In this episode of the Convergence Podcast, Ashok Sivanand and guest Bailey O’Shea, Director of Product of Management at TransImpact, dive into the critical topic of assumption-based planning for product teams. Bailey shares her insights on why challenging assumptions and embracing an iterative, assumption-driven approach can drive product success and increase speed to market. Together, they discuss practical strategies that product managers can use to facilitate open discussions around assumptions, empower team members to contribute insights, and prioritize collaborative planning.

They walk through tactical approaches, like sticky-note exercises and visual journey mapping, that can spark meaningful conversations across diverse team roles. By focusing on common assumptions and de-risking high-stakes decisions, Ashok and Bailey demonstrate how product teams can become more agile, resilient, and connected. Listen to learn how bringing assumptions to the forefront fosters a team culture rooted in trust, vulnerability, and faster course correction.

Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral’s player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge.

 

Inside the episode…

• The value of assumption-based planning in product development

• How to break down big wins and setbacks into micro-moments

• Tips for facilitating assumption-generating exercises using sticky notes

• Building team trust and communication through shared planning

• Using visual journey mapping to spark cross-functional collaboration

• Prioritizing assumptions based on potential impact and risk

• Stories from the field: testing assumptions in new product launches

• Aligning product strategy with lean, agile, and human-centered design principles

 

Mentioned in this episode

• Miro and MURAL for collaborative mapping

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