In this episode of Product Pals, Charlotte and Kiet return to the heart of product management — product thinking — and unpack how it connects with the broader Influence-Dynamics Map (IDM). They dive into the real differences between product and systems thinking, demystify how to craft vision without the corporate fluff, and break down why execution and operations deserve their own spotlight (even if they often get lumped together).

Expect practical frameworks, honest reflections, and relatable stories from the product trenches — all aimed at helping you think more clearly, act more strategically, and lead with more intention.

📚 If you’re keen to dig deeper, we’ve gathered some of our favourite reads and resources below. A few links are affiliate ones — so if you do click and buy, you might be funding a future Product Pals coffee (or at least part of my flat white). No pressure, just pals supporting pals.

🔗 Further Reading & Resources

• Product Pals Medium Blog: Influence-Dynamic Map Overview

• Thinking, Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman → amzn.to/4mE2Byn

• Start With Why – Simon Sinek → amzn.to/4kJUxdF

• Playing to Win – A.G. Lafley & Roger Martin → amzn.to/3GYtpc6

• Escaping the Build Trap – Melissa Perri → amzn.to/45eO4CE

• Melissa Perri’s LinkedIn Post on PM Careers

• Spotify Squad Health Check Model