About this episode

Rick Lewis discusses navigating the complexities of product leadership during times of change and the human moments that arise in such situations.

What if the moment everything tilts sideways at work could actually make you better at your job? In this episode, Rick Lewis sits down to talk about the messy middle of change, the kind that knocks the wind out of a team long before it becomes one of those polished “growth stories.” Rick brings stories from big reorganizations, mergers that paired frenemies into one team, and the kind of customer feedback loops that only surface after months of digging. He talks about the small, painfully human moments that happen when people cling to the old way because it feels safer, and the surprising clarity that shows up once you stop trying to control what can’t be controlled. There is a moment in this conversation where Rick describes two teams who once competed against each other suddenly being told they’re on the same side. The awkwardness, the reluctance, the gradual warmth that followed. If you've ever walked into a room where no one quite trusts the situation yet, this one will land close to home. And then there’s his simple, grounding ritual: stepping outside, clearing his head, and coming back to the problem with a little less fear and a lot more perspective. It’s the kind of habit…

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