In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore Transformed, the third book in Marty Cagan’s product trilogy, and his most ambitious one yet. It’s not just about building products right, but building the right kind of company to do it.

You’ll learn:

• What the Product Operating Model actually is and why it’s more than just another framework

• Why so many companies struggle to “transform” despite good intentions (spoiler: it’s not just process)

• The role of product leadership, trust, and autonomy in building real empowered teams

• How to apply methods like Problem Framing, Product Discovery, and Design Sprints to focus on outcomes

• Hard truths about whether your org is ready for change or just playing agile dress-up

If you’ve ever wondered why your org says “empowered teams” but still ships stakeholder wishlists… this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we break down Marty Cagan’s Empowered — the essential follow-up to Inspired — and explore what it really takes to lead modern product teams.

You’ll learn:

• Why leadership is about creating the conditions for great products, not micromanaging features

• How empowered teams operate differently — and why that scares traditional orgs

• The four big risks every product must address: value, usability, feasibility, and business viability

• What continuous product discovery looks like in practice (and why it’s the secret sauce to avoiding wasted effort)

• How to move from stakeholder-serving roadmaps to outcome-focused leadership

If Inspired made you want to be a better PM, Empowered is the guide to leading others there — even if you’re not the one with the VP title… yet.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we unpack the impact of Marty Cagan’s Inspired — the book that launched a thousand product managers and sparked debates across tech orgs everywhere.

You’ll learn:

• What Cagan really means by empowered product teams — and why most companies struggle to get there

• How Inspired draws the line between real product discovery and glorified delivery work

• The clash between Cagan’s vision and traditional, top-down org structures

• Why many PMs feel stuck in “feature factory” mode despite best intentions

• How to apply the book’s principles in environments that aren’t (yet) ideal

Whether you’re a Cagan disciple, a skeptical realist, or someone just trying to build better products without losing your mind — this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we tackle one of the most challenging — and crucial — aspects of product leadership: influencing executives and senior stakeholders without formal authority.

You’ll learn:

• Why product managers are often called “mini-CEOs” — and where that analogy breaks down

• How to build trust and communicate with senior leadership effectively

• Tactics to manage up: from aligning on KPIs and organizational priorities to navigating power dynamics

• Strategies for conflict resolution, fostering psychological safety, and earning executive buy-in

• Real-world insights on data-driven prioritization, storytelling, and stakeholder alignment across functions

Whether you’re already in a senior PM role or aspiring to step up, this episode will help you lead with confidence, even when you don’t own the org chart.

In Part 4 of our Stakeholder Management series, The Product Handbook explores the ethical dimensions of stakeholder engagement — from power imbalances to inclusive decision-making in complex environments.

You’ll learn:

• How to identify ethical risks in stakeholder interactions and strategic decisions

• Why power dynamics matter — and how to amplify underrepresented voices in your process

• The role of transparency, equity, and accountability in building long-term stakeholder trust

• Practical strategies for ethical communication, responsible prioritization, and inclusive collaboration

• How these principles apply in real-world scenarios, from supply chain management to DEI initiatives and corporate governance

Whether you’re leading product strategy or driving cross-functional alignment, this episode gives you a toolkit for engaging stakeholders with integrity — not just influence.

In Part 3 of our Stakeholder Management series, The Product Handbook focuses on the strategies, tools, and mindset shifts that lead to long-term stakeholder success.

You’ll learn:

• How to analyze stakeholder power, influence, and interest using tools like Mendelow’s Matrix

• Why tailored communication is key — and how to choose the right message for the right person

• How to build lasting trust with internal and external stakeholders through empathy, cultural awareness, and follow-through

• Tips for managing competing priorities, defusing conflict, and keeping alignment as projects evolve

• Real-world examples of stakeholder engagement done right — and what made the difference

If you’re ready to go beyond basics and lead high-trust, high-impact collaboration across your org, this episode gives you the tools to make it happen.

In Part 2 of our Stakeholder Management series, The Product Handbook focuses on the core principles, everyday practices, and real-world challenges that come with managing diverse stakeholders across teams and organizations.

You’ll learn:

• Key principles behind effective stakeholder engagement — from transparency to active listening

• Common challenges product managers face, including conflicting priorities, changing expectations, and stakeholder fatigue

• How to adapt your approach to different levels of influence, interest, and communication styles

• Strategies for engaging or disengaging stakeholders based on evolving project needs

• The role of ethics and emerging tech in shaping modern stakeholder dynamics

Whether you’re deep in a discovery phase or navigating roadmap drama, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to stay aligned, responsive, and in control.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we kick off a two-part series on stakeholder engagement — starting with how to identify the right people, understand their needs, and communicate in a way that builds alignment instead of tension.

You’ll learn:

• How to identify, categorize, and prioritize stakeholders in product development

• Strategies for effective communication with executives, engineers, customers, and more

• How to frame proposals from your stakeholder’s perspective to gain influence

• Techniques for managing expectations and avoiding misalignment early

• Why conflict is normal — and how to turn disagreements into productive collaboration using tools like the Behavioral Change Stairway Model

Whether you’re launching a new feature or aligning on roadmap strategy, this episode gives you the tools to engage stakeholders with empathy, clarity, and impact.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we go beyond theory and dive into real-world applications of product discovery — showing how teams have used discovery techniques to build better products, avoid costly mistakes, and uncover what users actually need.

You’ll learn:

• How companies use interviews, usability testing, and frameworks like the Double Diamond in live product environments

• Case studies that illustrate discovery done well — and what happens when it’s ignored

• How cross-functional teams collaborate to turn insights into validated solutions

• Lessons from startups and established companies that evolved their discovery practices over time

• Key takeaways you can apply to your own product work, whether you’re leading discovery or trying to get buy-in for it

If you’re tired of theory and want to hear how discovery actually works in practice, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore the essentials of Product Discovery — the phase of product development where great solutions actually begin.

You’ll learn:

• What product discovery is — and why it matters at every stage, not just before launch

• How to shift from a project mindset to a product mindset focused on outcomes

• Core practices like user interviews, analytics, prototyping, and assumption testing

• Tools and frameworks to support your process — including Opportunity Solution Trees and Jira Product Discovery

• Common discovery pitfalls (like building on shaky assumptions) — and how to avoid them

Whether you’re new to discovery or looking to level up your strategy, this episode will help you build smarter by validating what truly matters before you commit to code.