From the pen of Spencer

Toward a just world

Friends, In moments when the principles of equality, dignity, and respect are tested, it’s crucial to hold tight to what we know is right. Today, more than ever, I’m reminded of the importance of standing together—defending the values that make our communities strong and safe for everyone. Whether in our workplaces or personal lives, we […]

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Navigating confidence when it’s not safe to fail

“Always know what and how much the other person has been drinking before entering a pissing contest.” – Old proverb A story I heard an interesting story this week about someone who admits to rarely knowing any answer in their field but tells people to leave it with them because they know best and will […]

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The pendulum of quality

🎮❌ I just cancelled my X-Box Game Pass subscription. I do so for the same reason I think many people cancel subscriptions: 🔁 This makes me think of the pendulum of quality. When I speak publicly or post, I often discuss what I call the pendulum of quality. Visualize a "Newton's Cradle," one of those […]

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Become a Champion of WHY

❓If you aren't measuring it, how do you know it was successful?❓If you aren't measuring it, are you only doing work for work's sake? 🤔 Why should anyone care? Show me with evidence! 😍 Outcomes > Outputs.⚠️ Outputs ≠ Value. It's so simple, yet so many teams skip measurement. Many of the teams I have […]

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Product Manager, Project Manager, or Product Owner? Know the difference.

These three roles get thrown around a lot—often incorrectly. 🔍 Project Manager: 🔍 Product Owner (in Agile): 🔍 Product Manager: Here’s where things get tricky: 💡 A Product Manager often needs to have the skills of a Product Owner (especially in Agile teams). They need to know how to prioritize a backlog, communicate with developers, […]

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Is your team obsessed with building MVPs? It's time to rethink.

The term "Minimum Viable Product" has lost its way. Over the years, the focus on MVPs has pushed many teams toward an output-over-outcome mindset. But here's the thing: The term MVP obscures what really matters Instead, I break an MVP down into two crucial components: 👉 MER: Are you proving value and viability? What is […]

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What is Product Design (PD) or Product Experience (PX)?

In product development, the terms "Product Design" (PD) and "Product Experience" (PX) often get tossed around, sometimes interchangeably. However, there's a nuanced distinction that can catch even seasoned professionals off guard.

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Beyond Buzzwords: KYC and KYB

Have you ever sat in a meeting and felt lost when industry jargon started flying around? You're not alone. Terms like KYC and KYB often leave even seasoned professionals scratching their heads. Coaching, mentoring, networking, and when interviewing, you get to hear a lot of interesting lingo. Two terms that keep popping up in my […]

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Outcomes vs outputs

One of the most common topics I coach junior product design, product management, and general business folks about is the difference between outcomes and outputs. One of my employees recently told me it was one of the most valuable things he'd finally learned all year. There's a constant pressure to deliver at work. We all […]

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From competition to contribution: finding the balance to transform your business

The problem with competition Competition is often heralded as the engine of innovation and progress. Companies and individuals alike are driven to excel, vying for market share, top positions, and accolades. However, in my experience, relentlessly pursuing a competitive edge can foster a toxic work environment, heighten stress, and narrow the focus on individual success […]

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