#23: Is it worth switching to Shape Up? - with Stéphane Turquay (Principal Product Manager at Smallpdf)

<p>In this conversation, Tanja Lau and Stéphane Turquay discuss the Shape Up methodology, a product development framework that emphasizes fixed timelines with variable scopes. Stéphane shares insights on the shaping and building phases, the challenges faced during implementation at SmallPDF, and the importance of team dynamics. They explore how Shape Up allows for greater ownership among teams and the need for a mature product and skilled team members for successful adoption.</p><p><br></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00    Introduction to Shape Up</p><p>01:17      Understanding the Shape Up Methodology</p><p>01:56     The Shaping and Building Phases</p><p>05:08    Real-World Application of Shape Up</p><p>06:05    The Pitch Process in Shape Up</p><p>10:43     The Betting Table and Team Dynamics</p><p>15:52      Introducing Shape Up at SmallPDF</p><p>21:14      Benefits and Challenges of Shape Up</p><p>22:57     Recommendations and Pitfalls for Implementation</p><p><br></p><p>OUR GUEST</p><p>Stéphane Turquay is a Principal Product Manager at Smallpdf, one of the world’s most popular platforms for PDFs and document management.</p><p>With a decade of experience in SaaS growth and monetization, he helps build products that delight millions of users worldwide.</p><p>Based in Zurich, Stéphane has worked across international organizations, corporate spin-ups, and startups, driven by curiosity, clarity, and impact.</p><p><br></p><p>USEFUL RESOURCES</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://basecamp.com/shapeup"><u>https://basecamp.com/shapeup</u></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.houseful.blog/posts/2023/shape-up-at-zoopla/"><u>https://www.houseful.blog/posts/2023/shape-up-at-zoopla/</u></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://techblog.beefree.io/one-year-of-shape-up-part-2-why-it-works-for-us-bb9413b497ab#32d3"><u>https://techblog.beefree.io/one-year-of-shape-up-part-2-why-it-works-for-us-bb9413b497ab#32d3</u></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoCGibVonBE"><u>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoCGibVonBE</u></a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://marmelab.com/blog/2024/09/26/shape-up.html"><u>https://marmelab.com/blog/2024/09/26/shape-up.html</u></a> </p></li></ul><p><br></p><p>COOK WHILE LISTENING</p><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F3ZuUq-eACay3G4XzvQXevVaA1hrf_wieQVoaJ9vMvw/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Warm Tuna Sashimi with Rucola, Parmesan &amp; Rice Noodles </a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>