Some say internal product managers aren’t doing “real” product work. Ryan, Todd, and Joe aren’t buying it. In this episode, they dig into the differences between internal and external product management, and why shifting your mindset, not your products, can give your career the biggest boost.

External PMs get the spotlight with customer growth, revenue goals, and flashy product launches. Internal PMs deal with coworkers as customers, adoption that’s often mandatory, and success measured in efficiency or time saved. That doesn’t make the work less real, it just means the playbook is different. We discuss how internal PMs can dodge the “ticket taker” trap, run discovery without falling into proximity bias, and know when to stick with project mechanics versus when to step back and think like a product manager. They also break down why internal PM can be one of the fastest ways to sharpen your skills and prove your impact.

If you’ve ever felt like your internal PM role doesn’t count, or wondered how to turn it into a career advantage, the porch is open, pull up a chair, and join the conversation.

Introduction: Is Internal PM Real?
[00:00] Setting up the question – Ryan, Todd, and Joe tee up the debate on whether internal PM counts as “real” product management.
[02:15] Frustrations from the field – stories of internal PMs being dismissed as “just project managers.”

Internal vs External: What Really Changes
[05:30] Defining external PM – customers, revenue, growth, flashy launches.
[07:20] Defining internal PM – coworkers as users, adoption is mandatory, success measured in efficiency and time saved.
[10:05] Why the differences matter – mindset, not mechanics, shapes career growth.

Dodging the Ticket Taker Trap
[13:40] When internal PMs get stuck – how backlog triage turns into order taking.
[15:55] Moving from tickets to outcomes – tying work to measurable efficiency and risk reduction.

Discovery and the Danger of Proximity
[20:10] What good discovery looks like – even when your users are down the hall.
[22:45] Avoiding assumptions – why access doesn’t mean you know what coworkers need.
[25:30] Practical tips – running interviews, validating real pain, challenging “just build this” requests.

Project Mechanics vs Product Thinking
[30:05] When execution dominates – rollouts with fixed deadlines and requirements.
[32:20] When to step back – shifting into product mode to uncover problems worth solving.
[35:15] Blending approaches – how internal PMs can flex between project and product.

Career Acceleration Through Internal PM
[40:00] Why internal PM is a bootcamp – faster cycles, broader skill-building.
[42:10] Internal PM as a stepping stone – building credibility and positioning for future roles.
[45:00] Final reflections – why internal PM is not just real product management, but a powerful path to growth.

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Ever wonder how to position yourself in a job search the same way you’d position a product?

In this episode, Todd Blaquiere and Joe Ghali welcome back resume and storytelling expert Nils Davis to talk about how product managers can stand out in a crowded job market by running their job hunt like a go-to-market strategy.
We cover why resumes should read like short stories instead of laundry lists, how to uncover your true differentiators, and why research on the company and hiring manager is as essential as product discovery. Nils shares practical ways to frame your value, Todd talks about the mindset that sets you apart in interviews, and Joe highlights what hiring managers actually look for when reading resumes.
If you’re job searching and tired of blending in with 50 other candidates, this episode will give you actionable strategies to treat yourself like the product and position your career for success.

If you’re navigating the job market right now, pull up a chair on the porch and learn how to apply your PM skills to the ultimate product: you.

• Connect with Nils: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilsdavis/
• The Secret Product Manager Handbook
• Sign up for the Product Porch Newsletter

Introduction and Setting the Stage
[00:00] Welcome and guest intro – Joe, Todd, and Nils set up the discussion around job search as product management.
[01:00] Why job seekers struggle – Common pitfalls PMs face when trying to stand out.

The Importance of Differentiators
[01:19] What makes you different – Nils explains why generic claims like “customer-obsessed” don’t work.
[03:45] Finding your edge – Examples of strong differentiators that hiring managers remember.

Resume Strategies and Common Pitfalls
[05:31] Why copy-pasting job descriptions fails – The trap of tailoring too literally.
[08:15] Story-driven resumes – Using problems, actions, and outcomes to make impact clear.

Crafting a Compelling Resume Narrative
[12:10] The resume as a story – Nils shares how to highlight transformation and business impact.
[16:40] Avoiding vague statements – How to show results with concrete outcomes.

Interview Preparation and Mindset
[19:38] Research like discovery – Treating hiring managers like users to understand their needs.
[23:35] Todd’s interview mindset – Why you should never discount your value going in.

Differentiators and Superpowers
[27:57] Owning your superpower – How to identify strengths and communicate them with confidence.
[30:15] A differentiator in action – Nils gives an example of turning platforms into revenue engines.
[34:41] “Your obvious is your art” – Why what comes naturally may be your biggest edge.

Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
[35:03] Key lessons – Differentiators, storytelling, research, and mindset for job hunting.
[41:30] Where to find Nils – How listeners can connect for resume help.
[43:02] Wrap up – Closing thoughts and sign-off.

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Ever get told to “focus on outcomes, not outputs”... and then left with absolutely no clue what to do next?

You’re not alone. Too many product thought leaders drop this phrase like it’s gospel, but rarely explain how to apply it. It’s a slogan, not advice, and it leaves real product managers stuck.

This episode is the antidote. We break down what “outcomes over outputs” actually means, how to tell if your org is too focused on shipping, and what practical steps you can take to drive real results. We even play a game to help you build the muscle of spotting outcomes in the wild.

If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at another vague declaration from a product influencer, get ready to fight back. Expect practical advice, real talk, and a few sharp takes on how to translate theory into results that actually get you noticed.

For a conversation on how you can make outcomes work for you, pull up a chair on the porch.

Introduction and Welcome Back Joe
[00:45] Joe returns – Joe Ghali rejoins the podcast after a brief hiatus and kicks off the episode with the theme of focusing on outcomes over outputs.

Understanding Outcomes vs. Outputs
[01:45] Defining the terms – A clear breakdown of what we mean by "outcomes" and "outputs," and why the difference matters.

Benefits of Focusing on Outcomes
[04:00] Customer-first mindset – How outcome thinking leads to better user retention and improved experience.
[06:30] Product Manager value – Outcomes help PMs level up by connecting their work to real impact and demonstrating strategic value.

What Is “Outcomes Over Outputs”?
[07:05] It’s a mindset – A principle, not a checklist.
[08:00] Draw the line – If you can connect what you do to business outcomes, you instantly become more valuable to the organization.

Game Time: Todd Tries to Stump Joe and Ryan
[09:40] Is that an outcome? – Todd tosses a curveball: “I want to increase my batting average.” The crew debates if it's an outcome or an output.
[10:40] Not all outcomes are equal – Outcomes are everywhere; it’s our job to find the right ones to influence.
[11:40] Prioritize outcomes, not features – A nuanced but critical shift in how product leaders think and operate.

Product Outcomes vs. Business Outcomes
[14:36] Know the difference – Ryan breaks it down: product outcomes = customer impact, business outcomes = company impact.
[15:42] Shared ownership – Everyone on the product team owns outcomes, not just the PM.

Signs You’re Too Output-Focused
[16:00] Champagne problems – If launch day is your high point, you're likely too output-focused.
[19:15] The reality check – When performance reviews are tied to deadlines, how do we shift toward outcomes anyway?

Ryan’s Outcome Maturity Model
[20:00] Outcome maturity – Ryan walks us through how organizations evolve in their outcome thinking.
[21:45] Moving forward – Tips for how teams can start becoming more outcome-focused.
[23:15] Vacation mode – Joe shares a relatable example of outcome-thinking… while planning a family vacation.

Outcome or Output? Game Show Edition
[25:50] Salesforce integration – Sales says we're losing deals. Why that doesn’t mean you need a Salesforce integration.
[27:00] Deadline drama – Leadership pushes for a Q3 launch. Ryan explains why that’s an output, not an outcome.
[28:31] Support ticket drop – Reducing tickets to improve customer experience? Joe makes the case for outcome.
[30:30] App store blues – Fixing reviews to save your rep. Ryan says hold up—it’s an output without deeper insight.

Getting Started with Outcomes
[34:30] Joe’s advice – Understand the “as-is” before you build the “to-be.” (Shoutout to Laura from Kimberly-Clark!)
[35:35] Todd’s advice – Start by mastering the art of asking “why.”

Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts
[39:08] Ryan – Don’t be intimidated. Use your 1:1s to talk about outcomes instead of project status.
[39:40] Joe – Want to become more outcome-focused? Ask: “What are our customers' goals and pain points?”
[40:15] Todd – Don’t let outcomes become theoretical. The magic is in attaching them to your product, measuring them, and taking your time. That’s why so many OKRs fall short—don’t rush it.

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Ever wonder why people in your company speak in absolutes, when they’re really just guessing?

In this episode, Todd and Ryan tackle one of product management’s sneakiest challenges: assumptions dressed up as facts. You’ll learn how to spot them, test them, and decide which ones are worth your time. They also share practical tips for how to push back on overconfidence without becoming the office buzzkill. You’ll get tools like hypothesis framing, assumption matrices, and yes, even a visual analogy of TAM, SAM, and SOM eating pie.

You might think you're just making decisions, but you're probably making bets. This episode will show you the risks you've been taking all along, without even realizing it.

Introduction and Setting the Scene
[00:00] Assumptions wearing fact hats – Todd and Ryan set the stage with a playful analogy.
[00:29] Product Porch welcome – Framing today’s conversation: assumptions masquerading as facts.

The Problem with Assumptions
[01:00] “We know this will work” – Why confidence often masks uncertainty.
[02:00] Overt vs. quiet assumptions – Recognizing when assumptions go unspoken.

Identifying and Validating Assumptions
[03:40] PMs as assumption spotters – The product role in unmasking untested ideas.
[04:30] Responsibility and risk – Why recognizing assumptions matters for product outcomes.

Assumptions vs. Hypotheses and Bets
[06:00] Hypothesis ≠ assumption – Breaking down the difference.
[07:30] Fancy words, same risks – How “belief,” “bets,” and “hypotheses” disguise uncertainty.
[14:50] Assumption = risk – Why framing decisions as bets clarifies the stakes.

Practical Approach to Assumptions
[18:30] Todd’s process – From “what we know” to testable hypotheses.
[20:30] Not everything is testable – What to do when data isn’t available.
[21:45] Breaking down baby hypotheses – Getting from big bets to testable ideas.

Spotting Assumptions in Practice
[22:30] Game time – Todd challenges Ryan to find hidden assumptions in a business pitch.
[24:00] 8+ assumptions in one paragraph – How fast we stack untested beliefs.
[30:30] Critical thinking tips – What to listen for and how to respond.

Conclusion and Takeaways
[38:00] Big takeaway: assumptions that can’t be undone are the most dangerous.
[40:00] “Assumption pill” – Seeing the hidden code behind product decisions.
[41:00] Assumption spotter, prioritizer, tester – A new PM identity.

Closing Remarks
[41:45] Sign-off – Todd and Ryan wrap up the episode with appreciation and a reminder to subscribe.

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Why is it so hard for product and sales to get along?

In this episode, Todd Blaquiere and Ryan Cantwell dig into one of the most persistent pain points in product management: why the product-sales relationship so often breaks down, and what we can do to fix it. Using role-play, real stories, and a few uncomfortable truths, they unpack how deal fit and product-market fit pull in different directions. Then they explore how to navigate those tensions without becoming the "chief no officer."

You’ll walk away with practical ways to respond to sales requests, build trust without bending to every feature ask, and become the kind of product partner sales actually wants in the room.

If you're tired of awkward relationships with sales, urgent "add it to the roadmap" requests, and never-ending feature tug-of-wars, pull up a chair on the porch. We’ve got ideas to calm the chaos, win more deals, and stop the swirl.

Introduction and Setting the Stage
[00:00] Fighting Like Siblings - Todd compares product and sales to his kids: always fighting, but capable of harmony.
[02:45] Shared Goals, Different Worlds - The hosts introduce the recurring tensions between product and sales.

The Product and Sales Relationship
[06:10] Deal Fit vs. Market Fit - Sales chases deals; product chases strategy. It’s no wonder they clash.
[08:30] Competing Priorities - Why product sees the long game and sales lives quarter-to-quarter.

Common Frustrations and Misunderstandings
[12:00] The Feature Firehose - Sales promises features that don’t exist. Product becomes the “no” team.
[14:50] Roadmap Roulette - When shifting priorities make it feel like there is no real plan.

Empathy and Understanding
[19:30] Listen First, Then Build - How PMs can use empathy to cut through confusion.
[21:15] What Sales Really Needs - Beyond features, it’s about confidence and clarity.

Benefits of Collaboration
[24:40] Sit in on Sales Calls - The quickest way to understand customers—and build better products.
[27:10] Stronger Together - Real examples of when sales and product clicked.

Effective Communication and Documentation
[30:15] Tell Them What’s Coming - The value of visibility into roadmaps and release notes.
[33:00] Docs That Actually Help - Tips on making product info sales-friendly.

Building Trust and Reducing Assumptions
[36:20] Stop the Swirl - Why clarity, transparency, and shared wins build trust.
[39:00] The Relationship That Matters - Final thoughts on how to make product-sales work long term.

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Ever feel like you're following frameworks, but still not sure if you're actually doing product management?

In this episode, Todd Blaquiere, Joe Ghali, and Ryan Cantwell lay out their personal tier lists to define what makes product management real. They debate which principles are fundamental laws - those you can’t break without breaking product - and which are just flexible preferences shaped by context.

From "outcomes over outputs" to stakeholder management, the conversation challenges conventional wisdom and surfaces surprising disagreements. It’s a candid look at what separates core product truths from passing trends.

If you’ve ever struggled to know which product advice is worth following and which ones you can safely ignore, pull up a chair for this episode of the Product Porch.

Introduction and Podcast Overview
[00:00] Internal products – Is product market fit always required?

The Product Management Tier List
[00:35] Tier list concept – Sorting laws, principles, and practices

Ryan's Tier List
[02:25] The cone tip – Defining non-negotiables
[04:00] Best practices – Flexible tools and methods
[05:30] Trends – Temporary tactics and ceremonies

Joe’s Tier List
[06:03] Product concert – Priorities in customer value and impact
[07:00] JTBD – Why it’s core for Joe
[08:00] Measuring success – Linking problems to business results

Todd’s Tier List
[08:22] Spinning top – Laws, principles, practices, style
[09:30] Product law – Break these, break the product
[10:28] Practices vs. principles – What’s flexible vs. fixed

Debating Product Laws
[11:00] “You are not the user” – Universal agreement
[12:00] Outcomes over outputs – A debated essential
[15:04] Team sport – When product requires collaboration

Product Principles
[17:56] Saying no – Strategy and focus
[20:00] Agile mindset – Beyond the process
[22:30] Working with vendors – Can you still do product?

Product Practices & Styles
[24:38] Roadmaps, personas, roles – What shifts by org
[26:00] Stakeholder management – Style or standard?
[28:00] JTBD – Tool or foundational belief?

Trends & Tools
[34:36] Tools & templates – What doesn’t define product
[36:00] Product market fit – Still relevant for internal teams?
[38:00] Positioning – Practice, not principle
[39:09] Product-led growth – Trend or truth?

Takeaways & Close
[39:28] Define your own tiers – What matters to you?
[41:00] Training ≠ truth – Not all practices are essential
[42:00] Share your tier list – Hosts want to hear from you

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Why does imposter syndrome hit product managers so hard, and what can we do about it?

In this episode, Todd Blaquiere and Ryan Cantwell dig into why imposter syndrome shows up so often in product management. From vague job descriptions to being accountable without real authority, they unpack what makes this role especially prone to self-doubt.

We share personal stories, talk through common patterns like the imposter cycle, and ask the bigger question: is this about us, or the environments we’re working in?

We also cover what managers can do to support their teams and why that nagging feeling might not mean you're broken. It might just mean you're growing.

Before you second-guess your seat at the table, pull up a chair on the porch. This conversation might remind you why you’re exactly where you need to be.

• ProductPlan article — 92% of product managers report experiencing imposter syndrome
  https://blog.academyofpm.com/p/imposter-syndrome
• PubMed study — Research showing 70% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10060463
• The Imposter Cycle (Pauline Clance) — The foundational model describing how imposter syndrome repeats itself
  PDF download

Introduction to Imposter Syndrome
[00:00] Kicking off - Why PM is a breeding ground for imposter syndrome
[00:28] Setting the vibe - Honest, practical, personal
[01:03] Todd’s first PM gig - A story from the LA Times
[03:00] 92% stat - Most PMs feel this way

Personal Experiences and Imposter Syndrome
[03:26] Humidity metaphor - PM creates the perfect climate
[04:11] Type A vibes - Ryan on perfectionism
[05:48] No map - Entering PM without a guide
[07:00] Credentials gap - Everyone else seems legit
[08:30] No control - But still on the hook
[11:00] Feedback flood - Too much input, all the time

The Imposter Cycle and Its Effects
[12:18] The cycle - Overwork, success, repeat
[14:00] Todd’s report - Proof through spreadsheets
[16:00] Failure bias - We remember the bad stuff
[17:30] What helps - Use feedback, play to your strengths

Risks and Implications of Imposter Syndrome
[22:03] Vision blocks - Doubt clouds strategy
[23:30] Trust erosion - Over-talking or going silent
[24:30] Innovation drag - Self-doubt stifles creativity

Individual vs. Environment
[28:39] Big Q - Is it you or the system?
[29:30] Context matters - Good environments help
[30:00] Growth signal - Maybe it’s not a flaw

Hot Takes and Final Thoughts
[31:21] Startup vs enterprise - Which fuels the doubt?
[33:00] Metrics? - Not the magic fix
[34:00] Good imposter syndrome? - Maybe a little humility helps
[36:05] Final note - You’re not broken

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Ever feel like you’re doing everything “right” in product management—and still not seeing results?

From Agile to OKRs to product-led growth, there’s no shortage of shiny techniques promising success. But what happens when these so-called solutions fall flat?

In this episode, we dive into the myth of silver bullet solutions—those magic product techniques that are supposed to fix everything overnight. We break down which tactics get overhyped, why they often fail, and how you can avoid the common mistakes that come with chasing the latest framework.

If you’ve ever suffered through a standup that went nowhere or watched a new tool get hailed as the answer to all your problems, pull up a chair—we’re unpacking it all on the porch.

Introduction and Podcast Overview
[00:09] What is a silver bullet? – Defining the allure of quick fixes in product management
[01:49] Examples in the wild – Roadmaps, new tools, and false hope

The Temptation of Quick Fixes
[03:09] Magic bullet mindset – Todd's workout analogy and business pressures
[04:29] Quarterly pressure – Why QBRs drive poor decision-making

Common Silver Bullet Techniques
[05:35] The Agile trap – When scrum ceremonies go wrong
[06:44] Misusing agile – The cost of skipping foundational work
[07:41] Voice of the customer – When "talk to 10 customers" becomes a checkbox
[09:27] Discovery dysfunction – Joe and Ryan debate real vs. fake discovery
[11:00] Better metrics – Roadmap cadence and persona updates

Silver Bullet or Shot in the Foot Game
[17:00] Round 1: Tools – Why software alone isn’t the fix
[20:00] Round 2: Product demos – Celebrated or sabotaged?
[22:30] Round 3: OKRs – Only as strong as your strategy
[25:25] Round 4: Product-led growth – Misunderstood and misapplied
[26:58] Round 5: Standups – Weaponized check-ins or true team huddles?

Tier List of Techniques
[29:16] Ranking the myths – F to A tier, no technique is sacred
[31:33] Jobs to Be Done – Why even JTBD can fall flat

Advice for Product Managers
[36:57] What to do when leadership drops a “fix” on you
[38:00] Read the book – Why understanding the full context matters
[39:28] Don’t protest, pilot – How to earn influence and adapt in real-time

Takeaways and Conclusion
[42:05] Quick wins > magic bullets – Joe’s final advice
[43:01] Learn to learn – Todd’s call for intentional practice
[43:44] Porch games and product laughs – Wrapping it up with fun

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