Product
The Toolbox Doesn't Make the Carpenter
Having been in product management as long as I have, the evolution of the tools that do product management tasks, and while they are slick, they don't make you a product manager.
Why Amazon, oh why
A recent purchase with a Trade-in is leaving a sour taste. For a retail giant, their customer-fu is weak
Shit, there goes 9 years…
No, I am not out of work, quite the contrary, I am about as indispensable as I can be. The good news is that means they keep throwing buckets of RSU’s at me. Over the past 8 years, I have assiduously avoided all the pressure to be elevated to
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.
The Curse of Product Management: Self Checkout Kiosks
Self checkout software glitches triggers a Product Manager's PTSD...
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