Option Five

Prioritization is one of the hardest parts of product management — and most teams are getting it wrong. They're chasing the loudest voices instead of real impact. They're getting distracted by shiny objects like AI.They fail to solve incongruencies between various areas of their organizations before executing.Mark Vanderweide, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Bungii, has seen this play out across startups, enterprise organizations, and M&A deals. In this episode, he breaks down how great product leaders fight the noise, focus on real value, and align teams before things spiral out of control. Additional topics include:* the difference between buyers and users and why it matters* key takeaways from Mark's experience in product management in different company sizes* how to navigate the challenge of aligning newly acquired teams and leadership* managing competing interests from sales, ops, engineering, and leadership* AI hype vs. practical use cases* what separates high-performing product teams from dysfunctional onesPeople of Product is brought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Data vs. gut instinct. What really drives the best product decisions?Nate Juraschek, Head of Product at Telarus, has spent 20+ years navigating the highs and lows of product leadership—from Sprint and H&R Block to fast-moving startups. Along the way, he's learned one truth: data is only as good as the story you tell with it.Topics covered in this episode include: * How to use data as a guide when following gut instincts * Why curiosity is the secret weapon of great product leaders* The most powerful (and underrated) analytics tools to start using today* How a background in filmmaking prepared Nate for the world of building digital products* How AI is changing the way we track, analyze, and act on product dataWhether you're in product, UX, or tech leadership, this conversation is rich in insights to help you make more confident decisions.Watch the full episode on YouTube This episode is brought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Pat McLoughlin is the Director of Product at MoneyLion and former founder and CEO of Digs, a fintech platform for residential real estate. Digs provides tools that help renters save for their first home and homeowners maximize wealth while working with real estate agents and mortgage lenders.In today's episode, Pat tells the story of how Digs came to be, and how he pivoted from pursuing architecture as a career to following a new interest in real estate, fintech, and educating first-time homebuyers when they needed it most.He takes us through the challenges and successes of scaling, fundraising, and eventually exiting through an acquisition.Additional topics include:* transitioning to a for-profit model* building the Digs team* navigating COVID and fundraising uncertainty* team dynamics and scaling* joining MoneyLion and building influence in a new organizationJoin the conversation!

Alicia Lopez is an innovation enthusiast with a rich background in civil engineering and over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. Originally from Spain, Alicia has worked globally—from India to the Middle East—bringing a holistic approach to innovation.In this week's episode, Alicia shares her insights on building a culture of innovation, aligning it with company goals, and emphasizing the strategic importance of fostering collaboration across departments. Topics covered:* defining innovation in the workplace* fostering a culture of innovation* AI and digital twins* challenges and future of innovation* the role of change management in innovation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Tannis Liviniuk is the Digital Advancement Executive at Zachry Group and has a background in industrial construction, working on an array of different projects from greenfield and brownfield to shutdowns, freeze-ups, and fire rebuilds.In this week's episode, we dive into the challenges of user adoption of new tools, the importance of understanding the end user, and the ethical questions surrounding AI. Other topics covered include:* the role of AI in data management* the ethics of AI and technology resistance* effective engagement with tech companies* building strong relationships in tech This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Tyler Campbell is the owner of Storybuilder Creative and co-host of the Construction Brothers podcast. His background in steel detailing coupled with experience creating videos in the commercial construction industry grants Tyler with unique insights into areas where construction tech falls short and how it can be improved. Topics include: * Challenges with technology adoption* The importance of proximity * Generational shifts in the industry* Technologists in the fieldBrought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Dustin Burns is the VP of Technology at McCownGordon Construction. His approach to technology impacts corporate culture, creating higher associate engagement and productivity. Dustin believes technology is useless if it doesn't help people, and that construction is the most important industry in the world. In this week's episode, he breaks down how new tech solutions are transforming the AEC industry — from preventing rework and reducing safety risk to changing the way the next generation views trade careers.Topics covered in this episode include:* the shifting perspective of working a trade* the role of technology in client experiences * safety and efficiency in construction * looking outside of the AEC industry for construction tech solutions Brought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

What does it take to build the future environments that support where we live, work, and play? Eveart Foster is the Integrations Subject Matter Expert at Autodesk and has had a unique opportunity throughout his career to see the entire life cycle of the built world experience, from engineering and design to pre-construction planning. This week Eveart takes us through the role of data maturity in the architecture, engineering, and construction world. Other topics covered include:* the importance of holistic thinking* AI and automation potential in construction* creativity and AI toolsJoin the conversation

The path to product management can be an unconventional one. This week, Jessica Dubin shares her story of transitioning from the education sector, where she graduated from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, to becoming Chief Product Officer at Remesh, an AI-focused research platform. Along the way, she observed how context influences how we work, serve our users, and develop products.In this episode, we'll discuss:* navigating leadership and organizational challenges* balancing transparency and focus* understanding what motivates teams * setting up new employees for success by gathering context for them* customer context and user engagement* the importance of retrospectives Join the conversation

We all want our teams to be agile, but when is agile too agile? This week I'm joined by Hannah Clark, editor at TheProductManager.com and host of The Product Manager Podcast. Hannah shares insights from startup project managers at various levels who navigate challenges like “shiny object syndrome,” lack of collaboration while working remotely, and other issues that arise in rapidly scaling startups.Topics covered include:* the disconnect between product development and people management* balancing innovation with stability* the cost of switching directions* balancing trust and change in leadership + shiny object syndrome* empowering teams and maintaining momentum* navigating psychological safety and feedback* the value of the “complainer” in teams* intentionality in remote work * the future of work culture Join the conversation

Currently serving as President of Diode Ventures, the infrastructure development arm of Black & Veatch, Brad Hardin has worked as a LEED-accredited architect, construction manager, and technology leader in a national and international capacity with a focus on business development/procurement, technology strategy, and growth. Join me in this week's conversation with Brad as we discuss the crucial role of infrastructure development for the future of artificial intelligence and how to integrate advanced technology effectively and sustainably while highlighting the significance of a strong, collaborative team and a culture of continuous learning.Topics covered in this episode include:* the challenges of archaic systems* benefits of prefabrication and automation in construction* the fascinating possibilities of quantum computing * community engagement and public perception* the role of humans in a tech-driven world Join the conversation

Imagine the job site of the future, where autonomous drones are moving material across the worksite and earth is being moved by vehicles being operated by people across the world, all driven by AI. These are a few of the things we get to talk about this week on the podcast with Jeff Danley. Jeff Danley, is the Director of Innovation at Burns & McDonnell, and he has over 20 years of experience driving innovation at the intersection of technology and business. He's been at the forefront of technological evolution, from the early days of the internet to the transformative impact of mobile devices, and now he leads the charge in leveraging AI to redefine industry standards. The topics we cover in this episode include: * the future of construction sites driven by AI * autonomous drones* the importance of connectivity* the challenges of integrating new tech into a traditionally laggard industry* building a “digital fabric” to connect people, equipment, and materials* enhancing safety on job sites using AI Join the conversation

Join me in a conversation with Eric Whobrey, VP of Innovation at Arco Construction, as we explore the parallels between the design-build process in technology and construction and how Eric navigates the tension between making sure that the organization is rowing in the same direction while also giving permission to experiment, innovate, and maybe even stretch the rules a little bit every once in a while. In this episode, we'll talk about:* challenges and opportunities in balancing organizational efficiency with the need for innovation* the importance of solving 'gray area' challenges* the role of AI and robotics in construction* training, communication, and empathy in innovation* overcoming adoption and scalability challenges Join the conversation!

Construction leaders, this one is for you! This week on the podcast, we hear how J.E. Dunn Construction is piloting cutting-edge technology within their 100-year-old organization. They acknowledged that legacy and tradition are important, but so is future casting. Mark Stocks, VP and Director of Enterprise Architecture and his team are successfully balancing practicality and genuine innovation in an industry where it's tough to do. In Q3 of 2024, Mark's team is focusing on clean data and the ‘big three' — AI, ML, and citizen development — to drive growth and efficiency. Hear how this major general contractor is adopting Microsoft's CoPilot for meeting summaries and form-building, integrating Autodesk for project management, and utilizing low-code/no-code platforms to streamline business processes. Where to find Mark: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstocks/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com

People of Product is back from a hiatus! In this brief episode, we'll fill you in on what to expect from the next season. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com

Technology is changing the way we approach construction - from planning and visualization to project management. In this week's episode, Aaron Henderson of STACK Construction Technologies shares insights from his perspective after having shifted from traditional construction consulting to the tech-driven realm. George and Aaron talk about showcasing some of the exciting aspects of construction to attract new talent, niching down to specialize in specific markets, and picking the right technologies when each project is unique.

In 2024, the core principles of PdM haven't changed. The number one role of a product manager is getting to the root of how serve your customer better. How do you make them LOVE your product and your business. Innovation is the name of the game, but how can you front new technologies while still creating value for customers? This and more on the episode with guest Blake Reichenbach, a product manager at Hubspot.

George Brooks interviews Anna Jordan-Douglass, the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Makefully Studios. Anna shares her profound journey through the realms of technology and creativity. Basked with an innate passion for making learning more interactive and fun, Anna explains the sheer magic of assimilating play with education and shares insights into her collaboration with the Jim Henson Company, and how she gathered experiences that later led to the creation of her very own Makefully Studios. With a strong team that shares a similar vision of fostering creativity and enhancing learning, Makefully Studios has emerged as a vibrant platform for crafting playful learning environments for children. Tune in to delve deeper into the insightful world of creative learning and Anna's impactful work in the field.

George Brooks interviews Lamees Butt, the Senior Vice President of Global Alliances and Channels at Zoovu. Lamees shares her passion for improving the customer experience and reducing employee workloads through AI-powered solutions, the importance of focusing on customer value, and reimagining the customer journey to drive growth. They discuss the role of AI in personalizing the buying experience and helping businesses make data-driven decisions. Lamees also highlights the opportunities for B2B organizations to transform their processes and create better digital experiences. Tune in to gain insights into the future of AI and how it can revolutionize business operations and customer satisfaction

George sits down with Ryan Glasgow, CEO of Sprig. Ryan is a seasoned product management professional with a wealth of experience understanding customers' needs.The conversation revolves around the vital aspect of grasping customer problems for successful product development. Ryan highlights the power of asking the right questions and shares lessons from his time at Weebly, where user feedback transformed their mobile app.They explore the broader theme of customer-centricity in product management, delving into the importance of genuine understanding and its impact on product-market fit, plus the significance of unconventional team structures and early "aha!" moments.

George Brooks interviews Bryan House, Chief Experience Officer at Elastic Path. They discuss the world of composable commerce, the synergy between product management and customer success, and the role of user-centricity in e-commerce development.

George Brooks interviews Artem Koren, Co-founder of Sembly.ai. Artem shares the journey of creating Sembly, an AI-powered meeting companion. Artem unveils Sembly.ai's unique team structures for different technological components and emphasizes the flexibility required in handling NLP (Natural Language Processing) and AI development. The interview showcases the pivotal role of product managers, who drive innovation, user experience, and customer interaction. Discover how Sembly.ai transforms meetings with its AI teammate, revolutionizing the way we collaborate.

George interviews Karthik Suresh, co-founder of Ignition, a platform that unlocks revenue opportunities by aligning product, marketing, and sales teams around new market initiatives. Ignition aims to help companies achieve a solid product-market fit and successful product launches by providing an AI-powered platform that guides users through the entire go-to-market process. Their discussion delves into the challenges of coordinating product launches, the importance of effective messaging and positioning, and how Ignition's AI technology assists in creating standardized go-to-market plans. 

Join George in a conversation with Jon Darbyshire, the visionary founder of SmartSuite as they explore the art of user experience, relentless iteration, and the value of customer feedback in crafting a game-changing work management platform. Throughout the episode, Jon reveals the key principles of effective product design, emphasizing the value of continuous iteration and incorporating customer feedback. Whether you're an entrepreneur, product manager, or design enthusiast, this conversation sheds light on the power of user experience in shaping a successful product.

George Brooks interviews Jon Ricketts, CEO and Co-Founder of a game-changing software platform that is set to transform content creation—Writerly AI powered by Generative AI. Tune in to learn how generative AI is reshaping content creation and marketing automation, and its incredible potential for businesses worldwide.

George explores Crema's transformation from a digital product agency to a design consultancy and explains how to harness the power of design to drive innovation, solve business challenges, and create compelling visions for the future.

This week Dan Linhart is joined by Crema's VP of Strategy to explain our new company direction. As we've evolved from a software agency into a design consultancy, we're taking a slightly new approach to our work. Hear how we use design thinking and more holistic strategies to solve highly complex business challenges. And whether you might be a good candidate to partner with a design consultancy.

George interviews Sean Steppe, senior manager of Restaurant Systems at Hawaiian Bros Island Grill.Hawaiian Bros is a breakout restaurant that is expanding across the country, using technology to create a better end-user experience, not only for ordering and checkout processes but also in the kitchen and on the backside of their organization. Hawaiian Bros uses technology and data to help make decisions and provide better service to their customers as they scale up. With the freedom to test and try new things, they are breaking and refocusing to use tech to push the brand forward in the restaurant space. 

It's good to recognize what AI is and what it is not. In this episode, George Brooks is joined by Michelle Frost to de-bunk myths & misconceptions about what AI can mean for processes in the workplace. Learn about the necessary steps to train a model, from collecting and preparing data to testing and evaluating the model. Plus, the importance of ML Ops and the impact of using third-party libraries and packages.

George interviews Gharib Gharibi, the Director of Applied Research and Head of AI at TripleBlind, a startup based in Kansas City that has now expanded globally. TripleBlind enables data-driven innovation while preserving privacy, allowing for the training of fair and generalizable models with diverse data from multiple institutions. In this episode, they discuss the need for collaboration between academia, industry, researchers, and policymakers to shape the future of AI and build responsible and fair AI. You'll also hear about the challenges faced by customers and prospects in understanding and embracing the full potential of AI and the importance of #usability in AI tools.

In this episode of People of Product, George Brooks speaks with Carmel Wynkoop, a partner at Armanino, a Top 25 CPA and consulting firm. Carmel leads the business analytics and automation practice at Armanino, providing data-driven practice improvements and automation for international clients in various industries.They discuss the potential of AI and how organizations can start small to achieve small wins that create momentum toward realizing the full potential of AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation (RPA).

AI is becoming more complex as it begins to touch multiple facets of our everyday lives -- including business. In this week's episode, George and Dan discuss what AI could mean for the future, from the way we work to the products we create.

The bi-weekly Sprint is at the heart of the Agile methodology. In this episode, we discuss why Sprints are structured the way that they are and tips for making them successful. Why is a sprint typically 2 weeks? What are the traditional activities that happen over that period of time? Plus expert tips for how to set clear goals and stay aligned for cross-functional teams.  

Stop using hour-based estimation for your work. There's a better way! Whether it's a project as a whole or just a Sprint, Story Points and Velocity are key tools in trying to predict the future and make the most of your team's time and effort. In this episode, Dan & George talk about how Story Points offer a means of estimation that is relative to a particular frame of reference, enabling you to get a more accurate understanding of your true Velocity. 

George and Dan delve into the world of epics, both in literature and in the tech industry. Learn how epics and stories in the digital product world can be deconstructed into smaller, more manageable chunks in order to achieve success. 

Having a roadmap is important, even in an Agile environment, because it provides a shared understanding of where a project is headed. In this week's episode, Dan and George discuss the process of creating a roadmap, including the timeline and the stages involved, such as planning, prototyping, and user engagement. They also touch on the benefit of being agile and making adjustments as necessary, while still maintaining the overall direction towards the project's north star. 

The best products are built by creative individuals working together towards a common goal. However, with the diversity of skillsets, experience levels, and influences present in a team, achieving alignment can be a challenge. George and Dan discuss how to overcome obstacles and maintain a productive and aligned product team in this week's episode of People of Product. 

The idea of starting a custom software initiative within your company is a daunting one. From gathering buy-in from leadership to conducting user interviews, in this week's episode, we'll break down some of the best ways to tackle the overwhelming beginnings of a custom software initiative.

After 100+ episodes and talking with listeners, we realized that one of the biggest challenges is simply getting back to the basics of product work. In this episode, we want to define a term we often use: digital product. What is a digital product, and what is it not? Who creates digital products and why?

We're taking a break to reset and consider different formats and pacing for People of Product. We'll be back in the fall with more amazing episodes about people doing the best work of their lives! 

In the post-pandemic era, people are burnt out. We're searching for ways to have better human connection and productivity at work. But those things can only happen in spaces with psychological safety. The challenge is that it takes even MORE intentionality to foster. In this episode, Dr. Tharaka Gunarathne (psychiatrist & consultant with FORM) shares his methods for how to foster high levels of trust at work while avoiding further burnout.

The job market in tech is volatile. But there are factors within your control to land the gig you're looking for. In this episode, Sarah Doody - Founder & CEO of Career Strategy Lab - shares advice from years of talking with candidates, hiring managers, and UX teams. Hear what you can do to escape the all-too-common journey of 100 plus failed applications.

Inspiration is everywhere! In the workplace, it can be especially powerful when turned into action. With an abundance of things to latch onto, it's helpful to know where the best inspiration comes from. In this episode, Dan & George share how to better tune into sources of inspiration and apply the strongest motivations in a meaningful way.

From instant messaging to video conferencing tools, there are scores of new products for highly collaborative teams to sift through. But how do you pick the best for your needs? In this episode, we share the tools we use today at Crema and the potential challenges of using each.

Jen Choi is Senior Director of Innovation & Impact at the Atlanta Hawks. She leads their first-ever Innovation Lab that doesn't stop at creating great fan experiences. They're dreaming beyond with new ways to support and engage the greater community, from public voting booths to sports NFTs. Hear some of the challenges, experiments, and solutions this future-setting incubator is dealing with today.

Building a great product is only half the battle. Strong product marketing helps direct how the product gets to market and tells a compelling story about why people need it now. It's a unique discipline that sits at the intersection of pure marketing and product, and it's helping break down silos between the two. Martina Lauchengo from the Silicon Valley Group, and author of “Loved”, is on the show to talk about the fundamentals of product marketing and how to apply them.Martina's book "LOVED" is available at Target online.

Let's face it. There's a natural barrier to communication in remote work. When the luxury of proximity is gone, velocity and trust can dwindle. In this episode, Dan & George break down the different types of isolation, the consequences, and ways to overcome silos.

Winning experienced candidates out of the small technical talent pool is TOUGH. Increased demand and salary inflation has made hiring a real challenge in the age of digital transformation. In this episode, we share how we've been successful in hiring the most highly sought-after roles on the job market (without a recruiter).

We've all seen the increasing dissatisfaction in the workforce and the “great resignation” take its toll. Today teams have to be constantly assessing the collective “agreements” made about how work gets done or people will check out. Aaron Dignan - founder of The Ready and author of Brave New Work - is back on the show. In this episode, Aaron & George discuss how teams create consensus and clarity around their norms and policies and Murmur's newest digital tool that is facilitating this sociocratic work. 

Beyond their strong technical knowledge, great developers bring “big picture perspective” and get wildly creative. If you can broaden your scope beyond your own discipline, then you can guide your team to make intentional decisions that solve even greater problems during ideation. In this episode, Creative Technologist & “Exploratory Team” member CK Hicks shares how developers provide perspective for both technical feasibility and innovative possibility.