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Event Review by Andrew Faulkner
At the October OPMMA event, Alexander Bahlk, an experienced product leader with over 10 years of international experience, called out a harsh truth: product management has screwed up. With 95% of products failing in some form, it’s clear that something’s gone wrong, and we need to own up to it.
Bahlk outlined how we got here—bad management, copying frameworks from successful companies without understanding the context, and a pervasive fear of making bold bets. We've been guilty of working in the shadows, hiding behind processes and failing to engage stakeholders, which has led to misalignment and missed opportunities.
So, how do we fix it? Bahlk’s advice is straightforward but powerful:
1. Own Your Role
As product managers, we need to take full ownership of our responsibilities. From hiring the right people to making key decisions, we must stop passing the buck and step into a leadership role that encompasses all aspects of the product’s success. This includes handling not just the technical aspects, but also ensuring alignment across teams and the business.
2. Think Bigger
We’ve become conditioned to make small, incremental bets because they feel safe. But Bahlk urges us to embrace the bigger picture. It’s time to make those bold bets that could yield massive rewards. It’s the big opportunities that will truly move the needle.
3. Build Relationships
Communication is key. It’s not enough to update stakeholders on progress—we need to engage with them. Grab a coffee, connect on a personal level, and build rapport. The stronger our relationships, the more influence we’ll have in critical decision-making moments.
4. Seek Help
None of us have all the answers, and that’s okay. Seek feedback, ask for coaching, and learn from others. An outside perspective can be the key to breaking through the challenges we face.
Product management is tough, but Bahlk’s message was clear: be bold, be honest, and focus on delivering real value. If we do this, we can rebuild trust with our stakeholders and guide our teams to greater success.
This review was written by Andrew Faulkner
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