We’re back with a familiar voice on the podcast: John Fontenot returns to continue our *First Principles for PMs in the Age of AI* series, this time focused on Vision and Strategy. In a conversation that blends product thinking, personal reflection, and a healthy dose of AI skepticism, John helps us explore what it really means for PMs to define where they’re going, and how to get there.

John defines vision as the desired end state or future outcome, and strategy as the path, phases, and tradeoffs required to reach it. With examples ranging from long-term business goals to the realities of regulated industries, he explains why product managers still need to lead on vision and strategy even when leadership doesn’t provide a clear direction, and why AI can support this work, but not fully own it.

Join Matt and Moshe as they explore with John:

  • What vision and strategy actually mean in product management, and why they’re easy to confuse  - How to connect a big vision to practical milestones, obstacles, and key results  
  • Why AI can help with analysis and brainstorming, but can’t replace human creativity, empathy, or rule-breaking thinking  - The limits of AI in regulated spaces like finance and healthcare, where context and compliance matter  
  • Why PMs often have to create strategy when the organization doesn’t hand it to them  - How to use AI as a thinking partner without outsourcing your strategic judgment  
  • The balance between staying anchored in the long-term vision and adjusting to the realities of the market, user needs, and constraints  
  • John’s perspective on where product teams should be careful not to let AI flatten nuance or over-automate strategy  
  • And much more


Want to connect with John?

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrfontenot/  


You can also connect with us and find more episodes:

  • Product for Product Podcast: http://linkedin.com/company/product-for-product-podcast
  • Matt Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgreenproduct/  
  • Moshe Mikanovsky: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikanovsky



Note: Any views mentioned in the podcast are the sole views of our hosts and guests, and do not represent the products mentioned in any way.

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