Product Unmuted

Recently, a friend asked me how to develop a product mindset. My first instinct was to recommend some books—Marty Cagan’s work instantly came to mind. But as I thought about it more, I realized that a true product mindset isn’t just about following frameworks or methodologies. It’s about people. In my own career, building and scaling products across different industries, I’ve come to learn that the heart of great products is not technology, features, or even strategy—it’s people.

I’ve worked with so many diverse teams, navigated tricky stakeholder dynamics, and tackled my share of tough product challenges. But through all of that, one thing has stayed consistent: great products are built on relationships, empathy, and humility. These are the elements that have worked for me, and I truly believe they are at the core of a successful product mindset.

The Foundation of a Product Mindset: People and Relationships

I don’t think a great product is just a collection of features—it’s about the deep understanding and collaboration that go into solving real problems. In my experience, at the heart of every successful product is not just an innovative idea, but a strong product mindset. One that puts people and relationships first, not assumptions or ego.

 Products don’t exist in a vacuum. They serve customers, are built by teams, and evolve through real user feedback.

For me, a product mindset isn’t just about execution; it’s about relationships.

• Understanding Customers Deeply – The best product leaders I know obsess over their customers—not just their competitors. It’s something I’ve tried to live by: spending time listening, observing, and engaging with customers to uncover their real pain points. I’ve found that some of my most valuable insights have come from simply sitting with customers and hearing about their frustrations first-hand.
• Building Trust with Teams – No great product is ever built by one person. I’ve seen firsthand how cross-functional teams that trust each other and collaborate seamlessly are the ones that deliver the best innovations. Creating an environment where everyone feels heard fosters creativity, and when there’s trust, execution becomes so much smoother.
• Engaging with Stakeholders – Product leaders can’t be in their own bubble. I’ve learned that you have to engage with a variety of stakeholders—executives, investors, and partners—and ensure everyone’s aligned. Transparent and open communication has been key to securing buy-in and driving success. I’ve found that clear, open conversations, even when admitting that I don’t have all the answers, go a long way in gaining trust and support.

The Role of Humility in Product Leadership

Arrogance can kill great products before they even take off. A product leader who assumes they know best—without listening to users, data, or their team—risks building something that nobody wants. Humility, on the other hand, is a superpower in product development.

• Embracing Uncertainty – I’ve found that the best product minds I’ve worked with acknowledge what they don’t know. They’re comfortable with uncertainty, and they’re not afraid to test hypotheses, run experiments, and iterate based on what they learn. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve been proven wrong by data—and I’ve come to embrace that. It’s been one of the most valuable lessons of my product journey.
• Being Open to Feedback – True innovation comes from being open to feedback. Whether it’s from customers, team members, or even a competitor’s perspective, I believe great product builders seek out criticism, learn from mistakes, and pivot when necessary. I’ve learned this not only from seasoned professionals but even from unexpected sources—like elementary school kids while teaching them math. They’re refreshingly honest and unafraid to challenge ideas, and I try to channel that same curiosity in my own work.
• Focusing on Outcomes, Not Egos – One thing I’ve seen time and time again is that a product isn’t about proving someone’s vision right—it’s about delivering real value. I’ve worked with leaders who prioritize impact over personal pride, and those are the people who build products that resonate with users. I learned this from a few great managers over the years who always told me, “Never say ‘because I said so.’ Convince your audience, listen, and bring them along on the journey.” It’s something I’ve tried to live by, and it’s worked for me.
• Transparency Builds Trust – I’ve learned that sometimes, admitting you’re wrong isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. Stating a problem is one thing, but inviting others to participate in the solution builds trust and empowers the team. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about creating an environment where the best ideas can emerge. I have truly seen this work with client relationships. When the client feels they are partnering with you rather than being sold to, trust and collaboration begins.

Why This Matters for Building Winning Products

For me, winning products aren’t just feature-rich—they solve real problems for real people. That’s only possible when product leaders create an environment of empathy, humility, and collaboration. I’ve found that understanding users deeply, staying open to feedback, and fostering trust within teams are the key ingredients for success. These things help to drive better problem-solving, create high-performing teams, and ensure long-term product success. And in my experience, products built on real insights, continuous learning, and a people-first approach are far more likely to stand the test of time.

Final Thoughts

A strong product mindset isn’t just about frameworks, roadmaps, or features—it’s about people. In my career, I’ve learned that successful product leaders prioritize relationships, embrace humility, and continuously learn from those around them. By doing so, they create lasting impact—not just great products.

So, the next time you think about what makes a great product leader, don’t just look at their ability to craft a roadmap or define a strategy. And as you think about your own product journey, are you listening, learning, and putting people before pride?

Because in the end, the best products are built not by individuals, but by teams that work together with trust, humility, and a shared purpose.