Product Powers - Human Skills for Product Thinkers to Thrive in the Age of AI

What happens when you hand a 13-year-old an AI coding tool and zero instructions? In this special episode, Paddy hosts his son Arjan for a hands-on look at vibe coding — the AI-powered approach to building software using nothing but natural language prompts. Together they walk through Dolphin Quest, the fully functioning 3D game Arjan built using Replit Agent in roughly a week — complete with comb...

Dr. Roberta Garceau shares insights from her book 'Bliss Not Burnout,' emphasising the importance of finding the gift in adversity, practising self-care through self-awareness, and the transformative power of vulnerability. 00:00 Introduction 02:41 Exploring the Concept of Bliss 07:36 The Gift in Adversity 14:37 Navigating Career Challenges and Personal Growth 20:22 Supporting Growth Through Adver...

Fredrik Haren, a 'creativity explorer,' shares insights from his extensive global journey covering 75 countries, explaining how different cultures perceive and harness creativity. He highlights the importance of understanding one's personal creative process and environment, debunking the myth that creativity is facilitated solely through structured processes and techniques. Instead, he emphasises...

Dr. Maya Ackerman is a generative AI pioneer, CEO of WaveAI, and author of Creative Machines: AI, Art, and Us . In this episode, we dive deep into what it means for machines to be creative, how to build AI that empowers humans, and why the real threat isn’t AI itself, but how we choose to use it. Takeaways 1. AI is Already Creative (Whether We Like It or Not) 2. “Humble Creative Machines” Should B...

John Gordon shares his journey from the military to launching his startup, Acelo , focusing on AI-driven automation in sales and marketing. He demonstrates the practical applications of AI in building product requirement documents without any code, emphasising the importance of context engineering. Key takeaways for product people include: 1) The importance of context engineering in AI to avoid ha...

Laura Ashley-Timms, COO of Notion and co-author of 'The Answer is a Question,' discusses the revolutionary impact of operational coaching. Laura shares insights from a comprehensive study with the London School of Economics, revealing how operational coaching can significantly enhance productivity, collaboration, and job satisfaction. Practical scenarios, such as dealing with urgent problems and d...

This week on the podcast I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr David Wood, Glenn D. Ardis Professor of Accounting at Brigham Young University, prolific author of over 200 publications, and the mind behind the new book Rewiring Your Mind for AI . David is not only an academic voice in accounting, but a leading thinker on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we learn, work, and crea...

Originally recorded for: Comparative Agility Podcast with Dee Rhoda In this episode, Dee Rhoda chats with Superpowers School host Paddy Dhanda (yes, that's me!) about how Communities of Practice (CoPs) can go from being side projects to powerful tools for collaboration, culture, and learning. Drawing from my experience of leading one of the UK's most vibrant visual thinking communities, and creati...

Laura Brandenburg, an internationally recognised leader in business analysis, shares insights from her new book, 'Value-Driven Business Analyst,' She discusses the importance of aligning business analysis with organisational outcomes. We delve into her eight-step business analysis process, the significance of being value-driven, and how to leverage AI in the field. Laura also talks about her journ...

Rishad Tobaccowala, a renowned author and futurist, shares insights from his latest book 'Rethinking Work' and provides actionable advice on how individuals can future-proof their careers. The episode also delves into the significance of creativity, continuous learning, and leveraging technology to enhance one's professional journey. 00:00 Introduction 03:08 The Importance of Physical Books 06:43...

In this episode, agile coach and creative facilitator Laura Re Turner shares how her neurodivergent traits have shaped her facilitation style—and what every product person should do to make workshops more inclusive, energising, and effective. 00:00 Introduction 02:19 Exploring Neurodivergence 03:54 Facilitation and Coaching Insights 05:24 Writing 'Becoming Agile' During the Pandemic 13:00 Impact o...

Henrik Kniberg shares insights from his recent video and book 'Generative AI in a Nutshell,' which went viral. The discussion explores how AI can reduce the need for large teams, allowing for more efficient, smaller teams. Henrik explains his current project on building an AI agent platform and its implications for the future of work. We also delve into the evolving role of product discovery and h...

Christina Lovelock talks about her new book 'Careers in Tech, Data, and Digital.' We discuss common misconceptions about tech careers, emphasising that not all tech jobs require coding skills. Christina shares the importance of curiosity in business analysis and highlights various tech roles beyond coding, such as service design, UX, and DevOps. We also talk about the significance of soft skills i...

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of making meetings productive and meaningful with Chris Thomason, the creator of the Meeting Maximizer. From the power of silence in meetings to the pitfalls of brainstorming, Chris shares his groundbreaking strategies for transforming routine meetings. If you're tired of unproductive meetings, this episode is for you. 00:00 Introduction 00:28 The Problem...

This is a recording from a recent talk I delivered exploring the concept of communities of practice and their significance in organisations. I draw on personal experiences and key characteristics of communities of practice. I provide real-world examples, such as the Xerox Project Eureka and the 70-20-10 learning principle, illustrate the power of collective knowledge and social learning. 00:00 Int...

We delve into the science of play in facilitation with special guest Brandon Wetzstein. Discover how play, especially through LEGO Serious Play, transforms adult behaviour and enhances creativity, collaboration, and connection in team settings. Learn about the surprising benefits of incorporating playful elements into serious work environments and how they can lead to better ideas and stronger tea...

Emily Gardner — trainer, speaker, and author of The Path of the Guide — discusses how to unpack what facilitation really means in 2025 and beyond. 00:00 Introduction 02:38 Emily's Journey into Facilitation 05:32 The Importance of Facilitation 14:25 Practical Tips for Aspiring Facilitators 23:24 Favorite Facilitation Techniques 27:31 Handling Conflict in Facilitation 34:15 Conclusion and Final Thou...

We explore the power of creating trust in facilitation. Michelle Tillis Letterman, an expert on workplace communications and relationships, named by Forbes as one of the top 25 networking experts. Michelle shares key insights on the importance of connection, especially in a tech-driven and post-COVID world. We discuss the concept of 'mood memory,' the challenges of attention span in communication,...

Jan Keck shares the transformation from traditional icebreakers to the more effective concept of 'ice melting' for fostering genuine connections. The conversation delves into techniques for initiating meaningful dialogue, the importance of vulnerability in group settings, and the impact of cultural differences on facilitation. Learn practical tips for enhancing virtual and in-person meetings, the...

Curious about how a murder mystery can enhance team dynamics and business skills? Imtiaz and Lewis, creators of the Murder Mystery Experience Workshop, share how they turned a fun idea into a transformative commercial success using gamification. They explore the nuances of engaging storytelling, real-life scenario simulations, and the power of personalised learning to address modern workplace chal...

Explore unconventional approaches to facilitation and creativity with guest Rach Davis. We discuss the importance of finding inspiration outside traditional fields, the concept of cross pollination, and how it enhances workshop design. The conversation delves into specific facilitation techniques, the impact of tools like Butter, and the strategic use of AI in workshops. Rach shares entertaining a...

We explore the unique intersection of doodling, creativity, and facilitation with artist and coach Karen Light. Karen shares her experiences on how doodling activates multiple learning centers in the brain and can foster deeper connections in both educational and corporate settings. We discuss the transformative power of play and creativity, Karen's personal journey with doodling, and practical wa...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr Tammy Watchorn, a prolific author and former NHS project manager, to discuss her latest book, The Change Ninja Returns. Tammy shares her journey from leading change in the health service to applying change management principles in her personal life. She highlights the importance of understanding the neuroscience behind change and offers practical tools for effec...

Janna Bastow, co-founder of Mind the Product and ProdPad, shares her journey of becoming a product manager, launching the world's largest community for product people, and the challenges of transitioning to entrepreneurship. From unexpected career paths to understanding key skills for success in product management, Janna provides invaluable insights and practical tips for anyone looking to break i...

We explore the power of storytelling with Geoff White, an investigative journalist and co-host of the popular BBC podcast 'The Lazarus Heist.' Geoff shares the story of North Korea's cybercriminal activities, particularly the infamous Bangladesh Bank heist. He shares insights into the underpinnings of successful cybersecurity breaches and the human vulnerabilities they exploit. Geoff also discusse...