166: How Great Product Leaders Make Better Decisions & Build Stronger Teams with Phil Hornby

In this episode, host Pedro Ganço sits down with Phil Hornby, a seasoned product leader, to explore the changing landscape of product management. Phil shares his journey from developer to product manager and discusses the importance of coaching and empowering product teams. The conversation delves into the complexities of decision-making, the role of constraints in fostering innovation, and the need for an entrepreneurial mindset in product teams. Phil also sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding product leadership, the impact of AI on the profession, and the future of product management. Key Takeaways: ➡️ Product management revolves around decision-making at all levels. ➡️ Constraints can serve as a catalyst for innovation. ➡️ Coaching is about enabling teams to succeed, not just giving answers. ➡️ Product managers must balance technical and business perspectives. ➡️ The role of product managers has evolved to be more strategic. ➡️ Strong relationships are crucial in a hybrid work environment. ➡️ Product management is about delivering value to both customers and businesses. ➡️ Effective decision-making requires understanding the broader context. ➡️ Empowered teams cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets. ➡️ The future of product management may involve smaller, more efficient teams. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Product Challenges and Opportunities 04:02 Phil Hornby's Journey to Product Management 10:58 The Philosophy of Coaching in Product Leadership 14:03 The Complexity of Decision-Making in Product Management 17:38 Common Traps in Product Decision-Making 20:57 Mental Models for Better Decision-Making 23:29 Constraints as Catalysts for Creativity 27:30 Building Entrepreneurial Product Teams 29:57 Understanding the Trio and Square in Product Management 32:19 Fostering an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Organizations 35:13 Coaching Product Managers: Defining Success 38:24 Evolving Role of Product Managers in a Changing Landscape 44:51 Building Relationships in Hybrid Teams 50:59 Common Misconceptions in Product Leadership Where to Find Phil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philhornby/ Where to find Pedro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedroganco/ 🎉 Mark your calendars for Productized Conference 2025! Join us for the 10th edition of this premier event, where product management leaders from around the world gather for insightful talks, networking, and celebration. Tickets are already available—don’t miss out! Get your tickets now: https://www.productized.co Where to find us: JOIN THE COMMUNITY 👉 http://bit.ly/3aMvWn2 Website: https://productized.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/productized Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/productized.co/ Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/pt-BR/Productized/