In this episode of Practical Product Management, we dive into the evolving world of fractional product leadership with our guest, Peter Collingridge. As seasoned product leaders ourselves, we’ve seen firsthand how fractional roles differ from traditional full-time positions—and we unpack those differences with Peter.
We explore how ownership, time management, and problem-solving shape the fractional CPO role, and why building trust and diagnosing organizational chaos is often more important than just fixing processes. We also discuss the emotional side of product management, how to cut through company politics, and why focusing on data over opinions leads to better decisions.
Whether you're in a fractional role or just want to make every hour count, this episode is packed with insights on navigating leadership, setting boundaries, and embracing uncertainty as a product manager.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Fractional product leaders must focus on impact. Without the cushion of a full-time role, we have to make every minute count.
✅ Fractional roles are more than consulting—they require ownership. We don’t just give advice; we take accountability for results.
✅ Diagnosing organizational issues means looking beyond process. People problems are often the biggest blockers to product success.
✅ Data-driven decision-making wins over opinions. The right research can align leadership, remove bias, and help teams focus on what really matters.
Questions for Product Managers:
🔹 How can you adopt a fractional mindset in your current role? What would you cut to increase your impact?
🔹 Are you using data to drive decisions, or just gut instinct? What research could help you be more confident in your priorities?
🔹 What’s blocking progress in your organization? Is it a product challenge—or a people challenge?
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