Internal Board of Directors (Parts Work)
by Ken Norton • Executive Coach for Product Leaders & Former Google Product Partner at Ken Norton Coaching / Ex-Google Ventures
A 14-year Google veteran who led product teams for Google Docs, Calendar, and Maps. He was a partner at Google Ventures (GV) advising startups and is now a full-time executive coach specializing in helping senior product leaders navigate their careers.
🎙️ Episode Context
Ken Norton discusses the critical transition from individual contributor to product leader, emphasizing the shift from 'reactive' to 'creative' mindsets. He explores frameworks for overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of '10x thinking' in innovation, and how to hire for the intangible 'art' of product management rather than just the science.
Problem It Solves
Helps PMs manage Imposter Syndrome and the paralyzing Inner Critic that prevents them from taking risks or speaking up.
Framework Overview
Derived from Internal Family Systems (IFS), this technique involves personifying inner voices (e.g., the critic). Instead of fighting them, you acknowledge them as 'board members' but ensure your true Self remains the Chairperson/CEO.
🧠 Framework Structure
Name the Persona: Give your inner cri...
Reassign the Role: Acknowledge the cr...
Chairperson Control: Consciously plac...
When to Use
Before high-stakes presentations, performance reviews, or when stepping into a new, unfamiliar role.
Common Mistakes
Trying to completely silence or kill the inner voice, which often makes it louder/more aggressive.
Real World Example
Ken uses the persona 'Larry Loser' to identify his inner judge. When Larry speaks up, Ken recognizes it's just fear of the new, not objective reality.
I'm going to put myself, the real me, the real self into the chairperson's seat. When I hear these voices... I'm going to ask Larry to step aside.
— Ken Norton