍 The power of assumption testing in product strategy
👥 Engaging stakeholders to drive better decisions
🌍 How culture impacts product discovery
🔄 The continuous discovery mindset and why iteration is key
Teresa shares practical frameworks for testing assumptions, defining outcomes, and keeping customer needs at the heart of product development. If you're a product manager, designer, or founder looking to build smarter, more impactful products, this episode is a must-listen!
Links mentioned in the episode:
✔️ Story mapping: https://jpattonassociates.com/story-mapping/
✔️ Testing business ideas: https://www.amazon.es/Testing-Business-Ideas-David-Bland/dp/1119551447
✔️ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Continuous-Discovery-Habits-Discover-Products/dp/1736633309
Teresa's Website: https://www.producttalk.org/
Workshops: https://learn.producttalk.org/
Link to their podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ke77wqSgstk3nd048oIGo
Buzzwords and trends dominate the product world, but how much of it is just noise?
In this episode, Evie Brockwell & Michael Palmer sit down with Mirela Mus to cut through the hype and uncover what truly drives product success. They dive into the risks of blindly following trends, the dangers of over-hiring, and why cultural sensitivity can make or break a product strategy.
From understanding local markets to leveraging external consultants for fresh perspectives, this conversation is packed with insights for product teams looking to create real impact. Whether you're a product leader or just starting out, this episode will challenge the way you think about innovation, strategy, and value creation.
🎧 Tune in to learn how to focus on what really matters and avoid the common pitfalls in product management.
Follow Mirela Mus on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirelamus/Website: https://www.getproductpeople.com/
Great product decisions don’t just happen, they’re crafted with careful thought and strategy.
In this episode of Product Confidential, Phil Hornby, a seasoned product leader, dives into the critical aspects of product management, with a focus on decision-making and how AI is reshaping these processes. He reflects on the evolution of his book and the importance of thoughtful decision-making that balances data, evidence, and intuition. Phil also highlights the role of human accountability in decision-making, even as AI tools become more prevalent. He discusses the shift from feature-based to problem-based roadmaps, the need for tailored roadmaps to meet diverse audience needs, and the efficiency of streamlined roadmapping processes. Additionally, Phil emphasizes the value of discovery roadmaps in managing uncertainty and ensuring clarity throughout product development.
Takeaways
✅ Making a good product requires extensive discovery and research.
✅ AI will become a standard tool in product management, but human decision-making remains crucial.
✅ High-quality decisions are more important than labeling decisions as good or bad.
✅ Data alone does not inform decisions; it must be interpreted alongside evidence and intuition.
✅ Reflection on past decisions is key to improving decision-making skills.
✅ Different organizations may prioritise intuition or data differently in their decision-making processes.
✅ Combining data, anecdotes, and intuition leads to better decision-making outcomes.
✅ The role of product managers will evolve as AI tools enhance productivity. Understanding your own emotions versus intuition is crucial.
✅ Explicit thinking helps in making informed decisions.
✅ Roadmaps should evolve from features to problems.
✅ Tailoring roadmaps for different audiences enhances communication.
✅ Efficient roadmapping should not consume excessive time.
✅ Discovery roadmaps help clarify the unknowns in product development.
✅ Visual storytelling can improve roadmap engagement.
✅ Different views of roadmaps cater to various stakeholders.
✅ Aligning roadmaps with strategic goals is essential for success.
✅ Choosing the right tools for the conversation is key.
Books mentioned:
✨ Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish: https://a.co/d/fqtrIO1
✨ Data Story by Nancy Duarte: https://a.co/d/cI22QNS
Find Phil Hornby here:
Website: https://www.forproductpeople.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philhornby/
Read Phil's book:
It Depends: https://www.forproductpeople.com/content/books/it-depends
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps others discover Product Confidential! 🎧✨
Feeling overwhelmed by the constant juggle of work, parenting, and life’s demands?
In this episode of Product Confidential, hosts Evie Brockwell and Michael Palmer are joined by Hannah Clark. They explore the challenges of maintaining balance amidst the chaos. They discuss the early warning signs of burnout, the power of routine in managing ADHD, and the importance of self-compassion when things don’t go to plan. Hannah shares her personal journey, offering practical strategies for reducing decision fatigue, staying resilient, and finding joy in small wins. Throughout the conversation, they highlight how mindset and self-awareness can help you navigate life’s ups and downs and ultimately thrive—both at work and at home.
Takeaways:
✔ Spotting burnout early can prevent bigger problems down the line.
✔ Routines are essential for managing ADHD and maintaining stability.
✔ Structured habits help reduce decision fatigue.
✔ Self-compassion is key when life feels overwhelming.
✔ Mindset and self-awareness play a huge role in overcoming challenges.
✔ Burnout can distort your sense of self-worth, but small wins can rebuild confidence.
Join us for this insightful discussion on creating balance in a demanding world. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps others discover Product Confidential! 🎧✨
Ever wondered what it’s like to manage products in the world of open source software?
In this episode of Product Confidential, we dive deep into the fascinating journey of Karl, who transitioned from a Linux enthusiast in college to a product manager at Microsoft.
What You’ll Learn:
👉 The evolution of Microsoft’s relationship with open source.
👉 Challenges of collaboration in open source communities.
👉 Key differences between traditional and open source product management.
👉 How to monetise open source software without losing community trust.
👉 Practical advice for breaking into open source product management.
02:15 Understanding Open Source Development
08:41 The Evolution of Microsoft and Open Source
13:33 Challenges in Open Source Product Management
20:31 Influencing in Open Source Communities
29:03 Monetizing Open Source Software
38:03 Skills for Open Source Product Management
40:23 Conclusion and Future Plans
Don’t miss this candid conversation packed with actionable insights for anyone curious about the intersection of open source and product management.
See more from Karl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-abbott/
Subscribe to the Product Confidential podcast now and never miss an episode filled with industry secrets, expert interviews, and actionable advice!
Welcome back and happy 2025!
"This is a little kickstart to January."
We're kicking off with a solo episode from Evie as she dives into her extensive research on burnout in product management, sharing her personal story and insights.
It's going to be an interactive, reflective episode so you can make the changes that you want to action this year!
We're talking about what causes burnout, why it's so high in product, how to recognise your own stressors (and what actions to take to prevent them!)
If you're looking for the boost you need to help you set yourself up for success and break the burnout cycles, we've got you covered.
Spoiler: "You need to take full responsibility."
Key Takeaways
It's not just about how much you work, but how you feel about it.
92% of product professionals have experienced burnout or are on the verge.
You are responsible for your own well-being at work.
Implementing small changes can lead to significant improvements.
Mindset shifts are necessary to overcome burnout.
Burnout coaching link:
www.eviebrockwell.com/burnout-in-product
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Burnout in Product Management
16:05 Understanding Burnout: Definitions and Symptoms
28:34 Strategies for Overcoming Burnout
As ever, if you take loads of value from this episode then follow & rate the show so we can bring you even more content this year!
Burnout coaching link:
Ever felt swamped by the myriad frameworks in product management?
We get into all of the details on the pros, the cons (hello imposter syndrome), and how to use frameworks effectively.
Our guest is Ed Walsh. Ed is the Head of Product at Zapmap - the UK's leading EV charging platform shares all of his views in this episode.
Discover why frameworks aren't one-size-fits-all, when they're genuinely useful, and how they can sometimes hinder more than help. Ed spills the beans on his favourite tools like the Business Model Canvas and Jobs to be Done, and offers candid advice on avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're a startup hustler or a corporate climber, this chat is packed with invaluable insights that'll help you lead your team more effectively. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:30 The Overwhelming World of Product Frameworks 01:51 The Role of Frameworks in Career Development 03:20 Advice for Using Frameworks Effectively 04:22 Understanding the Purpose of Frameworks 05:39 Identifying and Solving Problems with Frameworks 07:54 Transitioning Away from Framework Dependence 13:04 The Downsides of Over-Reliance on Frameworks 15:33 Principle-Based Leadership and Framework Flexibility 22:18 Favorite Frameworks and Their Applications 25:26 Frameworks in Startups vs. Big Corporates 27:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Ed is an incredible coach in the product world, if you'd love to see more of his views - you can connect with him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edmund-walsh-61223a47/
Join us in this engaging episode as we sit down with Claire, the Director of Sustainable Business Consulting at Transform.
Claire shares her inspiring journey from her early passion for sustainability, her roles in digital product spaces, to her current position at Transform. She delves into the concept of digital sustainability, the environmental impact of digital products, and practical steps product managers can take to make more sustainable choices.
Through insightful discussions and real-world examples, Claire provides a roadmap for integrating sustainability into product design and business practices, emphasizing the interconnected benefits for the environment, society, and business prosperity. Tune in to discover how small changes can lead to significant positive impacts and how you can be a part of the solution.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:06 Claire's Journey into Digital Sustainability
02:38 Understanding Digital Sustainability
06:19 The Role of Product Managers in Sustainability
12:23 Practical Steps for Implementing Sustainability
16:05 Balancing Sustainability with Consumer Behavior
19:47 Overcoming Overwhelm in Sustainability Efforts
23:41 Positive News and Upcoming Events
24:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Links to events and thoughts from Claire
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/transformuk_sustainability-netzero-sustainabledesign-activity-7227324081518366724-YA5e
https://www.transformuk.com/pages/towards-a-sustainable-business-blueprint
Find Claire on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbolina/
Have you ever really thought about what it takes to become an insane product leader?
Have you been thinking that you might want to take this career path, but you're not sure how to make it happen?
These are all of the insights that we're sharing with you today.
From progressing my career to lead 5 teams worth $1 billion at the age of 27 & coaching over 20 product leaders, to Michael's current journey - you're in for some gems.
In this episode we cover:
You'll leave this episode reflecting on how you want to show up and lead, and with tangible take-aways to really grow your career.
If you want to become an unstoppable product leader, sign up to the waitlist here:
https://eviebrockwell.ck.page/e9e6c21769
If you want to see more from us:
Follow the show on LinkedIn
Do subscribe & leave a review if you love this episode,
Evie & Michael
Have you ever found yourself feeling like you ‘need to do it all’ to be good at Product? Has it led you to feeling stressed and overwhelmed? If so, you’re not alone.
92% of product people have either been burnt out, or close to burnout.
We spent the last 6 months finding out exactly why this is happening, and what can be done about it.
In this bonus episode, I’m joined by Nick Jemetta, Evelina Dzimanaviciute and Graham Reed, who are all experts on wellbeing in the workplace. You’ll get to know:
If you’ve ever felt stressed, anxious or overworked in Product - then this episode is for you.
Burnout in Product workshop
This workshop will be covering everything you need to know to understand:
Join us on the last week of June to create the plan that you need. Join the waitlist here:
https://eviebrockwell.ck.page/ea1bd26aaa
If you want to see more from us:
Follow the show on LinkedIn
Subscribe & leave a review if you love this episode,
Evie & Michael
Have you ever tried to use a Now, Next, Later roadmap - but your stakeholders still want exact dates?
Do you find yourself spending far too long planning, and want to spend more time delivering value?
If this sounds like you, we can relate.
We've all been on the journey to get our stakeholders brought into a better way of doing things. & we all want to spend less time planning, and more time thinking about the best thing to build.
If that sounds like you, you will love this chat.
We're joined by Janna Bastow, the creator of the Now, Next, Later roadmap.
Janna shares all of her insights:
⚡️ Should you use timelines in a Now, Next, Later roadmap?
⚡️ How can you bring stakeholders on board?
⚡️ Why roadmaps should be a strategic planning tool, not a project management tool
⚡️ How they can help you to cross-collaborate
⚡️ & the exciting part - how AI is saving PMs so much time, and optimising their thinking
You won't want to miss this one.
See more from Janna:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannabastow/
Find out more about Prodpad:
Ultimate Guide to Product Roadmaps
How to Move from Timeline to Agile Roadmapping Course Why Now-Next-Later is best
If you want to see more from us:
Follow the show on LinkedIn
Do subscribe & leave a review if you love this episode,
Evie & Michael
Have you been trying to drive more impact in your product org, but it's just not working?
Maybe you don't have clear goals from your product organisation, you don't see how your work relates, or it's just too hard to get clear targets. Does that sound familiar?
We've all been there, but thankfully, we're joined by impact-guru Matt LeMay on today's episode.
Matt unpacks exactly what product organisations need to change to drive more impact, and why this is so important, & why it's not about having dead certainty on your goals.
He also throws in so many gems:
- What are soft skills in product, and why are they important
- How can you detach yourself from your work and stay sane
- Approaching conversations about the uncomfortable thing
If you're looking at how you can really step into the world of impact, then this episode is for you.
Where can you find more info about Matt and his latest book?
https://mattlemay.com/about-matt
If you want to see more from us:
Follow the show on LinkedIn
Do subscribe & leave a review if you love this episode,
Evie & Michael
This episode features veteran CPO and Hustle Badger founder, Ed Biden.
Ed discusses strategies for product managers and leaders for thinking, speaking and acting in more commercial terms by understanding product team costs, and focusing on commercial impact to secure organisational confidence.
Ed highlights the importance of meeting customer needs while ensuring commercial viability, suggests tools for forecasting ROI, and stresses the importance of hypothesis-based development. He emphasises the need for clear strategies from leadership and suggests ways for teams to navigate uncertainty proactively.
The conversation also covers Ed's project, Hustle Badger, aimed at providing practical advice for product professionals.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:15 Navigating Product Management in Tough Times
00:30 The Importance of Commercial Impact in Product Management
02:36 Balancing User Needs with Commercial Goals
05:18 Strategies for Product Teams to Prove Value
09:01 Forecasting ROI and Making Impactful Decisions
18:36 Leveraging Hypotheses and Feedback for Product Development
29:27 Advice for Product Leaders and Teams
34:50 Introducing Hustle Badger
Links Hustle Badger
In this episode, we speak with Holly Donohue - a fractional CPO, consultant, coach and ProductTank organiser to talk about moving from a feature factory into being value-led.
This episode is packed with hot takes including
🌶️ How to identify if you're in a feature factory
🌶️ How to convince stakeholders to adopt an outcome-led approach.
🌶️ How to implement the move away from being a feature factory
🌶️ The common pitfalls when making this journey o overcome them. Understand the importance of clarity, teamwork, and experimentation in driving successful outcomes.
Links for the show notes
Holly's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollydonohue/
7 Rules for Positive, Productive Change - https://amzn.eu/d/790S5gw
Value stream mapping and lean waste - https://www.atlassian.com/continuous-delivery/principles/value-stream-mapping
This episode is an International Women’s Day special.
We’re joined by the incredible Namrata Sarmah, who is a 2x CPO and the Founder of Women in Product UK and CPO Track amongst other things!
In this episode we cover off everything from:
Nam also talks about the incredible communities she started:
Find out everything that Nam is up to and stay in touch:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/namratasarmah/
https://www.namratasarmah.co.uk/
