Product Therapy: On expectations, "touchy feely" and the new cookie of NYC
Dispatches from July 2025
Expectations vs. Reality
Me before starting a new job: Yes, I’ll totally be able to continue writing on Substack at the same pace as always as if no major life changes just happened.
Me a month into starting a new job: WTF was I thinking?!
I like to think I’m a great multitasker. But starting a new job, winding down coaching clients, holding space for a coaching community, and writing a newsletter all at once? It’s a lot. And while that might not surprise anyone else, I tend to hold myself to a bar so high it borders on impossible, one I’d challenge if I were coaching a friend.
Lately, I’m realizing I could use a lot more of the kindness I offer others, for myself.
But, speaking of expectations vs. reality, I’m about a month into a new role after two years on my own. I went on the Supra Insider podcast to talk about the transition in detail (episode dropping this month) but here are some early takeaways for those curious about the transition:
For the past two years, I’ve been a mirror, reflecting back insights as a coach. Now, I’m a mirror and a builder. While coaching is still a big part of my new role, I’ve stepped back into architecting strategy and vision over a longer time horizon. I have to say, I really missed it.
I’ve been hybrid, part remote, part in-office, and my ability to onboard has been 10x better sitting next to coworkers and founders. In-person collaboration was a big factor in my decision to join Hampton. It’s energizing to be back in a room with people, building something together. I think it’s so important. I’ve also had the chance to do some in-person product research with our members, which has been incredibly inspiring. I’ll share more on that soon.
Of course, my time is no longer fully my own. I once heard someone say, “the only thing you can really control is your morning” - and that’s felt true lately. I do miss the flexibility of solopreneur life, but the structure and constraints of a full-time role are helping me focus and move through my day with more intention.
There’s a lot more I’m still processing. I’m sure I’ll be reflecting on this transition for a while. If you’re curious about the shift from solopreneurship to full-time work, I’m happy to share more. Drop me a question ⤵️
Events
I’m cohosting an event with CPO Track this month. Join us as The Chief Clubhouse for a killer panel. It’ll be a good time!
Product Reads
This month I wrote once, sigh, but enjoyed a lot of great content:
Timely and a true work in progress…
A fascinating look into one of the tech industry’s AI darlings, Lovable:
I’ve been studying group methodology as I look at Core Groups at Hampton. In doing so, I revisited this old episode from Lenny Rachitsky’s about Stanford’s famous “Touchy Feely” class. Great stuff.
My old coworker Emily White is crushing it on Substack. I marvel at her music writing and love her analysis on how the music industry is shifting. This piece hit:
Culture Clicks
I spent my 5 year wedding anniversary out on the tip of Long Island. New York Magazine’s Hamptons issue was a perfect companion read. It’s like White Lotus, in magazine form. We caught a Guy Gerber set while we were out there. Down the SoundCloud rabbit hole I went: I found this gem of a mix from 2021. It’s a great way to start your workday.
In the city, I visited The Corner Store (pure gluttony) and Borgo (pure excellence). New York’s hottest new cookie is thin. And, I finally got a Citibike membership and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long. Is there anything better than riding over the Brooklyn Bridge on a summer night at dusk?
The journalism nerd in me went to town on this podcast dissecting the effectiveness of Mamdani’s TikTok-native campaign. I had a whole post written about this but I’m weary of how hard it is for people to separate politics from political strategy right now. I think Ezra and Chris nailed it, though.
I stayed up late watching this new Netflix doc. I loved how the CIA team was interviewed. It added a really human level to the story I had never seen before.
I think I’m a granola convert. Also a companion granola recipe.
Thanks for reading in these dog days of summer.
Hi - I’m Jori and I’m a Product Coach. If you’re Product Leader or on a Product team looking for support - drop me a note.
I love this in-real-time notes and reflections! Go Jori!