In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn sit down with Pete Peterson, a seasoned product design leader with a wealth of experience in building design teams and user research practices. They dive deep into the intricacies of product management in large organizations, uncovering how harmonizing design standards can foster a unified user experience. Pete also shares his wisdom on balancing B2B and B2C products, the power of advocating for user research, and why empowering teams to step beyond their core responsibilities leads to greater success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the value of user research and the challenges of driving product harmony in complex environments.

Key Takeaways:

1. Influence is everything - Advocating for design and research is crucial in large organizations where multiple teams and stakeholders are involved.

2. B2B needs love too - B2B products often don't get the same attention as B2C, but they benefit greatly from thoughtful user research and design standards.

3. Challenge assumptions - Recognizing and eliminating biases, like confirmation bias, is critical for making better product decisions and truly understanding customer needs.

4. Empower your team - Product leaders who encourage their teams to explore beyond their roles see stronger collaboration and more impactful results.

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