Product Management Meets Pop Culture

Welcome to Product Management Meets Pop Culture, or PMMPC for short. We use movies, comics, and other pop culture ephemera to illustrate product management lesson that anyone can start using immediately.

Dive right in, won’t you?

Answering Captain Levi’s Question Is The Key To Building Trust As A Product Manager

“Why Would I Ever Accept Help From Someone As Fishy As You?”

Product Management Insights From The Life Of Legendary Artist Neal Adams

His career was defined by unparalleled artistic talent and an unwavering character that drove him to constantly fight for his peers and those in need.” Reflecting on Neal Adams’ career and character, I see two important insights for product managers: Draw like you. Tailor your art to the story.

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Product Manager’s First Camping Trip

Sherlock Holmes takes his favorite Product Manager on a camping trip. After an evening of ghost stories and riddles, they settle into their sleeping bags. Around midnight, Holmes nudges the Product Manager awake. “What is it, Holmes?” the PM asks. “My friend,” Holmes says seriously. “Look up at the sky […]

“The Pinedale Shopping Mall Has Just Been Bombed By Live Turkeys!” Or, How To Rebuild Trust With Stakeholders In Product Management

In memory of Howard Hesseman (aka, Dr. Johnny Fever on WKRP in Cincinnati), we’re re-presenting this updated version of a classic Product Management Meets Pop Culture post. < SPOILER WARNING > Key plot points from this 30-year-old sitcom will be revealed as we look at the root causes of micromanagement […]

One Awkward Man’s Quest To Stop King Arthur From Destroying Modern-Day England Illustrates The Importance Of Taking Calculated Risks In Product Management

We’re going to reveal key plot points from this modern-day fantasy epic as we unpack today’s product management topic. And we’ll do it all in 12 panels or less. You have been warned!

Top 12 Product Management Insights From 2021

It’s that time of year when we reflect on the top product management insights from the last 12 months, align them with a calendrical cavalcade of highs and lows from pop culture, and add a soupçon of viral trends. “But I don’t need to reflect on insights from product management […]