In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how to validate product ideas with real customers — before you waste time building something nobody wants.

You’ll learn:

• How to combine qualitative and quantitative validation techniques for stronger insights
• How to run effective customer interviews that reveal real pain points, not polite feedback
• Why early testing with MVPs, prototypes, and landing pages helps confirm genuine demand
• How to spot false positives and avoid mistaking interest for intent
• Practical ways to identify early adopters and turn feedback into actionable validation

If you’ve ever struggled to tell whether your next idea is worth pursuing, this episode gives you the playbook to test, learn, and validate — with confidence and real customer evidence.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how to consistently come up with strong, customer-driven feature ideas — the kind that actually move the needle instead of cluttering the roadmap.

You’ll learn:

• How to use frameworks like Jobs-to-Be-Done to uncover what customers truly need
• How to blend qualitative insights (interviews, usability tests) with quantitative data (analytics, surveys) for better ideas
• Proven ideation techniques like SCAMPER, the Five Whys, and structured brainstorming
• How to balance creativity with evidence so your features solve real problems, not hypothetical ones
• Why continuous discovery helps great ideas emerge naturally - and stay relevant over time

If you’ve ever stared at a backlog wondering what to build next, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to generate better feature ideas with confidence and purpose.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we tackle one of the most debated ideas in product management — the claim that PMs are the “CEO of the product.”

You’ll learn:

• Where the “CEO of the product” metaphor came from — and why it still sparks strong opinions
• Why some experts, like Marty Cagan, say this mindset helps build ownership and accountability
• Why others, like Martin Eriksson, argue it’s misleading and sets the wrong expectations
• How to balance influence without authority — leading through trust, clarity, and collaboration instead of command
• What this debate reveals about ego, leadership, and the evolving PM role (including how AI might reshape it)

If you’ve ever wondered whether product managers actually run the show — or if that’s just a myth we tell ourselves — this episode gives you a grounded, honest look at what real product leadership means.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we get real about promotions — what it takes to move up as a product manager and how to actually make it happen.

You’ll learn:

• The skills that signal readiness for the next level — from strategic thinking to cross-functional leadership
• How to frame your impact using product metrics like adoption, retention, and business outcomes
• When and how to start the promotion conversation with your manager (hint: it’s earlier than you think)
• How to navigate the IC vs. management track and pick the right path for your strengths
• Tactics for negotiating compensation — salary, equity, and bonuses — with confidence and clarity

If you’ve been quietly waiting for recognition, this episode gives you the mindset and playbook to make your case, earn that title, and get paid what you’re worth.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how introverts can not only survive but thrive in one of the most social and demanding roles in tech — product management.

You’ll learn:

• How to turn introvert strengths like active listening and thoughtful analysis into superpowers
• Strategies for building influence through expertise, empathy, and data-driven decisions
• Practical ways to manage energy — from calendar blocking to balancing meetings with deep work
• How to approach networking, presentations, and interviews with confidence (without faking extroversion)
• Why career growth as an introvert is about experimentation, learning, and treating your path like a product

If you’ve ever felt drained by endless collaboration or worried that quiet leadership doesn’t get noticed, this episode shows how introverts can lead with authenticity and impact.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we unpack what separates good product managers from the rest — the skills, mindset, and habits that make the role truly effective.

You’ll learn:

• The core traits of great PMs — from clear communication to customer obsession and strategic focus
• Why strong PMs prioritize outcomes over outputs and clarity over control
• Insights from survey data on where PMs struggle most, from time management to strategy alignment
• The difference between product management and project management — and why owning the “why” and “what” matters
• Lessons from pioneers and modern PM leaders who helped shape the craft

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a good product manager great, this episode gives you the essential toolkit — skills to sharpen, habits to build, and mindsets to lead with.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we break down Patrick Lencioni’s classic framework, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, and apply it to the unique challenges of product teams.

You’ll learn:

• The five dysfunctions that undermine collaboration: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results
• How these dysfunctions show up in product teams — from weak discovery to roadmap thrash
• Practical ways to build trust, encourage healthy debate, and drive accountability
• Why aligning on collective outcomes matters more than individual heroics
• How PMs and product leaders can use this framework to diagnose and strengthen their teams

If you’ve ever sensed your team had the talent but kept missing its stride, this episode gives you the tools to spot dysfunction early and create a healthier, higher-performing product team.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how product managers and leaders can delegate effectively — freeing themselves from tactical busywork to focus on strategy, vision, and impact.

You’ll learn:

• The types of tasks PMs should delegate vs. the ones they must own
• How to delegate with clarity — setting expectations, resources, and timelines without micromanaging
• Why poor delegation turns PMs into “product janitors” and how to avoid that trap
• Common delegation mistakes that erode trust and how to fix them
• How empowered, cross-functional teams (think Spotify or Amazon) make scalable delegation possible

If you’ve ever struggled to balance execution with leadership, this episode gives you the mindset and practices to delegate effectively — and lead at a higher level.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore the art of the startup pivot — when to make one, how to do it well, and why timing is everything.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between iterating and pivoting, and the signals that show when a pivot is needed
• Common warning signs — from stalled growth to churn to poor product–market fit
• How to execute a pivot with data-driven validation and full commitment
• Best practices for communicating the pivot to investors, stakeholders, and your team
• Pitfalls to avoid, like pivoting too late or making changes that don’t go far enough

If you’ve ever wondered how startups turn near-failures into fresh opportunities, this episode gives you the playbook for recognizing when to pivot — and how to do it with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how Customer Advisory Boards (CABs) can become a powerful tool for shaping product strategy and strengthening customer relationships.

You’ll learn:

• What a Customer Advisory Board is and why it’s valuable for product managers
• How to recruit the right mix of customers — focusing on truth-tellers, not just big accounts
• Best practices for running effective sessions, from setting a customer-first agenda to applying the 80/20 rule
• How to turn feedback into action and show customers their voices influence the roadmap
• Common pitfalls to avoid, like over-representing certain segments or treating CABs as sales pitches

If you’ve ever wanted a structured way to bring customers closer to your strategy, this episode gives you the frameworks and practices to build and manage a CAB that delivers real impact.