In this episode, Marty and Christian discuss product sense. Product sense is one of the most valuable traits for anyone in product. It makes someone a prime candidate for promotion, and considerably improves job satisfaction. However, while many people recognize the value of product sense, too many uphold a misconception that it is a trait you have to be born with. In fact, product sense is something you can develop by embracing the right mindsets and putting in the effort to make the most of the resources around you.

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In today’s discussion, we unpack all things product sense:

• What it is and why it matters
• The misconception that product sense is a gift you have to be born with
• How anyone can develop product sense
• The characteristics and attitudes required to develop product sense
• The rich resources available across your customers, colleagues, and industry
• Actionable tactics for developing product sense

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Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Intro

[00:00:36] Defining product sense

[00:02:55] Spotting product sense

[00:05:48] Humility

[00:09:44] Curiosity

[00:10:11] Empathy

[00:14:05] How Marty built and builds his product sense

[00:17:20] Why domain expertise is a double-edged sword

[00:20:59] How to develop the foundations of product sense

[00:23:01] Resources within your company that will help build product sense

[00:24:48] Finding the "smartest person at the company”

[00:28:11] How biographies can build product sense

[00:29:55] Outro

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References:

• Build, by Tony Fadell: https://www.amazon.com.au/Build-Unorthodox-Guide-Making-Things/dp/0063046067
• Lincoln, by David Herbert Donald: https://www.amazon.com.au/Lincoln-David-Herbert-Donald/dp/068482535X/ref=sr_1_6
• Product Sense Demystified: https://www.svpg.com/product-sense-demystified/
• Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson: https://www.amazon.com.au/Steve-Jobs-Walter-Isaacson/dp/1451648537

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Where to find SVPG:

SVPG’s new book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/

Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/

Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/

Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/

Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

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Where to find Christian Idiodi:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

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Where to find Marty Cagan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cagan/

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Disclaimer:

While this podcast is named “Product Therapy”, it is not hosted by licensed therapists or mental health professionals, and it is in no way a substitute for professional mental health services. We recognize the importance of mental well-being and encourage anyone facing personal difficulties to seek support from qualified professionals.  See https://findahelpline.com/