What do you think?
Rate this book
Beyond the Backlog: The Agile Product Owner’s Guide to Strategic Influence and Value Leadership
The backlog is only the beginning.
Great Product Owners don’t just manage stories; they shape outcomes. They look beyond the day-to-day churn of Agile delivery and step into a higher-impact role—one defined by strategic clarity, strong partnerships, and value-driven leadership.
Beyond the Backlog is a practical, honest guide for Product Owners who want to elevate their craft and lead with confidence. Drawing on real-world experience, Bart Gerardi breaks down what separates task-focused Product Owners from those who consistently drive meaningful, measurable impact.
You won’t find textbook theory here. Instead, you’ll get actionable frameworks, practical checklists, and the kind of straight talk you usually only hear from a mentor who’s been in the trenches. Through clear, grounded guidance, you’ll learn how
Build a backlog that reflects strategy, not chaos
Say no without burning bridges
Navigate conflicting stakeholders and incentives
Align teams around outcomes rather than output
Turn customer insights into decisions that matter
Strengthen your influence without formal authority
Become a partner to engineering, not a ticket-taker
Deliver value predictably while staying adaptable
Make better decisions faster—even when the data is imperfect
Whether you’re a new Product Owner trying to find your footing or an experienced one ready to step into a more strategic role, this book gives you the tools and clarity to make the jump.
Product Ownership is more than a job. It’s a leadership role.
This is the guide that helps you embrace it.
Great Product Owners don’t just manage stories; they shape outcomes. They look beyond the day-to-day churn of Agile delivery and step into a higher-impact role—one defined by strategic clarity, strong partnerships, and value-driven leadership.
Beyond the Backlog is a practical, honest guide for Product Owners who want to elevate their craft and lead with confidence. Drawing on real-world experience, Bart Gerardi breaks down what separates task-focused Product Owners from those who consistently drive meaningful, measurable impact.
You won’t find textbook theory here. Instead, you’ll get actionable frameworks, practical checklists, and the kind of straight talk you usually only hear from a mentor who’s been in the trenches. Through clear, grounded guidance, you’ll learn how
Build a backlog that reflects strategy, not chaos
Say no without burning bridges
Navigate conflicting stakeholders and incentives
Align teams around outcomes rather than output
Turn customer insights into decisions that matter
Strengthen your influence without formal authority
Become a partner to engineering, not a ticket-taker
Deliver value predictably while staying adaptable
Make better decisions faster—even when the data is imperfect
Whether you’re a new Product Owner trying to find your footing or an experienced one ready to step into a more strategic role, this book gives you the tools and clarity to make the jump.
Product Ownership is more than a job. It’s a leadership role.
This is the guide that helps you embrace it.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
No one has reviewed this book yet.