Why Servant Leadership Only Gets You Halfway There
In a myriad of leadership theories, servant leadership has been lauded for its focus on the growth and well-being of individuals and the communities to which they belong. However, the classic approach to servant leadership may not fully address the complexities of modern organisational needs. This article argues that while servant leadership provides a solid foundation, it is not a comprehensive strategy unless it evolves to empower team members to lead autonomously and confidently from various positions.
Product is the Business and the Business is Product: Why Product Thinking is the Growth Engine of Today
Welcome to the Product Age. Gone are the days when companies could coast by on a single good idea. Today's market demands constant innovation, deep customer understanding, and a laser focus on building products that solve real problems. This is where the mantra "Product is the business and the business is Product" comes alive.
Celebrating Unsung (and oft-Forgotten) Women: Pioneers, Inventors, and Innovators.
As we commemorate International Women's Day, it's crucial to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroines whose contributions have significantly shaped the realms of business, finance, software, and technology. Often overshadowed and undercredited, these pioneers have not only innovated and invented but have also demonstrated that the world needs more women in leadership roles.
Diversity is Essential for Much-Loved Products and Well-Run Companies
When the going gets tough, the tough get… more diverse? Well, perhaps. The composition of product management teams is crucial for driving innovation and ensuring success. Diverse teams - comprising individuals with a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and work styles - are essential.
Why My "Nine Grid Comms Model" is My Go-To For Storytelling Success
Storytelling sits at the heart of Product, Transformation, and Leadership. One of the things I learned early on was that no matter how accurately you group demographics, personas, and profiles; people understand things in greatly varying ways. This is especially true when you’re trying to explain something new to them; and truer still when it’s something wholly novel. I set out a few years ago to create a model for steering my storytelling. Something that I could use to ensure I was being inclusive, effective, and comprehensive whenever I set out a narrative. I’ve used it on every project since.
Why Amazon's "Six Page Memo" Is the Optimal Format for Briefing Boards and Leadership Teams
Effective communication is key to success. Whether you're presenting a new idea, reporting on a project's progress, or seeking approval for a strategic decision, how you convey information matters immensely. Amazon, one of the world's most successful companies, has a unique and highly efficient method for briefing their Boards and Leadership teams - the "Six Page Memo." In this blog post, I’ll explore why this format has become a gold standard for concise and impactful communication.
Dismantling the Myths of Product Marketing
Product Marketing is a critical driver of growth and success. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding this field which is - by default - half of one thing and half of another. In this article, I will debunk these myths and shed light on the importance of getting your Product Marketing strategy right, sticking to it, harnessing the power of storytelling, crafting a firm narrative, and understanding where Product Marketing should sit in your company.
8 Must-Read Books in 2024 for Leadership, Technology, and Product
As we embrace the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead, staying informed and inspired is key for any professional. I've compiled a list of eight transformative books that are a must-read for anyone keen to read more on leadership, technology, and product. Some of these are new, some are much older, all of them are books I dip into regularly.
Trends for Boards to Focus on in 2024
The new year has now arrived and most Boards will be preparing for their first Board Meeting of the new calendar year. For some it might be the first trading month of the new financial year too. The past few years have been anything but predictable. So only a fool would make concrete predictions for what the next 12 months will hold! But here’s my list of 10 trends I think Boards should be focused on.
Rethinking Board Dynamics in the Modern Era of Collaboration and Innovation
The traditional blueprint of board operations is undergoing a seismic shift. Today's world, characterised by its 'always-on' nature and the emergent needs of next-generation leaders, calls for a reimagined approach to board governance. This article delves into how contemporary boards can thrive amidst these changes, balancing the nuances of technological advancements and addressing the urgency of innovation.
The Future of Product Management: What to Expect in 2024
As we step into a new year, Product is poised to undergo significant transformation (again). In a field that's constantly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is essential for success. This article examines some key trends and changes I expect will shape Product Management in the months ahead. Drawing inspiration from Product Marketing Alliance, Pendo, Product Tank, and Mind the Product, let's dive in…
The Strategic Advantage of a Fractional or Interim Chief Product Officer
In the ever-evolving business landscape, CEOs often grapple with challenges surrounding growth, positioning, innovation, and fostering a product-centric culture. One increasingly popular solution is hiring a Fractional Chief Product Officer (CPO) or an Interim CPO. This approach not only offers flexibility and specialised expertise but also aligns well with the dynamic needs of businesses, particularly in high-growth or transitional phases.
Progressing through the Product Team
In the years I’ve spent as Chief Product Officer I’ve worked with hundreds of product professionals to hone their skills, develop their progression, and build their careers. This is an introduction to how I see roles and responsibilities build in a well-structured and cleanly-operated Product team.
An Ethical Charter for Artificial Intelligence
I studied Artificial Intelligence at Saïd Business School, which is part of the University of Oxford. The six-week executive education program focused on both the commercial opportunities for, and the operational impact of, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. As part of my course deliverables I was tasked with creating an Ethical Charter for AI. This is the result of that project.
The Product Manager Toolkit
When I hire Product Managers, of any level, I use this toolkit to assess their strengths - and potential - in a number of areas. This helps me benchmark, share my view of “what good looks like”, and create longer term development pathways for team members. I share it here in case it’s useful for you as you build and develop your own Product team.
The Top 20 Attributes for a Product Leader
When asked “what makes a great Product person?” I usually like to think about the attributes, teachings, and models spoken about by some of the great product voices I’ve followed in my own career. This list changes from time to time but my current top 20 includes a rich aggregation of qualities that would make any product leader stand out in their field.
Why 'Moonshot' Projects are a Catalyst for Innovation, Growth, and Scaling
The term 'Moonshot' is used to describe highly ambitious, exploratory, and ground-breaking projects, much like the Apollo moon-landing mission from which the term originated. These projects are characterised by their potential to redefine the norms of what's achievable. In this post, we will explore why Moonshot projects are so effective in driving innovation, growth, and scaling.
The Emergence of the Chief Product Officer: Why It's the Fastest Growing Executive Role
In the rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of the Chief Product Officer (CPO) has surged in prominence, becoming the fastest-growing position within executive teams. This article delves into the reasons behind this trend, examining how the CPO's unique skill set and strategic importance are driving their ascent in the corporate hierarchy.