Product Thinking

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri is joined by Lucie Buisson, Chief Product Officer at Contentsquare.Lucie discusses how AI is transforming digital experiences by combining quantitative and qualitative data to improve customer interactions. She highlights the role of AI in boosting productivity, allowing product managers to focus more on strategic initiatives, and fostering deeper customer connections.Lucie shares insights into the future of intent-driven and conversational interfaces, stating that understanding customer intent is crucial for creating personalized experiences. She advocates for product managers to view AI as a strategic asset that not only improves efficiency but also provides valuable customer insights.Listen to the full episode to explore how AI and data integration can revolutionize your product management strategy, making it more adaptive and customer-focused.You'll hear us talk about:- 17:37 - The Importance of Data CollaborationLucie explains how marketing, product, design, and engineering should collaborate using shared data to optimize the entire customer journey. She emphasizes the importance of a unified understanding of customer needs to avoid a fragmented experience.- 28:24 - Future of Conversational ExperiencesLucie highlights the emergence of AI agents in creating hybrid digital experiences. She predicts that future interactions will largely be conversation-driven. This will allow for more personalized customer experiences based on real-time needs.- 35:49 - Adapting to AI-driven Customer InteractionsLucie advises brands to begin integrating AI into their customer interaction strategies to avoid becoming obsolete. She warns that failing to do so risks losing emotional connections with customers, as third-party AI agents become more prevalent.Episode resources:- Lucie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-buisson/- AI Agents article: https://contentsquare.com/blog/contentsquare-announces-sense-ai-agent/- Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Introduction02:39 Dear Melissa06:49 From startup chaos to global scale15:28 Defining digital experience analytics20:52 Unlocking accessibility with AI28:24 The future is conversational and intent-driven35:49 Advice for PMs in an AI-driven world

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri sits down with Monica Lewis, VP of Product at LinkedIn, to explore how AI is transforming sales solutions.Monica shares her journey from engineering to leading LinkedIn's billion-dollar Sales Solutions team, focusing on creating powerful AI-driven tools that increase the effectiveness of the sales team.Monica discusses the integration of AI in sales processes and highlights the importance of understanding customer needs to create solutions that address real-world challenges. She emphasizes the role of AI in streamlining tasks, thereby enabling sales professionals to focus on strategic activities that create value for buyers and sellers.If you want to learn how AI can reshape your approach to product management and sales strategy, tune in and gain valuable insights from Monica's experience at LinkedIn.You'll hear us talk about:00:02:54 - Grounding AI in Customer NeedsMonica explains how LinkedIn ensures their AI solutions are centered around customer problems, emphasizing the need for understanding audience and customer requirements first when developing AI-driven products.00:10:27 - Leveraging AI to Improve Sales EffectivenessMonica shares how AI is helping salespeople become more efficient by automating non-customer-facing tasks and providing valuable insights for better decision-making.00:30:01 - Embracing Failure and Rapid TestingMonica shares a pivotal moment at LinkedIn where rapid experimentation and smart risk-taking led to an increase in customer acquisition, highlighting the importance of quick testing, learning, and iteration.Episode resources:- Monica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamlewis/- Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Introduction03:04 Dear Melissa07:49 Building Sales Solutions at LinkedIn13:01 Creating a culture of experimentation16:12 Trends in AI and the evolving role of salespeople21:17 Balancing metrics, data, and user value25:13 Designing user experiences with smart cues30:59 Monica's career pivotal moments and product strategy insights36:59 Managing innovation, bets, and experimentation40:46 The future of sales and advice to younger self

In this episode, I sit down with Christina Wodtke, a professor at Stanford University, for the second time on the show, to explore the intersection of game design and product management. Christina shares her insights on how principles from game design can transform product development processes, making them more engaging and effective. We also dive into the role of AI in shaping the future of product management education and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.Christina discusses her approach to integrating AI into her curriculum and how it's helping future product leaders understand the real-world implications of evolving technologies. Together, we uncover the importance of balancing user experience with business objectives and how the two can coexist to create products that are not only functional but also meaningful.Don't miss this insightful conversation that bridges the gap between creativity and strategy in product management!You'll hear us talk about:05:33 - The Power of Engagement in Game DesignChristina explains how game design principles such as engagement and emotional experience can be applied to product design to fulfill user needs and expectations.12:25 - Continuous Feedback IntegrationThe importance of regular and early user feedback in the design process and how it prevents teams from becoming too attached to their initial ideas.41:08 - The Reality of AI in Product ManagementDiscussing the gap between AI's potential and its current capabilities, and how product managers can effectively leverage AI while focusing on core product values.Episode resources:Christina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinawodtke/Christina's blog: https://eleganthack.com/Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Introduction03:16 Dear Melissa06:35 Game design and emotional engagement13:36 Balancing goals and ethics in product design18:14 Building habits of testing and scaffolding feedback22:30 How AI is changing prototyping and team dynamics28:53 The role of expertise in an AI-powered world40:15 Getting into product management in the age of AI

Join me in the latest episode of the Product Thinking Podcast as I welcome Dan Balcauski, founder of Product Tranquility.Dan is an expert in optimizing pricing and packaging for B2B SaaS companies. In our conversation, we discussed strategic nuances of pricing models, the importance of understanding customer value, and the common pitfalls organizations face in their pricing strategies.In this episode, Dan addresses the intricacies of pricing beyond numbers, emphasizing the need for a strategic approach that aligns with both market demands and customer needs. He shares insights on how effective pricing can transform from a liability into a formidable competitive advantage, thanks to segmentation, value-based pricing, and strategic decision-making.If you're looking to refine your pricing strategy and leverage it as a competitive edge, tune in for actionable insights and expert advice.You'll hear us talk about:06:38 - The Journey to Pricing ExpertiseDan shares his transition from software engineering into the pricing world. He highlights that companies often neglect how they capture value, resulting in rushed pricing decisions despite the significant impact pricing can have on a company's success.15:03 - The Mechanics of Pricing and PackagingExplore the four elements critical to pricing in B2B SaaS: price metric, price model, offer configurations, and price fences. Dan uses the McDonald's menu as a relatable example to illustrate how these elements play out in the real world.39:18 - Lessons for Long-Term Pricing SuccessDan advises treating pricing as a process that evolves with market changes, noting the importance of governance, continuous improvement, and alignment with customer value and business strategy.Episode resources:Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/balcauski/Product Tranquility: https://www.producttranquility.com/Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Coming Up07:47 Pricing Misconceptions and Segmentation15:03 Pricing Mechanics and Internal Ownership23:50 Scaling Pricing Metrics and AI-Related Challenges34:45 Avoiding Bad Pricing Metrics39:18 Advice for Long-Term Pricing Success

In this episode, Somer Simpson, VP of Product at Customer.io, joins us to discuss the role of empathy in product management. With a wealth of experience in online media and startups, Somer shares how product managers can drive innovation by cultivating empathy for customers and themselves.She explores how you can have a human-centered approach when crafting products and how self-reflection grows empathy for customers. Somer also highlights the balance between using AI to close knowledge gaps and maintaining a human touch to truly understand user needs.Are you ready to discover how empathy can improve your product strategy and execution? Don't miss this conversation that offers wisdom for product managers at every career stage.You'll hear us talk about:13:00 - Embracing Chaos in Product ManagementSomer discusses the need to be comfortable with chaos as a product manager. Like whitewater rafting, being a PM is about leaning into chaos rather than resisting it. This helps managers better discern patterns and innovate effectively.16:30 - Developing True EmpathySomer explains that empathy goes beyond the simple observation or acknowledgment of customer pain. It involves accepting others' perspectives as valid. She relates this concept to personal growth, suggesting that self-acceptance is crucial for developing authentic empathy37:49 - Human Touch in InnovationSomer believes that humans play an irreplaceable role in innovation, despite advancements in AI. While AI can increase efficiency, it's the human understanding and care for customer problems that truly drive product success.Episode resources:Somer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/somersimpson/Customer.io website: https://customer.io/Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Introduction02:50 Dear Melissa16:30 Empathy starts with yourself22:29 Curiosity, failure, and building customer love28:47 Meaningful discovery and avoiding chaos33:28 AI can't replace empathy

Join us for an engaging episode of the Product Thinking Podcast as I speak with Mario Rodriguez, Chief Product Officer at GitHub, about the transformative role of AI in product management and development.In this episode, Mario discusses the integration of AI into GitHub's strategy, particularly through GitHub Copilot, and how it leverages AI to improve creativity in software development.Mario provides a deep dive into how GitHub Copilot is changing the developer's landscape by freeing them from mundane tasks and allowing them to focus more on creative problem-solving. He also shares his vision for the future of software development and the role AI will play in it.Listen in to learn how AI can be a powerful tool to amplify productivity and creativity in your product management strategy.You'll hear us talk about:08:22 - Reimagining Developer ToolsMario talks about how GitHub Copilot started as an AI-native product, focusing on augmenting human creativity rather than replacing it, and how it strategically integrates with existing developer workflows.24:12 - Surprises in Copilot AdoptionDiscover the unexpected ways developers used GitHub Copilot and how it challenged initial assumptions about product acceptance and success in the market.32:27 - The Future of Product Management with AIExplore how AI is shaping the product management field and what it means for the role of product managers in this fast-evolving industry.Episode resources:Mario on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariorodriguez3/Github Copilot: https://github.com/features/copilotCheck our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Introduction02:45 Dear Melissa04:52 From Microsoft to GitHub CPO13:13 Failing toward the right UX for Copilot16:23 Using evals and metrics to refine AI models24:03 Seeing Copilot in the wild: surprises and adoption29:16 AI's role in augmenting vs. replacing developers36:26 Embedding AI into product strategy and practice

Dheerja Kaur, Vice President of Product Management at Robinhood, joins Melissa Perri on the Product Thinking Podcast to discuss her journey from engineering to product leadership. Her experience integrating design and user experience into product development at Robinhood has fostered a culture of ambitious thinking and learning by doing.Dheerja shares insights into balancing experimentation with strategic objectives and emphasizes the importance of empowering product teams to think big while aligning with organizational vision. Would you like to empower your product teams to think ambitiously while staying aligned with business goals? Don't miss out on Dheerja's insights.You'll hear us talk about:07:34 - Defining the Product Manager RoleDheerja reflects on her transition from software engineering to product management at ESPN and how she navigated the shift from a technical role to a strategic one.13:01 - Coaching without MicromanagingDheerja shares strategies on finding the balance between providing guidance to new PMs and allowing them the autonomy to grow, fostering a supportive learning environment.28:09 - Balancing Experimentation with Ambitious GoalsDheerja discusses how to encourage teams to think big and have a portfolio of bets to achieve ambitious objectives while maintaining a culture of learning and experimentation.Episode resources:Dheerja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dheerja/Robinhood website: https://robinhood.com/Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Coming Up00:56 Intro06:29 Dheerja's journey into product13:01 Coaching PMs without micromanaging17:53 Learning Design22:16 UX In Finance28:09 Balancing experimentation with ambitious goals33:32 Proving the business value of great design38:43 Embracing risk

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, we are joined by Kristin Dorsett, COO at Viator.We dive into how Kristin and her team are building a culture of experimentation, and what it takes to move fast without losing alignment.Viator, under the TripAdvisor umbrella, has embraced a learning mindset that blends data, customer feedback, and rapid iteration. Kristin shares how cross-functional collaboration empowers decision-making and why they've built systems that encourage teams to learn from both successes and failures.If you're aiming to understand how to balance experimentation with measurable success in your organization, this episode is a must-listen!You'll hear us talk about:15:14 Embracing Failure to SucceedKristin discusses the importance of cultivating a mindset that celebrates learning from failures and iterating quickly to achieve collective success.28:29 The Role of AI in Product StrategiesHow Viator uses AI to improve customer experiences by focusing on solving practical problems, avoiding the trap of using technology for technology's sake.22:50 Leveraging Customer FeedbackKristin explains how Viator's voice-of-the-customer program helps product managers identify key areas of improvement, leading to significant enhancements in their checkout conversion.Episode resources:Kristin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristindorsett/Viator website: https://www.viator.com/Try Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction03:12 Dear Melissa06:18 Transition to COO12:34 Culture of experimentation17:48 Practical AI strategy22:34 Voice of the customer31:28 Cross-functional leadership

Join Melissa Perri on the latest episode of the Product Thinking Podcast as she chats with Jake Knapp, creator of Design Sprint at Google, and general partner at Character Capital. Known for for his seminal book “Sprint”, Jake discusses nuances from his latest book, "Click," and emphasizes the critical role differentiation plays in product success.This episode dives into the importance of starting product ideation with a clear differentiation strategy, ensuring that by the time you're ready to launch, you're not just another face in the crowd. Learn how to apply Jake's insights to make your products stand out from the rest, using the Foundation Sprint.Want to understand how to make your product unique in today's competitive market? Tune in for some practical takeaways from Jake's extensive experience helping startups and established companies refine their product strategies.You'll hear us talk about:5:53 - The Power of DifferentiationJake explains why thinking about differentiation should be the starting point of any product project, and how it connects to finding product-market fit.16:48 - Foundation Sprint to Design SprintJake walks through how a two-day foundation sprint can set the perfect stage for design sprints, helping teams define their hypotheses and move quickly from ideas to testable prototypes.35:53 - Lean Startup vs. Design SprintExplore the similarities and differences between Lean Startup and Design Sprint methodologies, and why rapid iteration and experimentation are key to product success.Episode resources:Click book: https://www.theclickbook.com/Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-knapp/Try Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:57 Dear Melissa06:57 Finding the gap before building14:39 Foundation sprint and why differentiation matters25:21 Customer research timing and magic lenses30:29 How to use lenses for decision-making35:53 Lean Startup vs design sprint and planning time43:19 Reclaim case study

Rebecca Shaddix, a seasoned marketing executive and go-to-market strategist, joins Melissa Perri to explore the balance of acceptable mistakes in market strategy. Rebecca discusses the importance of defining acceptable mistakes to avoid unnecessary delays and to better align team efforts with strategic goals. This episode focuses on how acknowledging acceptable mistakes can accelerate development without compromising core objectives.Rebecca also addresses the overemphasis on latest trends like AI, stressing the importance of intentional use rather than succumbing to hype. She provides insights into managing internal pressures and steering conversations back to meaningful customer outcomes.If you want to learn how to effectively balance strategic goals with market pressures while maintaining a focus on customer value, tune in to gain practical insights from Rebecca's experiences.You'll hear us talk about:09:04 - The Concept of Acceptable MistakesRebecca explains what an acceptable mistake entails, offering examples such as opting for fewer customer interviews to accelerate go-to-market strategies without significant risk.29:19 - Navigating AI HypeDiscusses the cycle of trendy technologies and how AI has become a prevalent, though often superficial, part of product strategy, emphasizing the importance of intentionality.15:32 - Product and Product Marketing PartnershipHighlights the need for a bidirectional relationship between product management and product marketing, focusing on how they should collaboratively drive strategy and insights.Listen to the full episode for more in-depth discussions and insights.Episode resources:Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccashaddix/Try Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io/Timestamps:00:00 Intro02:57 Dear Melissa06:17 Defining acceptable mistakes in go-to-market12:22 How product and go-to-market should collaborate17:48 What data product and marketing teams should track22:53 Turning competitive noise into strategy29:21 Responding to AI pressure from the market34:29 Crafting real differentiators, not buzzwords39:29 Advice for future product marketers

Oliver Seil, Vice President of Design at Belkin, joins Melissa Perri on the Product Thinking Podcast to explore how Belkin has transitioned into a design-focused company. Oliver discusses the role of design in creating products that resonate with users while fulfilling their functional needs. He shares how Belkin's design philosophy prioritizes consumer insights and prototyping to create products that are both innovative and intuitive.Through this episode, Oliver outlines the importance of integrating empathy and creativity in the design process and how these elements can foster a dynamic and inclusive company culture. He provides valuable insights into how product managers and designers can collaborate effectively, ensuring that the products not only meet market demands but also enhance user experiences.Interested in learning more about how design can drive product innovation and company culture? Tune in to gain practical insights from Oliver's experiences at Belkin.You'll hear us talk about:14:20 - The Importance of Executive Buy-In for Cultural ChangeOliver explains how having the support from top leadership, such as the CEO and a chief design officer, was crucial to fostering a design-focused culture at Belkin, promoting an environment where design is celebrated and integrated into the company's DNA.21:47 - Embracing Experimentation in DesignOliver shares strategies for balancing the need for rapid prototyping with the constraints of manufacturing timelines. He emphasizes the importance of testing and validating products through consumer feedback before full-scale production.25:29 - Collaboration Between Product Managers and DesignersHighlighting the significance of prototyping and communication, Oliver discusses how designers can effectively share their ideas and collaborate with product managers to bring innovative products to life.Episode resources:Oliver on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-seil/Belkin website: https://www.belkin.com/Try Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io/Timestamps:00:00 Coming Up01:23 Intro06:00 Discovering design and joining Belkin10:30 Transforming culture through design19:20 User insights and product joy24:47 Pitching and selling design ideas30:35 Foster creativity and passion40:48 Building diverse teams

Join us for an insightful episode of the Product Thinking Podcast as we delve into the world of product operations with Jessica Soroky, the Senior Director of Product Operations at Pendo. In this episode, Jessica reveals the transformative strategies that have redefined Pendo's product operations, highlighting their innovative approach to integrating data and AI for enhanced product management.Jessica and I discuss the evolving landscape of product operations and the strategic shifts necessary to elevate the role beyond administrative tasks. We explore how Pendo empowers product managers by streamlining data insights and fostering a cross-functional communication framework that improves product launches and customer satisfaction.If you're eager to understand how product operations can drive strategic value and innovation within your organization, this episode is a must-listen. Gain practical insights and inspiration from Pendo's journey in optimizing their product operations.You'll hear us talk about:09:17 - Evolution from Scrum Master to Program ManagerJessica explains the bold transition of Scrum Masters to Program Managers at Pendo, expanding their roles to oversee the entire product lifecycle and enhancing cross-functional collaboration.15:04 - Leveraging AI in Product OperationsDiscover how Pendo is integrating AI into their operations to reduce the burden of data tasks for product managers, allowing them to focus on strategic decision-making.20:56 - Implementing Effective Launch ProcessesLearn about the introduction of go-to-market checklists and launch briefs at Pendo, which have streamlined product launches and improved cross-departmental alignment.Episode resources:- Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasoroky/- Pendo: https://www.pendo.io/- Try Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io/Timestamps:00:00 Coming Up01:17 Intro05:53 Jessica's journey to Product Ops leader11:48 Improving launches through whole-company alignment19:19 Structuring product ops for impact25:00 Building effective cadences and data rituals30:14 Driving data culture and exploring AI tools36:30 Making product ops strategic

Join Melissa Perri in an insightful episode of the Product Thinking Podcast featuring Hugo Froes, Head of Operations at OLX. In this episode, Hugo shares his remarkable journey from UX and service design to leading product operations, a transition that highlights the importance of bridging design with business needs.This conversation dives into how Hugo has effectively shaped product operations at OLX, focusing on process optimization, reducing friction, and empowering teams to deliver true value. Hugo's approach showcases how strategic product operations can drive innovation and efficiency within organizations.Ready to explore how product operations can transform your organization? Listen to the full episode and gain practical insights from Hugo's experiences!You'll hear us talk about:00:25:08 - Making OKRs Work Across the OrganizationHugo discusses the challenges and solutions for standardizing OKR frameworks to ensure consistent and measurable outcomes while allowing flexibility for team-specific practices.00:30:41 - The Product Ops MixHugo explains the multi-faceted approach of OLX's product operations team, focusing on improving efficiency, streamlining processes, and supporting organizational growth through strategic tooling.00:39:03 - Measuring Value in Product ManagementHugo and Melissa explore the importance of continuously validating product value against business outcomes, emphasizing learning over feature delivery.Episode resources:Hugo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugofroes/Thoughts Unravelled: https://thoughtsunravelled.substack.com/Try Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io/Timestamps:00:00 Coming Up01:01 Intro05:37 From UX to Product Ops: Hugo's Journey09:17 Shift to Product Thinking16:33 Starting Product Ops at OLX21:23 Rethinking OKRs for Real Teams25:08 Making OKRs Work Across the Org30:41 The Product Ops Mix35:48 The Real Limits of AI43:07 What's Next for Product Ops

In this episode, Eilon Reshef, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Gong, joins Melissa Perri to discuss the transformative power of AI-driven technology in sales and product management.As Gong revolutionizes the sales industry, Eilon shares insights into building tools that empower salespeople and help them succeed. He dives into the challenges of scaling Gong to $100 million in ARR and the crucial role of focusing on end-user value.Eilon delves into how Gong captures and analyzes sales conversations to help teams close deals faster and increase revenue. He also reveals the unique organizational structure at Gong and the importance of design partners in their product development process.Want to discover how to harness AI to improve your sales processes and drive significant growth? Tune in to gain actionable insights from Eilon's experience at Gong.You'll hear us talk about:10:31 - Prioritizing Seller-Centric ValueEilon discusses the importance of emphasizing value for the end user, the salespeople, rather than just delivering organizational value. This approach has been critical to Gong's success, helping build a product that sales teams love and rely on.13:50 - Implementing a Customer-Centric StructureLearn about Gong's unique pod structure, where product managers work closely with numerous design partners to receive continuous feedback and refine the product. This approach ensures that customer needs are always at the forefront.26:54 - Embracing AI in Product ManagementEilon provides advice for product managers on how to integrate AI into their work. He emphasizes the need to practice and understand AI capabilities to effectively incorporate them into product offerings.Episode resources:Eilon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eilonreshef/More about Gong: https://www.gong.io/Work at Gong: https://www.gong.io/careers/Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io/Timestamps:00:00 Coming Up00:47 Intro02:51 Dear Melissa06:34 Eilon's Intro & Gong's Founding Story10:31 Empowering Sales & Key Lessons22:08 Vision for AI & Its Impact on Sales31:41 Working with Design Partners & Beta Testing42:03 Reflections on Product Leadership

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri sits down with David Myszewski, VP of Product at Wealthfront. David shares his transition from working on the groundbreaking iPhone at Apple to leading product innovation in the fintech space. He dives into how Wealthfront's approach to fintech has been shaped by lessons learned at Apple, particularly the power of small, talented teams and high standards.David discusses Wealthfront's strategy of integrating consumer research and customer support into product development, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs through both qualitative and quantitative data. He also highlights the significance of building a technology infrastructure that supports innovative financial products and services tailored to evolving market needs.Tune in to explore how Wealthfront is redefining fintech with a focus on reducing client costs, enhancing tax efficiency, and fostering better financial behaviors through technology-driven solutions. Want to learn how to leverage tech for financial innovation? Listen to the full conversation with David Myszewski.You'll hear us talk about:10:33 - The Role of Consumer Technology Experience in FintechDavid explains why consumer technology skills are more valuable than financial knowledge in fintech. He shares how Wealthfront prioritizes creating excellent user experiences over specific domain expertise.19:28 - Introducing New Financial ProductsDavid outlines Wealthfront's strategy for evolving and introducing new products over time, focusing on reducing costs, saving taxes, and fostering behavioral change. He discusses the automation of processes to enhance client outcomes.29:06 - Prioritizing Innovation and Roadmap PlanningMelissa and David discuss the balance between strategic top-down priorities and bottom-up decision-making in setting the product roadmap. David describes how they align business and client needs to drive product innovation.Episode Resources:David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmyszewski/David on X: https://x.com/davewikipediaWealthfront: https://www.wealthfront.com/Timestamps:00:00 Coming Up00:56 Introduction02:48 Dear Melissa05:28 Career Journey from Apple to Wealthfront14:09 The Evolution of Wealthfront's Mission19:28 Introducing New Financial Products29:06 Prioritizing Innovation and Roadmap Planning35:54 Finding Product-Market Fit at Wealthfront43:08 FinTech's Future & Advice for Product Leaders

Join us for an insightful episode where we explore the digital transformation journey at Vanguard with Marco De Freitas, Chief Product Officer for Vanguard's Personal Investor Business, and Amber Brestowski, Chief Product Officer for the Retirement Business.Discover how Vanguard is modernizing client journeys, enhancing products, and building platforms that promise superior investment experiences. Marco and Amber share their strategies for leveraging AI and behavioral science to redefine client interactions, all while maintaining a strong focus on customer outcomes and innovation.Whether you're interested in digital transformation, product management, or financial services innovation, this episode is packed with practical insights that you won't want to miss. Want to learn how Vanguard is leading the charge in transforming financial services? Tune in for the full episode.You'll hear us talk about:10:32 - Aligning Strategy with Product ExecutionAmber discusses the importance of aligning product strategy with business goals at Vanguard. She emphasizes setting the right incentives and problems for product teams to solve, ensuring they focus on creating superior client experiences that drive competitive advantage.22:56 - Experimentation in Client ModernizationAmber shares how Vanguard uses a North Star approach with key OKRs to drive outcomes. She outlines strategies for engaging clients and improving retirement readiness through behavioral finance and agile experimentation.35:05 - Balancing Innovation and OptimizationMarco talks about Vanguard's approach to innovation, stressing the importance of client-centricity and empowering teams to innovate. He explains how a portfolio approach allows for both incremental improvements and moonshot projects, fostering a culture of continuous development.Episode Resources:Amber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-brestowski-019b56ab/Marco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-de-freitas-80416714/Vanguard website: https://investor.vanguard.com/Timestamps:00:00 Coming Up01:05 Intro09:10 Amber's Career Journey12:11 Marco's career journey18:06 Modernizing Client Experience22:56 Experimentation in Client Modernization31:04 Aligning Business Strategy with Product Execution37:43 Behavioral Science in Digital Experiences46:50 Tackling Digital-First Transformation Challenges49:58 Closing reflections

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri is joined by Ben Hafele, CEO of Lean Startup Company, to explore the complexities of corporate innovation. Ben shares insights on how large companies can effectively integrate lean startup methodologies into their existing frameworks. They discuss the importance of aligning innovation efforts with business strategies and how to avoid falling into the trap of unnecessary complexity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in fostering meaningful innovation within large organizations while maintaining strategic alignment.Are you looking to navigate the challenges of corporate innovation and strategic alignment? Tune in to this episode for valuable insights from Ben Hafele's experience with lean startup methodologies.You'll hear us talk about: 10:45 - Establishing Connective Tissue for Innovation:Ben introduces the concept of creating a "connective tissue" that links build-measure-learn cycles with overall business strategy. He explains how fostering this connection ensures that every experiment conducted is aligned with the company's broader objectives. 22:17 - Balancing Experimentation with Strategic Goals:The discussion delves into the challenge of balancing experimentation with strategic goals. Ben shares approaches for ensuring that innovation initiatives do not deviate from the company's strategic priorities, maintaining relevance and purpose. 45:30 - Overcoming Complexity in Corporate Innovation:Ben and Melissa discuss ways to overcome the inherent complexity in corporate innovation. They highlight practical strategies for simplifying processes and ensuring that innovation efforts remain effective and focused on delivering value.Episode Resources: Ben Hafele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hafele/ Lean Startup Co: https://leanstartup.co/ Sign up for a free Liveblocks account: ⁠https://liveblocks.io/⁠Timestamps:00:00 Coming Up00:47 Dear Melissa11:25 What Defines a Startup?19:08 The Importance of Strategic Filters24:38 The Innovation vs. Legacy Divide31:35 B2B vs. B2C Experimentation Challenges39:50 The Right Way to Build Capability in Organizations46:42 Evolving Corporate Innovation

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Matthew Skelton, co-author of "Team Topologies: Organizing Business and Technology Teams for Fast Flow." We delve into the intricate intersections between team topology principles and product management, exploring how these frameworks can transform the way product teams work together to enhance collaboration and reduce cognitive load.If you're looking to refine your team's approach to delivering outstanding customer outcomes, this episode is a must-listen. Matthew Skelton joins me to discuss the revolutionary concepts within "Team Topologies," highlighting their impact on modern product management and operations. We uncover how organizing teams around flow and customer value can drastically improve product outcomes. Matthew shares practical examples of how these concepts are applied in various industries, providing invaluable insights for anyone involved in managing or organizing product teams.Curious about how team topologies can optimize your product processes? Tune in to hear Matthew Skelton's expert insights and discover practical strategies to enhance your team's workflow. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leading voice in the field of organizational design for software delivery.You'll hear us talk about: Product Managers in Regulated Spaces (28:30)We discuss the debate over whether product managers should be domain experts versus having deep product knowledge. Matthew provides insights into how teams can effectively leverage subject-matter experts without them managing the entire product line. Breaking Silos in Teams (14:21)Matthew and I explore how organizations can overcome internal silos, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across product management, development, marketing, and sales for cohesive product delivery. AI and Team Enablement (51:54)We dive into how AI is transforming team topologies and enabling teams, discussing the shift in AI enablement platforms and their potential in redefining team roles and productivity.Episode Resources: Matthew Skelton's Website: https://matthewskelton.com Conflux Website: https://confluxhq.com Team Topologies Information: https://teamtopologies.com Sign up for a free Liveblocks account: ⁠https://liveblocks.io/⁠Timestamps:00:00 Episode Preview00:56 Intro03:00 Dear Melissa08:35 Moving from Projects to Product14:45 Breaking Silos in Teams18:27 Mistakes in Product Models28:14 Product Managers in Regulated Spaces35:51 Product Ops at Scale42:17 SAFE and Big Batch Planning51:37 AI and Team Enablement

In this episode, I welcome Fabio Brocca, Chief Product Officer at Xeneta, to discuss how product managers can effectively balance the urgency of product development with the need for strategic perfection.Drawing from his extensive experience at Amazon and MSC, Fabio provides a unique take on the importance of swift iteration and execution in the fast-paced world of product management. We explore how real-time feedback can drive innovation and refine strategies without waiting for the elusive perfect plan.Eager to understand how you can apply these insights to enhance your product processes? Join us for a deep dive into Fabio's strategies and experiences in transforming the freight industry with agility and precision.You'll hear us talk about:12:45 - Adapting Strategies Through Feedback LoopsFabio discusses the significance of using real-time feedback to adapt and refine product strategies. He elaborates on the agility required to iterate based on customer interactions and feedback, which is crucial for any product manager aiming to remain relevant in dynamic markets.23:05 - The Balance of Speed and Quality in Product LaunchesWe dive into the challenge of maintaining quality while prioritizing speed in product launches. Fabio shares his approach to managing expectations and aligning team efforts towards effective execution without sacrificing the end-user experience.36:18 - Leadership in Fast-paced Product EnvironmentsFabio offers insights into leading product teams in high-pressure environments. He emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering a culture that embraces change and supports rapid iteration, ensuring teams are equipped to handle the demands of fast-paced product management.Episode Resources:Fabio on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiobrocca/Michele on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelesancricca/Paul on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkinglux/Reel Saber:www.reelsaber.comSign up for a free Liveblocks account: ⁠https://liveblocks.io/⁠Tune in and gain practical strategies to enhance your product management techniques from one of the leading voices in the industry.Timestamps:00:00 Episode Preview00:59 Intro03:19 Dear Melissa09:22 Fabio's Path to Product Management14:32 Early Challenges as a First-Time CPO24:47 Scaling from Amazon to a Growth-Stage Company30:38 Big Tech vs. Scale-Up38:28 Tackling Freight Industry Challenges42:48 Thriving in Less Glamorous Fields46:26 Fabio's Leadership Philosophy

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri talks with Andrew Davidson, Senior Vice President of Products at MongoDB. Andrew has been instrumental in transforming MongoDB from a traditional database company into a comprehensive developer data platform. As MongoDB evolves, Andrew shares insights into managing technical products and enhancing user experiences, crucial areas for product managers working with complex platforms. Join us as we explore the nuances of product management in the world of databases and developer tools. Andrew sheds light on maintaining a balance between technical excellence and strategic management, offering valuable lessons for product managers. Tune in to gain actionable insights on how to approach product management for highly technical products like databases and learn how this can impact broader business outcomes. You'll hear us talk about: 09:29 The Spark Behind MongoDB Andrew explains the motivation for creating MongoDB and how it challenged traditional relational databases, emphasizing the need for a system that aligns better with modern computing demands. 24:32 User Experience in Technical Products We delve into the importance of user experience within technical products, highlighting the layers of user and developer experiences that product managers must consider. 35:50 Balancing Internal Innovation and Customer Feedback Andrew discusses the importance of balancing internal innovation with customer feedback, stressing the necessity for product managers to engage directly with users to refine the product. Episode Resources: Andrew Davidson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewad/ Learn more about MongoDB: https://www.mongodb.com/ Sign up for a free Liveblocks account: https://liveblocks.io/ Timestamps: 00:00 Episode Preview 01:25 Introduction 02:57 Liveblocks 03:40 Dear Melissa 07:56 Early Days in Databases 15:39 MongoDB's Longevity 21:13 From Database to Developer Data Platform 32:21 Ensuring Product Strategy in Technical Tools 39:51 The Rise of MongoDB Atlas 45:04 Navigating Market Perception and Growth 52:16 Balancing Speed and Stability in Tech

In this episode, Melissa Perri sits down with Kate Towsey, an authority on research operations and author of "Research That Scales." They dive into the significance of research ops in aligning product strategy and operations within a company, emphasizing how research can provide strategic insights essential for product development and organizational growth. Kate discusses the evolution and necessity of research ops, sharing her journey from content strategy to pioneering the field. She highlights how effective research ops facilitate knowledge management, ensuring that valuable insights are not just gathered but are used to inform business decisions across an organization. Tune in to discover how Kate's insights can transform your approach to integrating research into product strategy and the benefits of a well-structured research ops framework. You'll hear us talk about: - 08:20 - Solving Recruitment Pain Points Kate elaborates on the common starting point in research ops: participant recruitment. She discusses how managing this aspect effectively can impact product managers, researchers, and designers by enabling more seamless customer interactions. - 28:52 - Democratizing Research through Collaboration Melissa and Kate explore the importance of collaboration between product managers, UX designers, and researchers. They argue that while each role has its specialties, working together can democratize research and lead to better product decisions. - 42:40 - Breaking Down Silos Between Teams The discussion turns to the silos that exist within organizations, especially between product marketing and product management. Kate and Melissa share strategies for overcoming these divides to improve customer insights and product outcomes. Episode Resources: - Find Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katetowsey/ - Purchase Kate's book, "Research That Scales," on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Research-That-Scales-Operations-Handbook/dp/1959029223/ - Subscribe to the Product Thinking Podcast newsletter for more insights here: https://productinstitute.kit.com/2c8b2a0136 Listen to the full episode to learn more about incorporating research ops into your strategy. Timestamps: 00:00 Highlights 00:56 Intro 02:20 Dear Melissa 06:57 Kate Towsey's Journey into Research Ops 10:46 Understanding Research Operations 16:14 Challenges in Conducting Customer Research 23:38 The Shift of Research Ops to a Strategic Role 32:06 Collaboration in User Research 35:49 Right Tools to Scale Research 42:40 Research Ops and Product Ops Synergy

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri welcomes Tony Ulwick, the founder and CEO of Strategyn, and the pioneer behind the jobs-to-be-done theory and Outcome-Driven Innovation (ODI). Tony shares insights from his groundbreaking work in redefining product development and innovation. He discusses the importance of separating innovation from development processes and why focusing on customer outcomes rather than features leads to more successful products. Whether you're a product manager looking to refine your approach or a leader aiming to align teams around customer needs, this episode is a treasure trove of practical guidance and deep insights into mastering the art of innovation. Tune in to discover how you can leverage ODI to drive your product strategy towards success. You'll hear us talk about: 14:22 - Front-End Innovation vs. Development Process Tony explains the importance of distinguishing between the innovation process—where the product concept is formed—and the development process, where Agile methods come into play. This separation ensures that only market-winning concepts proceed to development. 19:41 - Understanding Customer Needs Tony outlines the steps in Outcome-Driven Innovation, focusing on identifying and addressing customer needs to enhance product success. He emphasizes defining markets and needs before devising solutions. 28:06 - Aligning Teams on Customer Needs Tony shares strategies to encourage organizational alignment on the definition and prioritization of customer needs, ensuring all teams work towards a common goal. Episode Resources: Tony Ulwick on LinkedIn Strategyn

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, I am joined by Uday Marepalli, Director of Product Management at Upwork, who brings his expertise from leading AI-driven initiatives to our conversation. Uday shares his insights on building zero to one products within large organizations, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and leveraging AI in product development. This episode dives into the challenges and strategies for innovating in a way that aligns with both customer expectations and technological capabilities. Want to learn how to effectively launch and scale products in complex environments? Tune in to gain practical insights from Uday's extensive experience in product management. You'll hear us talk about: 06:24 - The Thrills and Challenges of Zero to One Products Uday delves into the unique excitement and difficulty of creating something from nothing, stressing the importance of balancing speed with thoughtful validation of hypotheses 14:37 - Handling Conflicting Information and Making Strategic Pivots Uday discusses how to manage new, sometimes contradictory, information by aligning it with the overarching vision and deciding whether to iterate or pivot. 38:54 - Building AI Zero to One Products Uday explores the peculiar challenges of AI products, including data collection and ensuring trust and explainability in AI-driven decisions. Episode Resources: Uday Marepalli on LinkedIn

Join Melissa Perri in this insightful episode of the Product Thinking Podcast as she chats with Karthik Suri, Chief Product Officer at Cornerstone OnDemand. Recognized for his expertise in leveraging AI for workforce development, Karthik shares innovative strategies on bridging skill gaps and creating personalized career pathways through generative AI and data intelligence. They explore the transformative potential of AI in talent development, emphasizing the need for a blend of technical and human-centric skills to thrive in today's dynamic work environment. Discover how AI is reshaping talent management and why human skills are increasingly in demand, surpassing digital skills threefold. Karthik highlights the significance of adaptable enterprise software that aligns with the evolving needs of workforces. Curious about how to prepare your organization for the future with AI-driven insights? Tune in to explore the intersection of AI, skills development, and workforce readiness. You'll hear us talk about: 23:52 - Harnessing AI for Skill Detection and Career Growth Karthik explains how generative AI can assess skills through various data sources, creating holistic profiles for employees. This approach helps organizations identify and develop the necessary skills for career progression. 29:09 - Building a Unified Product Strategy Karthik shares insights on the importance of a unified user experience and a platform mindset for product strategy. He discusses how integrating design systems and data structures across products enhances customer outcomes. 42:57 - Ethical AI in Performance and Skills Evaluation The conversation delves into the ethical considerations of using AI for performance reviews, highlighting the importance of accountability, explainability, and bias mitigation. Episode Resources: Karthik Suri on LinkedIn Cornerston OnDemand

Inessa Lurye, former Senior Director of Product and Head of Women's Health at Hinge Health, joins Melissa Perri to discuss the intricacies of launching zero-to-one products within established organizations. Drawing from her experience in developing Hinge Health's comprehensive women's pelvic health program, Inessa shares valuable insights on building business cases, validating products through experimentation, and scaling healthcare innovations responsibly. Her unique perspective spans from government service to leading product development at a $6 billion digital health company.

In this special holiday episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri curates the most impactful insights from 2024's top episodes. Featuring conversations with industry leaders including Steve Portigal on user research evolution, Quincy Hunte on decision-making at scale, Jeff Gothelf and Josh Seiden on OKRs, Kate Leto on leadership coaching, and Leah Tharin on product-led growth. This compilation episode showcases key learnings that shaped product thinking throughout the year, offering valuable perspectives on research, leadership, goal-setting, and growth strategies.

Fabrice des Mazery, Chief Product Officer at productROI joins Melissa Perri on this episode of the Product Thinking podcast, discussing shifting product managers' mindsets from builders to investors. Drawing from his extensive experience, including leading product at TripAdvisor's TheFork, Fabrice shares insights on evaluating product decisions through an investment lens, building stakeholder relationships, and creating a balanced product portfolio. He emphasizes the importance of understanding business metrics, ROI, and risk assessment in product management, while offering practical advice on how to communicate with stakeholders, using their language rather than product jargon.

Mark Rosenberg and Vivian Phinney from Workday join Melissa Perri on this episode of the Product Thinking podcast to dive into product operations. Mark, an experienced leader at Workday, shares his journey in implementing modern product operations within a large-scale organization to meet the financial product needs of over 2,000 customers. Vivian expands on how they accomplish it and her mission to reduce the cognitive load on product teams through selective standardization and streamlined data solutions—ensuring PMs can prioritize effectively and communicate clearly with leadership. Tune in to learn how Mark and Vivian tackle the challenges of growth and complexity in enterprise product development.

Gusto's Tomer London joins Melissa Perri in this episode of the Product Thinking podcast. As the co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Tomer shares his insights on building a lovable product experience in the fast-paced world of payroll and HR solutions. He discusses how Gusto stays committed to exceptional user experience amidst a growing and complex product portfolio. Tomer delves into the three key pillars of creating great user experiences – functionality, intuitiveness, and delight – and shares an engaging example of how celebrating payday can enhance emotional connections with customers. Tune in to learn how a focus on user-centric design and strategic thinking can drive meaningful innovation in product management.

Just Eat Takeaway's Jessica Hall joins Melissa Perri in this episode of the Product Thinking podcast. Chief Product Officer at the food delivery giant, Jessica links up with Melissa to discuss the intricacies of managing a diverse product portfolio across global markets, sharing insights from her journey in navigating the challenges of integrating multiple brands, post-merger and establishing a unified customer experience. She's not all positive about AI adoption though, and is honest about both the potential and the pitfalls, including the often-overlooked costs and the importance of building a sustainable ecosystem around new technologies. Tune in to discover how strategic thinking and a customer-first approach can lead to innovative, responsible AI implementations that truly resonate with users.

This time on the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri is joined by P.J. Linarducci, Chief Product Officer at Thumbtack, to explore the complexities of product leadership in both large and small-scale organizations. P.J. shares insights from his journey, starting with his formative years at Meta and his transition to Thumbtack, where he embraced the role of leading the entire product organization. He delves into the significant mindset shift from being one of many leaders at a large company, to owning full responsibility at a smaller, more agile company. P.J. also highlights the challenges of evolving Thumbtack from a marketplace model to a holistic home management platform, requiring new approaches to both product strategy and company culture. Tune in to learn how product managers can influence without authority.

This time on the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri is joined by BJ Boyle, Chief Product Officer at PointClickCare, to discuss the critical intersection of healthcare technology and product management. With over two decades of experience in the health tech space, BJ shares insights from his journey, including lessons learned during his transition to the C-suite. He delves into the unique challenges of managing product strategy in a rapidly evolving industry, emphasizing the importance of aligning product development with market needs and regulatory changes. He also makes clear the importance of balancing domain expertise with product management acumen and engineering understanding, and the value of cross-functional collaboration in building effective product teams. Tune in to explore how PointClickCare is innovating within the healthcare sector.

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Vishal Kapoor, Senior Vice President of Product at Affirm, joins Melissa Perri to dive into the intricacies of building and scaling products in the fintech space. Vishal shares his journey through 15+ years of product management. The episode offers deep insight into not just what Affirm is up to, but into the very bones of the culture that drives their product development. For instance, Vishal lets us in on how the company balances customer-centric innovation with the complex regulations of the financial sector. Tune in to learn how Affirm is shaping the future of fintech and get practical advice for building adaptable product strategies in complex industries.

Robin Daniels is on the Product Thinking Podcast to discuss how it's possible to transform working cultures through the careful construction of a supportive community atmosphere. Robin, Chief Business and Product Officer at Zensai, explains to Melissa Perri how his remarkable journey through product management and marketing across leading tech companies like Salesforce and LinkedIn has led him to where he is today. The pair ponder the question of what sparks joy in a corporate setting, and they discuss how a weekly check-in system that promotes self-reflection among employees is a far more functional system than the outmoded annual performance review method of performance management. Tune in to discover Robin's insights on driving growth through product-led strategies and the evolving landscape of product management.

Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Artico Search, Inc. and a top recruiter specializing in leadership roles for scale-up companies, returns to chat with Melissa Perri on this episode of Product Thinking. Together, they discuss the evolving CEO landscape, particularly the increasing importance of collaboration across functions in lean organizations and the growing demand for leaders focused on profitability and sustainability. Mercedes shares insights into the typical paths to becoming a CEO, including from product leadership roles, and the skills needed to transition successfully. What is the path to CEO from CPO? Tune in to find out.

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri speaks with Sean Solme Kim, former head of product at TikTok and previously at Amazon Prime. They discuss key insights from his time at both companies, including how Amazon's metrics-driven approach influenced his work at TikTok and the development of the Stitch feature. Sean shares his perspective on empowering product teams, fostering ownership among product managers, and navigating the challenges of hypergrowth environments like TikTok. They also explore the importance of creating frictionless user experiences and scaling product features to drive engagement and retention.

Host Melissa Perri enjoys a far-reaching conversation with Brian Fugere in this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast. Brian is the Chief Product Officer at Symplr, with extensive experience in transforming businesses through AI-powered automation and robotics. They discuss the impact of AI and automation on supply chain innovation, the balance between operational efficiency and creativity in product leadership, and how to scale product teams effectively. Brian also shares insights into aligning teams with business outcomes, fostering innovation while managing risk, and navigating the challenges of working with cutting-edge technology.

Host Melissa Perri sits down with Blake Morgan, in this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast. Blake is a seasoned expert in customer experience, best-selling author, and someone with a career spanning major companies like Coca-Cola and AT&T. They discuss the evolution of customer experience, the key principles of customer-focused leadership, and how to effectively measure success beyond mere metrics. She also shares insights on avoiding common pitfalls, the power of storytelling in advocating for customer-centric practices, and best practices for gathering valuable customer feedback.

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, host Melissa Perri welcomes Shruti Patel, Executive Vice President and CPO Business Banking at U.S. Bank, to share her expertise on navigating the complexities of product development within large financial institutions. Shruti delves into the intricacies of balancing innovation with legacy systems, the importance of focusing on high-impact products, and strategies for aligning teams around customer-centric goals.

Vijay Pitchumani is the esteemed guest of Melissa Perri on this episode of the Product Thinking podcast. Tune in to hear Vijay, a renowned expert in product strategy and Director of Product at Okta, share his insights on the essential role of product managers in platform teams and the unique challenges they face. The discussion covers the importance of defining success metrics, experimenting with API-first approaches, and balancing short-term experiments with long-term goals. Vijay also highlights strategies for innovating within platform teams and managing PM rotations to foster diverse experiences and drive impactful outcomes. Listen now to explore how platform PMs can effectively navigate the complexities of scaling and evolving their products.

In this episode of the Product Thinking podcast, Melissa Perri sits down with Tamar Yehoshua, President of Product and Technology at Glean, to explore the transformative role of AI in modern enterprise search and productivity. Tamar shares her journey from leading product teams at Google to driving innovation at Glean, discussing how AI and retrieval-augmented generation are reshaping how organizations access and utilize information. She dives into the challenges of scaling AI-driven products in a fast-paced startup environment and the strategies her team employs to maximize impact and drive user adoption.

Melissa Perri welcomed Vrushali Paunikar, Chief Product Officer of Carta, to this episode of the Product Thinking podcast. In this engaging conversation, Vrushali delves into the dynamic world of product management and innovation, sharing insights on how to balance subject matter expertise with fresh perspectives. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a custom general ledger from scratch and how her team's approach to innovation and validation has led to significant business growth.

Melissa Perri sat down with Christopher Li, SVP of Product at Xactly on this episode of the Product Thinking podcast. In this enthralling episode, Christopher shares his journey from engineering to product management and the challenges his company faced in adopting the Scaled Agile Framework. Christopher has spent the past 15 years in product management, working through different functions and eventually becoming the SVP of Product at Xactly, an enterprise software provider.

Melissa Douros is the guest on this episode of the Product Thinking podcast and she sat down with our host, Melissa Perri, to discuss her career journey and role as the Chief Product Officer at Green Dot, a modern fintech company. The pair explore the challenges and excitement of working in the banking-as-a-service model, the importance of adopting a product model in organizations undergoing digital transformation, and the role of effective communication and collaboration in driving successful customer experiences.

In this episode of the Product Thinking podcast, Melissa Perri sits down with Trisha Price, Chief Product Officer at Pendo. They explore the evolving landscape of product management, including the shifting role of product operations and the integration of tools like Pendo in enhancing productivity. Trisha shares insights on how product managers can navigate the balance between immediate demands and long-term strategy, as well as the impact of recent developments in product management practices.

Todd Wilkens joined our host Melissa Perri on the latest episode of the Product Thinking podcast. Todd started his career in design and gradually transitioned into product development, now serving as the Chief Product Officer at Qualio. In this engaging episode, they discuss the importance of collaboration, shared goals, and breaking down disciplinary boundaries in organizations. Todd shares his extensive experience in various roles, including design and product development, and highlights the value of hiring smart people and giving them autonomy.

In this episode of the Product Thinking podcast, Melissa Perri interviews Amir Kabbara, a product leader with experience at Microsoft, Amazon, Shopify. Currently he serves as Advisor to the CEO at Paper. In the course of their discussion, the pair delve into the challenge of balancing the needs of different stakeholders in education products and the importance of data-driven decision-making. The conversation also covers the ethical concerns surrounding AI in education and Amir's approach to addressing them. Overall, this episode emphasizes the importance of data, customer conversations, and a balanced approach to decision-making in product management, with a strong focus on student outcomes.

Atif Rafiq was Melissa Perri's guest In this episode of the Product Thinking podcast. Atif is a multi-talented CEO at Ritual, as well as a Board Member at multiple companies. On top of that, he is the best-selling author of Decision Sprint. Tune in to discover how Atif's software, Ritual, combines workflow and AI to facilitate decision-making and hear his thoughts on balancing long-term goals with short-term objectives. Don't miss out on this inspiring discussion about the future of technology and problem-solving within organizations.

In this episode of Product Thinking, Melissa Perri speaks with Sean O'Neill, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Syncron, about the concept of value-creation moments in product management and the importance of understanding the business side of product development. Financial literacy is a must for product managers, and aligning team goals with overall business outcomes is an ongoing battle they have to engage in. This episode offers fantastic insights into creating value for customers and driving business success, so don't miss it!

Join Melissa Perri as she interviews Sara Rossio, Chief Product Officer at G2, about the impact of AI on their working processes and expectations. Learn about career development and reskilling opportunities at G2, as well as the potential for AI to improve personalization and localization efforts. Stay informed about new technology trends and gain valuable insights from this engaging podcast conversation. Don't miss out – listen now!

In this episode of the Product Thinking podcast, host Melissa Perri welcomes Ying Chen, the Chief Product Officer at Quantive onto the show to discuss her career in product management and the differences between working in large enterprises and startups. From the learning opportunities present in both environments to the skills needed to be successful, this conversation is a must-listen for those wanting insights from a seasoned product management professional.