In this Episode we talk to Penny Wildash.

In March 2008, as an accountant and mum looking to return to work, Penny sought a role that provided flexibility and, unwittingly joined a very hectic early stage Xero as part of customer team. 5 years later she moved into the product team as a BA, following into PO, PM & finally the Snr Group Product Manager role. She describes it as a very personal journey of growth, and baptism of fire with her first solo product lead role. Her current role is the dream job she had never dreamt of, collaborating with other product teams, sharing knowledge & experiences, creating a product strategy that changes SBs & ABs lives for the better, doing more with less and helping BAs & product leaders grow and develop. Penny is under no illusion that her growth journey will ever be done.

Here are some of the key points we talked about:

• What it's like being a shy, less confident product leader
• Methods to help get better at presenting and public speaking (including a session with kiwi icon Jason Gunn)
• Story mapping by Jeff Patton - a tool for your toolbox!
• Read: Atomic Habits - by James Clear
• Read: The Cold Start Problem - Andrew Chen
• Listen/Read: Radical Candor - Kim Scott
• Listen: We F*kin Love Startups

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We are Fran and Lauchlan, both Product Managers, and we are discovering the diverse skills and experience that are out there in the product world. We aim to inspire product people on their journeys. Opinions expressed are solely our own and do not express the views of our employers.

Get in touch: productjourneyspodcast@gmail.com

Presenters: Fran Gleisner, Lauchlan Robertson
Music Credit: Harry Charles - Deer Park Remix