PragmaticLive

What happens when a great engineer becomes the boss? In this episode, we sit down with Pete Steege, B2B growth strategist and founder of B2B Clarity, about the unique challenges faced by “accidental CEOs” – technical experts who find themselves in leadership roles without a roadmap. Drawing parallels to product managers (many of whom also come from technical backgrounds), Pete explores how engineering minds can shift from designing systems to building businesses. You'll learn how to define your “true story,” align around a bullseye market, and foster a culture of clarity and accountability. Plus, Pete shares tools you can use to eliminate friction and scale smart. For takeaways, tools, and a free assessment, visit: b2b-clarity.com/chat Learn more at: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts

How do you go from strategy to better sales without getting stuck in planning mode? In this episode, we sit down with Simon Severino, CEO of Strategy Sprints and a sales strategist who's helped clients generate over $2 billion in revenue. Drawing from his background in psychology and two decades of experience, Simone shares his sprint-based framework that brings together product, marketing, and sales to make fast, high-impact decisions every week. From leveraging community as a marketing engine to turning experiments into long-term wins, Simon offers practical tools to help teams collaborate better, measure progress, and create what he calls a high "Return on Luck." Visit strategysprints.com for free downloadable tools and templates. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com.

What if you could predict consumer behavior—without running a single survey or focus group?  In this episode, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Avi Yashchin, founder and CEO of Subconscious AI, to explore how synthetic respondents and causal AI are transforming the world of market research.   Avi shares how his background in high-frequency trading, behavioral economics, and product management at IBM Watson and Two Sigma led him to reimagine how businesses gain customer insights.  Subconscious AI's platform delivers what Avi calls “SimCity for Market Research”—a behavioral simulation that replaces traditional research with faster, more ethical, and scientifically grounded modeling. From shrinking the say-do gap to exploring causation (not just correlation), Avi outlines a powerful vision for the next era of insight.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

What does it take to move from product management into the CEO seat and thrive once you get there? In this episode, we are joined by Marc Rubner, CEO of Building Intelligence, to trace his journey from marketing analyst to B2B product leader at American Express to top executive. Marc shares how product thinking gave him a head start in executive decision-making and prioritization but also where PMs often hit blind spots when transitioning into broader leadership. He dives into how successful go-to-market strategies require true collaboration between product, marketing, and sales – and why alignment, accountability, and repeatable processes are essential for growth. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com.

What's the secret to getting your product not just built—but sold, used, and loved? In this episode, we sit down with Ciara Peter, SVP of Product at Robin, to explore the full lifecycle of product success from early design decisions to sales enablement and in-app education. With nearly two decades of experience at companies like Salesforce, Box, and Medallia, Ciara shares tactical strategies for making your product easy to sell and adopt. She emphasizes the product manager's role in business outcomes, detailing how to align with sales, enable customer-facing teams, and build onboarding experiences that actually drive engagement. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com.

What makes product management in startups so different—and what lessons can translate back to enterprise? In this episode, we welcome Arturo Piña, founder of The Startup Agency, angel investor, and President of ProductCamp Austin. Arturo shares insights from his work offering fractional product management and strategy services for early-stage startups, and compares those experiences with his time in larger enterprise environments. From hands-on execution and GTM hustle to building alignment through a strong North Star metric, Arturo outlines the unique role of product managers in startups and the key takeaways enterprise teams can adopt to stay nimble, focused, and customer-connected. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on structure, speed, stakeholder dynamics, and how product leaders can thrive at any company stage. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com.

How can vulnerability, mentorship, and purpose reshape a career—and a company culture? In this episode of the Product Chats, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Steve Chambers, a seasoned tech executive, educator, and advocate, for a powerful conversation on identity, leadership, and transformation. From his early days in acting to executive roles in AI and robotics, Steve shares the deeply personal experiences—coming out in the workplace, surviving leukemia, and pivoting to educational technology—that have shaped his approach to business and life. Steve opens up about building inclusive workplaces, creating psychological safety, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to lead with more empathy, clarity, and authenticity. For show notes and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com

What happens when you apply product management principles to mission-driven work? In this episode, host Rebecca Kalogeris is joined by Neil Baron, Matthew Anderson, and Rod Griffith to discuss a compelling case study of their work with Mosaic Interfaith Youth Action—a nonprofit dedicated to building bridges across diverse communities. Mosaic had traditionally operated as a summer camp but needed a new approach to grow its impact. Neil and his team at Baron Strategic Partners used Pragmatic principles to reimagine the organization's value proposition, realign its mission, and design scalable programs. Through stakeholder interviews, messaging refinement, and deep market understanding, they uncovered barriers to participation and helped Mosaic evolve from a camp to a year-round movement. This episode is a masterclass in how product strategies can drive social impact—and a reminder that great product work starts with empathy, alignment, and clarity. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com.

What if AI could do more than just chat—what if it could take action on your behalf? In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Sam Mallikarjunan, Growth Lead at Agent AI, to explore the transformative potential of AI agents. Unlike traditional generative AI, these AI-driven agents automate workflows, enhance productivity, and reshape customer interactions—without requiring coding expertise. Sam shares real-world applications, from AI-powered business development and customer service to automated research and personalized communication. He also unpacks the AI-operator model, a concept shaping the next wave of AI capabilities, and explains how leaders can balance automation with human oversight. Tune in to learn how AI agents can streamline operations, enhance personalization, and drive innovation—while keeping leadership aware of the ethical and strategic implications of these tools. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com.

We're at day zero of AI—so how can product managers keep up without getting left behind?  In this episode, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Ron Green, AI expert, serial entrepreneur, and Co-founder & CTO of KUNGFU.AI. Ron has nearly 30 years of experience in AI, having overseen deployments across healthcare, government, retail, real estate, and financial services. He's also the host of Hidden Layers: Exploring the People and Tech Behind AI, where he dives into the latest advancements shaping the industry.  Ron shares his insider perspective on AI's rapid evolution, from the surprising power of generative AI (genAI) to the game-changing impact of reasoning models. He explains how these advancements are changing both the answers we get and the questions we ask, unlocking new capabilities while also introducing new risks.  For product professionals wondering how to integrate AI without getting overwhelmed, Ron offers practical advice:  Make sure you're solving a real problem.  If you don't see at least 10x ROI, don't bother.  Start small and scale—AI isn't all or nothing.  Plus, Ron shares his favorite AI tools and what's next beyond genAI.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

What if you approached your career the same way you approach product management—strategically, iteratively, and with a clear roadmap?  In this episode of Product Chats, we're joined by Kirsten Butzow, product leadership expert, to explore a structured, strategic approach to career management. Kirsten introduces a three-phase career framework—Do, Build, and Catalyst—each lasting approximately 10-12 years, guiding professionals through skill development, leadership growth, and long-term impact.  She explains how early career phases focus on honing skills and defining a niche, mid-career success depends on achieving through others, and later stages are about accelerating people, systems, and processes. Kirsten also shares why planning your exit isn't a final step, but an integrated part of career growth at every stage.  Tune in for insights on managing your career with the same strategic mindset you apply to your products.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

What if the key to product success isn't just the product itself, but how well you tell its story?  In this episode of the Product Chats Podcast, host Rebecca Kalogeris welcomes Blair Bryant Nichols, owner of BBN Creative Management and an expert in strategic speaking platforms. Blair helps business leaders refine their public speaking and storytelling skills, guiding them to craft compelling narratives that engage stakeholders and customers alike.  Blair shares practical strategies for product professionals to communicate more effectively, from overcoming the fear of public speaking to structuring stories that resonate. He discusses why your persona—not your product—is the hero of your story and explains how framing narratives around audience needs, rather than features, creates lasting impact.  Tune in to discover actionable tips for crafting compelling narratives, delivering memorable presentations, and building confidence as a speaker—whether on stage, in internal meetings, or with customers.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

What separates the companies that succeed in digital transformation from the 73% that fail to deliver any business value?  In this episode, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with John Rossman, former Amazon executive, best-selling author, and renowned business advisor, to discuss his latest book, Big Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era.  John shares his expertise on Big Bets—high-stakes initiatives designed to tackle wicked problems and drive disruptive innovation. He explains why most Big Bets fail (hint: it's a lack of clearly defined vectors) and outlines a structured approach for leaders looking to manage risk, navigate uncertainty, and drive transformation successfully.  From his time launching Amazon Marketplace in 2002 to advising the Gates Foundation and T-Mobile, John has seen firsthand what it takes to execute ambitious, high-risk initiatives. He introduces the Big Bet Leadership Framework, which focuses on three pillars: Thinking, Environment, and Management—all of which are essential for making bold moves with confidence.  Tune in for actionable insights on "thinking in memos," testing assumptions with a "Think Big, Bet Small" approach, and mastering the art of being a Chief Repeating Officer to drive alignment across teams.  For free templates and resources, visit www.bigbetleadership.com  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How can organizations move beyond one-off feedback projects and build continuous customer listening programs that drive real change?  In this episode of the Product Chats, host Rebecca Kalogeris is joined by Zach Golden, Director at Anova Consulting Group, and special guest Steve Stano, Executive Director of Marketing at one of Wall Street's leading investment banks. Together, they explore the power of treating win-loss analysis as an ongoing program rather than a one-time project.  Steve and Zach discuss how continuous feedback loops provide deeper insights, improve business decision-making, and enhance customer retention. They provide actionable strategies to improve collaboration across departments and transform customer insights into business decisions that directly boost revenue.   Learn practical ways to keep leadership engaged, overcome challenges, and turn customer data into effective business strategies.   For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How can product managers set themselves up for success in the first 90 days of a new role?  This week we talk with Amy Graham, Pragmatic Institute instructor and product management expert, about best practices for navigating the critical first three months in a new job. Amy shares actionable strategies to build relationships, understand team dynamics, and map out an effective 90-day plan that balances learning with producing results.  From conducting a market knowledge audit to identifying internal influencers, Amy explains how product managers can quickly acclimate to a new organization while avoiding common pitfalls like making assumptions or bringing baggage from past roles. She emphasizes the importance of listening, adaptability, and establishing trust as foundational steps for long-term success.  Tune in to hear Amy's expert advice on how to hit the ground running in your new role and drive meaningful impact from day one.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How do you build trust and alignment with stakeholders to ensure product success?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, we're joined by Bruce McCarthy, renowned product management expert and author, to explore the often-overlooked art of stakeholder management. Drawing insights from his latest book Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders, Bruce emphasizes that product management isn't just about creating roadmaps and specs—it's about fostering collaboration, building trust, and managing expectations across teams.  Bruce introduces key concepts like "sharp skills"—the soft skills critical for stakeholder engagement—and the "stakeholder canvas," a practical tool for mapping stakeholders and understanding their motivations. From co-creating strategies to navigating difficult stakeholder relationships, Bruce offers actionable advice to help product managers elevate their collaboration and communication skills.  Tune in to learn how to manage stakeholders effectively and align teams around shared goals for better product outcomes.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How can AI revolutionize the way businesses operate and innovate?  Kevin Dean, founder and CEO of ManoByte, helps you uncover the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). With over 15 years of experience in AI-driven business transformation, Kevin shares how AI can turn overwhelming data into actionable insights, streamline operations, and improve customer experiences.  Kevin highlights real-world examples, including how Travelocity and HubSpot leveraged AI to drastically reduce customer service tickets and improve satisfaction. He also explains how AI tools can accelerate innovation, as shown by a client who refactored core application code in four months instead of three years.   From selecting the right tools to piloting AI initiatives effectively, Kevin offers practical guidance for integrating AI into your business strategy. Tune in to learn how to navigate the crowded AI landscape and use AI to shape the future of your organization.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How do great product leaders consistently make impactful decisions?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Phil Hornby, seasoned product leader, coach, and technologist, to explore the frameworks behind effective decision-making in product management.   Learn how to prioritize the decisions with the highest leverage, balance intuition, data, and feedback, and empower teams to take meaningful action. Phil emphasizes the importance of bringing stakeholders along in the decision-making process, codifying key decisions into repeatable product principles, and implementing decisions with clarity and context to ensure alignment across teams.  Tune in to learn how to make smarter, faster, and more collaborative product decisions.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

What does it take to create truly differentiated products in a competitive market?  In this episode, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Todd Bracher, founder of BRACHER and a leader in the world of industrial design and strategic innovation. With over 25 years of experience collaborating with iconic brands like 3M, Georg Jensen, and Issey Miyake, Todd introduces the concept of contextual design—a method that goes beyond aesthetics to consider the broader ecosystem of user needs, market dynamics, and organizational goals.  Todd shares insights from his new book, Design in Context: A Framework for Strategic Differentiation, and discusses how design can serve as a bridge between business objectives and end-user needs. From leveraging tools like the Market Efficacy Index to exploring groundbreaking technologies like UVC germicidal light, Todd demonstrates how design, when rooted in context, becomes a powerful driver of innovation and business success.  Tune in to explore the intersection of design, business, and science and learn how contextual design can transform your approach to product management and innovation.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

What does it take to design customer experiences that truly resonate?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Cairo Keenan Marsh, founder and executive partner of Relativ*, to explore the critical role of relationship-driven customer experiences in today's market. Cairo draws from his extensive experience working with major brands across the U.S. and Asia to explain why understanding customer problems is the foundation of creating impactful experiences.  The conversation uncovers the key differences between customer journeys and customer experiences, emphasizing that every interaction shapes a customer's perception of a brand. Cairo highlights the need for businesses to design with both the tangible results customers want and the emotions they experience along the way. From blending data and creativity to navigating cultural differences in global markets, Cairo shares practical advice for companies looking to strengthen relationships and deliver meaningful experiences.  Tune in for actionable insights on measuring the ROI of experience investments, leveraging AI to personalize interactions, and navigating the nuances of B2B and B2C customer engagement.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How do you activate a brand to create authentic connections with your audience?  In this episode, Jim Pietruszynski, CEO of SoulSight, shares the critical process of brand activation—bringing a brand's identity, values, and messaging to life to deeply engage both B2B and B2C audiences. Soulsight is a brand design agency with over 30 years of experience building iconic brands for global leaders like Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, and Pfizer.   The discussion highlights the unique challenges of B2B branding, where more human touchpoints exist within an organization, making brand activation tricky. Jim also touches on the importance of aligning a brand's story with its mission, avoiding shortcuts like influencer reliance, and fostering emotional connections that resonate long-term.  Tune in to discover strategies for communicating your brand, building authentic relationships with your audience, and creating change within even the most risk-averse organizations.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

What's the secret to setting prices that truly reflect the value you deliver?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris reconnects with pricing expert Mark Stiving for an in-depth look at how understanding value can transform pricing strategies. From Uber's segmentation strategies to the “good-better-best” approach, Mark shares real-world examples and actionable advice to help you capture more value through strategic pricing.  Learn about the six key areas where you can identify pricing opportunities, and hear Mark's recommendations on how to overcome the common fears around raising prices.   For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

Wondering how AI fits into the day-to-day work of product managers?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris talks with Dan Corbin, a Pragmatic Institute instructor and expert in AI-driven product management. Dan explores AI's transformative power and shows how PMs can use it as thought partners, problem validators, and data analysts. From market discovery to roadmap prioritization, Dan explains practical ways to leverage AI to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving product landscape.  Learn how AI tools can support you in conducting customer research, validating market problems, optimizing data analysis, and creating a more collaborative development process. Dan shares strategies for using AI to enhance creativity and reduce cognitive load, while emphasizing the importance of retaining the human touch in product management.  Tune in to learn how to integrate AI into your daily work and supercharge your product management skills!  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

What makes some deals a win and others a loss?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Zach Golden, Director at Anova Consulting Group, to explore how win loss analysis can be a game-changer for product managers and business leaders. Zach explains how this powerful tool uncovers customer preferences, competitive dynamics, and product-market fit—helping companies refine their strategies and sharpen their competitive edge.  Learn why qualitative research is essential, how to use storytelling to highlight customer pain points, and how sharing win loss insights across teams can foster collaboration. Zach also offers tips on turning customer feedback into clear, actionable insights that improve both product strategies and customer retention.  Tune in to discover how win loss analysis can help you win more deals and make smarter product decisions.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

Ever wonder how to drive product success when you don't have direct authority over your teams?  In this episode, host Rebecca Kalogeris chats with Leah Zillner, a product manager at Intellum, about the wild ride that is product management. Leah shares her story of transitioning from program management to product, and how Pragmatic Institute's courses helped her navigate the journey. From building market insights through client feedback to using tools like UserPilot, Jira, and BigQuery, Leah has tips that will level up your PM game. She also discusses the internal dynamics of product management, where trust and communication are key (especially when you can't just tell people what to do). Leah talks candidly about learning from mistakes, ditching perfectionism, and building a supportive team culture.  Ready to pick up some insider secrets on how to build relationships, communicate better, and juggle the challenges of product management? This episode has you covered!  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How can you tap into the power of ‘catalysts' to drive innovation and positive change in your organization?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, Shannon Lucas and Tracey Lovejoy, co-founders of Catalyst Constellations, discuss the concept of catalysts—individuals who connect ideas and take bold action to improve their environments. Drawing from their experiences at Microsoft and Vodafone, Tracey and Shannon share how organizations can identify and support these high-potential employees to drive transformation.  They explore the challenges catalysts face, such as burnout and being perceived as disruptive, and offer actionable strategies to align catalysts with organizational goals, manage energy levels, and provide them with the training and frameworks needed to succeed.  Tune in for insights on activating catalysts and harnessing their potential for organizational growth.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How can organizations nurture innovation through structured processes and strong leadership?  Host Rebecca Kalogeris speaks with Dr. Jeff D. Standridge, Managing Director at Conductor and co-founder of Cadron Capital Partners. Dr. Standridge explores the critical relationship between innovation and leadership, emphasizing that innovation is not just about groundbreaking ideas—it's about planned, repeatable processes that drive efficiency, customer satisfaction, and cost reduction.  Learn how to align your teams around a clear definition of innovation and implement strategies like innovation sprints and the lean canvas to quantify risks and gain stakeholder buy-in. Dr. Standridge highlights the importance of defining the problem, understanding its scale, and ensuring that your innovations are real, capable of helping you win, and worth the effort.  Tune in for actionable insights to foster a culture of continuous innovation and make smarter product decisions.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How can teams navigate the chaos of product development and effectively integrate customer feedback?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Christoph Steinlehner, a product management consultant and expert with over 20 years of experience in design and product development. Christoph shares his strategies for turning chaotic meetings into productive discussions, emphasizing the importance of mapping thoughts and ideas to enhance team alignment and clarity.  Discover how to integrate customer feedback into your product development process through Christoph's six-step approach, which includes impact mapping (learn more here), engaging cross-functional teams, and using visual artifacts like service blueprints. Christoph also discusses the pitfalls of traditional presentation styles and advocates for collaborative discussions that prioritize alignment over persuasion.  Tune in for actionable advice on improving your product development process and fostering better team collaboration. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How can brands use storytelling to create authentic and engaging content?  In this captivating episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris speaks with Rachel Hernandez, Director of Brand Strategy at Nextnet Media. Rachel, a seasoned professional in digital content and content marketing, shares her insights on the transformative power of storytelling in creating compelling and customer-centric narratives.  Discover the importance of human connection, the use of the Hero's Journey framework, and the role of cheeky and authentic content in differentiating brands. Rachel discusses the nuances of engaging technical audiences on platforms like Reddit and emphasizes the long-term impact of storytelling on brand trust and authority.  Tune in for a deep dive into the art and science of content marketing with one of the industry's thought leaders. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How can senior leadership teams overcome hurdles and improve collaboration?  In this enlightening episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with James Scouller, a distinguished leadership coach, author, and former CEO with over 47 years of experience. James shares his deep insights into building and leading winning teams, drawing from his extensive experience and recent literary success with his trilogy, "How to Build Winning Teams Again and Again."  Explore the psychological dynamics of team commitment, the importance of clear roles and goals, and the need for effective decision-making processes. James discusses how senior leaders can address challenges such as trust, open communication, and conflict resolution to foster a cohesive and high-performing team.  Tune in to gain practical advice on improving collaboration and driving success within your organization. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How can experiential marketing drive purchases and foster personal connections in B2B marketing?  Join us for an engaging episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, where host Rebecca Kalogeris interviews Sheila Rondeau, CEO of MogXP. With a rich background in marketing and experiential marketing, Sheila shares her insights on the importance of measurement, the impact of COVID-19 on in-person events, and innovative digital engagement strategies.  Discover the necessity of driving purchases through experiential marketing, the value of a personal approach in B2B marketing, and how to integrate effective engagement strategies into your campaigns. Sheila's journey, from rebuilding Anheuser-Busch's beer school program to leading MogXP, offers a wealth of practical advice and industry lessons.  Tune in for actionable insights to enhance your marketing efforts with experiential strategies. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How can AI be responsibly integrated into product development to meet ethical standards and human needs?  Join us for an insightful episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, where host Rebecca Kalogeris interviews Cal Al-Dhubaib, a leading data scientist and entrepreneur specializing in responsible AI.  Discover the challenges and solutions in leveraging AI to enhance product value while ensuring ethical practices. Cal shares his journey, the importance of identifying the right AI problems, the necessity of human oversight, and the potential of generative AI in creating user-centric products.  Tune in for actionable insights to responsibly incorporate AI into your products and workflows.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts    Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

What makes a product manager truly successful?  Join us as we explore the key traits of successful product managers with Paul Young, a seasoned expert and former Vice President of Product Management at Pragmatic Institute.  Discover how understanding market problems, fostering emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking can drive transformation within your organization. Paul also highlights the importance of curiosity and thoughtful communication in leading successful product teams.  Tune in for actionable insights and strategies to elevate your product management skills.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts    Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How can product managers blend pricing strategy, market segmentation, and portfolio? Mark Stiving, Pragmatic Institute Instructor and pricing expert, offers practical advice to help product professionals elevate their pricing strategies and deliver value for customers. In this interview, Mark shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspective on how companies can leverage pricing as a powerful tool for business growth. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts #ProductManagement #ProductPricing Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com

“When you truly grasp the impact of your words, actions, and behavior, that awareness fundamentally transforms your approach to everything.”– Dr. Jonathan Baktari, Healthcare CEO, Entrepreneur, Speaker In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chats series, host Rebecca Kalogeris engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Jonathan Baktari, a seasoned physician, entrepreneur, and leader with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Baktari owns and operates several businesses, including multiple health clinics and a software service used in over 20,000 locations. As a business leader, he relies on technology, data, and his trusted team to reach more people than ever before. He shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspective on the intersection of leadership, technology, and employee development. Join us for an engaging conversation that blends healthcare, technology, and leadership, offering practical advice for product managers, marketers, and leaders looking to elevate their teams and organizations. Key Takeaways: 1. The Leadership Dilemma: Dr. Baktari delves into the Peter Principle, which suggests that individuals are promoted based on their current role competence rather than their potential in higher roles. This often leads to leaders who excelled in previous positions but struggle with leadership duties. Great CEOs can make the critical distinction between someone who is proficient at a job and those that would make an effective leader. 2. Micro Mentoring: Dr. Baktari introduces the concept of "micro mentoring" as a superior alternative to micromanaging. By instilling the organization's philosophy and goals in employees, leaders can empower their teams to make independent decisions that align with the company's vision. This approach fosters a sense of autonomy and encourages proactive problem-solving. 3. Invest in Company Culture: The importance of investing in employee growth and fostering a supportive culture is often underestimated. Dr.Baktari emphasizes creating an environment that encourages continuous improvement and development. By prioritizing employee development, companies can build a robust and motivated workforce dedicated to achieving long-term success. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Dr. Jonathan Baktari is a distinguished physician with over two decades of experience in clinical practice, medical administration, and entrepreneurship. He has served as clinical faculty for several prestigious medical schools and has transitioned successfully into leading technology companies. Dr. Baktari is also the host of the Baktari MD podcast, where he shares his expertise on leadership, technology, and healthcare. Listeners can follow Dr. Jonathan Baktari's insights and content on his podcast, Baktari MD, available on YouTube, Spotify, and other major platforms. Additional resources, including links to his podcasts and national interviews, can be found on his website, https://jonathanbaktarimd.com ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue. Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide. If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule.Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here. #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute

“If you're potential customers aren't aware that they have a problem and you have a solution, your sales cycle is so much longer and so much more painful." Amanda Northcutt, CEO of Level Up Creators Join us for an insightful conversation with Amanda Northcutt, CEO of Level Up Creators, as she dives deep into the world of recurring revenue and subscription-based businesses. Amanda shares her expert knowledge on optimizing customer journeys, reducing churn rates, and leveraging revenue opportunities to ensure sustained business growth.   Key Takeaways: Understand and Optimize the Customer Journey: Amanda emphasizes the importance of mapping out and understanding the entire customer journey to enhance retention and improve the overall experience. Data-Driven Decision Making: Tracking customer behavior and using qualitative and quantitative data to inform decisions is crucial for refining products and services. Consistent Value Addition: Continuously providing value through new features, unique content, and improved offerings keeps customers engaged and reduces churn. Proactive Churn Management: Identifying and addressing the reasons behind customer churn proactively helps maintain a stable and satisfied customer base. Effective Revenue Operations: Implementing robust revenue operations practices ensures optimal management and maximization of various revenue streams. Bonus Discussion: Amanda also delves into the benefits of competition in the market, monetizing personal brands, and why you should be including a category for premium customer experiences.   About Our Guest Amanda Northcutt is a seasoned expert in the subscription business model and recurring revenue strategies. As the CEO of Level Up Creators, she leverages her deep understanding of customer journeys and retention behaviors to help digital thought leaders optimize their businesses. Amanda's insights on pricing strategies, packaging techniques, and marketing tactics are invaluable for anyone looking to succeed in the subscription economy. You can find more of her resources on LinkedIn or through her websites, https://welevelupcreators.com and levelupcreatorschool.com.   About Pragmatic Institute Since 1993, Pragmatic Institute has provided training and professional development for product design and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.   Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet.   We offer individual course training in product design and data and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.   If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at Pragmatic Institute. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.   #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute  

“There are certain things that product managers sometimes unintentionally do, or things they don't realize they do, that have really negative cascading impacts for engineers." Dan Corbin, Product Management Leader and Instructor at Pragmatic Institute In this episode, we dive deep into the dynamics between product managers and engineering teams with Dan Corbin, an experienced product management professional and instructor at Pragmatic Institute.   Dan shares his recent findings on the behaviors and practices that can either foster collaboration or create friction between these crucial roles.   With extensive experience leading product teams across various industries, Dan provides invaluable insights into building a harmonious and productive team environment.   Key Takeaways: Misconceptions About Engineer Satisfaction: Simple gestures like bringing donuts aren't enough; effective collaboration requires more nuanced approaches. Common PM Pitfalls: PMs often make unintentional mistakes, such as failing to validate customer needs, allowing scope creep, and not prioritizing effectively. Implementing Effective Changes: Dan emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, continuous learning, and aligning closely with engineering teams. Maintaining Clear Boundaries: PMs should focus on the "what" and "why," while engineers handle the "how" and "when," ensuring each team can work optimally within their expertise.   About Our Guest Dan Corbin is a seasoned product management leader dedicated to improving product strategy and operations for companies across diverse sectors. With a rich background in software development, Dan has a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and product side of the business.   Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong passion for his work and a dedication to helping others in the product management field. He is particularly interested in the dynamics between product and engineering teams and is committed to fostering effective communication and alignment within these roles. Dan's approach to product management emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, gratitude, and continual learning.   Dan is also the founder of The Product League and a regular speaker for Agile Austin, initiatives that further his mission of fostering effective product management practices. Always ready for a conversation, Dan Corbin is a regular guest on podcasts and a valuable contributor to discussions on product management best practices. About Pragmatic Institute Since 1993, Pragmatic Institute has provided training and professional development for product design and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.   Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet.   We offer individual course training in product design and data and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.   If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at Pragmatic Institute. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here. #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute  

“Consumers are our most valuable treasure trove of information, along with online reviews and some other data sets.” -Tim Trapp, Director of Quality Engineering at Mattel, Inc. In this episode, Tim shares all about product quality, specifically what can be learned from Mattel regarding the implementation of key product quality measures. Discussion topics include understanding customer feedback, the balance between cost, schedule, and quality, and the importance of monitoring both customer feedback and competitor performance. Don't miss your chance to gain insights from one of the most recognized names in the industry. Key Takeaways: 1. User Testing for Competitive Advantage: Testing products with real users to identify potential issues and improve design is a significant strategy at Mattel. This includes formative testing, which is done early and often to shape the design of products. 2. Active Post Market Surveillance: Once the products are in the market, the quality team looks at post-market surveillance to understand how the products are performing in real life, which can inform future design and manufacturing decisions. 3. Corrective Actions and Continuous Improvement: A well-defined process for corrective actions ensures that any issues are addressed promptly and do not become repeat mistakes. This involves constant checking of products in the market and making necessary improvements. 4. Quality as Everyone's Responsibility: Tim emphasizes that quality is not just the quality department's problem but everyone's responsibility in the company. Striving for the best consumer experience should be a part of everything a company does. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Tim Trapp is a seasoned product executive with extensive experience in managing product quality across a diverse range of products. He has worked with and led multidisciplinary and multinational cross-functional teams, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex global landscapes. His expertise lies in being able to ensure the highest standards of product quality, compliance, and safety. At Mattel, Tim has been instrumental in driving quality initiatives that have significantly enhanced product performance and customer satisfaction. His approach to quality is holistic, encompassing everything from initial design and user testing to post-market surveillance and continuous improvement. His insights have helped shape Mattel's product portfolio and maintain its reputation for excellence. ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide. If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at pragmaticinstitute.com/product. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here. #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute

✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA

✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA

 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA  Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/  Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here “It's all about setting up the right expectations with the company or the early user. So, it's not just giving it to them. It's about being clear about what you expect in return early in the process.” -      Neil Baron, B2B Product Management Consultant, Founder of Baron Strategic Partners Join us for a critical discussion with Neil Baron and Rod Griffith, following their recent article in the Harvard Business Review (read it here) on extracting the full value of early user programs. This episode unpacks the nuances of designing early user programs that go beyond mere functionality checks to validate problem-solving, target accuracy, and accelerate market readiness. The conversation delves into the importance of having a dedicated program owner (not a dictator) and the necessity of involving cross-functional teams to capture diverse perspectives. Neil and Rod outline a five-step process for a successful program, from hypothesis definition and participant selection to setting clear expectations and leveraging feedback for product and go-to-market enhancements. Highlighting the tangible outcomes of well-executed early user programs, Neil and Rod share how these strategies have led to fast revenue times, increased sales confidence, and enhanced media coverage. Key Takeaways: 1. Importance of Early User Programs: The discussion highlights the significance of early user programs in understanding market problems that a product can solve. It emphasizes that these programs should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a holistic approach to product development and market understanding. 2. Cross-Functional Collaboration: For an effective early user program, there needs to be cross-functional input and it should be considered as a critical step in the process. This requires buy-in from senior management and proper incentivization across the organization. 3. Value Proposition and Feedback: Early user programs are not only about the product, but also about understanding the customer experience, the messaging, and the value proposition. It's vital to set up a give-and-get relationship with early users, ensuring they understand the benefits they will get, and the company gets valuable feedback and data. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Neil Barron is the founder of Baron Strategic Partners, a consulting firm that helps B2B companies accelerate growth. He is also involved in running two forums for product executives, the Product Leadership Council in conjunction with Pragmatic, and the Boston Product Executive Forum, which is run in conjunction with the Boston Product Management Association. With a wealth of experience in product leadership and management, Neil is passionate about helping companies create effective strategies for success. Rod Griffith is the Chief Client Officer and Co-Founder of MarketReach, inc., a B2B marketing services company that designs and manages marketing programs, campaigns, and sales tools for a variety of technology companies. With a background in computer industry segment management and product management, Rod uses his experience to help companies translate their strategies into practical and successful market-facing activities. He is deeply involved in sharing his insights and learnings through various forums, including the Product Leadership Council and collaborations with Pragmatic. ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue. Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here. #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute

 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA  Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/  Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here “The first thing I would recommend everyone to do who has an interest in the AI space, and I think lots of people have an interest in this space, is you should be using generative AI tools in your life every day as much as you can, and really remind yourself how much of a difference it can make.” -      Isaac Lien, Co-Founder and Chief Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Officer at Grandpad In this enlightening episode, we dive deep with Isaac Lien, Co-founder and Chief AI and Innovation Officer at GrandPad, exploring the company's strategic incorporation of generative AI to enhance their offerings for the senior market. Lien shares the journey of testing and integrating AI technologies within their product, GrandPad, highlighting how a user-directed approach has fundamentally shaped both the development and marketing strategies. Isaac Lien, Co-founder of Grandpad, initially developed a math flashcards app for iPhone inspired by Steve Jobs. Motivated by communication challenges with his grandparents, he created Grandpad, facilitating video calls for the elderly. Recognizing the power of technology to improve lives, Grandpad later introduced "Grandie," which use AI to help seniors engage in seamless conversations, find inspiration, and discover new interests in an intuitive and user-friendly manner. The team focuses on effective communication and user engagement, incorporating popular games and news topics into Grandpad's offerings. Looking ahead, Isaac anticipates evolving generative AI technologies, and emphasizes the importance of user feedback to guide feature enhancements. By staying informed and exploring new tools, it's possible to capitalize on industry advancements. Key Takeaways: 1. User Feedback is King: User feedback plays a critical role in Grandpad's product development. They have a group of users who actively advise them on what to build, ensuring that the product continuously evolves to meet the needs of their customers. 2. Market Solutions, Not Features: Marketing for Grandpad's AI-powered features is centered around Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" approach. They focus on explaining why the product is important and beneficial for their users, before diving into the technical details of how it works. The solution is what users really care about. 3. Know Your Audience Intimately: Grandpad emphasized the importance of deeply understanding their target audience and creating a product that specifically caters to their needs. In their case, they focused on older adults and designed a user-friendly product that addresses their unique challenges with technology. ABOUT OUR GUEST: As the Co-Founder and Chief Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Officer at Grandpad, Isaac Lien brings a deep understanding of technology and a passion for making it accessible to older adults. With a background in computer science, he has been instrumental in the development of Grandpad's user-friendly tablet solutions designed specifically for the unique needs of this demographic. Isaac's expertise in artificial intelligence and his dedication to incorporating user feedback have been key drivers in Grandpad's success. He has consistently leveraged advanced technologies, such as generative AI, to enhance the user experience and provide personalized, human-like interactions. Through his leadership, Grandpad has become a pioneer in utilizing AI to create more intuitive and engaging experiences for its users. At the core of Isaac's work is a commitment to making technology accessible and inclusive for all users, particularly older adults. He has dedicated his career to developing solutions that empower and enrich the lives of users, ensuring they can seamlessly connect with their loved ones, access information, and enjoy a wide range of digital experiences. You can learn more about Grandie at Grandie.AI and more about Grandpad at Grandpad.net. ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue. Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide. If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here. #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute

“There are so many factors that really affect conversion that start before a customer even begins to think about purchasing from a brand. Every element of a brand's website tells the consumer something about what you do and impacts if the consumer buys from you.” Jon MacDonald, founder of The Good and author of Behind the Click In this episode of Product Chats, Jon MacDonald, founder of The Good and author of "Behind the Click," shares invaluable insights into the intersection of psychological principles and digital optimization.   With a rich history of improving online brand experiences for giants like Adobe and Nike, MacDonald emphasizes the significance of understanding user psychology in design and product development. He argues for the removal of negative experiences from the internet (which keeps him busy), advocating for a holistic approach to customer experience that begins well before purchase.   Through a mix of qualitative research and quantitative data analysis, including heat maps and eye tracking, MacDonald reveals how design heuristics, when grounded in psychological understanding, can significantly improve site usability, onboarding, and retention.   The episode not only unpacks the tension between design and product teams but also offers strategies for alignment and empathy towards user goals and challenges. Key Takeaways:   Common Problems Between Product and Design: Tensions between designers and product teams often arise from unclear roles and a lack of understanding about each other's decisions, making teamwork difficult. To improve this, align both teams on user and customer goals to improve collaboration. Additionally, bringing in a third party for an unbiased view can help solve misunderstandings and bring teams closer.   Psychological Principles Behind Consumer Decisions: The discussion highlights how psychological concepts, like "heuristics," impact how consumers make quick decisions online. Jon stresses the importance of first impressions in digital spaces, noting that a bad initial experience can harm a brand's image long-term. Additionally, he mentions that consumers favor straightforward and concise information, suggesting the use of bullet points for clarity. Understanding these principles is crucial for creating intuitive and appealing digital experiences for users.   How to Improve User Experience: Jon outlines steps to improve user experience, focusing on consumer research. He suggests monitoring user interactions on websites, conducting tests, and direct conversations to grasp consumer choices. He introduces the "coffee shop test," where a random person's feedback on an app or website is sought for intuitive understanding. Jon emphasizes ongoing optimization and regular engagement with users for external insights. The aim is to streamline the decision-making process for consumers by removing hurdles. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jon MacDonald is the founder of The Good, a leading digital experience optimization firm known for achieving excellent results for some of the largest online brands, including Adobe, Nike, Xerox, and The Economist.   His expertise lies in understanding consumer behaviors and preferences and leveraging this understanding to optimize digital experiences. Apart from being a seasoned entrepreneur, Jon is also an accomplished author, with three books on optimization under his belt. His latest book, "Behind the Click", provides further insights into his approach to digital experience optimization.   Listeners can get free access to the first chapter of his book here.   ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.   Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.   If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/.   Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.

“Community-driven product development is not just about getting feedback, but about integrating community members and customers into the product development cycle itself.” Jake McKee, Community Driven Product Management Leader In this episode of Product Chats, we welcome Jake McKee, pioneer in community-driven product innovation. Jake delves into the transformative approach of weaving community insights into the product development fabric, aiming for products that resonate deeply with users.He outlines a strategy for seamlessly integrating community members into the development journey. At the heart of this integration is transparency around objectives, coupled with the strategic selection of community contributors based on their expertise and engagement levels. Timing, Jake emphasizes, is crucial in bringing these voices into the fold.   Jake's guidance for companies includes a careful examination of their product development cycles to identify opportunities for community inclusion. He champions the shift towards relationship-building activities, advocating for a move away from transactional interactions to foster deeper connections with the community. This, he argues, necessitates a reevaluation of risk-averse mindsets, encouraging organizations to balance the potential risks with the significant rewards of community involvement.   Jake advocates for a deliberate approach to community engagement in product development, pinpointing ideation and testing as key phases for involvement. Highlighting the importance of seeing these engagements as opportunities to build relationships, he suggests that companies stand to gain immensely by integrating community perspectives, thereby enriching the product development process.   KEY INSIGHTS 1.  Community Integration in Product Development: Jake shares his blueprint for weaving community and customer insights into the product development cycle. Whether on-site visits or individual interviews, the goal is to embrace the community's viewpoint and ensure their feedback significantly influences the project. Jake underscores the necessity of structured engagement throughout the project's lifespan.   2.  Clear Outcomes and Communication: Jake advises on the importance of clear communication with community members regarding the impact of their involvement. Viewing interactions as relational rather than transactional enriches the development process, fostering a collaborative atmosphere akin to internal brainstorming sessions.   3.  Feedback Management and Engagement Activities: Jake points out the crucial role of efficient feedback management and engagement strategies. Activities should balance functional and emotional aspects to maintain community engagement and a positive rapport. From formal presentations to casual team-building events, the aim is to manage feedback without overwhelming the product team, providing structured feedback channels.   4.  Initiating Integration and Overcoming Risk-averse Thinking: Jake motivates listeners to evaluate their product development processes for community integration opportunities. Starting with a small, familiar group or community leaders can pave the way for meaningful engagement. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jake McKee's background in web development and product design influenced his approach to community-driven product development. It gave him a thorough understanding of the product development process and the factors that can sway the course of a project, including team bias, personal interest, and internal requirements.It also opened his eyes to the power of communities and the potential they hold for product development.   With an impressive career in the community space, he has built communities for renowned brands such as Apple, Lego, and South by Southwest. McKee has spent a significant portion of his career building out community-driven product development and currently runs a consulting practice that works with these methodologies.   His deep understanding of community engagement and product development has led to the creation of his unique approach to integrating community members into the product development process.For more information on Jake McKee and his work, listeners can visit https://jakemckee.com.   ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.   Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.   If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.

“If product managers are supposed to put a product on the shelf, product marketing is supposed to take it off the shelf.” Anubhav Rao, Product Marketing at AWS In this episode of Product Chats, we are joined by Anubhav Rao, Product Marketer at Amazon Web Services (AWS) for a discussion on the implications of AI in product marketing. Anubhav highlights how AI can lower the technical barrier for building products, leading to a cluttered market with numerous solutions. Differentiation and reaching the right audience become crucial for success.   Anubhav believes product marketing will play a key role in helping companies differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Product marketers can use AI to automate operational tasks related to customer insights, feedback collection, go-to-market strategies, and personalization at scale in closed communities.   The conversation explores transparency and authenticity when using AI tools, stressing the importance of maintaining a human touch despite leveraging automation. Rao explores using competitor analysis using AI to understand successful strategies and audience needs for product development. Utilizing advanced analytics powered by AI streamlines reporting and data analysis, allowing product marketers to focus on creativity and differentiation.   Tune in to uncover innovative strategies that blend AI's efficiency with the human insight essential for standout product marketing. Key Takeaways: 1. Leveraging Product Marketing to Stand Out: Rao discusses the potential of AI to simplify product creation and scaling, emphasizing the need for product marketing to differentiate products in an increasingly crowded market. Product marketers can succeed by focusing on niche verticals, unique value propositions, and building strong emotional connections with customers.   2. Chatbots Gone Wrong: Rao explores how AI can enhance personalization in marketing, highlighting the potential of AI in expanding distribution channels and delivering targeted content. He illustrates the power of AI in revolutionizing customer interactions, but how it can also go wrong (see Air Canada's chatbot fiasco).   3. The Trust Matrix: The conversation steers towards the ethical considerations of using AI, stressing the importance of maintaining authenticity and trust in a world of automated interactions. Despite technological advancements, the basics of understanding your product and audience remain crucial in effective product marketing.   ABOUT OUR GUEST: Anubhav Rao is a product marketing expert at Amazon, with a background in computer science and a passion for storytelling. Rao's unique career trajectory took him from filmmaking to marketing in India's burgeoning content media space, before moving to Los Angeles for his MBA.   His diverse experiences have shaped his approach to product marketing, with a strong focus on differentiation, distribution, and leveraging technology for growth.   Anubhav's blend of technical knowledge, creative thinking, and business acumen allows him to understand and communicate the value proposition of complex products effectively.   ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.   If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule.   Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.

"Just start! People are going to hate your product at the start, but you will learn, and you will get better. Failure is a way of learning." - Sean Gigremosa, Product Leader and CEO of Claritiv In this episode of Product Chats, we are joined by Sean Gigremosa, a product leader, agile expert, innovation enthusiast, self-described product management ninja and CEO and founder of Claritiv. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in product management, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the role of AI in extracting valuable insights from conversations. Key Takeaways: Talking Points: The conversation emphasizes the crucial role that dialogue plays in acquiring knowledge and generating insights. Sean underscores that 70% of knowledge is learned through conversation. However, notes from a conversation are like a game of telephone where each summary incorporates layers of potential bias. This is an issue because the actual problem could get lost. That's why he started Claritiv – an AI powered tool that listens and analyzes conversations across clients, prospects, and departments, allowing you to both pull analysis on specific topics, and find out what emerging topics are important. Bias in Disguise: Sean shares the importance of removing personal bias in interpreting customer conversations, arguing that AI can provide a more objective analysis of these interactions. AI is only as good as the data being used to train, so believability and accuracy need to be regularly and continually reviewed. Just like children, AI can take on our biases. Digital Twins, Not Identical: Digital twins are extremely valuable for product managers due to their capacity for detailed simulation and scenario testing. A digital twin is a virtual model that replicates a physical product or system. It can be used to run simulations to predict how a product or system might behave under different conditions. Digital twins can also be used to model and understand user behavior, helping product managers to better design products that meet user needs. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Sean Gigremosa is a product leader with expertise in agile methodologies and a passion for innovation. His journey from product manager to CEO provides him with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities in the field. Known for his ninja-like approach to product management, Sean is the CEO and founder of Claritiv, a company that strives to extract valuable insights from conversations using AI. Discover more about Sean's work and Claritiv at Claritiv.ai for a free trial and experience how AI-powered tools can prioritize product insights from customer conversations. ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue. Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide. If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.

"Product operations is all about removing obstacles and helping product people accomplish everything that we teach in our product management classes – being data-driven, making sure that you're letting the market guide your decisions, and that you're following best practices." -      Dan Corbin, Proven Agile and Product Management leader In this episode of Product Chats, we have seasoned product professional Dan Corbin joining the podcast. Dan has worked at all levels of product management, from individual product management to product leadership roles in start-ups and Fortune 500 companies. His past roles allow him to provide first-hand knowledge about the implementation and benefits of product operations, as well as the challenges businesses might face when introducing this function. Dan is passionate about mentoring the next generation of product leaders, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in an ever-changing market landscape. His dedication to excellence and innovation makes him a true pioneer, continuously pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the product management sphere. Key Takeaways: Understanding Product Ops: The episode begins by clarifying what product operations is, how it differs from DevOps and Design Ops. While all three roles share the aim of improving efficiency and effectiveness within their respective domains, they each have a unique focus: product operations on the product management process, DevOps on the software development and delivery process, and Design Ops on the design process. AI Has Entered the Chat: AI aids product managers in consolidating and analyzing data from various sources. AI can process information from different platforms like Zendesk tickets, App Store reviews, or interview data from tools like Dovetail, and surface up key insights. This ability helps product managers to have a comprehensive understanding of their product's performance, customer feedback, market trends, and more, leading to more informed decision-making. The Three Pillars of Product Ops: The conversation outlines the three foundational pillars of Product Ops: Business and Data Insights, Customer and Market Insights, and Processes and Procedures. These areas work together to make operations smoother, improve data analysis, and facilitate better strategic planning. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Dan Corbin is a product management and marketing veteran, bringing over two decades of frontline experience and thought leadership to the industry. With a career spanning across innovative startups to Fortune 500 companies, Dan has become synonymous with turning visionary ideas into market-leading products. Dan's expertise is not confined to the classroom; he is a seasoned speaker, known for his compelling talks at major conferences and seminars where he shares his insights on product strategy, development, and go-to-market tactics. His contributions to the field are widely recognized, making him a sought-after consultant for organizations striving to achieve competitive differentiation and customer-centric solutions. He is also an instructor at Pragmatic Institute, where he has been instrumental in shaping the futures of product professionals through his engaging teaching methodologies and deep understanding of market needs. ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue. Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide. If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.

“Are we better than the competition, equal to the competition, or not as good as the competition? Do we know? Sales teams can help us answer these questions.” Steve Gielda, President and co-founder of Ignite Selling In this episode of Product Chats, we are joined by Steve Gielda, President and co-founder of Ignite Selling, a global sales training, simulation and consulting organization dedicated to helping customers build world class sales teams.   Steve opens the discussion by addressing the inherent tension between product marketing and sales groups, emphasizing their critical interdependence despite contrasting personalities. He highlights a staggering insight: the vast majority of new products fail to meet their first-year revenue targets, often due to misguided assumptions (detailed in the Whitepaper “5 Assumptions that Cause New Products to Fail”).   Steve identifies three common assumptions that lead to these failures: sales teams knowing which accounts to target, identifying the correct contacts within these organizations, and understanding the unique value of the product to these buyers. He argues that it's the responsibility of product teams to equip sales with the knowledge and tools to overcome these challenges, thereby not just shortening time to market but ensuring a quicker path to significant market share.   For targeting the right accounts, Steve suggests providing sales teams with both quantitative and qualitative criteria to identify the most promising leads. He stresses understanding the value of unique product capabilities and how that varies depending on the audience. To address this, he recommends interactive learning map sessions that involve both sales and marketing teams. These sessions explore the implications of not having the product, the consequences thereof, and how the product's unique capabilities offer solutions. Key Takeaways:   1. Understand Your Sales Team's Needs: Both product managers and marketers need to comprehend that their sales team requires more than just product information. They need to know how to target the right accounts, engage the right individuals within those accounts, and articulate the unique value the product offers to each stakeholder.   2. Value Communication Is Crucial: Value is positional based on the individual to whom it's being communicated. Product teams need to train sales teams on how to translate product features into unique, stakeholder-specific value propositions. This will ignite their selling abilities.   3. Perform a Product Launch Review: It's important to review the first 90 days post-product launch. This review should assess whether sales representatives have been able to engage targeted accounts, and if they can articulate the unique selling propositions of the product. This will help the product team to understand if they're arming the sales team effectively.   4. Organize Collateral Intelligently: Product marketers often provide sales teams with a lot of collateral. However, they need to guide sales teams on when and how to use each piece of collateral at different stages of the sales process. This guidance can increase the effectiveness of the sales team and ensure that the collateral is utilized optimally. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Steve Gielda is the president and co-founder of Ignite Selling, a global sales training, simulation, and consulting organization dedicated to helping customers build world-class sales teams.   With his extensive background in value-based selling, Steve brings a wealth of expertise to the field of sales and customer support, with a focus on accelerating revenue growth. He is passionate about helping organizations find new ways to boost sales.   Steve, along with his business partner Kevin Jones, recently released his latest book, "Ignite Your Sales Strategy," a comprehensive guide aimed at helping sales teams think and act more strategically, quantify, and unlock the true value of the solutions they deliver. His insights and innovative approaches make him a valuable contributor to sales strategy conversations.   ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.   Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.   If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.   #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute

“If you become the truth teller, the honest broker, the person that's going to come in, and if anybody says, ‘what does the market think?' and you've got the right answer to it – that's a quick trip to being invited to all the C-suite meetings.” Brady Jensen, founder of Aggregate Insights   In this episode of Product Chats, we are joined by Brady Jensen, a versatile professional who's navigated the worlds of tech sales, product marketing, and entrepreneurship. His career journey unveiled a glaring issue: a trust deficit between sales and marketing teams, stemming from a misalignment with external market realities. In response, Brady founded Aggregate Insights in 2018 with a mission to empower companies to validate assumptions through primary source research, harmonizing sales and marketing for business success.   Brady Jensen has seen too many product marketers rely on internal deliberations to differentiate their products, which can erode trust between sales and product marketing teams. According to Brady, the key to success is to "show our receipts"—to demonstrate through market conversations, not just customer feedback, how messaging has been tested and validated.   Brady argues that sales enablement is only as strong as its foundation of credibility, which is built on robust market insights. He cautions against relying solely on feedback from existing or best customers for market intelligence, as their perspectives may not represent the broader market's needs. Instead, engaging directly with the market through first-party research is crucial. This approach involves conducting interviews to validate and discover product differentiations, which are essential for developing effective messaging.   One of the most challenging aspects of this process is recruitment for market interviews, which should be approached with the persistence of a sales strategy. He also emphasizes the value of learning from recent win/loss analyses by engaging customer success and implementation teams. Key Takeaways:   1. Develop Deep Market Understanding: Brady emphasizes the importance of a deep understanding of the market. He suggests that this understanding should be built through direct conversations with buyers, rather than relying solely on known data or AI summarizations. These conversations can provide unique, and sometimes counterintuitive, insights that can significantly improve product development and sales strategies.   2. Build Credibility Between Sales and Product: Credibility is a critical factor in the relationship between sales and product marketing teams. One way to build this credibility is to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the market and the buyer. Product marketing and sales teams should come together to discuss effective buyer conversations and bring data-driven insights to the table.   3. Test and Adjust as Necessary: Brady advises that insights gathered from the market should be tested and strategies should be adjusted based on feedback. This feedback loop should be formalized and should be a continuous process that allows for the development of more effective sales strategies and better-aligned product marketing.   4. Bridge the Trust Gap: This discussion underscores the need to bridge trust between sales and product marketing teams. Brady believes that this can be achieved by ensuring that the product marketing team understands the market realities and has the ability to effectively communicate these realities to the sales team. A shared understanding of market realities can lead to better collaboration between the two teams and ultimately, improved sales performance. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Brady Jensen is a seasoned product marketing professional with a diverse background in tech sales, product marketing, and entrepreneurship. His vast experience has allowed him to understand both sides of the sales and product marketing aisle deeply. His career journey led him to identify a glaring issue that he later dedicated his career to solving.   After being named Inside Sales Rep of the Year at Jive Software, demonstrating his aptitude in sales, he founded Aggregate Insights in 2018 with a focus on addressing the problem he had identified — bridging the gap between sales and product marketing.   Brady is passionate about understanding the market and conducting effective buyer conversations. His approach involves gathering unique and non-obvious insights directly from the market to fuel product development and sales strategies. He believes in testing these insights and adjusting strategies based on feedback.   Find more and follow him at aggregateinsights.com or download free win/loss handbooks at: https://aggregateinsights.com/podcast/   ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.   Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.   If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.   #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute    

“If you're a product manager or product marketer, and you hear your leaders say ‘I want some real innovation this year. I want to see some new thinking.' We hear that a lot, and they mean it. We all mean it. But what do you do about it? And that's where having an innovation framework comes in." Diane Pierson, author of How to Innovate on Purpose  In this episode of Product Chats, we are joined by marketing strategist Diane Pierson. Diane views innovation as a complex but critical aspect of an organization's strategy. She believes that understanding and defining innovation is crucial, as it often means different things to different people.   According to Diane, innovation begins with the market and market needs. She emphasizes that innovation must be something that the market is willing to pay for and something they can understand and adopt. However, the definition of innovation will depend on your organization's leadership and their specific vision or goals.   In this discussion, Diane outlines four phases of innovation: reactive, responsive, inventive, and disruptive. Each phase represents different approaches and levels of innovation, and she notes that organizations can exist anywhere on this spectrum. As you progress down the levels, risk, reward, investments and timelines increase. Key Takeaways:   Understand and Define Innovation: It is vital to have a clear definition and understanding of what innovation means within the context of your organization. This understanding can range from improvements to existing products to creating entirely new solutions for problems that haven't been addressed yet.   The Innovation Spectrum: The innovation spectrum spans from reactive to responsive, inventive, and disruptive innovation. Understanding where your organization stands on this spectrum can guide strategic decisions and help align your team with the organization's vision.   The Role of a Market Strategist: The Market Strategist is a strategic generalist that is positioned above the roles of a product manager and product marketing manager within an organization. They gather all the information, works with product management and marketing to mine the necessary data, and ensures that all necessary pieces are in place.   Prioritize Market Research: Diane urges organizations to match their market research efforts with their position on the innovation spectrum. If the focus is on nurturing existing customers, for instance, the research should be focused on users. If the goal is finding disruptive innovation or growing into new markets, the research should be geared more toward the vision. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Diane Pierson is a Marketing Strategist, Founder of Innovate on Purpose, and an instructor at Pragmatic Institute. With a rich background as a product executive, Diane's work revolves around product management and product marketing.   She recently authored the book "How to Innovate on Purpose," aiming to provide a structured framework for organizations to understand and align around innovation.   Listeners can send an email to info@innovateonpurpose.com that says, “I want tools” and Diane will send them the top five most popular tools from the book.   ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.   Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.   If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule.Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.   #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute

 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA  Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/  Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here "In Marketing, our job is to keep our ear very close to the ground, understand the process, listen to the buyers, listen to the customer, and always be thinking about what drives the customer." -Mark Donnigan, Startup Marketing Consultant In this episode of Product Chats, we are joined by marketing superhero Mark Donnigan. With a focus on growth-stage marketing, Mark has carved a niche in the tech industry as a consultant who helps B2B companies, particularly startups and those in the growth phase, to craft and execute successful go-to-market strategies. His approach is deeply rooted in the belief that marketing is an integral component of business strategy, inseparable from product development and sales. Key Takeaways: Consistently Listen and Engage with Customers: The significance of staying attuned to the customers' needs and the market dynamics cannot be overstated. Engaging with customers regularly and genuinely understanding their business can unveil invaluable insights for product development and marketing. Guide Your Buyers to Purchase: There is a five-step framework that guides B2B purchases. This process includes identifying problems, exploring solutions, building requirements, selecting vendors, and undergoing a validation process. Mark advocates for creating valuable, educational content tailored to each step of the customer's buying journey. This approach is vital for engaging potential buyers early and establishing your brand as a trusted advisor. Leverage an Iterative Marketing Approach: Embrace a highly iterative marketing framework that focuses on executing in small chunks, measuring results, and refining strategies based on market feedback. This process ensures that marketing efforts are aligned with customer needs and market trends. Understanding the Buying Process is Vital: Recognize the critical milestones in the customer's buying journey and ensure that your marketing materials and strategies support and facilitate this process, helping to guide the customer from problem identification to solution validation. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mark Donnigan is a Virtual CMO and GTM consultant that designs and executes go-to-market and marketing programs that produce real business results for technology startup companies. Dive deeper into Mark's insights and strategies by checking out his Minibook, "First Principles in Marketing for Startup Founders and CEOs." This guide is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering a fresh perspective on marketing by breaking down problems to their core and building innovative solutions that meet and redefine customer expectations. ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we've provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue. Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide. If you're looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here. #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute