Deep Work - All Things Product Podcast with Teresa Torres & Petra Wille

Listen to this episode on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

In this episode of All Things Product, hosts Petra Wille and Teresa Torres dive into a challenge many product leaders face—making time for deep work. Why is it so hard to block off focused time for strategic thinking, team alignment, and creative exploration? Why do so many product leaders feel guilty about stepping away from daily execution?
We explore how deep work can transform product strategy, improve decision-making, and boost team effectiveness. Petra shares insights from coaching product leaders who struggle to prioritize deep thinking, while Teresa offers practical tips on carving out time for what truly moves the needle.

Tune in to learn:
✅ What deep work really means in a product context
✅ Why product leaders often neglect it (and why that’s a problem)
✅ How to make time for strategic thinking—without feeling guilty
✅ Practical techniques to protect your calendar and focus on what matters

If you’re a product manager, designer, or leader looking to make more intentional space for creativity and strategy, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

Deep work is essential but often deprioritized. Many product leaders know they should spend time on strategic thinking but struggle to justify it.
Guilt is a major barrier. Many leaders feel bad about blocking off time for reflection, fearing it takes away from “real work.”
Deep thinking improves team alignment. Setting aside time for structured thought helps leaders assess their team’s needs, challenges, and motivations.
Strategy requires dedicated focus time. Updating or refining product strategy isn’t something you can do in 15-minute increments—it requires intentional, uninterrupted work.
Protecting your calendar is a leadership skill. Building deep work habits means creating systems that make space for what matters most.

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