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

We are always taught to put others before ourselves. But when we put ourselves first, it creates a sense of guilt. One of the rare moments when we accept we should is when the cabin crew reminds us on a flight: “Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.” It’s a simple but powerful reminder. In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking to Self Care expert Araceli Higueras and autho...

Stuart Young is a fellow expert in visual thinking, product facilitation, and agile methodologies. We delve into the essence of authenticity in facilitation, the power of visual thinking, the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment, and techniques for effective virtual and face-to-face collaboration. Key points include the significance of human connections, inclusivity, and conti...

In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Andy Paige, a TV personality, author, and inventor, who shares how the superpower of kindness has shaped her career. Andy emphasizes the importance of kindness in overcoming adversity and building lasting relationships. 00:00 A Tale of Birmingham in the 1970s 01:40 The Friendship That Defied Prejudice 04:28 A Special Guest with a Superpower 05:...

In this episode, Steve Stratton shares his fascinating journey from securing presidential visits with the Secret Service to becoming a cybersecurity expert and a prolific author. Discover how storytelling and team building have been pivotal throughout his career, learn about the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, and receive invaluable advice for young professionals. Stratton's compelling experi...

In this episode, we delve into the art of facilitation and the power of creativity with Antonio Iturra, a seasoned facilitator and magician. From the importance of crafting the perfect questions for meaningful interactions to integrating visual thinking in workshops, Antonio shares his multifaceted approach to creating engaging and effective learning environments. We also explore Antonio's concept...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Keith McCandless, co-author of 'The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures.' We dive deep into how liberating structures can create safe spaces for all voices in a room and make conversations more inclusive and engaging. Keith explains the concept of the 'collaborative muscle' and how these facilitation tools can replace traditional brainstor...

Ben Walder, co-author of The Visual Agile Coach Playbook, discusses his experience of feeling constrained in the corporate world and how losing his job led to an epiphany that helped him discover his 'superpowers.' He shares his journey of co-authoring the 'Visual Agile Coach Playbook', the process of recognizing and developing one's superpowers, and the significance of human connection and partne...

Have you written a book to become a tech thought leader? But how do you ensure you get maximum exposure for your hard work? Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, a press release distribution company shares his journey from a poetry enthusiast to a PR expert, stressing how press releases can significantly boost the visibility and success of small businesses and startups. We discuss: 1) Actionable t...

John Rossman (ex Amazon executive) co-author of the book 'Big Bet Leadership' shares leadership strategies at Amazon. We explore the concept of Big Bet Leadership focusing on how to manage high-risk, high-reward business initiatives through creating clarity, maintaining velocity, and accelerating risk and value. Rossman shares insights from his time at Amazon, discusses the importance of leadershi...

In this episode, Dave Albin shares his incredible journey from addiction to becoming a key figure in Tony Robbins' organization. Dave emphasizes the importance of creating your own story, the value of service to others, and developing crucial human skills in an automated world. He recounts his experience with firewalking, his work with celebrities, and how he went on to establish Firewalk Producti...

Are you making the most of LinkedIn to build your personal brand and connect with your audience? In this episode, we dive deep into leveraging LinkedIn for personal and professional growth with insights from Gus Bhandal, a top LinkedIn trainer. We explore: * The power of personal branding * The art of authentic storytelling * SEO optimisation * Balancing personal and professional content creation...

Have you ever wondered how you can significantly improve your memory recall and retention? In this episode, we'll cover a variety of techniques, from the Memory Palace to mind mapping, and explore the impact of visual imagery, novelty, and spaced repetition in making information stick. I’m joined by Andy Gray who has been refining these techniques for many years and has combined them with graphic...

I speak to Martin Barnes, an expert in 'intentional communication,' which encompasses pitching, presenting, and public speaking. Martin emphasizes the importance of storytelling in presentations and shares his transformative experience living in China, which taught him cultural similarities and differences. We delve into the challenges and opportunities posed by AI in communication. Martin offers...

Do you wear glasses? Were you or someone you knew ever called 4 eyes? I used to get that phrase thrown at me all the time. There was a time when wearing glasses wasn’t so cool. But what if we could integrate technology into our specs? What if they could give us new superpowers and a new perspective on how we interact and engage with the world? I’m joined by Bianca Spada, who works at Meta and part...

Have you ever considered how the language we use might be outdated and full of hidden biases? I explore the topic of inclusive language with Dr Suzanne Wertheim, a former professor of linguistics and linguistic anthropology, who now consults on inclusive language in the workplace. This article distils the key ideas we explored in this episode. Inclusive language isn’t just a passing trend—it’s ess...

In a world driven by innovation and creativity, product design has emerged as a crucial field influencing everything from consumer products to the digital tools we use daily. But what exactly is product design, and how does it differ from traditional approaches to problem-solving? I had the pleasure of exploring these topics through a conversation with Eli Woolery , a lecturer at Stanford Universi...

I’m joined by five of the track chairs who have organised the BA Summit Southern Africa 2024 . I was keen to get a behind-the-scenes perspective of what conference organisers look for in good conference talk submissions. We also delve into the importance of networking, personal growth, and the dynamic role of track chairs in making the summit a success. If you would like to attend the conference,...

Felix Lee, co-founder of ADPList, shares his inspiring journey from a humble upbringing in Singapore to creating a global mentorship platform. Felix discusses the critical importance of grit and determination in achieving success. He also delves into the fundamentals behind ADPList, shedding light on how the platform connects professionals worldwide for free mentorship and support. Tune in to lear...

In this bonus episode, I'm joined by fellow speakers Nicola Pinkney and Paul Haywood, we delve into their talk, 'Communication is a Science,' exploring how neurodiversity impacts communication. Both diagnosed with ADHD, Nicola and Paul share personal insights and tips for improving workplace communication and understanding diverse perspectives. 00:00 Introduction to the Upcoming IRM Business Analy...

In this episode, I speak with Stu Mullinger, a seasoned business analyst, about the significance of tech conferences and public speaking in professional development. We discuss Stu's journey with the BA community, the benefits of being an active member, and his upcoming talk at the IRM European Business Analysis Conference. Stu shares valuable advice for aspiring speakers and emphasizes the import...

Paddy is joined by world-renowned investigative journalist Jamie Bartlett, author of 'The Dark Net' and co-creator of BBC's 'The Missing Crypto Queen' podcast. Jamie shares insights into his unique investigative methods, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and openness in understanding online subcultures, radical movements, and internet phenomena. The conversation dives deep into Bartlett's ex...

Colin Corby shares practical tips for integrating digital detox into daily life, the science behind our decreasing attention spans, and the significant impact of constant digital engagement on our overall wellbeing. We also explore the relationship between technology and our cognitive abilities, emphasizing the need for balance and the benefits of reconnecting with the offline world. 00:00 The Pow...

Rachael O'Meara, former Google executive and author of 'Pause', talks about her journey from burnout to discovering the transformative power of taking intentional breaks. She shares insights on how pausing helped her realign her life and career, emphasizing the importance of intentional breaks for enhanced productivity and personal well-being. Rachael also provides practical tips for incorporating...

The Impact of No Meeting Days: Insights from Vijay Pereira's Groundbreaking Research In this episode, Paddy Dhanda interviews Vijay Pereira about his pioneering research on the effects of 'No Meeting Days' within organizations. They delve into how excessive meetings stifle productivity, and how giving employees time off from meetings can lead to better performance, innovation, and well-being. Vija...

Brad Yates shares insights into Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) tapping. He explains how tapping helps clear limiting beliefs and improves overall well-being, making it a valuable tool for stress management and personal growth. 00:00 Introduction to Energy Flow in Chinese Medicine 01:22 Brad's Superpower: Tapping into Your Super Self 03:02 Brad's Journey from Acting to Hypnotherapy 04:09 Discov...