Podcasts about product development

Beekman 1802's founders turned crisis into opportunity, building a $92 million skin care brand by starting small, staying disciplined, and leading with heart.For more on Beekman 1802 and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

"There is something missing in modern medicine that's not just about the therapy and exercises or about empowering the patient, but getting the patient to really choose self-care." —DeAnna Schaefer Stillness doesn't just happen; it's created. Between deadlines, worries, and daily noise, most of us forget what it's like to truly breathe. But when we give ourselves permission to pause, we begin to heal in ways no medicine alone can. After decades of treating pain through physical therapy, Point Reyes Lavender Co. Founder, DeAnna Schaefer, saw the missing piece: people weren't just aching in their bodies, they were worn thin in spirit. So she turned to lavender and the land of Point Reyes, blending science, nature, and soul to help others rediscover calm and care. Step into this conversation where business meets purpose, as DeAnna shares her journey of building a sustainable lavender farm, crafting healing products, and redefining what it means to choose joy, rest, and intentional living.   Meet DeAnna:  DeAnna Schaefer is the founder of Point Reyes Lavender Company and a seasoned physical therapist with over 25 years of experience. Combining her passion for healing with her love for agriculture, DeAnna transitioned from a successful career in physical therapy to establish a sustainable lavender farm in Point Reyes, California. Drawing on her scientific background and entrepreneurial spirit, she has developed a unique line of natural wellness products that emphasize self-care and community connection. DeAnna is dedicated to fostering a joyful, regenerative future through innovative business practices and meaningful collaborations within her local community. Website Instagram   Connect with NextGen Purpose: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube   Episode Highlights: 02:54 Starting the Lavender Farm Post-COVID  06:12 Learning About Lavender: Agricultural Challenges, Medicinal Benefits, & Product Development 10:56 Lavender Effects 19:00 Entrepreneurship Journey: The Importance of Passion and "Feel" 22:34 Sustainability and Product Packaging  26:41 Future Plans and Expansion  

We are delighted to welcome Robin Melissa Watkins, Senior VP of Product Development at Cécred (AKA Beyoncé's haircare brand). After a truly Holy shit, how does my hair look this good airdried?? moment Sable had when trying the line, we were very excited to discover not only how its signature scent Temple Oud was created, but also the formula development process to create products that can enhance all hair types and their unique needs (obviously, we can only speak for our own hair experiences, but the experiences so far have been pretty great!). [What we smell like today: Lore Lovely & A Little Twisted, Parfums de Marly Eragon] *This episode is sponsored by Cécred (hurray!) Use code SMELL20 to enjoy 20% off the Clarifying Shampoo & Scalp Scrub and Hydrating Shampoo at Cecred.com.  Shop our

This week on Catalyst Tammy is joined by longtime friend and recent addition to the Launch by NTT DATA team to lead, Murphy Freelen. Murphy has a proven track record of bringing together multi-disciplinary teams to deliver breakthrough innovative solutions. Murphy reflects on her personal journey working in the music and media industries and how those creative skills transfer to tech and product development. Tammy and Murphy also discuss the role of leadership and listening in fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and how technology, particularly AI, is reshaping the creative process. Please note that the views expressed may not necessarily be those of NTT DATA.Links: Murphy FreelenJetZeroLearn more about Launch by NTT DATASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This one is for the Lange fans. Saying Anthony de Haas is an incredibly important part of my personal watch journey would most definitely be an understatement. As the Director of Product Development for A. Lange & Söhne, he has had his hands in creating what happen to be some of my favorite watches ever produced. We kick off the conversation talking about his hobby playing drums, the equipment he prefers, which leads us into the watch talk. A standout aspect of this conversation is his humility and clear appreciation for his team. We really get a peek behind the curtain on what the development of these watches is like - it almost feels like an audible tour of the factory in a sense, which I thoroughly appreciate, and I hope you do, too. We talk about the inspirations behind the Zeitwerk, the various tactile experiences with watch functions, we geek out on fonts, and why he considered the Odysseus to be their hardest project. Please enjoy my conversation with Tony.Links:STANDARD Hhttps://standard-h.com/@standardh_A. Lange & Söhnehttps://www.alange-soehne.com/

Welcome back to the Alt Goes Mainstream podcast.Today's episode dives into private credit and building an asset management business inside of a leading global bank.We sat down in Nomura's NYC office with Robert Stark, the CEO of Nomura Capital Management LLC (NCM) and Head of Investment Management in the Americas for the Nomura Group.Robert brings deep experience in financial services to Nomura. He was previously the Founder & CEO of Alterum Capital Partners LLC, where he focused on building an investment management business at the intersection of private markets and RIAs. Prior to Alterum, he was a Senior Managing Director and member of the Executive Committee at FS Investments, where he was responsible for Corporate Development. He also spent 7 years at JP Morgan across Asset & Wealth Management. He joined JP Morgan from Russell Investments, where he was a member of the Executive Committee. He started his professional career at McKinsey & Company, where he was a Partner serving clients in asset management, investment banking, insurance, and private equity.Robert brings both a consultant's analytical perspective and an operator's practical approach to his work building the credit business at Nomura Capital Management.Robert and I had a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion about building an asset management business in a fast-growing segment of private markets: private credit. We covered:The state of the private credit market.How to build an asset management business.What it takes to work with the wealth channel.The entrepreneurial spirit of RIAs.Open architecture vs closed architecture in private credit.Keys to success in the evergreen fund space.Thanks Robert for coming on the show to share your wisdom and expertise on private markets and wealth management.Show Notes00:00 Message from Ultimus, our Sponsor01:57 Welcome to the Alt Goes Mainstream Podcast02:06 Guest Introduction: Robert Stark03:18 Building an Asset Management Business03:42 Evolution of Asset Management Industry04:01 Regulatory Environment and Market Structure05:12 Challenges in Asset Management08:24 Importance of the Right People08:44 Private Credit Business at Nomura09:59 Diversification in Private Credit10:47 Secular Trends in Private Credit11:15 Client-Centric Solutions19:00 Origination in Private Credit20:07 Open vs. Closed Architecture22:45 Product Development and Client Feedback24:22 Early Stages of Private Credit Solutions25:43 Future of Evergreen Funds27:29 Investor Interests and Needs27:47 Building a Trusted Brand28:18 Challenges of Entrepreneurship28:46 Capital and Talent Requirements29:23 Nomura's Long-Term Vision30:12 Nomura's Wealth Management Legacy30:49 Expanding in the US Market31:32 Japanese Investment Culture32:07 Open Architecture Strategy32:34 Global Network and Client Access34:32 Challenges of Working with RIAs36:19 Fiduciary Alignment37:04 Partnerships and Client Success37:56 Strategic Acquisitions39:50 Evolution of the RIA Segment44:44 Long-Term Business Planning46:39 Future of Private MarketsEditing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Since Charlotte Palermino's initial visit to Naked Beauty, she has launched her brand, Dieux, and maintained her commitment to transparency with customers about costs, ingredients, and how policy influences both. On today's episode, we discuss specific business decisions, such as why Dieux focuses on core products versus developing new launch products, and why customers should understand how pricing is determined. Charlotte takes us back to the beginning of her founder journey and details how the rise in misinformation about clean beauty and anti-science rhetoric in 2016 inspired her interest in research-backed beauty. Charlotte's online transparency extends to our conversation; she talks openly about getting Botox and her complicated relationship with the beauty standards we are all enmeshed with. Our conversion wouldn't be complete without her helpful advice on building sustainable beauty routines, understanding how brands source products, and that not all synthetic materials are harmful. We also take time to explore AI's role in the beauty industry and how we can adopt ethical and critical approaches to its use. Charlotte remains an informed advocate for beauty safety; she teaches us so much in this episode. Tune in as we discuss:(01:33) Charlotte's Background and Skincare Philosophy(18:58) Sustainability and Product Development(35:37) Debunking Myths About Petroleum in Skincare(36:50) The Environmental Impact of Microplastics(38:00) Forever Chemicals and Their Dangers(44:43) DIY Skincare: What's Safe and What's Not(47:34) Preventive Botox and Sunscreen MythsRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on Apple Join the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanet Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Charlotte @charlotteparlerProducts Mentioned:EADEM Le Chouchou Lip BalmShark Beauty Mask CurrentBody LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 1Jordan Samuel Skin FragranceTamburins Perfume Danessa Myricks ColorFix StixKulfi Lassi Lips Staining Long-Lasting Moisturizing Lip OilViolette FR Hydrating Lip StainCLIO Kill Lash Superproof Mascara Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Object Worship boys are really back this time! Today they're talking about the new Old Blood Noise Endeavors Sunlight, the future of the show, and honestly I don't know what else you're just gonna have to tune in and find out.Buy yourself some OBNE: http://www.oldbloodnoise.comJoin the conversation in Discord: https://discord.com/invite/PhpA5MbN5uFollow us all on the socials: @danfromdsf, @andyothling, @oldbloodnoiseSubscribe to OBNE on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/oldbloodnoiseSubscribe to Andy's Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/powereconomyLeave us a voicemail at 505-633-4647!

How Haley Pavone turned a college injury into an eight-figure convertible footwear brand built on curiosity, grit, and smart, sustainable growth.For more on Pashion Footwear and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Send us a textIn this episode of Unwritten Beauty Talks, Katarina Forster sits down with Arielle Moody, the founder of Mama Sol, a clean skincare brand redefining mineral sunscreen for modern women and mothers. Arielle shares her inspiring journey from beauty industry expert to brand founder, opening up about how pregnancy sparked her mission to create non-toxic, luxurious sunscreens safe for both moms and families.The conversation dives deep into product development, ingredient transparency, and the truth about sunscreen misconceptions — while also exploring Arielle's spiritual side, from her experiences with manifestation to how a psychic reading affirmed her entrepreneurial path. Arielle emphasizes the importance of trusting your intuition, building a supportive team, and prioritizing self-care while balancing business and motherhood.

In this conversation, Yashasvini Gopalan, co-founder of Smortr, shares her journey from aspiring architect to entrepreneur in the construction tech space. She discusses her early inspirations, challenges during architecture school, and the transition to the U.S., where she explored B2B marketing and product development. Yashasvini explains the inception of Smortr, highlighting the urgent need for better data management in the construction industry. She dives into product validation, overcoming PDF-heavy workflows, and how customer feedback shapes product iterations. The episode closes with insights on the future of construction tech and advice for young entrepreneurs.   Takeaways Yashasvini's early inspiration came from observing how architecture impacts people's lives. Architecture school built her foundation for understanding complex systems. Transitioning to B2B marketing unlocked new perspectives on data fragmentation. Smortr was born from the need for better construction data management. Problem discovery required deep engagement with industry professionals for validation. Product building is iterative — constant learning and adaptation are critical. Managing large PDF-based workflows is a major pain point in construction tech. Her advice for aspiring founders: embrace software and technology early. Networking is invaluable; many are willing to help if approached. The future of construction tech is promising with innovative startups emerging.   Chapters 00:00 – Journey to Architecture and Early Influences 03:04 – Challenges in Architecture School 04:43 – First Company and Industry Exposure 05:21 – Transition to the U.S. and Marketing Insights 06:42 – UI/UX Skills from Architecture 07:38 – The Birth of Smortr 09:32 – Customer Discovery and Validation 10:45 – Learning from Challenges 12:10 – Innovations in Construction Tech 15:30 – Product Walkthrough and Vision 17:02 – Challenges in Product Development 17:55 – Inspirations and Role Models 18:56 – Advice to Younger Self 19:53 – Mentorship and Support 21:25 – Starting a New Venture 22:19 – Rapid Fire Round 23:53 – Future of Construction Tech

Rachel Hochhauser and Jena Wolfe didn't quit their jobs to build Piecework Puzzles—and that's exactly why it worked. The cofounders share how they turned a stormy weekend experiment into a multi-million dollar lifestyle brand, all while maintaining full-time careers. As VP of Marketing for Goop Kitchen, and renowned Author and creative agency owner, the duo are mastering the art of balancing everything, in real time. From starting with just four puzzle designs shot in Rachel's grandmother's garage, to spawning an entire aesthetic movement in the industry, Rachel and Jena have made their mark. They aren't afraid to do things differently, constantly learning and iterating from production nightmares and successful campaign launches. Discover their unconventional approach to entrepreneurship, product development, and world building in this candid interview. They both reveal why bootstrapping gave them the creative freedom they craved, how they navigate being business partners and best friends, and the unexpected pivot that led to their viral cocktail napkin line.In This Episode You'll Learn: Why NOT taking investor money gave them complete creative controlThe “advice tour” strategy that helped them solve business problemsHow they went from puzzles to viral tomato napkins (and why that shouldn't have worked)What happened when their manufacturer dropped them during the pandemicWhy working with your best friend can actually be brilliantTheir approach to brand partnerships with everyone from Goop to Better Homes & Gardens Chapters:00:00 Introducing Piecework Puzzles and The Stormy Weekend That Started It All 3:30 How to Find Your Gap In the Market & Stand Out6:00 Design Philosophy 101: How to Create Products That People Connect With8:40 The Importance of Creative Freedom & How to Obtain It!10:45 How to Run a Successful Business with Your BFF13:50 Starting Cultural Moments: The Origins of The Tomato Craze16:20 The Product Expansion That Shouldn't Have Worked (But Did)20:15 Advice for Overcoming Manufacturing Nightmares23:00 The “Advice Tour” Strategy That Has Saved Piecework Puzzles26:49 Brand Partnerships: From Goop to Broccoli Magazine29:15 Addressing Dupe Culture… 32:45 Leadership Tips For Building a Lean & Productive Team Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Sponsored by Upward Sports, today's co-host is Travis Vaughn. He's the organization's Director of Market Research and Product Development. Bryce and Travis unpack fans' attitudes toward college football coaches getting fired — and how we can be impatient and disappointed with God during challenging seasons of life. Travis is the reigning champion of our FFF league (currently 9-0), and he's the co-host of the Kinda Fast Podcast! Be sure to check out Upward Running if you're interested in running!Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!Purchase a copy of The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition TODAY!Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website to sign up and participate in our exciting and encouraging ministry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marquett Burton is building a Training Center to be catalyst for global revolution. SupporMarquett explains how to be successful in product based business. Support Via Cashapp: @MarquettDavonSupport via Venmo: @MarquettDavonSupport: https://donate.stripe.com/4gM9ATgXFcRx5Tf4rw0x200Become a member: https://thesasn.com/membership-account/membership-levels/Support with Bitcoin: BTC Deposit address: 3NtpN3eGwcmAgq1AYJsp7aV7QzQDeE9uwdMy Book: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Box-Marquett-Burton/dp/0578745062https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-marquett-burtons-training-centerBook Consultation: https://cozycal.com/sasn#Marquettism #FinancialFreedom #Entrepreneurship #Marquettdavon #Wealth #FoundationalBlackAmerican #Leadership #Deen #business #relationships #moneyt Via Cashapp: @MarquettDavonSupport via Venmo: @MarquettDavonSupport: https://donate.stripe.com/4gM9ATgXFcRx5Tf4rw0x200Become a member: https://thesasn.com/membership-account/membership-levels/Support with Bitcoin: BTC Deposit address: 3NtpN3eGwcmAgq1AYJsp7aV7QzQDeE9uwdMy Book: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Box-Marquett-Burton/dp/0578745062https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-marquett-burtons-training-centerBook Consultation: https://cozycal.com/sasn#Marquettism #FinancialFreedom #Entrepreneurship #Marquettdavon #Wealth #FoundationalBlackAmerican #Leadership #Deen #business #relationships #money

In this episode of Dope Interviews, host Warren Shaw sits down with two legends shaping the game from the inside: Dallas Stokes, lead designer for ANTA and Kyrie Irving's sneaker line, and Rob Purvy, veteran product developer for Reebok, Adidas, and Vans, now leading innovation at Algenesis.Together, they unpack the real craft behind sneaker design and product development — from creating signature shoes for superstars like Kyrie Irving and Shaquille O'Neal, to the untold story behind Dee Brown's Reebok Pump dunk that changed basketball culture forever.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dope-interviews--5006633/support.Follow Dope Interviews on X: https://www.twitter.com/dope_interviewsFollow Warren Shaw on X: https://www.twitter.com/thewarrenshawFollow Warren on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thewarrenshawRock "Dope Interviews" gear: https://19-media-group.myspreadshop.comLooking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/Discover our favorite podcast gear and support the show—shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroupWant to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Connect with us and share your vision (budget-friendly collaborations welcome)!  https://bit.ly/19Guest

NEWSWanda Maximoff ascends as Marvel's new Sorcerer Supreme in December 2025Marvel teases “ARMAGEDDON” — Chip Zdarsky's universe-shattering eventFrank Castle returns in Benjamin Percy and José Luis' new ongoing 'Punisher' seriesMarvel's Ultraman saga reaches its epic finale in 'The Fall of Ultraman' in February 2026‘Spread' creators reunite for new horror-sci-fi series ‘Malevolent'Grant Morrison announces new ‘Sebastian O' Vertigo adventureDynamite and Warner Bros. reveal $100 mystery blind bags packed with rare comic goldICV2 market share info releasedOur Top Books of the WeekDave:Absolute Batman Annual #1 (Daniel Warren Johnson, James Harren, Meredith McClaren)Barbaric: The Black Knight (Michael Moreci, Gui Balbi)Chris:​​Nights #16 (Wyatt Kennedy, Luigi Formisano)Cult of The Lamb: Schism Special #1 (Alex Paknadel, Troy Little)Standout KAPOW moment of the week:Chris:  Absolute Batman Annual #1 (Daniel Warren Johnson, James Harren, Meredith McClaren) Dave: Robowolf #2 (Jake Smith)TOP BOOKS FOR NEXT WEEKChris: DC K.O.: Knightfight #1 (Joshua Williamson, Dan Mora)Dave: Alien vs. Captain America #1 (Frank Tieri,  Stefano Raffaele)JUDGING BY THE COVER JR.Dave: Amazing X-Men #2 (Stephanie Hans Variant)Chris: Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #1 (Erica Henderson Main)Interview Questions – Grant Sandground / Skybox Metal Universe Batman - Upper Deck VP of Product Development out 11/51. Batman has an 85-year legacy filled with reinvention. What made now the right time to bring the Dark Knight into the Skybox Metal Universe, and why was he chosen as the first DC hero to headline this line?2. Metal Universe is known for its cutting-edge printing innovations — from etched foil to die-cuts and lenticular cards. Can you walk us through the technology that makes these cards stand out physically in-hand and how that translates to the Gotham aesthetic?3. Each Metal Universe line has its own visual identity, whether cosmic, heroic, or elemental. How did your team translate Batman's world — all shadow, grit, and neon — into the visual language of the brand?4. This set spans decades of Gotham history. What was the process for selecting which eras, storylines, and character designs to include, and how did you balance nostalgia with innovation?5. The set features signatures from legendary creators like Gail Simone and Marv Wolfman. What does it mean to have the actual architects of Gotham's mythology participate in this project, and how do their cards fit into the collector experience?6. How do you feel about people selling these on ebay?7. How do you pick out art?8. Your thoughts on the use of a.i. art?8. Can you tease any product on the way?9. (Fun one!) If you were designing your own “Grant Sandground” insert card for the set, what kind of foil finish or chase rarity would it have — and which Gotham character would you want to share a dual card with?

After decades in beauty and brand-building, celebrity colorist Kadi Lee and entrepreneur Myka Harris have created something refreshingly intentional: Highbrow Hippie, a Venice-based salon and lifestyle brand where artistry, wellness, and conscious living intersect.In this warm and unfiltered conversation, Kadi and Myka reflect on the long road from blog to brick-and-mortar, the failed investor partnership that taught them everything, and the intuition-meets-data mindset that guides their business decisions. They share how they built a community long before products, and how that trust became the foundation for a loyal global following.From the quiet luxury of their five-chair atelier to the holistic rituals behind their hair health line, the duo opens up about creating culture, hiring slow and firing fast, and funding a beauty brand on their own terms. They speak candidly about the realities of entrepreneurship as Black women, the exhaustion of the grind, and the unglamorous but necessary balance between creativity and financial fluency.With humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom, Kadi and Myka remind us that building something enduring isn't about chasing perfection; it's about alignment, resilience, and the courage to keep going when no one else sees the vision yet.You'll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[02:37] How a Venice salon became a sanctuary where beauty and wellness truly intersect[06:44] The holistic insight that turned hair health into a wellness story, not a vanity one[09:52] Why pairing intuition with data changed everything in their product development process[12:26] The reason community came before product and how that built lifelong brand trust[15:03] What it takes to lead with values and speak truthfully, even when it polarizes people[18:32] How two longtime friends turned complementary strengths into a thriving partnership[20:10] The hidden cost of the grind and what “balance” really looks like for women founders[23:14] Why creatives must master business to sustain their artistry long-term[32:18] How losing the wrong investor opened the door to raising money on their own terms[36:52] The single mindset shift that helps them push through every obstacleUse code MAKERS15 for a discount at www.highbrowhippie.comResources Mentioned:Dream Ventures Accelerator | WebsiteHighbrow Hippie | WebsiteFollow Highbrow Hippie on Instagram.Follow Myka on Instagram and LinkedIn.Follow Kadi on LinkedIn.Follow Nancy Twine:Instagram: @nancytwinewww.nancytwine.comFollow Makers Mindset:Instagram: @makersmindsetspaceTikTok: @themakersmindsetwww.makersmindset.com

How can AI transform education without compromising learning? In this podcast hosted by Boston New Technology CPO Shweta Agrawal, Cengage Group SVP of Product Ghazal Badiozamani will be speaking on ethical AI and value-driven product development in EdTech. Ghazal shares her innovative approach to creating AI tools that enhance student learning by focusing on critical thinking and pedagogical outcomes, rather than simply providing answers.

In this episode, we are joined by Edward Borg. Brought to you by Sovol (https://jle.vi/sovol) and OctoEverywhere (https://octoeverywhere.com/welcome?id=podcast).

For this Halloween-themed episode, host Brian VanHooker talks with Randy Falk, the VP and General Manager of Product Development for NECA Toys. While NECA offers a wide variety of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys, Falk talks in depth about the newly announced Ben Cooper TMNT Costume Kids, part of the Ben Cooper Costume Kids toyline, which faithfully recreates Ben Cooper and Collegeville costumes from the 1950s to the 1980s with stunning accuracy, and places them on posable fiures. For the TMNT, there will be the four Turtles plus Shredder, Bebop and Rockseady, all coming in Wave 12 early next year. Sound engineering by Ian Williams. Follow TURTLE TRACKS PODCAST on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/turtle_tracks_podcast/

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen talks with Brandon Larcom, Global Director of Product Development at Gensler, about the strategy behind today's most effective workplace products. Larcom unpacks how research, user personas, and storytelling guide the design process—and why “hackability,” flexibility, and hybrid work are redefining what products must do. The discussion covers sustainability and circularity standards that are changing manufacturer partnerships, the role of emerging technologies in personalizing spaces, and how sensory experiences can strengthen culture and wellbeing. Larcom also offers practical advice for brands looking to collaborate with design firms more effectively and shares what he's watching next in workplace product innovation. Resources mentioned in this episode: Gensler's Research & Insights Bulo Monica lounge chair by Gensler

Alex Sloley: How to Coach POs Who Treat Developers Like Mindless Robots In this episode, we refer to the previous episodes with David Marquet, author of Turn the Ship Around! The Great Product Owner: Trust and the Sprint Review That Changes Everything Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. "She was like, oh my gosh, I've never seen this before, I didn't think it was possible. I just saw you deliver stuff in 2 weeks that I can actually use." - Alex Sloley In 2011, Alex worked with a client organization creating software for external companies. They needed a Product Owner for a new Agile team, and a representative from the client—who had never experienced Scrum—volunteered for the role. She was initially skeptical, having never witnessed or heard of this approach. Alex gently coached her through the process, asking her to trust the team and be patient. Then came the first Sprint Review, and everything changed. For the first time in her career, she saw working product delivered in just two weeks that she could actually touch, see, and use. Her head exploded with possibility. Even though it didn't have everything and wasn't perfect, it was remarkably good. That moment flipped a switch—she became fully engaged and transformed into a champion for Agile adoption, not just for the team but for the entire company. Alex reflects that she embodied all five Scrum values: focus (trusting the team's capacity), commitment (attending and engaging in all events), openness (giving the new approach a chance), respect (giving the team space to succeed), and courage (championing an unfamiliar process). The breakthrough wasn't about product ownership techniques—it was about creating an experience that reinforced Scrum values, allowing her to see the potential of a bright new future. Self-reflection Question: What practices, techniques, or processes can you implement that will naturally and automatically build the five Scrum values in your Product Owner? The Bad Product Owner: When Control Becomes Domination Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. "They basically just owned the team. The developers on the team might as well have been mindless robots, because they were being assigned all the work, told how much work they could do in a sprint, what the work was." - Alex Sloley In 2018, while working with five interconnected Product Owners, Alex observed a Sprint Planning session that revealed a severe anti-pattern. One Product Owner completely controlled everything, telling the team exactly what work they would take into the Sprint, assigning specific work to specific people by name, and dictating precisely how they would implement solutions down to technical details like which functions and APIs to use. The developers were reduced to helpless executors with no autonomy, while the Scrum Master sat powerless in the corner. Alex wondered what caused this dynamic—was the PO a former project manager? Had the team broken trust in the past? What emotional baggage or trauma led to this situation? His approach started with building trust through coffee meetings and informal conversations, crucially viewing the PO not as the problem but as someone facing their own impediment. He reframed the challenge as solving the Product Owner's problem rather than fixing the Product Owner. When he asked, "Why do you have to do all this? Can't you trust the team?" and suggested the PO could relax if they delegated, the response was surprisingly positive. The PO was willing to step back once given permission and assurance. Alex's key lesson: think strategically about how to build trust and who needs to build trust with whom. Sometimes the person who appears to be creating problems is actually struggling under their own burden. Self-reflection Question: When you encounter a controlling Product Owner, do you approach the situation as "fixing" the PO or as "solving the PO's problem"? How might this reframe change your coaching strategy? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Instant payments have officially entered the mainstream — but adoption is still uneven, and questions remain. How is FedNow performing more than a year after launch? What's driving momentum, what's holding institutions back, and what will it take for real-time payments to finally reach critical mass? In this episode of Banking Transformed, I'm joined by Bernadette Ksepka, Senior Vice President and Deputy Head of Product Development for the Federal Reserve's FedNow Service. We'll explore how instant payments are reshaping financial interactions, debunk some of the biggest myths surrounding FedNow, and examine how financial institutions — from community banks to major players — can leverage this infrastructure for competitive advantage. From new use cases and fraud prevention to the economics of real-time liquidity, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at where the U.S. instant payments ecosystem stands today — and where it's heading next. If your institution hasn't yet activated “send,” this episode might just change your mind. This episode of Banking Transformed is sponsored by FedNow The FedNow Service is an instant payment infrastructure developed by the Federal Reserve that allows eligible financial institutions to provide 24x7x365 instant payment services to stay competitive and meet customer demand. The network currently has about 1,500 participating financial institutions headquartered in all 50 states. For more information visit https://explore.fednow.org/

On Mission Matters, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ interviews Kelli Gray, Director of Brand & Product Development at Silver Biotics, about how the company's patented Silver Soul Technology leverages the healing power of silver for immune, wound, and skincare support. Gray explains how Silver Biotics products safely target harmful bacteria while preserving probiotics—bringing science and purity together for everyday wellness. Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Building a Doodle Empire Through Community-Driven Product DevelopmentGuest: Elina Panteleyeva, Founder of Dood WoofEpisode SummaryIn this insightful episode of Talk Commerce, Elina Panteleyeva shares how she transformed a 2023 layoff into a thriving ecommerce business focused exclusively on doodle owners. After discovering the audience-first approach from Ryan's "12 Months to 1 Million," Elina spent six months building a community before launching her first product. Through direct engagement in Facebook groups, she identified matting as the primary challenge for doodle owners and used ChatGPT to brainstorm solutions, leading to her all-natural detangler spray.Her organic launch strategy proved remarkably successful, achieving #1 new release on Amazon without paid advertising by leveraging her pre-built community of email subscribers and social media followers. The conversation covers her transparent approach to handling negative reviews, turning potential reputation damage into trust-building opportunities, and her systematic method for generating positive reviews through authentic customer relationships.Elina emphasizes continuous product development through customer feedback, conducting regular interviews to validate new concepts before manufacturing. Her content strategy focuses on providing genuine value through weekly blog posts and comprehensive FAQs, which serve dual purposes of helping customers and boosting SEO. Rather than expanding to other dog breeds, she maintains laser focus on the doodle market to maximize lifetime customer value and build deeper community connections. The episode concludes with information about her consulting services for entrepreneurs looking to build brands on limited budgets through community-driven strategies.[00:00 - 00:40] Introduction & Guest BackgroundHost introduction and welcome. Elina introduces herself as founder of Dood Woof and discusses her passion for DJing as a creative outlet. Brief overview of her ecommerce dog brand focused on the doodle market.[00:40 - 01:30] DJing Passion & LifestyleElina discusses her DJing hobby and live performances. Challenges of late-night gigs vs. lifestyle preferences. House parties and collaborative DJ sessions with friends. Humorous exchange about Las Vegas billboard aspirations.[01:30 - 02:15] Free Joke ProjectBrent's "Von Barked" pun and Netflix joke. Elina's rating: 10.3 out of 13 with granular scoring.[02:15 - 04:40] Origin Story & Business FoundationBackground: Immigration from Ukraine at age 3. Traditional career path through tech industry. 2023 layoff as catalyst for entrepreneurship. Discovery of "12 Months to 1 Million" book by Ryan. Audience-first approach vs. product-first methodology. Choosing doodle market due to organic content potential.[04:40 - 05:15] Market Research & Product IdeationFacebook group engagement strategy. Customer interviews about doodle challenges. Matting identified as primary problem. ChatGPT integration for product brainstorming. Decision to create all-natural detangler spray.[05:15 - 07:05] Launch Strategy & Amazon SuccessSix-month audience building phase. Email list and Instagram growth (600-1000 followers). Manufacturing process documentation. Launch day coordination and Amazon algorithm triggering. Achieving #1 new release status through organic traffic.[07:05 - 08:20] Review Management PhilosophyAmazon's strict policies on review incentives. Proactive review request strategies. Understanding review psychology (negative bias). Building systematic approaches for review generation.[08:20 - 10:10] Handling Negative ReviewsInevitability of bad reviews. Case study: Leaky bottle situation. Transparent communication with email list. Converting problems into trust-building opportunities. The 28:1 ratio (five-star reviews needed to counteract one-star).[10:10 - 12:15] Product Development ProcessContinuous audience feedback integration. Customer interview methodology for new products. Problem-solution fit validation. Contrast with traditional product development approaches. Creating products customers actively want vs. need creation.[12:15 - 14:40] Content Strategy & SEOQuestion-answer format implementation. Multi-channel customer inquiry management. Weekly blog content creation schedule. Value-driven content examples (grooming tips, DIY recipes). SEO optimization through helpful resources.[14:40 - 15:35] Market Focus & Expansion PhilosophyDecision to remain doodle-focused. Lifetime customer value prioritization. Community building vs. customer acquisition costs. "Doodle domination" strategy explanation.[15:35 - 16:25] Shameless PlugIntroduction of consulting services. "Branding on a budget" concept. Website: www.alinatalksbrand.com. Focus on community-building strategies.[16:25 - 16:30] ClosingFinal thanks and wrap-up.https://doodwoof.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooMyH00dW3RuNOQGz4OnWVEmQyvsOdcY4UP3DS8WLGpqRnpWrlc&variant=51603826245948

Join Christine Lee, VP of Product Development, as she introduces our Limited Edition BioCellulose Face Masks: the Deep Hydration Mask and Vitamin C Brightening Mask. Discover how these eco-friendly, coconut-based masks deliver spa-like results at home with powerful ingredients like Kakadu Plum, Hyaluronic Acid, Nordic Antioxidants, and Niacinamide. Christine also shares how to choose the right mask for your skin's needs—and tips for talking about them with your customers.

Pushing biologics beyond 200 mg/mL isn't just a formulation challenge - it's a delivery, manufacturing, and regulatory challenge too. Aggregation, precipitation, and sky-high viscosity make scaling these therapies a gauntlet for drug developers.In this episode of Life Science Solutions, host Chris Adkins continues the conversation on hyper-concentrated biologics with Ryan Doxey, VP of Tech Ops & CMC at Kymanox, and Nick Letourneau, PhD, Associate Director of Product Development & Commercialization. Together, they unpack how dehydrated protein microparticles suspended in hydrophobic carriers (like MCT oils or ethyl oleate) can dissolve instantly upon injection, and why this breakthrough could dramatically ease the patient experience.The conversation dives deep into what this means for manufacturing, device compatibility, and regulatory pathways, revealing how the future of injectables depends on solving problems once thought unsolvable.Topics include:Why ultra-concentrated biologics often fail in aqueous solutionsHow microparticle suspensions dissolve rapidly in vivo to avoid depot effectsRheology 101: viscosity curves, shear-thinning fluids, and device designThe shift to aseptic manufacturing when sterile filtration isn't an optionPreclinical safety considerations and scaling studies from rodents to NHPsWhy early conversations with FDA's Emerging Technology Program matterThis is part two of our deep dive on concentrated biologics - picking up where our Podcast Marathon live episode left off.  This episode offers a rare look inside the formulation frontier — where drug science, delivery design, and patient experience intersect.

Renee Troughton: Analytics From Day One and Four Other Principles of Great POs Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. "Product owners who think about their products as just a backlog that I prioritize, and I get some detailed requirements from stakeholders, and I give that to the team... that's not empowering the team. And it's probably leading you to building the wrong thing, just faster." The Bad Product Owner: The Backlog Manager Without Vision Renee describes a pattern of Product Owners who don't understand product management—they lack roadmaps, strategy, and never speak to customers. These POs focus solely on backlogs, prioritizing detailed requirements from stakeholders without testing hypotheses or learning about their market. Taking an empathetic view, Renee notes these individuals may have fallen into the role without passion, never seeing what excellence looks like, and struggling with extreme time poverty. Product ownership is one of the hardest roles from a time perspective—dealing with legislative requirements, compliance, risk, fail-and-fix work, and constant incoming demands. Drowning in day-to-day urgency, they lack breathing space for strategic thinking.  These POs also struggle with vulnerability, feeling they should have all answers as leaders, making it difficult to admit knowledge gaps. Without organizational safety to fail, they can't demonstrate the confidence balanced with humility needed to test hypotheses and potentially be wrong. The result is building the wrong thing faster, without empowering teams or creating real value. Self-reflection Question: Are you managing your Product Owners' workload and supporting their strategic thinking time, or are you allowing them to drown in tactical work that prevents them from truly leading their products? The Great Product Owner: Analytics from Day One and Market Awareness "They really iterated, I think, 5 key principles quite consistently... the one thing that did really shape my thinking at that time was... Analytics from day one." Renee celebrates a Chief Product Owner who led 13 teams with extraordinary effectiveness. This PO consistently communicated five key principles, with "analytics from day one" being paramount—emphasizing the critical need to know immediately if new features work and understanding customer behavior from launch. This PO demonstrated deep market awareness, regularly spending time in Silicon Valley, understanding innovation trends and where the industry was heading. They maintained a clear product vision and could powerfully sell the dream to stakeholders.  Perhaps most impressively, they brought urgency during a competitive "space race" situation when a former leader left with intellectual property to build a competing product. Despite this pressure, they never allowed compromise on quality—rallying teams with mission and purpose while maintaining standards. This combination of strategic vision, market knowledge, data-driven decision-making, and balanced urgency created an environment where teams delivered excellence under competitive pressure. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

In this episode of DairyVoice, Mike Opperman from Black Dirt Communications speaks with Dr. Robert Fourdraine, the Assistant Director of Product Development for DRMS. They discuss the new Fresh Cow Index (FCI) and why it's so important. Dr. Fourdraine explains what makes FCI different from other transition cow KPIs and shares herd scenarios that stand out since FCI was released. The Fresh Cow Index from DRMS could shape transition cow management in the future.For more information on the Fresh Cow Index, you can go to https://www.drms.org/HerdHQ/What-Is-HerdHQ.

Building products for yourself sounds like the perfect PM training ground!At first glance, you get instant feedback, prioritize ruthlessly, and have no bureaucracy to whom you answer... but does it actually prepare you for professional product management, or does it create dangerous blind spots?In this episode, Product Manager Brian Orlando and Enterprise Business Agility Consultant Om Patel explore several critical dimensions:Learning velocity and skill developmentUser empathy paradoxesResource management realitiesTechnical vs. strategic balanceFailure toleranceCareer advancementBusiness model understandingOur findings? Set artificial constraints, validate with real users, document your learnings, and use self-building as a supplement to professional experience, not a replacement.Whether you're considering a side project or wondering if your solo work translates professionally, this episode offers practical frameworks for balancing the best of both worlds.#ProductManagement #MVP #Solopreneur #ProductStrategy #CareerDevelopmentLINKSYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@arguingagileSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/362QvYORmtZRKAeTAE57v3Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agile-podcast/id1568557596Website: http://arguingagile.comINTRO MUSICToronto Is My BeatBy Whitewolf (Source: https://ccmixter.org/files/whitewolf225/60181)CC BY 4.0 DEED (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en)

Databox is an easy-to-use Analytics Platform for growing businesses. We make it easy to centralize and view your entire company's marketing, sales, revenue, and product data in one place, so you always know how you're performing. Learn More About DataboxSubscribe to our newsletter for episode summaries, benchmark data, and moreDave Gerhardt built Exit Five by treating community like a product—not a side project.In this episode, he walks through how the Exit Five team runs community with the same rigor as a SaaS org: dedicated product roles, roadmaps, feedback loops, NPS, and sprint cycles. He also shares why most B2B companies shouldn't build a community, and what to focus on instead.We also dig into how to justify the ROI of brand and community work, why direct traffic is your best brand metric, and how AI is reshaping what lean GTM teams can do.In this episode, you'll learn:Why Exit Five runs its community like a product orgThe biggest mistakes B2B companies make when launching communitiesHow Drift's podcast helped drive $1M in pipeline – with no attribution modelDave's take on brand, content, and the new AI-powered marketerThe exact metrics Exit Five tracks to grow and retain members

Product manager, entrepreneur, and author Ali Rakhimov joins Laurier Mandin to talk about how better communication can make even the most ambitious products take flight. From building payment kiosks for K–12 schools to leading multimillion-dollar initiatives at Macy's, Ali shares how simplicity, idioms, and “stupid” questions can cut through complexity and bring teams together. This conversation dives into how to keep innovation alive, avoid “boiling the ocean,” and use AI as a force for clarity, not chaos.Episode Highlights:00:02:00 — From the classroom to product leadership: How Ali's early years in K–12 shaped his management style.00:04:40 — Building, failing, and pivoting: The scrappy road trip that led to a startup exit.00:06:30 — The power of idioms: Why metaphors like “Elephant in the Room” and “Boil the Ocean” make teams communicate better.00:09:00 — Asking the “stupid” question: Turning imposter syndrome into clarity.00:12:10 — Focus vs. shiny-penny syndrome: How to simplify and ship without killing ambition.00:16:00 — AI hype and reality: What teams get wrong—and how culture determines success.00:21:00 — Learning curve to lifelong learning: From calculators to ChatGPT, adapting to new tools.00:27:40 — Making pigs fly: How Ali proved the impossible possible in K–12 fintech.Links:Find out more about Ali Rakhimov and buy "When Pigs Fly": Ali.inkSubscribe to Laurier Mandin's daily emails and buy "I Need That": LMandin.comLearn about Graphos Product, read the blog and get all podcasts with transcripts: GraphosProduct.com

In this conversation, Demi Schweers shares her inspiring journey through health challenges, including multiple sclerosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and how these experiences shaped her into a public advocate for women's health. She discusses the importance of self-advocacy, the challenges of navigating social media, and the launch of her business, Iris Nutrition, aimed at supporting women with hormonal health. Throughout the conversation, Demi emphasizes the significance of community, communication, and resilience in overcoming obstacles and achieving personal and professional goals. You'll hear how: You're not alone in your health journey. Community support can make a significant difference. Sharing your story can help others feel seen. Negativity on social media is part of the journey. Balancing personal and professional life is challenging but necessary. Communication is key in relationships, especially during tough times. To embrace the chaos and beauty of life. Subscribe to Brave Bold Brilliant for weekly wisdom on leadership, legacy, and living boldly. This episode is living proof that no matter where you're starting from — or what life throws at you — it's never too late to be brave, bold, and unlock your inner brilliant. Visit ⁠https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/⁠ for free tools, guides and resources to help you take action now

In this episode of Grow a Small Business, host Troy Trewin interviews Dennis Underwood, founder of Cyber Crucible, a cybersecurity software company transforming how businesses manage digital risk. Dennis shares his journey from government contracting to building a global SaaS powerhouse generating $1.2 million in recurring revenue with a lean 10-person team. He discusses the challenges of bootstrapping, the power of automation, and his mission to reshape cybersecurity through innovation and AI. Packed with lessons on leadership, resilience, and sustainable growth, this episode offers a masterclass in scaling a tech business the smart way. Why would you wait any longer to start living the lifestyle you signed up for? Balance your health, wealth, relationships and business growth. And focus your time and energy and make the most of this year. Let's get into it by clicking here. Troy delves into our guest's startup journey, their perception of success, industry reconsideration, and the pivotal stress point during business expansion. They discuss the joys of small business growth, vital entrepreneurial habits, and strategies for team building, encompassing wins, blunders, and invaluable advice. And a snapshot of the final five Grow A Small Business Questions: What do you think is the hardest thing in growing a small business? According to Dennis Underwood, the hardest thing in growing a small business is letting go of someone who's doing a good job but no longer fits the company's evolving needs. He explains that as a product company grows and its focus shifts, even capable and loyal team members might not align with new directions. Making those tough decisions—especially without a “services bench” to reassign people—is one of the most challenging yet necessary parts of leadership and sustainable growth. What's your favorite business book that has helped you the most? Dennis Underwood's favorite business book that has helped him the most is Ready, Fire, Aim. He says it changed his perspective on perfectionism and speed in business. Early on, he focused too much on building the perfect product before going to market—a mindset that worked in government projects but not in fast-moving business environments. The book taught him that customers don't expect perfection; they value progress and adaptability. This lesson helped him launch faster, learn from feedback, and grow Cyber Crucible more effectively. Are there any great podcasts or online learning resources you'd recommend to help grow a small business? According to Dennis Underwood, a great way to grow a small business is by constantly learning from practical, real-world insights. He recommends checking out resources like Y Combinator's startup library, which offers valuable articles for founders, and following industry experts on LinkedIn—especially those who challenge conventional thinking and share unfiltered lessons from experience. For podcasts, he values shows like Grow A Small Business, The How of Business, and Masters of Scale, which feature actionable strategies, founder stories, and mindset shifts for entrepreneurs. These platforms, along with consistent self-education and reflection, help business owners stay grounded, adaptable, and ahead of the curve. What tool or resource would you recommend to grow a small business? Dennis Underwood recommends using tools that enhance automation, efficiency, and clarity in business operations. He highlights Google Gemini as a powerful AI resource for generating content, refining documentation, and improving communication. By uploading company materials and analyzing AI feedback, he identifies areas needing clearer messaging. For small businesses, he believes leveraging such intelligent tools helps streamline processes, boost productivity, and strengthen strategic growth. What advice would you give yourself on day one of starting out in business? Dennis Underwood's advice to his younger self on day one of starting out in business would be to have the courage to move faster and fully commit to his vision. He admits he stayed too long in the comfort of government contracting because it felt secure, even though his goals were in commercial software. He says he should have moved out of Washington, D.C. earlier, left behind the “golden handcuffs” of steady contracts, and focused completely on building his product company. His biggest lesson—don't let familiarity or fear delay your leap into the business you truly want to build. Book a 20-minute Growth Chat with Troy Trewin to see if you qualify for our upcoming course. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take your small business to new heights! Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey.     Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: Success in cybersecurity isn't about perfection—it's about empowering people to protect themselves — Dennis Underwood Bootstrapping teaches you discipline—the kind investors can't buy and competitors can't copy — Dennis Underwood You can do everything right and still fail; what matters is how quickly you adapt afterward — Dennis Underwood  

BONUS: Consulting is Different—How Consulting Contracts Work Against Agile Development, With Jakob Wolman and Wilko Nienhaus  In this BONUS episode, we explore the critical differences between building software as a consultant versus inside a product company. Jakob Wolman contributed an insightful article to the Global Agile Summit book examining how third-party software development operates under entirely different constraints than in-house product development. Joined by Wilko Nienhaus, CTO of Vaimo, a consulting company in Estonia, we dive into ownership dynamics, misaligned incentives, contracting challenges, and the business pressures that shape consulting—along with practical stories from the field about what really works. The Cobbler's Shoes Problem "I come back to the office from this workshop, and suddenly, with these eyes on looking for improvements in process, I just suddenly am hit by this revelation of why things are so slow here? Why are we working so inefficiently?" Jakob describes the striking paradox many consultancies face: they excel at helping clients improve their processes while their own internal operations remain inefficient. This "shoemaker's children" phenomenon reflects a fundamental challenge in consulting—the difficulty of investing in your own improvements when all energy flows toward billable client work. Digital agencies often have outdated or poorly implemented websites despite building sophisticated solutions for others, illustrating how consultancies struggle to apply their own expertise internally. Misaligned Incentives Create Antagonistic Dynamics "It's almost as if the clients are actually paying us to be slow, because our incentive is to spend more time on achieving what the client wants, because we get paid by the hour." The incentive structures in consulting create inherent conflicts that don't exist in product companies. Consultants typically bill by the hour, creating a perverse incentive to spend more time rather than deliver efficiently. Meanwhile, clients pursue business outcomes and want results as quickly and cheaply as possible. This fundamental misalignment leads to: Clients adopting a procurement mindset, treating software development like ordering from a catalog A "wall" between stakeholders and development teams that's even stronger than in product companies Antagonistic relationships where scope changes feel like financial traps rather than necessary learning Contracting processes that reinforce waterfall thinking even when both parties claim to want agility Wilko emphasizes that contracting has a huge impact on these dynamics, and companies must deliberately change their engagement models to break free from these patterns. The Budgeting Trap and Specification Overload "Because of this budgeting process where you now need to motivate what this budget does, or you need to spend that budget, you essentially create this necessity to define everything." Consulting projects often suffer from the same problem that plagued waterfall development: annual budgeting cycles that force stakeholders to cram everything into a single specification. When there's only one chance per year to secure funding, everyone stuffs the requirements document with every conceivable feature, leading to: Massive specifications that attempt to predict all needs upfront Endless discovery meetings and documentation that add cost without improving outcomes Developers working from outdated assumptions with delayed feedback Clients who don't really know what they want but feel pressured to specify everything Jakob points out the frustration that "we've already fixed this problem" in product development through iterative approaches, yet it keeps reappearing in consulting because of the separation between entities. Ownership and Quality in Consulting Environments "Skilled engineers will be frustrated if they're not allowed to do a proper job. People that have spent a lot of time in an environment where they're never allowed to do a proper job, or maybe even punished for doing a proper job, they will have given up, and not care." The difference in ownership between product and consulting development profoundly affects how engineers think about quality, technical debt, and long-term design. In product companies, developers know they'll maintain their code, creating natural incentives for quality. In consulting, the transient nature of engagements can erode quality standards. Key challenges include: Engineers knowing they won't return to the codebase, reducing long-term thinking Clients who lack technical expertise dictating approaches they don't understand Pressure to complete fixed-scope contracts regardless of quality trade-offs The role of estimates in forcing teams to "just complete this thing" even when learning suggests changes Wilko notes that teams controlled by clients versus teams managed as stable units by the consultancy show markedly different levels of ownership and engagement. Engineers want to do great work, but without real-world feedback loops, they may either overengineer based on theoretical ideals or give up on quality entirely. Breaking the Cycle: Going Live in Two Weeks "We said to them, what if we try to actually go live in a single sprint, which in most companies is 2 weeks. And they were like, nah, we're not so sure. And we said, don't worry, you're going to get everything you want in your scope by the end. But just let's try these first 2 weeks." Wilko shares a transformative story about an e-commerce project where his team convinced a client to abandon their two-year roadmap and instead focus on going live with something—anything—in two weeks. The goal: enable one existing customer to place one order for one product they already knew. This constraint forced radical prioritization. The team didn't need images, extensive product catalogs, or elaborate descriptions. They delivered a minimal but functioning system, and the results were revelatory: The client's internal discussion shifted from "we need everything" to "what should we prioritize next?" Real customer interaction revealed unexpected problems, like internal incentive conflicts where salespeople wouldn't direct customers to the website because it threatened their commissions Senior leadership embraced the iterative approach more readily than middle management The faster feedback cycle enabled genuine agility even in a consulting context This story demonstrates that iterative approaches are more likely to lead to success in consulting, and that senior leadership is often more receptive to faster feedback cycles than people expect. The key is changing the dynamic from "deliver a complete spec" to "let's go live quickly and learn." AI as a Game-Changer for Consulting Dynamics "The groundbreaking thing that's happening right now is AI, and it really feeds into this direction. Because instead of speaking, you can actually be building, you can see things, you can do stuff that you can really test in a much more real way than you could just a few years ago." Both Jakob and Wilko see artificial intelligence as a potential solution to many consulting challenges. AI tools enable rapid prototyping and visualization, allowing teams to show rather than tell. This addresses the fundamental problem that clients don't know what they want until they see it, by dramatically reducing the cost of creating tangible demonstrations that generate meaningful feedback. If you want to know more about how AI is reshaping programming, check out our AI Assisted Coding series of episodes.  Quality and Testing Should Not Be Negotiable "I just simply think it shouldn't be a choice. We have to be very firm on this is how we work. We are the experts you are paying us." When clients ask to skip testing, reduce code reviews, or cut corners on infrastructure, Jakob argues consultancies must stand firm. Quality practices shouldn't be line items that clients can negotiate away. One consulting company that works strictly with Extreme Programming principles demonstrates this approach—they don't explain every detail to clients, but they clearly establish that "this is how we do all our projects. It's not a choice." Wilko adds that testing often saves time rather than adding cost, serving as a development tool that eliminates repetitive manual verification. The challenge comes during estimation, where padding for testing can make consultancies less competitive, creating pressure to compromise on quality. Jakob emphasizes that some responsibility lies with consultancies themselves, which sometimes over-promise and underbid to win business, then struggle to deliver quality within unrealistic constraints. This "race to the bottom" hurts the entire industry. The Path Forward: Deliberate Collaboration "It is fixable in a consultancy setting as well. I've seen it. I've been part of it. But you have to be very deliberate in your collaboration with the customer." Success in consulting requires deliberately designing the engagement model to support iterative development: Working backward from customer needs, not forward from specifications Establishing short feedback loops with both client stakeholders and end users Creating stable teams rather than assembling ad-hoc groups based on client requests Changing contracting models to align incentives (as explored in Sven Ditz's article in the Global Agile Summit book on delivering incrementally) Being firm about quality practices while remaining flexible about features Using AI and rapid prototyping to generate early, concrete feedback The consulting model doesn't have to default to waterfall, but it requires conscious effort to overcome the structural forces pushing in that direction. Recommended Reading In this episode, we refer to multiple resources for further reading. Here's a list of those resources:  Secrets of Consulting by Gerald Weinberg The Global Agile Summit book, including articles by the speakers at the conference Real World Agility by Daniel Gullo The #NoEstimates book by Vasco Duarte Extreme Programming principles About Jakob Wolman and Wilko Nienhaus Jakob Wolman is an experienced engineering leader who knows how to build great software, and how to mess it up. He has worked in both product companies and consulting environments, giving him unique insight into the contrasts between these models. You can connect with Jakob Wolman on LinkedIn. Wilko Nienhaus is CTO of Vaimo, a consulting company in Estonia, where he focuses on the challenges of delivering software in a consulting environment. He concentrates on delivery mechanisms and technical solutions for challenging projects. You can connect with Wilko Nienhaus on LinkedIn.

Back in March 2025, Nick and Chris visited the Bardstown Bourbon Company and had the pleasure of interviewing Dan Callaway, Vice President of Product Development! Dan and Nick talk all things Bourbon as well as the collaboration between Bardstown Bourbon Co. and Montecristo Cigars. Enjoy!

In this conversation, Whitney Douglas, Director of Sales at Living Alchemy, discusses the transformative power of fermentation in health supplements and its historical significance. She explains how Living Alchemy uses fermentation to enhance the potency and digestibility of their products, emphasizing a holistic approach to nutrition. The discussion also covers the launch of their new book, 'The Living Alchemy Book of Fermentation,' which aims to educate readers on the benefits of fermentation and provide practical tips and recipes. Whitney shares insights on the importance of returning to natural health practices and the need for unity in the wellness community.Takeaways:Fermentation enhances the potency and digestibility of supplements.Living Alchemy focuses on whole plant supplements for holistic health.Their new book aims to educate on fermentation and its benefits.Fermentation has historical significance in health practices.Customer feedback drives product development at Living Alchemy.The shift towards natural health is gaining momentum.Fermentation can reduce anti-nutrients in food.Connection to nature is essential for health and wellness.Personal growth often involves deconditioning from societal norms.A better world is about unity and connection. Sound bites:“Curcumin is fat soluble, but when you ferment the turmeric root, the curcumin becomes water soluble, making it more easily absorbed into your body.”“I do feel like there's that shift is coming where, you know, but we're going back to nature, whether you want to call it rewilding, remembering, it's happening, you know?”“I'm starting to realize that like, in the West anyways, everything that you should be doing is somehow removed from your life and then sold back to you as a service or product.”“we know how important gut health is to the rest of the body, especially when it comes to the immune system and cognitive function, cardiac function.”"Tend to your inner garden."“Go fermental.”“Holy basil makes a great tea and it's already wonderful. But then you ferment it and then it just turns into like the next level.”“The process took three years. To stop writing the book was the hardest thing about writing the book because draw the line in the sand at some point and agree that it's done.”“Divided we are not strong."Links:Whitney Douglas on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-douglas-36110512/Living Alchemy - https://livingalchemy.com/The Living Alchemy Book of Fermentation - https://livingalchemy.com/products/the-living-alchemy-book-of-fermenationLiving Alchemy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/therealalchemyusa/Living Alchemy on X - https://x.com/TherealalchemyULiving Alchemy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/living-alchemy-fermented-supplements/…Philosopher Foods Fermented & Sprouted Nuts - https://philosopherfoods.com/…The Gene Keys Book - https://genekeys.com/product/the-gene-keys-paperback/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Living Alchemy and Fermentation06:13 The Science of Fermentation and Its Benefits08:54 Holistic Health and Whole Plant Nutrition12:10 The Evolution of the Supplement Industry14:58 Addressing Health Concerns Through Natural Solutions17:55 Product Development and Customer Feedback21:07 The Living Alchemy Book of Fermentation23:51 The Historical Context of Fermentation26:52 The Future of Living Alchemy and Customer Engagement34:33 Understanding Fermentation and Its Importance35:37 The Journey of Writing a Cookbook38:12 Exploring Unique Recipes and Their Significance42:44 The Collaborative Process of Recipe Development44:29 The Challenges and Surprises in Fermentation47:13 The Impact of Fermentation on Health49:21 Reflections on the Book Writing Experience51:01 The Role of Authenticity in Personal Growth57:47 Envisioning a Better World Through UnitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Solgaard founder Adrian Solgaard shares how crowdfunding, design, and sustainability shaped his global travel brand.For more on Solgaard and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

“Think of it like a voice firewall—protecting enterprises from spam, robocalls, and social engineering before the phone even rings,” said Vicki Sidor, Head of Sales and Channel at Mutare. At WebexOne, Sidor and Brian McDonald, Director of Product Development at Mutare, spoke with Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, about how Mutare is reshaping enterprise voice security. Best known for its early innovations in voicemail and transcription, Mutare has pivoted in recent years to become a leader in voice threat defense. McDonald explained that while most organizations invest heavily in data and network protection, the voice channel remains a major vulnerability—one increasingly exploited by scammers, robocalls, and deepfakes. Mutare's solution acts as a pre-call voice firewall, analyzing and scoring inbound traffic before it reaches users. Beyond blocking malicious calls, it provides enterprises with visibility and analytics to identify suspicious patterns within their voice environments. At WebexOne, Mutare previewed its newest innovation—Voice Traffic Score for Webex Calling. The tool integrates directly into Cisco's Control Hub, allowing administrators to manage incoming calls based on security scoring. “Even for organizations not using Webex Calling, our solutions fit across Cisco's entire ecosystem—from SBCs to contact centers and carrier networks,” McDonald said. With partnerships across platforms such as Avaya, Genesys, NICE, and Five9, Mutare remains the only platform-agnostic voice firewall designed to safeguard businesses from social engineering and other voice-based threats. “Every enterprise has email and network firewalls,” Sidor added. “It's time they had one for voice.” More at Mutare.

In this episode, Kaylee Felio welcomes John Traver of Traver Connect to discuss what “broken” looks like in automotive fixed ops—and more importantly, how leaders and teams can drive sustainable change. John shares frameworks from sports icons, legendary business thinkers like Peter Drucker, and dealership trailblazers such as Ed Roberts to highlight the power of questioning, mission clarity, and process improvement.Tune in for real-world strategies to strengthen your parts and service department—whether it's redefining your mission, zeroing in on your “primary customer,” or getting honest about what's not working. As John puts it, “When you get your mission right, you have an unfair advantage.”This episode is packed with actionable insights for parts managers, service leaders, and anyone passionate about moving the dealership world forward.--------------------------------------------This show is powered by PartsEdge: Your go-to solution for transforming dealership parts inventory into a powerhouse of profitability. Our strategies are proven to amp up parts sales by a whopping 20%, all while cutting down on idle inventory. If you're looking to optimize your parts management, visit

Outline00:00 Introduction to Temple of Gainz02:54 Yoni's Home Gym Journey5:44 The Evolution of Temple of Gainz08:33 Challenges and Triumphs in Business11:45 Customer Experience and Branding14:36 Product Development and Innovation17:32 Timeline of Growth and Sales20:14 Marketing Strategies and Community Engagement22:57 The Impact of Social Media and Reviews26:16 Future Plans and Expansion41:36 Building a Personal Gym and Showroom43:59 Establishing Temple of Gainz' Reputation44:57 Navigating Customer Feedback and Sales49:15 Challenges of Running a Fitness Equipment Business01:11:49 The Launch of the QuadSend Machine01:17:31 Designing the Ultimate Home Gym Machine01:22:05 Prototyping and Manufacturing Insights01:28:38 Kickstarter Launch Strategy01:35:38 Integrating New Technologies in Fitness01:50:16 Future Vision for Temple of Gainz

Tom Molenaar: When Product Owners “Eat the Grass” for Their Teams Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. The Great Product Owner: The Vision Catalyst "This PO had the ability to communicate the vision and enthusiasm about the product, even I felt inspired." Tom describes an exceptional Product Owner who could communicate vision and enthusiasm so effectively that even he, as the Scrum Master, felt inspired about the product. This PO excelled at engaging teams in product discovery techniques, helping them move from merely delivering features to taking outcome responsibility. The PO introduced validation techniques, brought customers directly to the office for interviews, and consistently showed the team the impact of their work, creating a strong connection between engineers and end users. The Bad Product Owner: The Micromanager "This PO was basically managing the team with micro-managing approach, this blocked the team from self-organizing." Tom encountered a Product Owner who was too controlling, essentially micromanaging the team instead of empowering them. This PO hosted daily stand-ups, assigned individual tasks, and didn't give the team space for self-organization. When Tom investigated the underlying motivation, he discovered the PO believed that without tight control, the team would underperform. Tom helped the PO understand the benefits of trusting the team and worked with both sides to clarify roles and responsibilities, moving from micromanagement to empowerment. In this segment, we refer to the book “Empowered” by Marty Cagan. Self-reflection Question: How do you help Product Owners find the balance between providing clear direction and allowing team autonomy? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Learn more about the product at https://www.chiselfit.com/________In this episode of the Garage Gym Experiment podcast, host Jake Jaworski interviews Joe Ellis, founder of Chisel Fit. Joe shares his extensive background in the fitness industry, detailing his journey from working in retail to innovating fitness equipment. He discusses the development of Chisel Fit, focusing on the unique features of their new rower, which aims to enhance workout efficiency and versatility. Joe emphasizes the importance of consumer education and market positioning for new fitness products, and shares his aspirations for the future of Chisel Fit as a brand known for innovation in the fitness space.________Outline00:00 Introduction to Joe Ellis and Chisel Fit02:03 Joe's Journey in the Fitness Industry05:36 Innovations in Fitness Equipment Design12:01 The Evolution of Chisel Fit17:52 Product Development and Market Challenges23:39 The Unique Features of the Chisel Rower28:05 Innovative Resistance Mechanisms in Rowing Machines34:44 Versatility and Unique Features of the Rower40:25 Market Positioning and Target Audience43:45 Production Timeline and Future Products53:50 Vision for Chisel Fit's Future

In this episode of the Gladden Longevity Podcast, Dr. Jeffrey Gladden and Dr. Nichola Conlon delve into the complexities of aging, focusing on the important role of NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) in cellular health and longevity. They discuss how NAD levels decline with age, the implications of this decline, and innovative strategies to boost NAD levels effectively. The conversation also touches on the limitations of IV NAD therapy, the importance of addressing inflammation, and the scientific validation behind the Nuchido Time product. Dr. Conlon shares insights into future research directions and the impact of customer feedback on product development, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to enhancing cellular health.   For Audience ·       Use code 'Podcast10' to get 10% OFF on any of our supplements at https://gladdenlongevityshop.com/ !  ·       www.nuchido.com/GLADDEN or simply use code GL20 at Checkout on www.nuchido.com for 20% off your first order!   Takeaways ·       NAD is crucial for driving cellular repair processes. ·       The decline of NAD is linked to aging and inflammation. ·       Addressing root causes of NAD decline is essential. ·       IV NAD therapy may not effectively increase intracellular NAD levels. ·       NAD recycling is a complex process influenced by various enzymes. ·       Chronic inflammation can significantly deplete NAD supplies. ·       Nuchido Time aims to optimize NAD levels through a comprehensive approach. ·       Customer feedback drives ongoing research and product development. ·       NAD levels fluctuate throughout the day, impacting circadian rhythms. ·       Future studies will explore NAD's effects on sleep and skin quality.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:00 The Importance of NAD in Aging 07:45 Understanding NAD Depletion and Its Causes 12:47 The Role of CD38 in NAD Dynamics 16:42 Innovative Approaches to NAD Supplementation 21:26 Comparing NAD IVs and Oral Supplements 25:12 Enhancing NAD with Ozone Therapy 28:04 Product Development and Optimization 33:47 Future Research Directions and Applications   To learn more about Dr. Nichola Conlon: Website: www.nuchido.com Email: care@nuchido.com Social media: @nuchido @drnicholaconlon Got a question for Dr. Gladden? Submit it using the link below and it might be answered in our next Q&A episode! https://form.typeform.com/to/tIyzUai7? Reach out to us at:    Website: https://gladdenlongevity.com/     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gladdenlongevity/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gladdenlongevity/?hl=en     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gladdenlongevity    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5_q8nexY4K5ilgFnKm7naw    

Our guest on this episode of Data Driven Finance is Theo Vaughn, Director of Product Services at Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners. Prior to his current role, Theo was Chief Experience Officer at Catapult Credit Services and Product Engagement Manager at Agora Data. He is celebrated as someone skilled in the art of cross-collaboration, and product development and management. We explore Theo's experience guiding products in the finance space, covering such topics as: The approach and philosophy around product directing and product management. Aligning stakeholders around what the best product should be. How do you know what's “right” for the product? What signals do you take in and take seriously? Scaling technology to match ambitions. What typical organizational needs product directors are finding. Maintaining the balance between human and technological interactions. The challenges product directors tend to face. How connectivity in the financial space leads to product possibilities. The pillars of trust that lead to consumer product adoption and high usage. Is it even possible for product development to keep up with today's huge and rapid changes?

Marquett Burton is building a Training Center to be catalyst for global revolution. Support via Venmo: @MarquettDavonSupport: https://donate.stripe.com/4gM9ATgXFcR...Become a member: https://thesasn.com/membership-accoun...Support with Bitcoin: BTC Deposit address: 3NtpN3eGwcmAgq1AYJsp7aV7QzQDeE9uwdMy Book: https://www.amazon.com/Black-Box-Marq...https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-ma...Book Consultation: https://cozycal.com/sasn

On today's episode we shift gears from food to cannabis to discuss the current state of the industry. From mature markets to up & comers, there's new brands on the scene but some long last legacy companies are still pumping out product across the country. We sit down with National Lab Director and Chief of Product Development at Rove Cannabis, Ivo Knehnetsky to discuss how the industry has changed and what's on the horizon. Former Chef turned Cannabis Professional? A perfect guest for this podcast. We talk about it all! Tune in & Seek on Ivo's products that have hit shelves in Colorado this season! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stoned-appetit--3077842/support.

 Today we're honored to welcome Dr. Vrinda Devani, a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist who has dedicated her career to empowering women toward vibrant health and living. She blends her deep expertise in allopathic medicine with the wisdom of Ayurveda, offering a truly integrative approach to healing.Dr. Devani's path has been enriched by studying directly with world renowned teachers, including Vasant Lad. She has also served as the Director of Research and Product Development at Banyan Botanicals, contributing to the broader field of Ayurvedic wellness today. She continues her work as a clinician, mother, and spiritual seeker, bringing compassion and wisdom to every aspect of her practice. And now, as the Medical Director of SoHum Healing Resort, Dr. Devani guides people through the profound journey of Panchakarma, Ayurveda's deep detoxification and rejuvenation therapy. This episode explores what Panchakarma really is, who it's for, the benefits it can offer, and how this ancient practice can support us in the healing at the deepest levels of mind, body, and spirit.Send us a textFor 20% off Kerala Ayurveda products, use code OjasOasis at checkoutFor 20% off GarryNSun products, use code OJASOASIS20 at checkout Receive $700 off your Panchakarma retreat at SoHum Healing Resort with code OjasOasisPK2025 Support the showTo learn more about working with us, please visit www.OjasOasis.com Connect with us @ojasoasis on Instagram

In this special masterclass of Skin Anarchy, Dr. Ekta sits down with Jamie Holmes, Chief Brand Officer of Timeline, to rethink skincare through the lens of longevity. Instead of chasing “anti-aging,” Timeline centers skin health span—keeping skin energetic, resilient, and vibrant for as long as possible. Holmes frames aging as a privilege and makes the case for supporting biology, not hiding it.At the heart of the conversation is Urolithin A, the postbiotic behind Timeline's proprietary MitoPure®. You'll hear how this molecule triggers mitophagy—the cellular cleanup that renews tired mitochondria—so skin can generate more energy and recover from stressors faster. After a decade of research in nutrition, Timeline translated the clinically precise dose into topicals, creating a tight edit of formulas that show measurable gains in hydration and elasticity in as little as 15 days.Jamie opens the lab door on formulation philosophy: no label dusting, just actives at proven concentrations, iterated for texture, absorption, and real-world performance. Even the details matter—the sustainable glass and aluminum, hygienic pumps, and that buttery-yellow hue that reflects MitoPure's natural color—turning daily care into a gender-inclusive ritual. The lineup is intentionally minimalist, designed to slip into any routine and serve both biohackers and skincare newcomers who want evidence over hype.If you're curious about mitochondria as the next frontier in beauty—or you're simply ready to trade quick fixes for cellular results—this episode is your guided tour. Tune in to learn how Timeline is redefining beauty with science you can feel and results you can see.To learn more about Timeline, visit their website and social media.CHAPTERS:(0:02) – Introduction and Welcome(1:05) – Redefining Anti-Aging and Skin Health Span(3:30) – Mitochondria and Cellular Function(5:20) – Early Signs of Aging and Skincare Gaps(6:26) – Timeline's Ingredient Integrity and Active Formulations(8:00) – Urolithin A and MitoPure Science(10:23) – Transition from Nutrition to Skincare(14:44) – Product Development, User Experience, and Packaging(20:08) – Longevity Consumer Mindset and Unisex ApproachPlease fill out this survey to give us feedback on the show!Don't forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform.Reach out to us through email with any questions.Sign up for our newsletter!Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.