Executive Coaching
Now that I have re-joined the ranks of management, I am finding that access to a coach is immensely helpful in slaying some of my inner demons.
Latest
The Curse of Product Management: Self Checkout Kiosks
My local grocery store has a set of self-checkout kiosks. These are made by NCR, and they work ... mostly. I use them a lot, and I have noticed that they often lock up, requiring the attendant to come and un-jam them. And it happens a LOT. Today, the store manager
Story Time: Post Conference Entertainment in Japan
Business trips often include entertainment. An annual conference and entertaining our #1 customer led to some interesting implications
Story Time: The $4M Bluebird
An unexpected order drops, uncovering a salesperson who was working the refs, and inadvertantly fouling our operational efficiency. Look, I love big orders, but I also dislike surprises
When I hate Marketing
Marketing. Telling people what they should buy. Simple, but at times extremely messed up.
Story Time: Dead Man Walking
A ham-handed effort and the vagaries of the role meant that a missed connection and a poor effort combine to become a walking joke that really wasn't funny.
Transparency in Product Management
Transparency is the key to growing as a product manager, but be aware that some people are threatened by honest and open communications
Car Makers (re)Discover Market Seasonality
A decade plus of ZIRP, and the hangover from the COVID era supply chain disruption are in the rear view mirror, and automakers need to remember the old lessons of the market.
Optimizing your Resume for a Product Role
For product manager roles, the standard wisdom around resume creation and curation are not applicable. Be sure to get yourself on the best legs for your search
Story Time: When I was told to do sales
The GFC of the late aughts leads to some really insane decisions, and that had some repercussions that stun the leadership team
Story Time: Executive Retreat
Leadership retreats, preparations, and observations from someone who probably shouldn't have been invited. An interesting take, but ultimately, it didn't lead to career growth
My Favorite Meme's
A lighter fare this day, some of the memes I hav harvested over the years. Nothing serious here my dudes and dudettes, but hopefully more than one chuckle
Product
The End is Neigh
The long stretch of ZIRP distorted the business world, and altered many people's views. Perhaps the pendulum swinging back will lead to more rational business models that don't rely on virality
New Digs
Front Matter If you are reading this in email, and are happy with that, congratulations! Everything worked. If you click on the title, you will be loading this on the new home of The Product Bistro. With all the kerfuffle and ham-handed official position of Substack regarding their growing cohort
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Conundrum - Do I stay or do I go?
I am nearing my limit of tolerance for the formal position of the founders of Substack, and am seeking input on how to move forward
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Story Time: The 30 (b) 6 deposition
A special type of deposition, a lot of trust, and an experience I hope to never replicate.
Newsletter
2023 in Review
What did we post/read/discuss in 2023?
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Story Time: Economic downturn, and a big hole
Sometimes, cost savings are counterintuitive. It can lead to a white-knuckled ride
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Story Time: Being Used
Wherein I helped the ouster of an arguably deserving leader, and the impact on my life/career
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Story Time: The Alcoholic Colleague
A party guy does ... *good*?
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Story Time: Being Deposed Part I
The vast majority of product managers will never be seated at a table with advocates grilling them under oath, and with the video cameras rolling, but it does happen, and it sucks
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Story Time: Travel Log
A lighter post. Travel can make it difficult to remain healthy, and as I ramped up my travel schedule, I needed to stay in shape. Also, Travel Agencies are teh devil
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Story Time: Getting Yelled at for Approving a Discount
When Sales goes bad, it can really mess with your head
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Story Time: Ambushed
Two instances where I walked into difficult situations. One where I was naive, and one where I was set up. They both imprinted important lessons on my brain