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The Product Handbook
Product manager interview prep and practice
113 episodes
1 week ago
The Product Handbook is a practical show for product manager interview prep and day-to-day skills. Learn frameworks, product sense, metrics, estimation, prioritization, A/B testing, and strategy. Episodes explore case-style topics, roadmaps, and stakeholder communication across startups and big tech. Built for aspiring product managers through senior leaders.
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All content for The Product Handbook is the property of Product manager interview prep and practice and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
The Product Handbook is a practical show for product manager interview prep and day-to-day skills. Learn frameworks, product sense, metrics, estimation, prioritization, A/B testing, and strategy. Episodes explore case-style topics, roadmaps, and stakeholder communication across startups and big tech. Built for aspiring product managers through senior leaders.
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Careers
Business
Episodes (20/113)
The Product Handbook
How to Validate Your Ideas with Customers

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how to validate product ideas with real customers — before you waste time building something nobody wants.


You’ll learn:

  • How to combine qualitative and quantitative validation techniques for stronger insights
  • How to run effective customer interviews that reveal real pain points, not polite feedback
  • Why early testing with MVPs, prototypes, and landing pages helps confirm genuine demand
  • How to spot false positives and avoid mistaking interest for intent
  • Practical ways to identify early adopters and turn feedback into actionable validation


If you’ve ever struggled to tell whether your next idea is worth pursuing, this episode gives you the playbook to test, learn, and validate — with confidence and real customer evidence.

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2 weeks ago
42 minutes 45 seconds

The Product Handbook
How do you come up with new feature ideas?

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how to consistently come up with strong, customer-driven feature ideas — the kind that actually move the needle instead of cluttering the roadmap.


You’ll learn:

  • How to use frameworks like Jobs-to-Be-Done to uncover what customers truly need
  • How to blend qualitative insights (interviews, usability tests) with quantitative data (analytics, surveys) for better ideas
  • Proven ideation techniques like SCAMPER, the Five Whys, and structured brainstorming
  • How to balance creativity with evidence so your features solve real problems, not hypothetical ones
  • Why continuous discovery helps great ideas emerge naturally - and stay relevant over time


If you’ve ever stared at a backlog wondering what to build next, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to generate better feature ideas with confidence and purpose.

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2 weeks ago
45 minutes 38 seconds

The Product Handbook
Product Managers — Are You the CEO of Anything?

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we tackle one of the most debated ideas in product management — the claim that PMs are the “CEO of the product.”


You’ll learn:

  • Where the “CEO of the product” metaphor came from — and why it still sparks strong opinions
  • Why some experts, like Marty Cagan, say this mindset helps build ownership and accountability
  • Why others, like Martin Eriksson, argue it’s misleading and sets the wrong expectations
  • How to balance influence without authority — leading through trust, clarity, and collaboration instead of command
  • What this debate reveals about ego, leadership, and the evolving PM role (including how AI might reshape it)


If you’ve ever wondered whether product managers actually run the show — or if that’s just a myth we tell ourselves — this episode gives you a grounded, honest look at what real product leadership means.

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2 weeks ago
16 minutes 30 seconds

The Product Handbook
How to Ask - Nay, Get - a Promotion as a Product Manager

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we get real about promotions — what it takes to move up as a product manager and how to actually make it happen.


You’ll learn:

  • The skills that signal readiness for the next level — from strategic thinking to cross-functional leadership
  • How to frame your impact using product metrics like adoption, retention, and business outcomes
  • When and how to start the promotion conversation with your manager (hint: it’s earlier than you think)
  • How to navigate the IC vs. management track and pick the right path for your strengths
  • Tactics for negotiating compensation — salary, equity, and bonuses — with confidence and clarity


If you’ve been quietly waiting for recognition, this episode gives you the mindset and playbook to make your case, earn that title, and get paid what you’re worth.

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3 weeks ago
16 minutes 19 seconds

The Product Handbook
Thriving as an Introvert in Product Management

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how introverts can not only survive but thrive in one of the most social and demanding roles in tech — product management.


You’ll learn:

  • How to turn introvert strengths like active listening and thoughtful analysis into superpowers
  • Strategies for building influence through expertise, empathy, and data-driven decisions
  • Practical ways to manage energy — from calendar blocking to balancing meetings with deep work
  • How to approach networking, presentations, and interviews with confidence (without faking extroversion)
  • Why career growth as an introvert is about experimentation, learning, and treating your path like a product


If you’ve ever felt drained by endless collaboration or worried that quiet leadership doesn’t get noticed, this episode shows how introverts can lead with authenticity and impact.

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3 weeks ago
16 minutes 6 seconds

The Product Handbook
The Good Product Manager’s Toolkit

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we unpack what separates good product managers from the rest — the skills, mindset, and habits that make the role truly effective.


You’ll learn:

  • The core traits of great PMs — from clear communication to customer obsession and strategic focus
  • Why strong PMs prioritize outcomes over outputs and clarity over control
  • Insights from survey data on where PMs struggle most, from time management to strategy alignment
  • The difference between product management and project management — and why owning the “why” and “what” matters
  • Lessons from pioneers and modern PM leaders who helped shape the craft


If you’ve ever wondered what makes a good product manager great, this episode gives you the essential toolkit — skills to sharpen, habits to build, and mindsets to lead with.

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3 weeks ago
14 minutes 3 seconds

The Product Handbook
The Five Dysfunctions of Product Teams and How To Fix Them

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we break down Patrick Lencioni’s classic framework, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, and apply it to the unique challenges of product teams.


You’ll learn:

  • The five dysfunctions that undermine collaboration: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results
  • How these dysfunctions show up in product teams — from weak discovery to roadmap thrash
  • Practical ways to build trust, encourage healthy debate, and drive accountability
  • Why aligning on collective outcomes matters more than individual heroics
  • How PMs and product leaders can use this framework to diagnose and strengthen their teams


If you’ve ever sensed your team had the talent but kept missing its stride, this episode gives you the tools to spot dysfunction early and create a healthier, higher-performing product team.

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1 month ago
26 minutes 59 seconds

The Product Handbook
Effective Delegation for Product Managers and Product Leaders

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how product managers and leaders can delegate effectively — freeing themselves from tactical busywork to focus on strategy, vision, and impact.


You’ll learn:

  • The types of tasks PMs should delegate vs. the ones they must own
  • How to delegate with clarity — setting expectations, resources, and timelines without micromanaging
  • Why poor delegation turns PMs into “product janitors” and how to avoid that trap
  • Common delegation mistakes that erode trust and how to fix them
  • How empowered, cross-functional teams (think Spotify or Amazon) make scalable delegation possible


If you’ve ever struggled to balance execution with leadership, this episode gives you the mindset and practices to delegate effectively — and lead at a higher level.

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1 month ago
14 minutes 25 seconds

The Product Handbook
When to Pivot: Strategy, Execution, and Communication

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore the art of the startup pivot — when to make one, how to do it well, and why timing is everything.


You’ll learn:

  • The difference between iterating and pivoting, and the signals that show when a pivot is needed
  • Common warning signs — from stalled growth to churn to poor product–market fit
  • How to execute a pivot with data-driven validation and full commitment
  • Best practices for communicating the pivot to investors, stakeholders, and your team
  • Pitfalls to avoid, like pivoting too late or making changes that don’t go far enough


If you’ve ever wondered how startups turn near-failures into fresh opportunities, this episode gives you the playbook for recognizing when to pivot — and how to do it with clarity and confidence.

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1 month ago
34 minutes 58 seconds

The Product Handbook
Building and Managing Customer Advisory Boards

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how Customer Advisory Boards (CABs) can become a powerful tool for shaping product strategy and strengthening customer relationships.


You’ll learn:

  • What a Customer Advisory Board is and why it’s valuable for product managers
  • How to recruit the right mix of customers — focusing on truth-tellers, not just big accounts
  • Best practices for running effective sessions, from setting a customer-first agenda to applying the 80/20 rule
  • How to turn feedback into action and show customers their voices influence the roadmap
  • Common pitfalls to avoid, like over-representing certain segments or treating CABs as sales pitches


If you’ve ever wanted a structured way to bring customers closer to your strategy, this episode gives you the frameworks and practices to build and manage a CAB that delivers real impact.

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1 month ago
1 hour 6 minutes 59 seconds

The Product Handbook
Product Transformation: Leading Change Beyond Technology

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we unpack what product transformation really means — and why it’s about much more than adopting the latest tools or frameworks.


You’ll learn:

  • How product managers drive transformation through customer-centric thinking and Agile practices
  • Why successful change depends on alignment with business strategy, not just technology adoption
  • The common challenges of transformation — resistance, silos, and lack of buy-in — and how to overcome them
  • Case studies from companies like LEGO and ZF Group that show transformation in action
  • How resilience, adaptability, and clear communication help sustain long-term impact


If you’ve ever been tasked with “driving transformation” and wondered what that really entails, this episode gives you the mindset, frameworks, and stories to lead change with confidence.

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1 month ago
52 minutes 15 seconds

The Product Handbook
That's a Great Question! How To Train Product Management Core Skill

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we look at why asking the right questions is one of the most powerful skills a product manager can develop — whether you’re working with stakeholders, interviewing users, or shaping strategy.


You’ll learn:

  • How better questions lead to clearer decisions, deeper insights, and stronger alignment
  • Techniques for framing questions that uncover needs instead of opinions
  • How to adapt your questioning style for different settings — from user research to executive meetings
  • Common traps like leading questions or surface-level prompts, and how to avoid them
  • Practical habits to keep improving your questioning skills over time


If you’ve ever left a meeting or interview realizing you didn’t quite get to the heart of the issue, this episode shows you how to sharpen your questions and unlock better answers.

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1 month ago
41 minutes 33 seconds

The Product Handbook
Crafting Effective Product Problem Statements

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how to write product problem statements that drive clarity, alignment, and better solutions.


  • You’ll learn:
  • Why starting with a clear problem — not a solution — is the foundation of great products
  • Frameworks for structuring problem statements, from the “5 Ws” to the “When / They want / So they can / But they can’t because” format
  • Common pitfalls like vague wording, assumptions, or solution-first thinking — and how to avoid them
  • How to ground problem statements in real evidence and user insights
  • Ways to use problem statements to align teams, guide discovery, and iterate over time


If you’ve ever struggled to keep your team focused on the why instead of jumping straight to the what, this episode gives you the tools to craft problem statements that unlock smarter product decisions.

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1 month ago
16 minutes 45 seconds

The Product Handbook
Epic Product Fails: Amazon, Juicero, Apple, and Microsoft [100th Special Episode]

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we dive into five of the most infamous product flops — and the lessons every product manager can take from them.


You’ll learn:

  • Why Amazon’s Fire Phone proved that even giants can’t buy success
  • How Quibi burned $1.75B trying to reinvent video in the wrong format
  • Why the Juicero became a $400 punchline in Silicon Valley
  • What went wrong with Apple Maps’ 2012 launch despite Apple’s brand power
  • How Microsoft Tay showed the risks of unleashing unguarded AI into the wild


If you’ve ever wondered how companies with money, talent, and scale still get it so wrong, this episode breaks down the decisions, missteps, and cautionary lessons behind some of tech’s biggest fails.

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1 month ago
33 minutes 7 seconds

The Product Handbook
Cultivating Product Ownership: Frameworks, Mindset, and Empowerment

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore what true product ownership means — and how product managers can foster it in themselves and their teams.


You’ll learn:

  • Why product ownership is about outcomes, not tasks, and how it drives business impact
  • Frameworks and strategies to strengthen ownership and decision-making
  • How to balance accountability with empowerment, avoiding the trap of micromanagement
  • The role of empathy, clear communication, and coaching in building trust and alignment
  • How to create a culture where teams feel empowered to innovate and take responsibility


If you’ve ever wondered how to shift from simply managing tasks to truly owning outcomes, this episode gives you the mindset and practices to cultivate product ownership at every level.

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1 month ago
40 minutes 37 seconds

The Product Handbook
Data Products: From Analytics Layers to Self-Serve BI

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we dive into data products — how they’re built, managed, and scaled to turn raw data into actionable insights.


You’ll learn:

  • What makes data products unique and how the role of a data PM differs from a traditional PM
  • The building blocks of modern data products: analytics layers, semantic models, and self-serve BI
  • Why data quality, governance, and packaging matter for adoption and trust
  • How to understand user needs and design data products that people actually use
  • Future trends shaping the space, from data democratization to AI-powered analytics and digital product passports


If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond dashboards and create real business impact with data, this episode gives you the playbook for managing data products with confidence.

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1 month ago
1 hour 25 minutes 46 seconds

The Product Handbook
Accessibility at Scale: WCAG Compliance and Building Inclusive Products

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore what it takes to make digital products accessible at scale — from WCAG compliance to practical workflows for continuous improvement.


You’ll learn:

  • What’s new in WCAG 2.2 and why accessibility standards matter for both users and organizations
  • How to approach accessibility audits and build remediation workflows into your product process
  • Key focus areas like keyboard navigation, color contrast, alternative text, and authentication
  • The business case for accessibility — improved user experience, legal compliance, and market reach
  • How to embed accessibility into your roadmap so it’s sustainable, not a one-time project


If you’ve ever wondered how to go beyond checklists and truly scale accessibility in your product, this episode gives you the frameworks and practices to make inclusivity part of your strategy.

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1 month ago
1 hour 7 minutes 42 seconds

The Product Handbook
Product Analytics: Metrics, Tools, and Best Practices

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how product analytics helps you move beyond gut feeling to data-driven decisions that drive growth.


You’ll learn:

  • The key product metrics every PM should know — from feature adoption to churn, LTV, and MRR
  • How to design and run A/B tests that actually produce reliable insights
  • The strengths of popular analytics tools like Mixpanel, Amplitude, and UXCam, and when to use them
  • Common mistakes to avoid, like chasing vanity metrics or confusing correlation with causation
  • How to turn raw data into actionable insights that improve user experience and business outcomes


If you’ve ever struggled to connect metrics with real decisions, this episode gives you the frameworks, tools, and best practices to make analytics a cornerstone of your product strategy.

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1 month ago
1 hour 16 minutes 24 seconds

The Product Handbook
Market Research and Competitor Analysis: From Insights to Advantage

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we dig into the research side of product management — how to understand your market and keep a sharp eye on competitors.


You’ll learn:

  • How to gather customer insights through qualitative and quantitative research methods
  • Tools and frameworks for analyzing competitors without getting stuck in feature-chasing
  • How market research and competitor analysis shape positioning, differentiation, and launch decisions
  • Practical ways PMs can integrate research into ongoing discovery and strategy work


If you’ve ever wondered how to validate opportunities, size up competitors, and sharpen your product strategy, this episode gives you the playbook for turning research into an advantage.

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1 month ago
53 minutes 32 seconds

The Product Handbook
The Mom Test: Talking to Customers the Right Way

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we unpack the lessons from The Mom Test — the essential book on how to talk to customers and avoid the traps of misleading feedback.


You’ll learn:

  • Why most customer conversations go wrong — and how polite lies or vague opinions distort product discovery
  • The principles of The Mom Test for asking better questions that focus on real behavior and real problems
  • How to avoid hypothetical “would you use this?” answers and uncover insights you can actually act on
  • Practical tips for structuring interviews, picking the right customer segments, and spotting patterns in feedback
  • How these skills help PMs de-risk early ideas, sharpen product discovery, and build things people truly need


If you’ve ever struggled to get honest, useful insights from customers, this episode gives you the tools to turn conversations into reliable data for smarter product decisions.

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1 month ago
39 minutes 13 seconds

The Product Handbook
The Product Handbook is a practical show for product manager interview prep and day-to-day skills. Learn frameworks, product sense, metrics, estimation, prioritization, A/B testing, and strategy. Episodes explore case-style topics, roadmaps, and stakeholder communication across startups and big tech. Built for aspiring product managers through senior leaders.