The Product Porch

Auteur(s): Ryan Cantwell Todd Blaquiere Joe Ghali
  • Résumé

  • On The Product Porch, every topic is a product topic. Dive into casual conversations on product management and career growth, woven with pop culture and real-life insights. Each episode offers actionable takeaways as the hosts tackle pressing questions and challenges in the product field. Settle in with Joe Ghali, Ryan Cantwell, and Todd Blaquiere!
    2025 The Product Porch
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Épisodes
  • Two Roles One Job The PM and PMM Dilemma
    Feb 4 2025

    Should Product Managers and Product Marketing Managers be separate roles or one? In this episode of The Product Porch, we break down their key differences, where they overlap, and how organizations define their responsibilities.

    We share real-world examples—including how Airbnb structures these roles—and tackle big questions like: Who owns the buying journey? Where should PMMs report? And how does role clarity drive product success? With fun analogies and practical insights, this episode will help you collaborate more effectively and navigate this ongoing debate.

    [2:00] The Big Question
    Should we have two separate roles—the Product Manager and the Product Marketing Manager?

    [2:30] Defining the PM Role
    Product Managers connect customer values to business outcomes.

    [3:20] Defining the PMM Role
    Product Marketing Managers focus on awareness, messaging, and proof points.

    [5:00] Wearing Both Hats
    Joe shares his experience working with a dedicated PMM role vs. managing both the PM and PMM responsibilities himself.

    [8:15] How Airbnb Does It
    A look at how Airbnb structures the PM and PMM roles.

    [9:30] Office Space Moment
    Todd’s I have people skills reference sparks a discussion on communication in both roles.

    [10:20] PMM as Execution?
    Are Product Marketing Managers seen as tactical executors rather than strategic partners?

    [11:00] The Role of Personas
    Ryan shares his perspective on how personas shape PM and PMM responsibilities.

    [12:42] Todd’s Cinnabon Confession
    A side tangent on Todd’s unexpected connection to Cinnabon.

    [16:00] Role Accountability
    Why defining clear responsibilities helps delineate the PM and PMM roles.

    [18:30] Wizard of Oz Analogy
    How Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Lion, and the Scarecrow represent a well-balanced product team.

    [20:19] Splitting the Roles
    Ryan shares his experience during a past company transformation when the PM role was split.

    [21:23] Reporting Structure Debate
    Does it matter where the PMM role reports within an organization?

    [22:45] Marketing vs. Product Outcomes
    Do Product Marketing Managers lose sight of product outcomes when reporting to marketing?

    [24:00] Measuring Success
    Defining the right success metrics for both the PM role and PMM role.

    [26:24] Who Owns It Game
    Ryan leads a fun round of Who Owns It—PM or PMM?

    [31:00] Sales Enablement Ownership
    Who should train the sales team on new products?

    [33:00] The Buying Journey Debate
    Todd argues that the PMM role should own the buying journey.

    [36:10] GTM Strategy
    Are Product Marketing Managers truly empowered to lead go-to-market strategy?

    [38:23] Key Takeaways
    Clear role definition is critical for strong team collaboration and product success.

    Help keep the Product Porch lights on by giving at Patreon.com/TheProductPorch.

    Join our email list and never miss an episode at theproductporch.com

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    44 min
  • What Product Managers Get Wrong About UX
    Jan 21 2025
    Are you struggling to navigate the overlap between Product Management and User Experience roles?In this episode of The Product Porch, we dig into the common friction between PMs and UX Teams, starting with a question from a listener about role clarity. We explore where the two roles typically overlap—like discovery—and discuss how both contribute unique value to solving problems. You’ll hear about prioritization techniques like the “IFD” method, the importance of team working agreements, and practical steps to align goals and avoid silos.We also dive into what makes a great UX Designer, share examples of UX antipatterns, and discuss how to foster better collaboration by understanding each other’s strengths. If you’ve ever wondered how to build a stronger partnership with your UX team, this episode will give you ideas you can put into action. References & Links:Prioritizing Problems- the IFD modelhttps://medium.com/management-matters/prioritize-your-problems-now-with-the-intensity-frequency-matrix-481ec156eecaTodd's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-blaquiere-mba-42a1262b/Joe's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephghali/Ryan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantcantwell/ Show Notes: Episode 16 - What Product Managers Get Wrong About UX[1:01] Listener QuestionA UX friend of the Porch, Holiday, asks if we have ever dealt with the overlap between UX and Product Management responsibilities, highlighting the need for role clarity.[4:00] Sarcasm from RyanRyan jokingly claims there is "never" any overlap of roles within product management, underscoring the ambiguity in the PM role and UX role.[4:30] Clarifying RolesDiscussion about the distinctions and clarity between UX and UI roles, emphasizing the role of UX in design and research.[7:30] Discovery OverlapEmphasis on discovery as a key area where the role of the product manager and UX roles often overlap, showcasing their shared focus on user needs.[8:34] The Value of DiscoveryExploring the unique contributions of PM roles and UX roles in the discovery process, with a focus on UX research and market insights.[11:39] Prioritizing ProblemsTodd poses an important question for UX leaders: How do you prioritize problems within the UX design and product framework?[12:01] Ryan's "IFD" MethodRyan introduces his favorite "problem" prioritization framework, "IFD." (Details in show notes.) This method is applied to both the PM role and the role of UX in problem-solving.[14:30] Market and PersonasTodd highlights the value PMs bring to problem discussions through their understanding of market needs and personas, complementing the insights from UX research.[17:25] Joe's ApologyJoe apologizes to Elise, his best UX friend ever, for any oversight of the vital role of UX in product success.[18:20] Strengthening RelationshipsHow to open the door to building a stronger relationship between Product Management and UX roles, focusing on role clarity and mutual respect.[19:30] What Makes a Great UX DesignerCharacteristics and traits of an effective UX designer, highlighting the importance of collaboration with the PM role.[21:20] Integrating UX into Product TeamsShould UX be fully integrated within the product team? Todd finds it hard to disagree with Joe, noting that aligning the PM role and the UX role can improve outcomes.[23:00] Aligned ObjectivesTodd argues why UX roles should roll up into the same team as Product Management to ensure aligned business objectives and outcomes.[24:00] Techniques for AlignmentDiscussion of strategies for aligning PM and UX roles and helping them better understand each other’s responsibilities and contributions.[25:45] Team Working AgreementsJoe introduces the concept of Team Working Agreements to set clear expectations and accountabilities, ensuring role clarity and collaboration.[28:00] Avoiding SilosExploring how culture influences the prevention of PM and UX silos, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration between these roles.[30:00] Advocacy for RolesDiscussion on how PMs and UX teams can effectively advocate for their respective roles and contributions.[34:17] Lightning Round - UX AntipatternsA rapid-fire segment on common UX antipatterns to watch out for, focusing on their impact on the UX role and product outcomes.[35:10] Ideal Team SetupsTodd discusses his "Discovery Squad" concept as an example of an ideal setup between UX and PM roles, emphasizing collaborative discovery.[37:10] Discovery BacklogRyan introduces the idea of a shared "Discovery Backlog" for PMs and UX designers, highlighting its value in aligning priorities and fostering role clarity.[38:00] Key TakeawaysBuilding strong relationships between PMs and UX teams starts with making friends, learning each other's strengths, and collaborating effectively, while ensuring clarity in their respective roles. Help keep the Product Porch lights on by giving at Patreon.com/TheProductPorch.Join our email list and never miss an episode at ...
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    40 min
  • AI's Impact on Product Management
    Jan 7 2025
    Are you worried about how AI might impact your career in product management?Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Join us for this special episode of The Product Porch, where we welcome special guest Dean Peters and dive into the AI trends every product manager needs to know. We’ll explore how AI is transforming the role of product managers, from decision-making and prioritization to stakeholder collaboration and strategic planning.You’ll gain actionable insights on using AI as a tool to enhance your impact, stay relevant, and secure your role in an AI-driven future. Plus, we’ll tackle the tough questions: Is AI a threat to product managers? How can you adapt to these changes and position yourself as a leader in the evolving landscape?Whether you’re curious, concerned, or both, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to succeed in the era of AI. References & LinksFollow Dean at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanpeters/Dean's Blog | Dean on Delivery: https://www.deanondelivery.com/What is Agentic AI? https://hbr.org/2024/12/what-is-agentic-ai-and-how-will-it-change-workTwinery: https://twinery.org/ Show Notes: Episode 15 - AI's Impact on Product Management[2:00] Welcome to the PodcastDean kicks off the discussion with a story that sets the stage for exploring AI and Product Management trends.[3:20] The End of Product Manager Jobs?Dean makes a bold claim: the Product Manager role as we know it is disappearing.[4:11] 2025 Product Management Trends BeginDean predicts the biggest changes AI will bring to Product Management in 2025.[4:48] Prediction #1: Automated Explainer VideosDean shares how Artificial Intelligence will revolutionize the creation of explainer videos, making it faster and cheaper.[7:20] “It’s Already Happening!”Joe backs up Dean’s prediction with real-world examples of AI automating video production at a low cost.[8:48] What Does This Mean for PMs?Todd agrees with Dean but poses the critical question: Is this shift good for Product Managers?[11:41] The Rise of Storytelling in Product ManagementWhy being a great storyteller, with empathy and compassion, is a critical skill in an AI-driven future.[13:54] Problem Statements as ArtTodd compares writing a strong problem statement to creating a masterpiece, emphasizing the artistry involved.[14:56] Most PMs Struggle with Problem StatementsTodd explains why many Product Managers fall short and how asking the right questions can turn "garbage" into gold.[16:24] Prediction #2: Agentic and Customizable AIDean introduces the rise of AI tools tailored to individual needs. (Check the show notes for a definition.)[18:54] Better Workflows, Thanks to AIDean explains how AI will revolutionize workflows, making them more efficient and adaptive.[21:30] Introducing “Twinery”Dean teases a new concept that could reshape how Product Managers approach storytelling. (Details in the show notes.)[22:43] Prediction #3: Open Source AI ModelsDean highlights the rise of open-source AI and its implications for the Product Management space.[23:45] Proof of Life for Product ManagersHow open-source AI models are creating new opportunities for Product Managers to validate user needs.[27:00] Todd’s 2025 Prediction: AI in User TestingAI will revolutionize user behavior analysis, allowing PMs to run customer simulations with unprecedented accuracy.[28:40] Prediction #4: The Rise of Synthetic DataDean predicts synthetic data will allow PMs to simulate user interactions with their products.[33:00] Prediction #5: Automating the Scrum Master RoleAI could replace the “Jira Slinging Ticket Monkey” function, automating repetitive tasks.[34:40] 2025 Product Management Wish ListThe team shares their hopes and dreams for the future of Product Management.[35:45] Product Roadmaps: Art Over ScienceThis is a reminder that creating roadmaps requires creativity and intuition, not just data.[37:30] Dean’s Wish: Automatic Fine-TuningDean imagines a “Ronco Brain Dump” system for effortless idea refinement.[38:30] Connect with Dean PetersFind Dean on social media for more insights on AI and Product Management.[40:00] Key TakeawaysAI is reshaping Product Management with automation, storytelling, and new tools—adapt now to stay ahead in 2025. Help keep the Product Porch lights on by giving at Patreon.com/TheProductPorch.Join our email list and never miss an episode at theproductporch.com
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    43 min

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