[Online] How to disagree without being seen as “difficult”

​Continuing our DPM webinar series aimed at upskilling and knowledge-sharing, we're joined by Monica Forman, communication and debate coach, for an Expert Session.

​You spot a problem with a proposed approach. Perhaps the deadline is unrealistic, the evidence does not support the recommendation, or a stakeholder is committed to a solution you think will miss the goal. How do you raise the concern without being seen as the person who always says no?

​Data and AI professionals regularly need to challenge decisions while maintaining the trust of the people they work with. In this session, communication and debate coach Monica Forman will explore how to express dissent clearly, build arguments around shared objectives, and make disagreement a useful contribution to the decision.

​What we'll unpack

• ​What makes an objection sound constructive rather than obstructive?

• ​How can you challenge a colleague or senior stakeholder while showing you are on the same team?

• ​How do you connect your reasoning to the outcome everyone is trying to achieve?

• ​How can you demonstrate respect for other perspectives and maintain strong professional relationships, even when you disagree?

​What you'll walk away with

• ​A practical structure for raising an objection around a shared goal.

• ​Ways to explain your reasoning while keeping the conversation constructive.

• ​Examples of how to apply these techniques to data and AI workplace decisions.

​For data, AI, and product professionals who need to challenge assumptions, raise concerns, and influence decisions.

​We'll use realistic workplace examples, with time for questions and practical discussion. Audience contributions are welcome and optional.

​About our speaker

​Monica Forman is a communication and debate coach who helps professionals and teams make stronger arguments, navigate disagreements, and influence decisions. A former top-ranked competitive debater (4th in Europe and 6th worldwide), she has coached world debate champions and brings over 15 years of experience teaching argumentation and persuasion.

​Her clients have included Google, AppsFlyer, Tenable, and Ansys. Drawing on techniques from competitive debate, Monica helps professionals challenge ideas constructively, defend their reasoning, and communicate persuasively when the stakes are high.

​How to join

​This livestream will be held in our new digital space!

​Make sure you've joined us on Circle - signing up takes 30 seconds and is free.

​About the Data & AI Product community

​Data and AI product management is still a young discipline, and there aren't many spaces dedicated to learning from peers.

​So we started this meetup in 2023 to change that! Since then, it's grown into a vibrant community with chapters in London, Barcelona, Paris, and Amsterdam.

​Whether or not "product" is in your job title, if you're involved in shaping data, analytics, and AI initiatives (e.g. product managers, strategists, BAs, data scientists, engineers, analysts) you'll find like-minded people here.

​This is an informal, welcoming space to swap lessons, share challenges, and enjoy drinks and snacks along the way 😊

​You can meet us in person at our in-person meetups, but also join our global community where we have expert webinars, training courses, job postings, resources, and discussions.

​Quick FAQ

• ​Will this event be recorded? Yes, we will upload the recording here, along with previous DPM Community webinars

• ​If I sign up to this event, will I be opting into any marketing emails? No. We only use the Luma mailing list to invite you to upcoming community events and share community updates (like our end of year membership survey). You can always opt out of the Luma calendar.

• ​Can I mention this to a friend or colleague? Yes, of course! You can share this event or invite them to join our global community.

• ​Why are you doing this? Data & AI Product Management is a nascent field, and we created this community to bring together practitioners and help share our skills and experiences with those newer to DPM.