In this episode of The Product Handbook, we take a deep dive into the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) — one of the most powerful tools for testing ideas, minimizing risk, and getting real feedback fast.

You’ll learn:

• What an MVP really is — and what it’s not (hint: it’s not a buggy beta)

• The role of MVPs in the Build-Measure-Learn loop

• Famous MVPs that launched global companies — like Airbnb’s hacked-together website, and Amazon’s “sell one book” test

• Common MVP pitfalls: feature overload, no clear problem, ignoring feedback

• How to define your core assumption, gather feedback, and iterate without wasting time or money

Whether you're starting a side project, launching a new product, or prepping for that interview question (“How would you design an MVP for X?”), this episode will help you build something that actually matters — and prove it, fast.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore the world of prototyping — a critical but often misunderstood phase of product development that helps teams learn fast, fail cheap, and align early.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between low-, medium-, and high-fidelity prototypes — and how to remember when to use which

• Why prototypes are not the same as MVPs (and what each one is really for)

• How tools like paper sketches, clickable wireframes, and even Lego models help surface design flaws early

• How prototyping improves cross-functional communication, reduces rework, and keeps everyone focused on solving the right problem

• Quick tips for choosing the right prototype technique based on stage, goal, and feedback needs

Whether you're prepping for a design sprint, aligning with stakeholders, or answering interview questions like “How do you approach prototyping?”, this episode gives you the structure and language to show up like a pro.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we break down the Lean Startup methodology — not as a Silicon Valley slogan, but as a practical framework for building smarter, faster, and with way less waste.

You’ll learn:

• How the Build → Measure → Learn loop really works — and how to remember it

• What a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) actually is (hint: it’s not “build less”)

• How companies like Dropbox, Airbnb, and Buffer turned scrappy MVPs into global platforms

• How Lean Startup thinking applies beyond startups — in big companies, legacy products, and even your next internal tool

• Why combining Lean Startup with Design Thinking can supercharge discovery and innovation

Whether you’re launching a new idea, pivoting an old one, or just want to sound like you didn’t learn Lean Startup from a meme, this episode gives you the tools to think, build, and iterate with intention.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we unpack the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) — one of the most widely adopted (and hotly debated) approaches to scaling Agile across large organizations.

You’ll learn:

• The core components of SAFe, including Program Increment (PI) Planning, alignment rituals, and built-in quality practices

• Key values like transparency, predictability, and alignment across teams — and how they play out in practice

• Common critiques: Is SAFe just “Waterfall with standups”? Why do some call it agile theater?

• How SAFe compares to leaner models like LeSS

• A mental map of roles, events, and decision layers that help you remember SAFe without drowning in acronyms

If you’ve ever sat in a PI planning session wondering “Is this Agile?” — or you’re preparing to explain SAFe in an interview or leadership meeting — this episode gives you the clarity and context to speak fluently (and skeptically) about scaled agility.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we take a deep dive into Scrum — one of the most widely used Agile frameworks in the world, and one that’s often done wrong but talked about a lot.

You’ll learn:

• The core components of Scrum: roles like Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team, and the rhythm of Sprint Planning, Daily Standups, Sprint Reviews, and Retrospectives

• Why Scrum works — and when it doesn’t

• Common pitfalls: story point drama, meeting fatigue, and what happens when the “ceremony” overtakes the purpose

• How Scrum compares to Kanban and Waterfall, and how it’s evolving with AI tools and remote teams

We’ll also share memory aids to help you remember the flow, explain the roles, and answer that classic interview question: "How do you run your Scrum process?" — like a seasoned pro.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we break down Agile methodologies — not just the buzzwords, but what they actually mean for product teams trying to ship great software.

You’ll learn:

• The core principles behind Agile (and how to remember them without memorizing the manifesto)

• Key practices like Scrum, Kanban, and the roles of Product Owners and Scrum Masters

• How to track progress with meaningful Agile metrics — beyond just velocity

• Common pitfalls: from leadership misalignment to AI-enhanced delivery teams that move fast but forget the “customer” part

Whether you’re in an Agile org, trying to make your org more Agile, or prepping for interview questions like “What does Agile mean to you?” — this episode gives you the mental frameworks and caution signs to navigate it all with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore the Dunning-Kruger Effect — that sneaky cognitive bias where a little knowledge can lead to a lot of overconfidence.

You’ll learn:

• What causes the Dunning-Kruger Effect — and why it’s especially dangerous in product management

• How overconfidence can distort forecasts, derail strategy, and lead to risky bets

• Techniques to recognize and counteract this bias in yourself and your teams — from fostering intellectual humility to building feedback loops and embracing a beginner’s mindset

• Why “knowing what you don’t know” is one of the most underrated leadership superpowers

Whether you're managing complex products, building new skills, or preparing for interviews, this episode will help you sharpen your self-awareness — and lead with more clarity and credibility.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we break down the OODA Loop — a decision-making cycle built for speed, adaptability, and staying ahead in dynamic environments.

You’ll learn:

• The four stages: Observe → Orient → Decide → Act — and how to lock them into memory

• Why speed of iteration often beats the quality of individual decisions

• How the OODA Loop applies beyond its military roots — from Lean Startup to MVPs to day-to-day product leadership

• How to foster continuous feedback, psychological safety, and a team culture that embraces rapid learning and iteration

If you’re working in fast-changing markets, leading product bets, or just want to think faster and smarter — this episode gives you a battle-tested framework to move from reaction to strategic action.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we unpack the Ladder of Inference — a powerful model for understanding how we jump from observation to action (often without realizing it).

You’ll learn:

• The mental steps that make up the Ladder of Inference — and how to remember them

• Why unchecked assumptions and past experiences quietly distort decisions

• How to use self-awareness, curiosity, and balanced inquiry to spot flawed thinking — in yourself and your team

• Practical ways to slow down the climb and make better, more collaborative decisions

If you’ve ever watched a team spiral into bad decisions or miscommunications based on invisible assumptions — this episode gives you the tools to catch the ladder before it runs away with your strategy.

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we dive deep into second-order thinking — the essential mental model for seeing past quick wins and anticipating the ripple effects of your decisions.

You’ll learn:

• What separates first-order from second-order thinking

• How to anticipate unintended consequences and downstream risks

• Why this mindset is crucial for product strategy, leadership, and career decisions

• Simple techniques to build second-order thinking into your daily habits — so you remember to use it when it matters most (and impress in interviews!)

If you’ve ever launched something only to regret it three steps later — or wondered why some leaders seem to play chess while others play checkers — this episode will give you a practical edge.