Practical tools that stick
Over three months, Avian’s team member delivered a work-integrated learning program that combined practical tools, live collaboration, and on-the-job application.
The structure included:
- Product summits blending frameworks, tools and real-world examples
- Team-based tasks applying concepts to active product work
- Drop-in coaching and reflective discussions
- Peer collaboration through breakout groups and cross-team sessions
By grounding each activity in real business contexts, participants could immediately apply the frameworks to their own challenges, making the learning tangible and lasting.
“Real-life example of different PMs applying commercial acumen or using storytelling was really helpful. Having breakout sessions that foster discussions helped solidify the learnings.”
— Program participant
A human-centred approach to capability uplift
Avian consultants took a human-centred approach to designing the uplift program itself. Before delivery began, we conducted discovery activities with stakeholders and participants to understand their daily work, priorities, and barriers to applying strategy in fast-paced product environments.
This research informed every aspect of the program’s design; from the language used in tools and templates to how sessions were structured around actual product cycles.
Engaging stakeholders throughout the process ensured the program reflected their needs and organisational realities, not just theoretical best practice.
By keeping the experience grounded in how product managers actually work, Avian consultants made the program relevant, achievable, and immediately useful—turning learning into real behaviour change.
Collaboration that builds confidence
Cross-team learning was a core feature of the program.
Breakout discussions and peer review sessions allowed participants to share insights, compare approaches, and challenge assumptions about what good product strategy looks like.
Senior product leaders were also involved throughout, reinforcing the shared language and embedding new practices across the portfolio.
Measurable impact
The program delivered measurable improvement in confidence, capability, and alignment:
- Leaders’ confidence in team capability increased from 50% to 90%
- 70% of participants reported greater confidence in their strategic and commercial skills
- 72% immediately applied the tools in their day-to-day work
Participants recognised the value of the organisation’s investment, noting the shift from ad-hoc learning to a structured, ongoing approach to professional growth.
“I just loved that [my workplace] was investing in this training. It was probably the first specific product manager training I’ve seen. It was well-paced, it wasn’t rushed.”
— Program participant
Sustaining capability for the long term
The initiative created a common language and shared frameworks for product strategy, enabling consistent decision-making and collaboration across teams.
It laid the groundwork for a sustainable uplift in how the organisation approaches product management, embedding human-centred, strategic thinking into everyday practice.
Why it matters
At Avian, we believe capability uplift only works when it’s practical, human-centred, and grounded in real work.
By meeting product managers where they are and involving stakeholders from the outset, Avian consultants helped a large national supermarket chain transform its approach to product management, supporting teams to think commercially and. strategically, and deliver lasting impact.