Episódios
-
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-overview
Timestamps:
00:00 Coming Up
07:47 Pricing Misconceptions and Segmentation
15:03 Pricing Mechanics and Internal Ownership
23:50 Scaling Pricing Metrics and AI-Related Challenges
34:45 Avoiding Bad Pricing Metrics
39:18 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 Management
Somer 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 Empathy
Somer 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 empathy
37:49 - Human Touch in Innovation
Somer 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-overview
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:50 Dear Melissa
16:30 Empathy starts with yourself
22:29 Curiosity, failure, and building customer love
28:47 Meaningful discovery and avoiding chaos
33:28 AI can't replace empathy
-
Estão a faltar episódios?
-
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 Tools
Mario 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 Adoption
Discover 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 AI
Explore 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/copilot
Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overview
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:45 Dear Melissa
04:52 From Microsoft to GitHub CPO
13:13 Failing toward the right UX for Copilot
16:23 Using evals and metrics to refine AI models
24:03 Seeing Copilot in the wild: surprises and adoption
29:16 AI’s role in augmenting vs. replacing developers
36:26 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-overview
Timestamps:
00:00 Coming Up
00:56 Intro
06:29 Dheerja’s journey into product
13:01 Coaching PMs without micromanaging
17:53 Learning Design
22:16 UX In Finance
28:09 Balancing experimentation with ambitious goals
33:32 Proving the business value of great design
38:43 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 Introduction
03:12 Dear Melissa
06:18 Transition to COO
12:34 Culture of experimentation
17:48 Practical AI strategy
22:34 Voice of the customer
31:28 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 Introduction
02:57 Dear Melissa
06:57 Finding the gap before building
14:39 Foundation sprint and why differentiation matters
25:21 Customer research timing and magic lenses
30:29 How to use lenses for decision-making
35:53 Lean Startup vs design sprint and planning time
43:19 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 Intro
02:57 Dear Melissa
06:17 Defining acceptable mistakes in go-to-market
12:22 How product and go-to-market should collaborate
17:48 What data product and marketing teams should track
22:53 Turning competitive noise into strategy
29:21 Responding to AI pressure from the market
34:29 Crafting real differentiators, not buzzwords
39:29 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 Up
01:23 Intro
06:00 Discovering design and joining Belkin
10:30 Transforming culture through design
19:20 User insights and product joy
24:47 Pitching and selling design ideas
30:35 Foster creativity and passion
40:48 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 Up
01:17 Intro
05:53 Jessica's journey to Product Ops leader
11:48 Improving launches through whole-company alignment
19:19 Structuring product ops for impact
25:00 Building effective cadences and data rituals
30:14 Driving data culture and exploring AI tools
36:30 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 Organization
Hugo 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 Mix
Hugo 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 Management
Hugo 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 Up
01:01 Intro
05:37 From UX to Product Ops: Hugo’s Journey
09:17 Shift to Product Thinking
16:33 Starting Product Ops at OLX
21:23 Rethinking OKRs for Real Teams
25:08 Making OKRs Work Across the Org
30:41 The Product Ops Mix
35:48 The Real Limits of AI
43:07 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 Up
00:47 Intro
02:51 Dear Melissa
06:34 Eilon’s Intro & Gong's Founding Story
10:31 Empowering Sales & Key Lessons
22:08 Vision for AI & Its Impact on Sales
31:41 Working with Design Partners & Beta Testing
42:03 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 Up
00:56 Introduction
02:48 Dear Melissa
05:28 Career Journey from Apple to Wealthfront
14:09 The Evolution of Wealthfront’s Mission
19:28 Introducing New Financial Products
29:06 Prioritizing Innovation and Roadmap Planning
35:54 Finding Product-Market Fit at Wealthfront
43:08 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 Up
01:05 Intro
09:10 Amber's Career Journey
12:11 Marco’s career journey
18:06 Modernizing Client Experience
22:56 Experimentation in Client Modernization
31:04 Aligning Business Strategy with Product Execution
37:43 Behavioral Science in Digital Experiences
46:50 Tackling Digital-First Transformation Challenges
49:58 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 Up
00:47 Dear Melissa
11:25 What Defines a Startup?
19:08 The Importance of Strategic Filters
24:38 The Innovation vs. Legacy Divide
31:35 B2B vs. B2C Experimentation Challenges
39:50 The Right Way to Build Capability in Organizations
46:42 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 Preview
00:56 Intro
03:00 Dear Melissa
08:35 Moving from Projects to Product
14:45 Breaking Silos in Teams
18:27 Mistakes in Product Models
28:14 Product Managers in Regulated Spaces
35:51 Product Ops at Scale
42:17 SAFE and Big Batch Planning
51:37 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 MongoDBAndrew 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 ProductsWe 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 FeedbackAndrew 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 ProductsUday 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 PivotsUday 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 ProductsUday 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
💡 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe to the Product Thinking Podcast to catch all the new episodes.
- Mostrar mais
