In this episode of The Product Leader’s Playbook, two AI-generated podcasters break down Sam Robertstad’s latest article on why real product strategy isn’t found in a deck - it’s revealed in the decisions you’re willing to make.

They explore the difference between documentation and direction, unpack the illusion of alignment created by polished presentations, and introduce the 3D Strategy Filter: Desirability, Differentiation, and Durability. You’ll learn why your roadmap is not your strategy, it’s the result of it, and how to lead with focus, not just features.

Whether you're recalibrating your roadmap or aiming to elevate your product practice, this episode offers a practical lens for making better strategic decisions.

In this episode of The Product Leader’s Playbook, two AI-generated podcasters break down Sam Robertstad’s latest article on one of the sneakiest forms of product drag: product debt.

Not to be confused with technical debt, product debt builds up when we say “yes” too often. Features get added, stakeholders get appeased, and quick wins take priority over long-term clarity. It starts small, but the weight adds up.

We cover:

• What product debt really is and how it reshapes your roadmap

• The cultural habits that fuel it, like over-accommodation and fuzzy prioritization

• How to spot the signs, from reactive planning to scattered feedback

• Tactical strategies for saying “no” with intention and auditing your roadmap like a budget

Tune in to learn how clarity compounds, and how a few well-placed “no’s” can unlock the momentum your product really needs.

In this episode of The Product Leader’s Playbook, two AI-generated podcasters break down Sam Robertstad’s latest article on one of the most costly traps in product discovery: the Validation Gap.

Too often, teams mistake early signals such as compliments, interest, or prototype clicks for real validation. But true validation isn’t what users say. It’s what they’re willing to do.

We cover:

• Why positive feedback doesn’t equal proof

• The 3 stages of the Validation Ladder: Signal, Simulation, and Stakes

• How to design micro-stakes that reveal real user intent

• Common ways teams fall into the Validation Gap, and how to avoid them

If you’ve ever launched — or want to avoid launching — a “validated” feature that flopped, listen closely.