This lecture weaves together the practical frameworks from John McManus’s 'Managing Stakeholders in Software Development Projects' with contemporary research on mediation and facilitation. We’ll explore how these roles differ, intersect, and complement each other in the context of program and product management, using real-world examples and actionable strategies. By blending the book’s stakeholder-centric approach with research-backed process insights, we’ll uncover how to optimize team dynamics, resolve conflicts, and drive project success.