In this episode, Leah and Marilyn sit down with Mike Maynard, Chairman at Napier B2B PR & Marketing, to unpack why B2B is far from boring. Mike shares why complex buying committees make B2B uniquely challenging, how synthetic personas can help but never replace real conversations, and why respect for the problem (not just the proposed solution) is essential. Along the way, they dig into the pitfalls of surveys, the role of product-led growth in long development cycles, and what it takes to move products from “nerds” to “norms.”

Key Takeaways

1. B2B decisions are complex and committee-driven — success means understanding multiple perspectives (engineers, CEOs, finance, InfoSec) and tailoring your approach accordingly.
2. Surveys often mislead — synthetic personas and data can support you, but nothing replaces real conversations with customers in context.
3. Respect the problem, not just the solution — product managers must look beyond what customers ask for, uncover the root issue, and bring all stakeholders’ voices into the room.

In this candid conversation, hosts Leah and Marilyn talk with product leader Charity about ambition, burnout, and the elusive art of slowing down. From unexpected career starts to the relentless pursuit of the next goal, they explore how high-achievers push themselves (sometimes too far) and what it takes to recognize when it’s time to rest. The episode offers a mix of personal stories, leadership insights, and practical reflections on sustaining both success and well-being.

3 Key Takeaways

• Ambition can be double-edged. The same drive that fuels achievement can also lead to exhaustion if left unchecked.
• Rest rarely happens by accident. True downtime often requires intentional boundaries and self-awareness — and sometimes the courage to walk away.
• Leaders set the tone. Your energy impacts your team; burnout in leadership can ripple outward in ways you might not realize until later.

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn are joined by Greg Weinger—SVP of Product at SheerID and founder of the Powerful Introvert podcast and newsletter. Greg shares his journey from engineer to product leader, revealing how introversion and deep self-reflection became the unexpected keys to his leadership success.

Together, the trio explores what it takes to scale product in growth-stage startups, the push-pull between customer success and product strategy, and how to work with enterprise clients without losing your soul (or your roadmap). They also dive into why companies often overlook quiet leadership and how to build inclusive teams that surface better ideas.

Key Takeaways

1.Introverts can be exceptional leaders—but the workplace must create space for them. Leaders don’t have to be loud. Influence often grows from reflection, calm, and clarity.

2. Customer success and product must partner—not compete—for priority. When enterprise customers make asks, product teams must balance strategic focus with relationship value.

3. Scaling a product doesn’t mean scaling chaos. Greg breaks down how enduring product-market fit, clarity of purpose, and good customer success can drive scale without losing your soul.