In this episode of Product Journeys, hosts Fran Gleisner and Lauchlan Robertson go on a journey with Andy Hovey, from Xero to Xerra (but not yet Xerox), and dipping into the Andes on the back of a bike.

Andy has worked on websites, apps and software for over two decades. He’s currently the Chief Product Officer at Starboard, a ~25 person company making geospatial maritime software that governments buy to tackle issues like illegal fishing, biosecurity risks and smuggling at sea. Previously he’s led teams designing software that’s used by millions of people around the globe at technology companies like Xero and Amazon. He’s an enthusiastic but slow cyclist that likes long cycle touring trips and exploring the limits of what’s possible in ultra-endurance bikepacking races.

In this episode we dig into how to think about high performing teams (described as dots), how to think about impact that doesn't involve just shipping a feature, and how great features take many many many many small changes.

What you'll learn:

Why it's worth potentially expanding beyond your Job Description (JD)
Using OKRs to drive collaboration in a company
How feedback and collaboration can be combined
Giggly demos and why it's important to just play with your product

Read & listen:

Creative Selection by Ken Kocienda
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
The mom test
Gibson Biddle on Medium
Sam Harris and Lex Fridman podcasts

We hope you enjoy!

Please follow us and share with your colleagues and network. We've got an exciting season ahead so make sure you subscribe on your platform of choice!

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We are Fran and Lauchlan, both Product Managers, and we are discovering the diverse skills and experience that are out there in the product world. We aim to inspire product people on their journeys. Opinions expressed are solely our own and do not express the views of our employers.

Get in touch: productjourneyspodcast@gmail.com

Presenters: Fran Gleisner, Lauchlan Robertson
Music Credit: Harry Charles - Deer Park Remix

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