This episode explores the intricacies of product strategy, challenging the notion that it's an innate skill. The discussion begins by highlighting the common misconception that strategic thinking is an inherent trait, rather than a learned skill. Against this backdrop, the guest introduces a five-phase, eight-to-twelve-week process for developing a robust product strategy, emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation and alignment within the team. More significantly, the process differentiates between "small S" strategy (problem-solving with a two-year horizon) and "big S" strategy (aspirational, long-term vision), illustrating how both approaches contribute to a comprehensive roadmap. For instance, the guest shares examples from their experience at Zynga and Meta, showcasing how this framework led to successful product launches and team alignment, while also acknowledging the need for iterative adjustments based on real-world results. Finally, the conversation touches upon the potential of AI to augment the strategy development process, particularly in areas like competitive analysis and generating initial concepts, ultimately suggesting a future where AI and human judgment work in tandem to optimize product strategies.
