14 Powerful TED Talks To Make You a Better Product Manager
- product management
- 5 min read
Product management is a dynamic and multifaceted discipline, demanding product managers to be adaptable and versatile to navigate the journey from product ideation to successful execution. Within this challenging role, product managers must continually inspire their teams, make informed decisions, and hone their skills to remain effective in a rapidly evolving industry. Fortunately, TED Talks provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration delivered by thought leaders hailing from diverse domains. In this blog, we will explore 15 influential TED Talks meticulously curated to equip you with the product management tools and insights necessary to excel as a product manager.
Key Takeaways:
- Product managers must possess adaptability, problem-solving skills, and resilience.
- In this blog, we will explore how Product managers should prepare themselves for unexpected challenges.
- Effective communication, feedback, and the ability to navigate disagreements constructively are vital skills highlighted by TED Talks
- Here we will delve into the pivotal role of fostering collaboration and motivation within teams and its profound impact on achieving success in product management.
1. Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action
“People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.”
Simon Sinek’s TED Talk is a classic that every product manager should watch. He discusses the concept of the “Golden Circle” and explains why some leaders and organizations are more successful at inspiring action than others. The reason behind this he argues that while most organizations know “what” they do and “how” they do it, very few can clearly articulate “why” they do what they do. Hence understanding the “why” behind your product can help you create a compelling vision and drive your team toward a common goal.
Sinek’s message is that great leaders and organizations start with “why,” which is the purpose, cause, or belief that inspires them. For product managers, this is a crucial lesson. It’s not enough to know what your product does or how it does it; you must also understand why it exists and why it matters to your users. This understanding forms the foundation for creating a product that resonates with your target audience and inspires action.
2. Chris Hadfield: What I Learned from Going Blind in Space
“Resilience is accepting that life is going to happen, and finding the courage to press on.”
In this captivating talk, astronaut Chris Hadfield shares his real-life experience of suddenly going blind while on a spacewalk, a potentially life-threatening situation, and how he overcame this challenge. Instead of panicking, he calmly followed the procedures he had practiced, relied on his training, and successfully returned to the spacecraft.
His story underscores the importance of adaptability, problem-solving, and remaining composed and focused in high-pressure situations as valuable product management skills for any product manager dealing with unexpected setbacks since product development is a domain often fraught with unexpected challenges.
Moreover, Hadfield’s reliance on training underscores the significance of preparation in product management. Just as astronauts prepare rigorously for space missions, product managers should invest in their knowledge and skills to be ready for any challenges that arise.
3. Sheena Iyengar: The Art of Choosing
“The more options we have, the less satisfied we are with our choices.”
Product managers are often tasked with making decisions, and Sheena Iyengar’s talk on the art of choosing provides insights into the psychology of decision-making and choice. Product managers must understand user behavior and preferences since it will help them design products and user experiences that resonate with their target audience.
In her TED Talk, she explores how the number of choices available can impact decision-making and satisfaction. She emphasizes that while choice can be empowering, too many choices can lead to decision paralysis and decreased satisfaction. Hence it’s essential to strike a balance between offering choices and ensuring a smooth, guided user experience. The principles from this talk can help product managers create interfaces and features that facilitate decision-making and enhance user satisfaction.
4. Margaret Gould Stewart: How Giant Websites Design for You (and a Billion Others, Too)
“Design is not just about making things look good. It’s about making things work better.”
Product managers are likely to work on digital products, and Margaret Gould Stewart’s talk offers valuable insights into designing for a massive user base. She discusses the challenges and strategies for creating user-centric designs that scale effectively.
In her TED Talk, she discusses the challenges of creating user experiences that cater to billions of users which she has garnered from extensive experience in designing products for YouTube and Facebook. For Product Managers, it’s crucial to consider how your product will perform and remain user-friendly as it scales. Stewart’s insights can help product managers make informed decisions about prioritizing features, scalability, user-centered design, optimizing performance, and maintaining a focus on user satisfaction.
5. Guy Kawasaki: The Art of Innovation
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Guy Kawasaki, a renowned innovator and former Apple evangelist, shares his thoughts on the art of innovation. His talk outlines a set of principles and strategies that can help organizations and product managers foster a culture of innovation within their product teams and stay ahead in a competitive market.
For product managers, innovation is a constant pursuit with their role requiring finding new ways to solve problems, delight customers, and stay ahead of the competition. Kawasaki’s insights on the importance of prototyping, seeking feedback, and embracing a “don’t worry, be crappy” mindset, can inspire product managers to approach their work with fresh ideas and creative solutions.
6. Aakarsh Sethi: A Primer on Product Management
“Product management is the art of bringing a product to life.”
Aakarsh Sethi’s talk serves as a primer for those interested in pursuing a career in product and brand management, providing an excellent introduction to the field. He provides a clear overview of the role’s fundamentals and highlights the core responsibilities, skills, and mindset required to excel in this role, making it a must-watch for aspiring product managers.
It also offers insights into the multifaceted nature of product management and the importance of empathy, communication, and adaptability. Sethi’s talk can help newcomers to the field understand what to expect and how to prepare for a career in product management.
7. Leeann Renninger: How to Give Great Feedback
“Feedback is a gift. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow.”
Whether it’s offering guidance to designers, developers, or other team members, the ability to deliver feedback that motivates and encourages improvement is an integral part of leading and nurturing a high-performing team.
Leeann Renninger’s talk explores the art of delivering constructive feedback. She shares practical techniques and insights on how to give feedback that inspires positive change, fosters growth, and drives better results from their teams. Her talk also emphasizes the importance of making feedback specific, actionable, and supportive. Renninger’s advice can help product managers refine their feedback skills, ultimately leading to a more collaborative and productive work environment.
8. Julia Dhar: How to Disagree with People, the Right Way
“The way we disagree matters. It can either build bridges or burn them.”
Disagreements are inevitable in product development, and Julia Dhar’s TED Talk delves into the art of constructive disagreement. Her insights can help you navigate conflicts within your team and drive innovation by engaging in healthy debate that leads to better decision-making and outcomes. She also highlights the importance of active listening, acknowledging opposing viewpoints, and seeking common ground.
For product managers, the ability to manage disagreements and foster a culture of healthy debate is crucial. By applying these principles on how to approach disagreements as opportunities for growth and innovation rather than as conflicts to be avoided, product managers can create a more inclusive and innovative work environment.
9. Arianna Huffington: The Power of Sleep
“Sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.”
As a product manager, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and ensuring your team does the same is crucial for sustained success. Arianna Huffington’s talk emphasizes the importance of sleep in maintaining productivity and creativity. She shares her personal experiences and insights into how prioritizing sleep can lead to improved well-being, productivity, and decision-making.
For product managers, who often work in fast-paced and demanding environments, the message about the power of sleep cannot be overstated. Burnout and exhaustion can lead to poor decision-making and decreased creativity which Huffington’s talk serves as a reminder for effective product lifecycle management, better outcomes, and a more sustainable work culture across the team.
10. Dan Pink: The Puzzle of Motivation
“The carrot and stick approach to motivation doesn’t work. We need to find other ways to motivate people.”
Motivation plays a pivotal role in product management. Dan Pink’s talk explores the science of motivation and challenges traditional incentive-based approaches. He introduces the concept of intrinsic motivation, driven by autonomy, mastery, and purpose, as a more effective way to inspire high performance.
For product managers, understanding motivation is crucial when leading a team. Motivated team members are more likely to be creative, take ownership of their work, and strive for excellence. Pink’s insights can guide product managers in creating a work environment that fosters intrinsic motivation, leading to greater innovation and productivity.
11. Susan Cain: The Power of Introverts
“Introverts are not broken. They’re just different.”
In a world that often celebrates extroversion, Susan Cain’s talk highlights the unique strengths of introverts. She argues that introverted individuals bring valuable qualities to the table, such as deep thinking, creativity, and empathy. Hence understanding and harnessing the potential of introverted team members can lead to a more diverse, balanced, innovative, and productive product team.
For product managers, this talk underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion within teams. Product managers can apply these insights by creating a team culture that respects different working styles and encourages introverts to thrive.
12. Amy Cuddy: Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are
“Our body language can change the way we feel and the way others perceive us.”
Amy Cuddy’s talk explores the concept of “power poses” and how body language can impact self-confidence and perception. As a product manager, mastering body language can help you exude confidence and effectively communicate your vision to stakeholders and team members. She shares research findings that suggest adopting confident body postures can lead to increased feelings of self-assuredness.
As a product manager, your ability to convey your vision, inspire your team, and influence stakeholders often hinges on your perceived confidence and authority. Cuddy’s talk provides valuable insights into how body language can be harnessed to project confidence and establish credibility, ultimately enhancing your effectiveness as a product manager.
13. Tim Urban: Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator
“Procrastination is not about laziness. It’s about fear.”
Procrastination can be a significant hurdle for product managers, who often juggle multiple responsibilities and tight deadlines. Tim Urban’s humorous talk delves into the mind of a procrastinator in a comical yet insightful manner. Learning about the psychology of procrastination can help you and your team overcome this obstacle and stay on track. He shares his experiences and explains the various factors that contribute to putting off tasks.
Urban’s talk serves as a reminder that procrastination is a common human trait and offers strategies for managing it effectively.
14. Malcolm Gladwell: Choice, Happiness & Spaghetti Sauce
“Too much choice can be paralyzing.”
Malcolm Gladwell’s talk delves into the concept of choice, consumer preferences, and happiness, using the example of spaghetti sauce. He tells the story of Howard Moskowitz, a market researcher who revolutionized the food industry by recognizing the diversity of consumer tastes and preferences. His insights can be applied to product development by understanding how to cater to diverse customer preferences and create products that make users happy.
For product managers, this talk offers a valuable lesson in market research and product customization. Gladwell’s storytelling approach can inspire product managers to think creatively about how they approach product development and user satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
TED Talks provide valuable insights and inspiration for product managers by covering topics such as leadership, decision-making, innovation, and effective communication.
You can apply the lessons from these TED Talks by incorporating the principles and strategies discussed into your daily work. For example, you can use Simon Sinek’s “Golden Circle” concept to clarify the purpose of your product.
“A Primer on Product Management” by Aakarsh Sethi is an excellent starting point for new product managers. It provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental skills and mindset required for success in the field.
TED Talks by Laura Liswood and Julia Dhar provide valuable insights into managing disagreements constructively. They offer strategies for maintaining respectful communication, finding common ground, and turning disagreements into opportunities for growth and innovation.
The key takeaway from these TED Talks is that product managers should embrace adaptability, effective communication, resilience, and a commitment to understanding the “why” behind their products.
About the Author
Isha Inani – Product Director, Disney + Hotstar
Isha is a seasoned product leader with experience in building & growing products and leading high-performing teams.
Her stint in product management has been pretty action-packed. Most recently, Isha was with Ola where she built two new product lines – Ola Cars and Ola Electric, hitting a million DAUs within a month. Before Ola, she had dipped her toes in the digital advertising space by launching new display ad products for Amazon. Previous to that, she led new product initiatives for AWS in the US.
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