🚀 Episode 20 of the Vale & Mark Podcast 🚀

🧠 Product Owners often think their job is to manage the backlog — but the best ones know it’s about protecting the vision.

In this episode of the Vale & Mark Podcast, we unpack why learning to say “no” is one of the most crucial skills for effective product management and leadership.

It’s crucial for Product Owners to learn to say no, because protecting what truly matters builds more trust than simply pleasing everyone. When you master that balance, you stop chasing approvals and start creating alignment.

We’ll also explore how effective verbal communication is key to navigating these conversations — not just in the boardroom, but in every collaborative relationship.

This approach ultimately leads to more meaningful progress, stronger teams, and products that reflect real purpose.

💡 You’ll Learn:

✅ Why “No” builds better products than “Yes” ever could

✅ How to protect your team from feature creep and burnout

✅ The art of balancing vision with stakeholder pressure

✅ What separates a true Product Owner from a backlog clerk

✅ How communication and clarity create trust — in teams and relationships

If you’ve ever felt torn between keeping people happy and building the right thing — this one’s for you.

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