John Cutler: Multi-Lens Thinking, Model Building, and the Copy-Paste Trap

How many times did you hear about the feature factory?

Maybe you feel that in your bones today - I feel that with the teams I coach.

John Cutler coined this term 9 years ago, when he wrote a blog post, 12 Signs You’re Working on a Feature Factory. But there’s more to it than you imagine.

The popularity of the feature factory term is undeniable, but John had a different goal when he wrote about it. He was talking to a researcher from Medium and wanted to make the point that even when he’d ticked all the engagement boxes, the post wouldn’t fly. The effect was completely different. Millions of reads.

If you don’t know John Cutler, follow his work. Not because he will tell you what you should do differently, but because his ideas will help you broaden your perspectives.

I don’t know anyone who’s written more consistently about product than John. It’s 10 years of sharing insights. And I had the pleasure of recording this amazing podcast with him.

You will gain insights into product operating models, the power of looking from different lenses, overlooked realities of Silicon Valley, and why great leaders act as game designers and storytellers.

Listen to it to amplify your perspectives.

Here are the top 7 insights from our chat.

1. Leaders Are Model Builders (Not Framework Implementers)

You’re a storyteller and game designer. Your job isn’t picking the right framework - it’s building models that stick in your company and trigger better decisions.

2. The Justs, Buts, and Cans

Everyone has their “justs” (you just need A-players) and their “buts” (but you don’t understand our culture). The real question: what CAN we do today without oversimplifying reality or going in circles?

3. Dragonfly Thinking

Move between multiple lenses - behavioral design, anthropology, politics, culture. The ability to shift perspectives is more valuable than having one “correct” view.

4. Frameworks Must Be Accessible AND Powerful

Accessible-only frameworks are shallow. Powerful-only frameworks only nerds understand. You need both: easy entry point, deep layers to peel back when challenged.

5. Internal Product-Market Fit

Your models and frameworks need PMF inside your company. The test: does the CEO ask to see that slide again? If people don’t pull for it, it’s dead.

6. Minimal Viable Consistency

What’s the least amount of consistency you need across the enterprise so teams can make decisions? Every consistency choice has a cost.

7. The Big Bang Refactoring Reality

Successful companies didn’t just adopt best practices. They swung between centralization/decentralization, project/product mode. Getting there requires messy transformation, not copying the end state.

Do you feel you need any help in 2026?

Here are a few ways I can be your guide to help you make the best of 2026.

* 100X PM Mastermind: If you want to move from PM to Product Leader, this 3-week program will supercharge your growth. People from 15+ countries attended it already, and the feedback is inspiring. Join our upcoming program in January.

* Private Coaching: When you have specific challenges like strategy, career growth, positioning, or simply defeating BS management. I offer 30-min or 60-min sessions. You bring the problem, and we sort it out together.

* Product Leadership Advisory: If you’re looking for more in-depth collaboration, I can be your advisor. I’ve helped 50+ organisations so far, and I’m confident I can help your business grow. Reach out to contact@d-pereira.com

* Product Workshops: If you want to level-up your teams’ expertise, I offer practicable remote and in-person workshops. Check it out here.

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