How to Turn Your Company into a Product Powerhouse

Imagine you’re driving an old, trusty car. It’s served you well over the years—reliable, predictable, and somewhat comfortable. But lately, you’ve noticed a lot of shiny, new models zipping past you on the highway, effortlessly navigating the twists and turns that you struggle with. You’re hitting the gas, but it feels like you’re stuck in second gear while others are racing ahead.This is what it feels like for many companies today. They’ve been cruising along nicely for years, but suddenly, they find themselves lagging behind the competition. And the fuel for those speeding competitors? Top-notch product management practices.

The Product Management Pit Stop

When companies realize they need to make a change, they often call in the consultants—think of them as the pit crew in a Formula 1 race. Our job? To tune up your organization so you can get back on the track, not just to compete, but to win.But here’s the kicker: implementing world-class product management isn’t like replacing a flat tire. It’s more like reimagining the entire car. We’re talking about transforming your organization from the engine to the exhaust, aligning every part of your company around a product-first mentality.Let’s break down how we make that transformation happen...

Step 1:
The Diagnostic Test—Understanding Where You Are

The first thing we do is pop the hood and take a look inside. This means understanding how your company currently operates, from your organizational structure to your decision-making processes.One of my favorite real-life examples comes from a media company that was stuck in an endless cycle of project-based work. They had a habit of treating every new initiative as a standalone project, with a clear start and end. Think of it like trying to drive 100 miles by starting and stopping the car every 10 miles. Sure, you’ll eventually get there, but it’s not the most efficient way to travel.When we came in, we realized they were missing a key ingredient: a true product mindset. Their teams were so focused on delivering the project at hand that they weren’t thinking about the long-term road ahead—what the product could become, how it could evolve, and how it could continuously meet customer needs.

Step 2:
The Tune-Up—Shifting to a Product Model

Once we’ve identified where the issues are, it’s time for the tune-up. This is where we help the company shift from a project-based model to a product-based one. The difference? It’s the difference between treating your car like a disposable commodity and treating it like an asset you want to maintain and improve over time.In the world of product management, this means organizing teams around products rather than projects. It’s about giving teams ownership and accountability for the product’s success—not just its delivery. Think of it as giving your drivers the responsibility (and the freedom) to navigate the race, rather than just following a set of turn-by-turn instructions.At one large tech company I worked with, this shift led to a profound change in how teams operated. Instead of constantly seeking approval from upper management for every tiny decision, product teams were empowered to make those decisions themselves. They had the context, the data, and the mandate to drive their product forward. The result? Faster decisions, more innovation, and a lot less bureaucracy.

Step 3:
The Test Drive—Experimenting and Iterating

Now that the car is tuned up, it’s time to take it for a test drive. But unlike the old days, where you’d drive it off the lot and hope for the best, today’s best product companies understand that continuous improvement is key.This is where the concept of iteration comes into play. We encourage companies to adopt a mindset of experimentation—try something new, measure the results, and then adjust. It’s like driving a car that’s constantly learning and improving, getting better with every mile you drive.One executive I worked with was initially hesitant about this approach. He was used to the idea of launching a product, letting it run, and moving on to the next thing. But after seeing how much more effective his teams became when they were allowed to experiment and iterate, he became a true believer.His favorite quote now? “If you’re not embarrassed by your first release, you’ve launched too late.” It’s a reminder that perfection is the enemy of progress, and that the real magic happens when you’re constantly learning and improving.

Step 4:
The Pit Stops—Maintaining Alignment

Finally, even the best cars need regular maintenance, and so do companies that want to stay ahead of the competition. One of the most critical aspects of this is maintaining alignment within the organization.In top tech companies, alignment isn’t just about everyone knowing the destination—it’s about making sure everyone’s pulling in the same direction. This means regular check-ins, clear communication, and a shared understanding of the company’s goals and priorities.For one media company, this meant transforming their leadership team into a true steering committee. They went from being a group that reviewed and approved projects to a team that was actively involved in guiding the product vision, ensuring that all the parts of the company were working together harmoniously.

The Finish Line: 

Becoming a Product Powerhouse

So, what’s the outcome of all this work? When done right, the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Companies that adopt best-in-class product management practices become more agile, more innovative, and more competitive. They stop merely surviving and start thriving.And the best part? They’re no longer just keeping up with the competition—they’re setting the pace.In the end, adopting a product management mindset isn’t just about tuning up your car—it’s about transforming it into a race car that’s built to win. So, the next time you see those competitors speeding by, don’t just watch them go. Step on the gas and join them at the front of the pack.And remember, in the race of business, there’s always room to improve. As the legendary racing driver Mario Andretti once said, “If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough.”

Ready to Transform?

If you’re ready to put your company on the fast track to success, let’s talk. At Human and Machine, we specialize in helping organizations shift gears and accelerate their growth through world-class product management practices. Because in today’s fast-paced world, the companies that thrive are the ones that never stop improving.