Product Powers - Human Skills for Product Thinkers to Thrive in the Age of AI

In this episode, agile coach and creative facilitator Laura Re Turner shares how her neurodivergent traits have shaped her facilitation style—and what every product person should do to make workshops more inclusive, energising, and effective.

00:00 Introduction

02:19 Exploring Neurodivergence

03:54 Facilitation and Coaching Insights

05:24 Writing 'Becoming Agile' During the Pandemic

13:00 Impact of Neurodivergence on Work

25:11 Facilitation Techniques and Neurodiversity

31:34 Understanding Zoom Fatigue

32:04 The Impact of Resting Face

33:10 The Joy of In-Person Workshops

34:06 Exploring Creativity Through Sketching

37:56 Rediscovering a Passion for Art

43:19 Advice for Tech Newcomers

45:48 Fun and Serious Superpower Wishes

49:30 Connecting and Upcoming Events

Guest: Laura Re Turner

Laura Re Turner is an experienced coach and facilitator who blends professional coaching, expert facilitation, and Lean-Agile principles to support organisational change. As the founder of Future Focus Coaching, she helps leaders and teams thrive in complex environments through one-to-one coaching and dynamic group facilitation. Known for creating psychological safety and fostering deep collaboration, Laura draws on a wide range of approaches including systemic coaching, applied positive psychology, and Nancy Kline’s ‘Time to Think’. She is the author of Becoming Agile: Coaching Behavioural Change for Business Results and a regular speaker on the intersection of coaching and Agile.

Website: https://futurefocuscoaching.org/

Book: https://futurefocuscoaching.org/about-us/laura-re-turner/becoming-agile/

ISC25 Event: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/visualjam/1480999

Donna DuPont is a futurist, systems thinker, and Founder of Purple Compass. With 25+ years of experience in healthcare, defense, and emergency management, she helps leaders build future literacy and navigate uncertainty. Her work has earned 7 government awards and global recognition.

📌 What We Cover:

• Why boredom is a signal, not a flaw

• The “Futures Triangle” tool to map your future

• How belief systems shape opportunity

• Making peace with uncertainty

• Human skills AI can’t replace

• The mindset shift that can change your life

🛠️ Practical Takeaways:

• A simple tool to rethink your future
• Why imagination is the new strategy
• How to spot weak signals and ride emerging trends

• Daily habits to become future-ready

00:00 Introduction

00:50 Meet Donna DuPont

03:01 Understanding the Anticipatory Mindset

05:49 Donna's Journey into Futures and Foresight

08:08 Challenges in Adopting the Anticipatory Mindset

12:29 Practical Tools for Building the Mindset

23:02 The Role of AI in Anticipation

29:21 Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

36:06 Conclusion and Contact Information

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Host: Paddy Dhanda

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Guest: Donna Dupont

Donna Dupont, Founder and Chief Strategist of Purple Compass, is an award-winning designer and futurist with over 25 years of experience collaborating with leaders. She helps organizations build future literacy, navigate uncertainty, and drive impactful change. Combining systems thinking with strategic foresight, she empowers leaders to mitigate risks, enhance preparedness, and seize opportunities for innovation, transformation and resilience. Recognized with seven government awards, Donna’s work spans critical areas like climate change, health security, and emergency management, with her futures research earning accolades from the Canadian Defence and Security Network and the Association of Professional Futurists.

🌐 Learn more: purplecompass.ca

Henrik Kniberg shares insights from his recent video and book 'Generative AI in a Nutshell,' which went viral. The discussion explores how AI can reduce the need for large teams, allowing for more efficient, smaller teams.

Henrik explains his current project on building an AI agent platform and its implications for the future of work. We also delve into the evolving role of product discovery and how AI is transforming traditional agile practices.

The conversation wraps up with thoughts on how to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape and what elements of traditional work practices, like time sheets, might be rendered obsolete by new AI capabilities.

00:00 Introduction

01:20 Guest Introduction: Henrik Kniberg

02:46 Henrik's Current Projects and AI Insights

03:57 The Evolution of Agile Teams

05:57 Impact of AI on Work and Society

07:21 Writing and Promoting the Book

11:16 Future of Work with AI

23:01 Designing for AI Stakeholders

26:35 Building and Managing AI Agents

27:40 Real-World Applications of AI Agents

31:58 The Future of Product Development

33:50 Effective Product Discovery

38:28 Integrating AI in Product Development

40:20 Learning and Staying Ahead in AI

43:54 The Importance of Eliminating Time Sheets

46:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Host: Paddy Dhanda

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Guest: Henrik Kniberg

Henrik Kniberg is Chief Scientist and cofounder of Ymnig.ai. He is an AI whisperer, trainer, product developer, and author. He created the viral video "Generative AI in a Nutshell" and the book with the same name. He is also famous for his videos "Spotify Engineering Culture", "Product Ownership in a Nutshell", and for silly metaphors such as the skateboard metaphor for product development, and for his work as Minecraft developer. He lives in Stockholm with his wife and four kids and a bunch of random music instruments.

Links: www.abundly.ai

Christina Lovelock talks about her new book 'Careers in Tech, Data, and Digital.' We discuss common misconceptions about tech careers, emphasising that not all tech jobs require coding skills. Christina shares the importance of curiosity in business analysis and highlights various tech roles beyond coding, such as service design, UX, and DevOps. We also talk about the significance of soft skills in tech leadership and the increasing opportunities in areas like security and sustainability. Additionally, we cover career pathways into tech, including apprenticeships, and advise young people on making career decisions without feeling pressured to choose a single specialism.

00:00 Introduction

00:31 Meet the Host and Guest: Paddy Dhanda and Christina Lovelock

01:51 The Importance of Curiosity in Business Analysis

03:36 Christina's New Book: Careers in Tech

04:44 Advice for Young People Considering Tech Careers

07:48 Exploring Diverse Roles in Tech

11:23 The Value of Visuals and Interviews in Christina's Book

13:25 Encouraging Young People to Explore Tech Careers

23:34 The Role of Apprenticeships in Tech

27:18 Future Trends in Tech Careers

29:18 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Host: Paddy Dhanda

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Guest: Christina Lovelock

Christina Lovelock has worked in the tech sector for over 20 years and is committed to the development of the future tech workforce. She has introduced entry-level roles into her organisations and chaired the development of a UK National Digital Apprenticeship standard.

Working for a range of public sector organisations, she has led teams of up to 120 people to deliver digital transformation and organisational change. She is the author of two books, including Careers in Tech, Data and Digital: from education to employment. She lives in Yorkshire and is a consultant, writer, speaker and qualified coach. She would be delighted to connect via linkedIn!

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of making meetings productive and meaningful with Chris Thomason, the creator of the Meeting Maximizer. From the power of silence in meetings to the pitfalls of brainstorming, Chris shares his groundbreaking strategies for transforming routine meetings. If you're tired of unproductive meetings, this episode is for you.

00:00 Introduction

00:28 The Problem with Traditional Business Meetings

01:15 Introducing Chris Thomason and His Radical Ideas

01:47 The Power of Silence in Meetings

03:06 The Flaws of Brainstorming

05:29 Asking the Right Questions

19:14 The Role of ChatGPT in Business Analysis

23:23 Meetings vs. Workshops

25:24 The Meeting Maximizer Concept

31:46 Conclusion

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Host: Paddy Dhanda

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Guest: Chris Thomason

Chris Thomason is the founder of Ingenious Growth and a Chartered Mechanical Engineer with a truly global and eclectic business background, having lived and worked across the UK, Africa, and Australia. From turning around a failing manufacturing company into a market leader, to helping major corporates like HSBC, Toyota, and Vodafone unlock millions in revenue through innovative thinking, Chris has consistently applied what he calls “business creativity” to solve complex challenges. His unconventional journey—from deep-level gold mining in South Africa to writing award-nominated business books—has shaped a unique perspective on growth, rooted in asking better questions rather than chasing quick answers. With a track record that includes civil war zones, platinum mines, and boardrooms alike, Chris now helps organisations think differently and thrive through the structured creative approaches of Ingenious Growth.

This is a recording from a recent talk I delivered exploring the concept of communities of practice and their significance in organisations. I draw on personal experiences and key characteristics of communities of practice.

I provide real-world examples, such as the Xerox Project Eureka and the 70-20-10 learning principle, illustrate the power of collective knowledge and social learning.

00:00 Introduction

00:40 Defining Community

01:16 Personal Experiences with Community

05:04 Understanding Communities of Practice

09:33 The Power of Collective Knowledge

16:10 Challenges and Benefits of Communities of Practice

18:06 Stages of Community Development

20:41 The Role of Community Support

21:14 Challenges in Community Engagement

22:03 The 99-9-1 Rule in Communities

24:45 Increasing Community Engagement

25:31 Leveraging Influence in Communities

32:55 Case Studies and Practical Examples

36:16 Final Thoughts

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Host: Paddy Dhanda

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

We delve into the science of play in facilitation with special guest Brandon Wetzstein. Discover how play, especially through LEGO Serious Play, transforms adult behaviour and enhances creativity, collaboration, and connection in team settings.

Learn about the surprising benefits of incorporating playful elements into serious work environments and how they can lead to better ideas and stronger team dynamics. Brandon shares personal stories of breakthroughs and offers practical advice on making workplaces more engaging and productive through play.

00:00 Introduction

03:05 The Importance of Play in the Workplace

06:59 Exploring LEGO Serious Play

08:31 The Power of Play in Team Building

15:58 The Origins and Impact of LEGO Serious Play

22:46 Virtual LEGO Serious Play: Challenges and Rewards

24:17 The Power of Hands in Communication

25:05 Using Hands to Unlock Subconscious Ideas

26:18 The Magic of LEGO in Workshops

27:10 Adults Are Just Giant Kids

27:58 Favourite Icebreakers and Energisers

30:48 The Importance of Play in Serious Settings

32:57 Transforming Group Dynamics with Play

38:47 The Future of Work: Analogue Tools and Connection

45:47 Final Thoughts

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Host: Paddy Dhanda

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Guest: Brandon Wetzstein

Founder and Chief Play Officer (IN8 Create)

Brandon is driven by a passion to reshape the way we collaborate. In a world brimming with digital tools and automation, he's convinced that our real strength lies in how well we work together. With this belief, he founded IN8 Create, aiming to unearth the hidden potential in all of us. Given the right tools, environment, and support, Brandon believes we can reach incredible heights, enriching our lives, relationships, and communities.

Links:

https://in8create.com

https://herdingsqurrels.com

https://linkedin.com/in/brandonwetzstein

Emily Gardner — trainer, speaker, and author of The Path of the Guide — discusses how to unpack what facilitation really means in 2025 and beyond.

00:00 Introduction

02:38 Emily's Journey into Facilitation

05:32 The Importance of Facilitation

14:25 Practical Tips for Aspiring Facilitators

23:24 Favorite Facilitation Techniques

27:31 Handling Conflict in Facilitation

34:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Host: Paddy Dhanda

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Guest: Emily Gardner

Website: https://www.emilyfacilitates.com/

Book: https://amzn.eu/d/9zVN6ny

We explore the power of creating trust in facilitation.

Michelle Tillis Letterman, an expert on workplace communications and relationships, named by Forbes as one of the top 25 networking experts.

Michelle shares key insights on the importance of connection, especially in a tech-driven and post-COVID world. We discuss the concept of 'mood memory,' the challenges of attention span in communication, and strategies to keep audiences engaged during meetings and workshops.

Michelle emphasises the need for trust and vulnerability in leadership and facilitation, and she introduces her 'seven mindsets' to grow influence and impact. Practical tips on small talk, recognition, and effective communication styles for diverse groups are also shared.

00:00 Introduction

02:51 The Power of Connection

03:22 Challenges of Modern Communication

05:01 Strategies for Effective Communication

11:04 Understanding Different Learning Styles

17:17 Building Trust in the Workplace

20:15 Mastering Small Talk

22:13 Connecting Through Animals and News

23:06 Fun Hypotheticals and Advice Questions

24:25 The Power of Mood Memories

27:05 Parenting and Management Parallels

29:32 Authentic Recognition in Workshops

31:33 Transformative Stories of Connection

35:03 The Fascination with Connection

37:58 A Superpower to Improve Workplace Communication

39:32 The Connected Leader Course

42:03 Final Thoughts

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Host: Paddy Dhanda

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Guest: Michelle Tillis Letterman

https://michelletillislederman.com/

Jan Keck shares the transformation from traditional icebreakers to the more effective concept of 'ice melting' for fostering genuine connections.

The conversation delves into techniques for initiating meaningful dialogue, the importance of vulnerability in group settings, and the impact of cultural differences on facilitation.

Learn practical tips for enhancing virtual and in-person meetings, the evolving role of AI in facilitation, and how to make networking more impactful.

00:00 Introduction

01:47 The Art of Facilitation

03:19 Journey into Facilitation

05:27 The Power of Vulnerability

11:00 The Impact of Remote Work

13:38 Mastering Small Talk

16:57 Deep Conversations and Meaningful Connections

22:11 The Challenge of Interesting Updates

24:51 Setting the Tone in Conversations

26:32 The Icebreaker Dilemma

28:34 Ice Melting vs. Ice Breaking

30:59 Facilitation Challenges and Cultural Insights

38:18 The Future of Facilitation in the Age of AI

41:11 Final Thoughts and Superpower Wishes

43:59 Connecting and Engaging with Jan

⚡️ In each episode, Paddy Dhanda deep dives into a new human Superpower to help you thrive in the age of AI.

Host: Paddy Dhanda

Paddy works at the largest Tech training organisation in the UK and is passionate about helping tech professionals build human skills to thrive in the age of AI.

Contact Paddy: [email protected]

Subscribe to my newsletter:

👉 Newsletter: https://www.superpowers.school/subscribe

Guest: Jan Keck

Connect with Jan

www.jankeck.com

www.linkedin.com/in/jankeck/