In this episode of Practical Product Management, hosts Leah Farmer and Marilyn McDonald welcome back returning guests Alesha Cronie and Geno White for a candid conversation about iteration. Together, they unpack why iteration is more than a process—it’s a mindset centered on learning, courage, and embracing discomfort.

The discussion explores the “courage gap” that often holds organizations back, the tension between incentives and innovation, and why MVPs so often miss the mark. The group also debates the evolving balance of product and engineering roles in the age of AI, and the importance of curiosity in solving real customer problems. It’s a lively and unfiltered look at what it truly means to “fuck around and find out” in product development.

Key Takeaways

1. Iteration is about learning, not perfection – moving fast matters less than learning fast, and that requires comfort with uncertainty.
2. Courage and trust are critical – organizations often get stuck not because the data isn’t there, but because leaders lack the courage to pivot or empower teams.
3. MVPs are often meaningless – reframing them as learning vehicles (or prototypes) keeps teams focused on outcomes instead of excuses.