Product Academy Tough Stuff

← Product Academy Tough Stuff11 sep 2025 · 34 min

#20: How do I manage my time better? - with Todd Birzer (Product Management Leader)

#20: How do I manage my time better? - with Todd Birzer (Product Management Leader)11 sep 202534 min

<p>Dive into the latest episode of Product Acaemy Tough Stuff Season 3, where Francesca and Todd Birzer tackle one of the most challenging questions in the professional world: "How do I manage my time better?" .</p><p>Discover why traditional time management techniques might not work for product managers and learn about strategic focus and strategic neglect. Todd shares insights from his career, including the importance of setting boundaries and leaving time for relationships. Tune in for practical tips and a fresh perspective on balancing priorities.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>CHAPTERS</strong></p><p><strong>00:46</strong> The challenges of traditional time management techniques</p><p><strong>05:47</strong> Strategic focus and neglect</p><p><strong>10:47</strong> Balancing priorities</p><p><strong>15:47</strong> Practical tools and techniques to manage your time</p><p><strong>20:47</strong> Setting boundaries and building relationships</p><p><strong>25:47</strong> Final tips</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>OUR GUEST</strong></p><p>Todd Birzer, Product Management Leader https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddbirzer/</p><p><br /></p><p>Todd Birzer has over 25 years of experience in product management—leading product teams in the US and Canada and consulting with teams worldwide. Todd is a lecturer at Temple University, an instructor partner at Udemy, and author of the book The Three-Minute Product Manager.</p><p>Todd’s latest course: https://www.udemy.com/course/new-manager-make-an-impact/?referralCode=2F6FD10589F611C481F5</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>COOK WHILE LISTENING</strong></p><p>Tod’s favorite corn bread: Warm corn bread, with butter and honey, ahhh…glorious </p><p>1 cup cornmeal</p><p>¾ cup flour</p><p>3 Tablespoons sugar</p><p>2 ½ teaspoons baking powder</p><p>½ teaspoon salt</p><p>1 cup milk</p><p>2 eggs</p><p>¼ cup butter, melted</p><p>1. Preheat oven to 205 degrees C or 400 degrees F</p><p>2. Mixed dry ingredients in a big bowl</p><p>3. In a small bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and butter</p><p>4. Pour the milk / egg / butter mixture into the cornmeal mixture, stir gently (until just</p><p>moistened)</p><p>5. Pour entire mixture into a greased baking pan</p><p>6. Bake for 20 minutes</p><p>For myself, I usually don’t use milk but instead mix three big spoons of natural yogurt</p><p>with enough water to make one cup.</p><p>The trick for this recipe: find nice quality cornmeal! Look for cornmeal with both the</p><p>“germ” and the “bran” – which are the source of nice flavor and texture. I use Bob’s Red</p><p>Mill Medium Grind Cornmeal.</p><p>Enjoy!</p><p><br /></p>