Upasna Gautam

Guest: Upasna Gautam - Product Manager at CNN. Upasna leads the team responsible for CNN's content management system and is pivotal in integrating product management within newsrooms, leveraging her experience as a meditation and mindfulness teacher. Key Takeaways: Adaptability in Chaos: Product managers in news must thrive in chaotic environments, often needing to pivot plans quickly due to breaking news. Building in buffers and backup plans is crucial. Mindful Communication: Practicing equanimity, or mental calmness, helps manage emotional reactions and improves stakeholder management, team morale, and user feedback translation. Structured Collaboration: CNN employs a structured approach to product development with weekly demo days, working sessions, breaking news dress rehearsals, and office hours to maintain open communication with journalists. Integration of Engineering: Involving engineers early in the product discovery process enhances understanding and efficiency, fostering a partnership rather than viewing them as mere resources. Meditation as a Tool: Regular meditation enhances clarity and decision-making, with simple practices like mindful tooth brushing being a practical starting point. Topics Covered: Breaking news adaptability, mindfulness in product management, CNN's product development process, collaboration with journalists, meditation benefits in professional settings.