When the student is ready the teacher will appear
5 minute read
For years, I had built what I told myself was a healthy scepticism.
Product leadership and coaching insights
Essays on product leadership, coaching, OKRs, and the ideas that shape how we build, lead, and grow. Written by Reuben Chircop.
Essays for product leaders
Explore practical writing on leadership, product thinking, personal development, OKRs, organisational change, and the ideas that shape how teams build, lead, and grow.
Latest articles
From Breadboard to AI: How Prototyping Went From Months to Minutes
4 minute read
I started building things in electronics, back when building meant earning every step.
What Is Ikigai And Why the Diagram Misses the Point
6 minute read
The word _ikigai_ has roots stretching back to Japan's Heian period, roughly 794 to 1185 CE. It is built from two words: _iki_, meaning life or alive, and _gai_, derived from _kai_, the Japanese word for seashell. During…
How Cultures of Growth by Mary C. Murphy Reveals the Power of Environment in Shaping Mindset
2 minute read
Reading _Cultures of Growth_ by Mary C. Murphy was truly eye-opening for me. One of the biggest insights I took away is that having a growth mindset isn't a simple, linear journey. Instead, our mindset continuously adapt…
The Future of Leadership: Mastering Human-AI Collaboration Going Forward
26 minute read
As we stand at the precipice of one of the most significant leadership transformations in decades, a powerful truth emerges: artificial intelligence isn't diminishing the need for human-centered leadership—it's amplifyin…
Mastering the Skills of Product Leadership
7 minute read
When I first stepped into the world of product leadership, I quickly realized it’s not just about managing timelines or features. It’s about inspiring teams, making tough decisions, and steering a vision that resonates w…
Nine Musings on Time by John Gribbin Book Review and Thoughts
3 minute read
Between coaching and management books, I sometimes enjoy diving into more mellow genres that are completely different but still rich with information. And yes, time travel and quantum physics aren’t exactly easy reads, b…
Mastering Strategic Product Leadership
5 minute read
Navigating the world of product leadership today feels a bit like steering a ship through ever-changing seas. The waves of technology, customer expectations, and market dynamics are constantly shifting. How do we keep ou…
Crafting Effective Product Roadmaps: A Guide
6 minute read
When I first started working with product teams, I quickly realized how crucial a well-crafted product roadmap is. It’s not just a fancy timeline or a list of features. It’s a living, breathing guide that aligns everyone…
Strategic Product Leadership for Better Results
6 minute read
When I think about what truly drives success in product development, one word keeps coming to mind: strategy. It’s not just about having a great idea or a talented team. It’s about leading with intention, clarity, and a …
The Quiet Within: Reflections on Stillness
2 minute read
I recently finished reading _Stillness_, and what I liked most is how the author uses simple, relatable stories to show us that stillness isn’t some far-off goal — it’s something we can all tap into whenever, wherever, w…
The Changing Role of Product Management: Iteration, Problem-Solving, & Sustainable Growth, Part 1
9 minute read
Over the past few years, I’ve found myself in countless conversations about Product Management—what it is, what it isn’t, and how it’s sometimes been twisted into something it was never meant to be. I’ve spoken with peop…
Working Backwards Book Review: Lessons, Limits, and Leadership
2 minute read
I’ve just wrapped up "Working Backwards" by Colin Bryar and Bill Carr, and it’s one of those books that gives you plenty to think about — whether you admire Amazon or have mixed feelings about its methods.
Book Review: Job Therapy by Tessa West – The Career Guide You Didn't Know You Needed
2 minute read
As someone deeply involved in product management both in my own career trajectory and in mentoring others, I wanted to expand my toolkit with practical frameworks for career alignment.
How to Build Trust in Remote Teams Through Effective Communication
16 minute read
I often meet other product leaders—whether working with a single team or across multiple teams—who find themselves frustrated, wondering why their team keeps missing targets or struggling to align on shared objectives.
From Idea to Market: A Proven Method for Successful Innovation and Product Launches
20 minute read
While reading _Working Backwards_ by Colin Bryar and Bill Carr, I couldn’t help but reflect on a time back at Avast when we began experimenting with a concept we called "New Initiatives." But what exactly are New Initiat…
From Features to Relationships: The Rise of the People-Centric Product Manager
11 minute read
Hold onto your hats! This post picks up where my last one, [_Is Product Management Dead?_](https://www.reubenchircop.com/post/is-product-management-dead-a-reflection-on-evolution-challenges-and-the-future), left off. Spo…
Is Product Management Dead? A Reflection on Evolution, Challenges, and the Future
7 minute read
In recent discussions with peers in the product management industry, a recurring theme has emerged: the claim that product management is either dead or no longer a role. At first, I dismissed this notion. However, the mo…
What I Learnt from Vaclav Smil's Size Matters on Sustainability, Efficiency, and Scaling
5 minute read
Over the holidays, I immersed myself in Vaclav Smil's thought-provoking book _Size Matters: The Science of How Life and Logistics Work_. This book is yet another brilliant work by an author I have come to admire after re…
The Ultimate Guide to Jobs to Be Done (JTBD): Why It Works and How to Implement It
15 minute read
Imagine you're working on a product with your team, pouring hours into features, updates, and tweaks, convinced you're on the right track. But no matter how much effort you put in, it just doesn’t seem to resonate with y…
Building Trust as a Product Leader with a Skeptical, Low-Motivated Team: How Do You Crack the Code?
17 minute read
Let me start with this: there’s no magic formula or one-size-fits-all answer to solving team challenges. Instead, what I’m offering here is a blend—a collection of strategies and lessons drawn from real-world experience.…
Boost Productivity with the OKR Framework: Proven Strategies for Effective Goal Setting
13 minute read
Imagine this: your team is fully immersed in developing a specific feature or service, knowing exactly what they need to achieve and when. However, other departments, perhaps sales and marketing, are focusing on their ow…
Personal Development Plans (PDPs): Best Practices for Managers and Employees
20 minute read
In the last post, I discussed [Performance reviews](https://www.reubenchircop.com/post/performance-review-preparation-essential-steps-for-both-employees-and-leaders-managers) and provided insights on how to approach them…
Performance Review Preparation: Essential Steps for Both Employees and Leaders
14 minute read
Whether you’re an employee waiting for feedback or a manager getting ready to share evaluations, knowing how to prepare can really make a difference. I often get questions about performance reviews during my mentoring se…
Timing Is Everything: When to Start Planning Next Year's OKRs
6 minute read
It’s January 2025. We’re back from the holidays, our minds still buzzing from the joy of good wine and indulgent food. Decorations are slowly being packed away, and perhaps the last piece of pie is still lingering on the…
Unveiling the Purpose of PRDs: A Comprehensive Guide for Product Developers and Businesses
8 minute read
In the fast-paced world of product development, clear communication and understanding are essential. A powerful tool that helps bridge the gap between ideas and execution is the Product Requirements Document (PRD). Think…
The Culture Map: Uncovering the Surprising Truths About Global Workforce Dynamics
2 minute read
I recently finished reading The Culture Map by Erin Meyer, and the experience turned out to be quite different from my expectations. While I was already aware of some cultural differences due to my own travels and collab…
A Guide to Building Agile Innovation Squads: Boosting Creativity & Growth
13 minute read
In the context of product development, “Squads” is a term often associated with the Spotify model, which is an agile framework used by the music streaming company Spotify and has been adopted by other organisations as we…
How to Apply the 5S Methodology to Product Management for Maximum Impact
11 minute read
In the realm of product management, the application of the 5S methodology – Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardise, and Sustain – is a powerful strategy for fostering efficient innovation, reducing waste, and ensuring th…
What Is a SWOT Analysis? Advantages and Key Insights
10 minute read
In product management there are various tools that you can use in order to either influence, inspire or direct your team towards success. However there needs to be a framework that you follow, and the good thing is that …
The Hidden Universe: A Deep Journey Through Biodiversity with Alexandre Antonelli
3 minute read
As I embarked on a literary journey with “A Deep Journey through Biodiversity” by Alexandre Antonelli, I had no inkling of the awe-inspiring adventure that awaited me. From the very first page, Antonelli’s prose weaves a…
Unveiling the Hidden Superpower: A Journey into The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
2 minute read
I recently finished reading "The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle, and I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised by what I learned. A few years ago, a colleague, now a dear friend, recommended this book to me. At the time,…
Innovation Pre-Mortems: How They Enhance Your Innovation Cycle and Why You Should Utilize Them
5 minute read
Innovation is a crucial aspect of any organization's growth and success. However, navigating the unpredictable landscape of innovation can be challenging. That's where the concept of Innovation Pre-Mortems comes into pla…
How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil: Delving Beyond the Surface of Sustainability
2 minute read
In my ongoing quest to expand my knowledge and understanding of sustainability, conservation, and the ever-present climate challenges we face, I have avidly followed the works of numerous authors. Among them, one author …
Greening the Code: 10 Proven Strategies to Make Your Software Company More Sustainable
12 minute read
Over the past several months, I have dedicated myself to a comprehensive re-education on the subject of sustainability—what it truly means, and the importance of avoiding pitfalls such as Green-washing and the newer conc…
Mastering Product Vision: Guiding Your Business Towards Success
2 minute read
In the fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, having a clear and well-defined product vision is crucial for the success of any organization. A strong product vision serves as a guiding light, steering the busin…
Navigating Innovation: Strategies for Building a Thriving Company Culture
2 minute read
In today's fast-paced business world, innovation is key to staying ahead of the curve and building a thriving company culture. As companies strive to adapt to an ever-changing market, the ability to innovate becomes a cr…
Empower Your Team: Transforming Ideas into Successful Products
2 minute read
In the dynamic landscape of today's business world, the ability to transform innovative ideas into successful products is a crucial skill for any organization striving to stay ahead of the curve. This process requires a …
Unlocking Business Potential: Reuben Chircop's Expert Insights
2 minute read
In the world of business consulting, unlocking the full potential of a company takes a deep understanding of various aspects such as product vision, innovation, mentoring, coaching, and company culture. Reuben Chircop Co…
Empowering Teams: Cultivating Innovation and Company Culture
2 minute read
In today's fast-paced business world, companies are constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation, and foster a strong and positive company culture. One key strategy that has been gaining traction …
Build: A Journey by Tony Fadell – Building Great Teams for Exceptional Products and Beyond
1 minute read
Just finished this book, and I feel like it encapsulates the life of a product team or manager in its pages. However, it offers much more depth than merely recounting experiences. Tony has structured the book in a narrat…
Forging a Persuasive Mission Statement for Your Sustainable Business
3 minute read
In today’s business landscape, a well-crafted mission statement is not just a collection of words; it’s a powerful tool that can drive the success of a company. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into what a mission sta…
Harnessing the Transformative Power of Feedback and 360 Assessments
10 minute read
Amidst the plethora of feedback forms and tools that have crossed my path, it's been rare to witness feedback translating into tangible actions. Today, let's embark on a journey that not only underscores the significance…
Measure What Matters by John Doerr: Practical OKR Strategies for Effective Business Growth
2 minute read
I recently completed John Doerr's transformative book, "Measure What Matters," which offers valuable insights from real-life experiences and diverse companies. While initially targeted at management teams and product pro…
The Milanković Model: Who Was Milanković, What Is This Model and Why Should I Care?
4 minute read
Given that the rest of Europe and many other parts of the world are currently experiencing either flash floods or sweltering heat, I found myself pondering whether this pattern is significant and if we are truly witnessi…
Unlocking the Power of Core Values: Building a Sustainable Business for Long-Term Success
3 minute read
Establishing a strong set of core values is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of any business. These core values serve as guiding principles that shape the company's culture, decision-making processe…
Unveiling the Power of Ikigai: Uncover Your Purpose and Find Where to Begin
4 minute read
In recent years, the concept of IKIGAI has gained significant attention as a powerful framework for discovering purpose, fulfillment, and happiness in life. Originating from Japan, IKIGAI represents a profound philosophy…
Surrounded by Idiots: Book Review & Insights by Thomas Erikson
2 minute read
I admit that when I first saw the title of this book in the bookstore, my initial thoughts were, "Oh, how arrogant to think that people around you are idiots." Consequently, I decided not to purchase the book. However, a…
Unlock Your Potential with Kaizen: The Key to Consistent Self-Improvement
4 minute read
We all have dreams and aspirations for ourselves, but it can often feel daunting to take the necessary steps to achieve them. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and give up when we don't see immediate results, or when the road…
Setting Up, Communicating and Executing Your Company Vision to Achieve a Successful Strategy
4 minute read
When it comes to defining a company's vision, a textbook definition would state that it is "a statement that outlines the long-term goals and aspirations of the organization."
The Circle of Control: What Is It, Why Is It Important, and How Can I Use It?
5 minute read
In life, we often encounter situations and challenges that are beyond our control. It can be frustrating and overwhelming to deal with circumstances that seem to dictate our lives. However, within this vast landscape of …