Productside Stories

AI Won’t Save Your Roadmap: How Product Managers Stay in Charge with Roger Snyder AI is everywhere… including in your backlog, your boss’s OKRs, and probably your next performance review. In this episode, Rina sits down with Productside Principal Consultant and Trainer, Roger Snyder, to cut through the noise. They dig into what AI is actually good at, where it goes off the rails, and why product managers still own every decision. From vibe coding and Evals to agentic AI and ROI, Roger lays out a practical path for PMs who want to experiment without losing the plot. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Key Topic #1 – AI as Your Assistant, Not Your Alibi Roger explains why AI is a thought partner, not a magic eight ball. He shares how strong critical thinking, clear prompts, and real accountability keep PMs in charge—even when AI is doing a lot of the grunt work.  Key Topic #2 – Vibe Coding, Evals, and the ROI Problem From vibe coding to Evals, Roger breaks down how PMs should (and shouldn’t) use AI in discovery and delivery. He also tackles why so many AI investments slow teams down instead of speeding them up, and how to avoid “AI pixie dust” features.  Key Topic #3 – Agents, Guardrails, and AI-First Orgs Rina and Roger unpack what “agentic AI” actually means, why not all “agents” are really agents, and how to balance autonomy with accountability. They also explore what AI-first companies get right about data, governance, and experimentation. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: A clear mental model for what AI can and cannot do for product managers. Practical ways to use AI for discovery, research, and communication—without delegating your judgment. A roadmap for when to use vibe coding, when to lean on Evals, and when good old-fashioned automation is enough. A simple way to spot real agent use cases vs. costly “because AI” experiments that blow up budgets and erode trust. You’ll walk away with a healthier mix of AI optimism and skepticism—and a challenge from Roger to experiment with AI every day in 2026. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

Leading Product Work in a World Where Failure Isn’t an Option When your “product” is clean drinking water, the margin for error is… basically zero. In this episode, Portland Water Bureau Interim Director Quisha Light takes us inside the realities of leading innovation in a space defined by public trust, mission-driven work, slow-moving systems, and life-or-death stakes. From navigating union constraints to modernizing customer service to preventing $14K leak disasters, Quisha reveals what it really takes to move a legacy public organization forward — without breaking what people rely on most.   Key Topics Discussed in This Episode 1. Innovating when you can’t just “move fast and break things” Quisha explains why public-sector work requires careful experimentation, meticulous community engagement, and a deep understanding of real human consequences.    2. Building a product culture inside government constraints From union rules to multi-month approvals to city council hearings, Quisha breaks down how she rebuilt a learning culture and empowered teams to try small bets responsibly.    3. Customer obsession when “customers” = your entire city How she reframed Portland’s water services around accessibility, self-service, data-driven decisions, and a singular mission: keep families safe, supported, and never in the dark.   Why Listen to This Episode? In this powerful conversation, you’ll learn how to: Turn product principles into public-good impact — even when your org moves at government speed Build innovation into legacy systems without risking public trust Lead mission-driven teams who genuinely care about the community Design services for vulnerable customers with dignity, empathy, and real-world awareness Reignite purpose when product work starts feeling disconnected from impact If you’ve ever wondered what product leadership looks like when your “users” are literally everyone, this episode is your blueprint.  Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses  

How to Find Product-Market Fit (Without Fooling Yourself) Founders love to sprint. Markets prefer you walk, listen, and maybe ask a few humans what they actually want. In this episode, product leader and startup advisor Shweta Agrawal joins Rina to break down why so many early-stage teams skip the fundamentals  (customer discovery, focus, ICP clarity) and pay the price later. From health-tech to ed-tech to “AI for everyone” tools, Shweta shares raw stories, red flags, and the simple practices that separate wishful thinking from real traction. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Why Founders Keep Skipping Customer Discovery Shweta explains why “I know the market because I am the market” is the fastest path to building something no one pays for — and how to break that pattern early. Product-Market Fit Signals That Actually Matter Renewals, retention, usage depth, early-adopter behavior — and why the infamous “40% Would Be Very Disappointed” test still slaps in 2025. When (and Whether) You’re Ready for Go-to-Market The building blocks founders overlook: ICP focus, positioning by region, partners who actually have reach, and the risks of going global before you even have 20 happy users.  Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: A reality check on the biggest founder blind spots (and how to avoid them). A practical walkthrough of PMF signals that aren’t vanity metrics. A step-by-step look at launching intentionally — not reactively. Lessons on adapting your product for different regions, cultures, and buying habits. Whether you’re a PM or a founder, this episode will recalibrate your instincts and help you build with confidence, not guesswork.  Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

From Best Buy to Oldcastle: How Jennifer Sabetti Built a Career on Customer-Centric Leadership Early in her career, Jennifer Sabetti learned a simple truth at Best Buy: “Have fun while being the best.” Today, as VP of Product Strategy at Oldcastle Infrastructure, that mindset shapes how she leads teams, hires talent, and mentors the next generation of PMs. In this episode of Trailblazing Women in Product Management, Jennifer joins host Nicole Tieche to share how retail taught her to love the customer, embrace change, and build teams that thrive on curiosity and culture. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Core values that never expire How “learning from challenge and change” became Jennifer’s lifelong leadership principle.Key topic #2 Transitioning across industries Why focusing on customer value makes any career pivot possible. Mentorship and team growth The overlooked art of spotting (and becoming) a great mentor at work.  Why Listen to This Episode? In this refreshing and candid conversation, you’ll learn: Why your first job might teach you your most important leadership lessons. How to build resilient, high-performing teams in complex product environments. What hiring for passion (not just skills) really looks like. How to find mentorship moments in everyday interactions. Jennifer’s story is proof that customer-centric leadership transcends industries — and that positivity is a powerful career strategy. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

From Layoff to Launch: Building an AI Businessfrom the Ground Up with Cooper CraigWhen a product manager loses his job, what happens next? For Cooper Craig, it meant building his own AI automation agencyfrom scratch. In this episode, he shares how grit, community, and product thinking helped him rebuild—turning job loss into a thriving business. From building voice agents that actually sound human to managing growth without funding, Cooper’s story is the blueprint for every PM who’s ever asked, “What’snext?”Key Topics Discussed in This Episode1. The PM to Founder Leap:How Cooper turned a layoff into a launchpad by applying product management frameworks to entrepreneurship.2. Building Voice AI That Doesn’t Sound Like a Robot:The art (and headaches) of designing conversational AI that’s actually human.3. Product Thinking as a Superpower:Why being a PM made him better at pitching, prioritizing, and delivering value—client by client.Why Listen to This Episode?In this refreshingly honest conversation, you’ll gain:A real look at what it takes to rebuild after a layoff.Frameworks to apply PM thinking to entrepreneurship.Lessons on balancing AI innovation with boundaries (and burnout).A reminder that humility and hustle can be your biggest assets.Because every PM secretly dreams of building something of their own—Cooper just did it first.Related ResourcesCheck out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt:Productside Resource LibraryMore Productside Stories Podcast EpisodesExplore Productside Courses 

Building an AI-First Organization the Typeform Way with Aleks Bass What does “becoming AI-first” actually look like inside a real company? Aleks Bass, Chief Product Officer (and interim CPTO) at Typeform, joins Rina Alexin to reveal how she’s leading an AI transformation that’s as human as it is technical. From breaking down walls between product and engineering to turning procurement into a partner in innovation, Aleks shares how clarity, trust, and experimentation turned Typeform into a 100× organization. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Culture Before Code Why trust, context, and collaboration between product, design, and engineering matter more than any tech stack when building AI-ready teams. Procurement Is the New Power Move How Aleks turned procurement into an innovation engine — re-designing processes to safely pilot 10 AI tools at once without derailing the organization. Metrics That Matter From 200 percent more PRs to shipping integrations in hours (instead of quarters) — what AI adoption looks like when you measure clarity and observability, not just hype. Why Listen to This Episode? In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Define what “AI-first” actually means for your organization. Lead cross-functional teams through change without burnout or chaos. Turn procurement and legal from roadblocks into allies. Measure AI success through clarity and observability (not vanity metrics). It’s a masterclass in leading AI transformation without losing your team’s trust (or your sanity). Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

The Future of AI Product Management with Digvijay Singh (YouTube Ads) AI has been around for a while now but the PM role within it is evolving faster than ever. In this episode, Digvijay Singh, Senior Product Manager at YouTube Ads, joins Rina Alexin to unpack the three layers of AI Product Management: infrastructure, models, and applications. From writing evals to training “intern” models, Digvijay reveals how PMs can stay relevant, build better AI intuition, and turn machine learning into meaningful product outcomes.Key Topics Discussed in This Episode The Three Layers of AI PM How product management splits across infrastructure, model, and application layers—and what each one demands from PMs today. The Power of Evals Why writing evals is the new success metric for AI PMs—and how it helps teams reduce hallucinations and clarify goals. Product Intuition in the AI Era How “playing” with AI tools builds better intuition, sharper judgment, and stronger PM instincts in a rapidly changing space. Why Listen to This Episode? In this episode, you’ll get: A clear framework for navigating the three tiers of AI Product Management. Practical advice for PMs transitioning into AI-focused roles. Real-world examples from Digvijay’s work at YouTube Ads and Google. Tips on developing product intuition by experimenting with AI tools. Whether you’re building LLM-powered apps or just learning to manage your “AI intern,” this episode will help you stay one step ahead. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

Trailblazing Women in Product Management with Pinky PanjwaniIn this episode, Nicole Tieche sits down with Pinky Panjwani, Director of Product Management for Striven at Miles Technologies, to talk about what it means to lead through learning. From crossing the chasm to building a team culture rooted in growth and simplicity, Pinky shares how persistence, patience, and a sharp sense for clarity have shaped her 22-year career. Ever wondered how to keep your team inspired while still chasing business outcomes? This one’s for you. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode The accidental PM journey that turned into a 22-year product career. How Pinky went from software engineer to Director of Product Management — by “doing PM work before even knowing it was called PM.”  Turning learning into a leadership advantage. Why her team schedules “Sharpen the Saw” weeks to pause delivery and focus purely on growth.  Simplifying complexity. Why true product leadership isn’t about adding more. It’s about communicating less, better. Why Listen to This Episode?This energizing convo gives you:A fresh take on product-led growth — and how to make your product sell itself. Simple frameworks for fostering trust and learning across distributed teams. Real-world tips for communicating across stakeholders without losing clarity. A mindset shift on persistence over instant gratification in product work. Proof that great PMs don’t just build products. They build patience, persistence, and people. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

Building Platform Products That Scale — Without Drowning in Stakeholders Platform products are some of the most complex beasts in product management. They have to serve multiple teams, stay flexible, and scale across the org—all while keeping technical and business needs in sync. In this episode, Rina Alexin chats with Aindra Misra, Director of Product Management for AI, Data, and Developer Experience at BILL (and former Twitter PM), about how to bring structure to platform chaos, build for scale, and win over even the loudest stakeholders.Key Topics Discussed in This EpisodeWhat Makes a Great Platform PMWhy platform product management is the sweet spot for technically curious PMs—and how mindset matters more than your coding background. The Art (and Science) of PrioritizationAindra’s framework for balancing competing use cases, weighing business impact, and keeping the long-term platform vision intact. Stakeholder Alignment Without the DramaHow to turn “fight for priority” meetings into data-driven discussions that build stronger teams and better platforms. Why Listen to This Episode?What will you get out of this discussion? In this thought-provoking conversation, you’ll gain: A framework for prioritizing platform features by impact, effort, and strategic value Real talk on managing competing stakeholders (and surviving to tell the tale) Insight into “horizontal thinking” and why it’s key to scalable platforms Lessons from Twitter and BILL on how to balance speed, flexibility, and tech debt If you’ve ever tried to scale a platform product (or want to move into this space) this is your playbook. Related ResourcesCheck out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt:Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

Jose Quesada on Discovery, Strategy, and the Value of Product Management Jose Quesada, VP of Product Management at American Express, joins Rina Alexin to unpack how Amex built a globally recognized mobile app by running discovery and delivery in parallel. From killing bad ideas quickly to making strategy concrete, Jose shows how product leaders can balance long-term vision with day-to-day execution... all while keeping skeptical stakeholders on board. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Discovery ≠ delivery Why Amex runs two tracks in parallel and why “killing hypotheses” is as valuable as proving them. Stakeholder judo How to align skeptics, win champions, and use communication, relationships, and data to build trust. Strategy that sticks Building blocks of a good strategy, why context is everything, and how to link product bets to company goals. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: A practical model for running discovery and delivery in parallel Tactics for disproving bad ideas fast (and celebrating the red) Stakeholder management techniques that actually lower friction A blueprint for building strategies that align with business context If you’re tired of being told “be more strategic” without any how-to, this conversation will give you concrete tools and mindset shifts you can use tomorrow. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

How Scientists and PMs Really Build: Dr. Christina Agapakis with Rina AlexinA synthetic biologist who became a creative and marketing leader? Yes, please. In this kickoff to Season 4, Dr. Christina Agapakis (Founder, Oscillator; former SVP Creative & Marketing at Ginkgo Bioworks) joins Productside CEO Rina Alexin to explore the messy, very human loop between research, product, and story. From lab benches to launch plans, we talk silos, funding models, and the art of “staying with the trouble” when the real world refuses your neat roadmap.Key Topics Discussed in This EpisodeThe science ↔ product tangle (not a pipeline):Christina explains why discovery isn’t a tidy flowchart—it’s a back-and-forth hairball of hypotheses, constraints, and collaboration that looks suspiciously like modern product discovery. Funding, impact, and translating research:Who pays shapes what gets built. We dig into grants, incentives, and new models (e.g., focused research orgs) that bridge lab breakthroughs to useful products without pretending it’s frictionless.Personas for molecules vs. people:Scientists often model cells; PMs model users. Christina makes the case for bringing real human context into upstream work—and why clear stories beat sterile slides when stakes are high.Why Listen to This Episode?In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: A fresh mental model for discovery that treats research like product (small bets, fast feedback). Tactics for working across silos without losing craft (or outcome). Language to translate messy reality into narratives stakeholders actually act on. A reminder to “stay with the trouble” when ambiguity spikes and why that’s where impact lives. If you build things for humans (or with humans), this conversation will sharpen your process and your story.Related ResourcesCheck out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

Product and engineering love to blame each other—but the best teams skip the turf war and figure out how to move forward together. In this episode, Rina talks with Guy Gershoni, Head of Engineering at genesIT, about what makes that partnership work (and what breaks it). From lean experiments to shared metrics to real talk about trust, this one’s packed with hard-earned lessons from someone who’s seen both the chaos and the magic. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Why engineers care more about impact than frameworks Turns out, engineers don’t want to ship shiny features. They want to ship useful ones. The key is making the impact visible.  Experiments that don’t waste time (or careers) Guy shares a dead-simple way to test new ideas without overinvesting—or getting stuck in analysis paralysis.  The MAC Model: A cheat code for fixing team dynamics Mindset, Articulation, Capability. If your team is off-track, this framework can tell you exactly where things are breaking down. Why Listen to This Episode? In this episode, you’ll get: Real advice on how product and engineering can stop talking past each other A new way to think about experimentation (it’s not about frameworks) Tactics to make success metrics a shared responsibility A refreshingly honest take on what actually builds team trust If you’re navigating cross-functional tension or just want to collaborate better, this one’s worth your time. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

Product transformations don’t fail because of bad tools—they fail because of ignored people. In this episode, transformation expert Joeri Devisch joins Productside CEO Rina Alexin to break down what real change leadership looks like. They talk through the difference between change and transformation, why words matter more than you think, and how to avoid top-down change that fizzles out. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode What separates transformation from “just change.” Joeri breaks down how to spot real transformation—and why project-to-product shifts are often misunderstood from the start. Why most transformation efforts fail. From overused buzzwords to under-communicated strategy, Joeri explains where teams get stuck and how to fix it. How to lead change from the inside. Hear how T-shaped product managers and early adopters can carry change forward, even in the most complex orgs. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: A fresh lens on product transformations (and why most don’t stick) A better understanding of how to create buy-in across your org Tactics to simplify change through pilots and internal storytelling Insight into the overlap between product management and transformation leadership Whether you’re mid-change or just getting started, this one’s a must-listen.  Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

What do you do when you inherit a product that’s already failed—twice? If you’re Orly Stern, you take full ownership, break down what went wrong, and rebuild it the right way. In this episode of Trailblazing Women in Product, Orly—now General Manager of Business Applications at Payoneer—shares how she turned a struggling product into a success, navigated leadership at a global scale, and made bold career moves that paid off. From stepping into product leadership with zero PM experience to managing diverse teams across cultures, Orly’s insights will challenge you to rethink leadership, product ownership, and career growth. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode How to Rescue a Failing Product Why some products fail repeatedly and what you can do differently. Leading Global Teams Across Time Zones & Cultures The real challenges of scaling a team internationally (and how to solve them). Career Growth in Product Leadership The bold moves that got Orly from product manager to general manager. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: Learn how to take full ownership of your product—no matter the challenges. Get real-world leadership strategies from someone who’s managed teams across multiple markets. Practical tips on hiring, team dynamics, and giving (and receiving) feedback effectively. Hear Orly’s personal take on making career-defining moves in product management. Orly’s journey proves that sometimes, all it takes is one bold move to change the course of your career. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

Scaling a product isn’t just about selling more—it’s about refining product-market fit, unlocking the right growth levers, and making sure your go-to-market strategy actually aligns with what your customers need. In this episode of Productside Stories, Rachel Owens, product executive and growth expert, shares how she’s helped SaaS products scale from $1M to $10M in a year. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, build strong GTM alignment, and refine your product strategy for sustainable success. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Refining Product-Market Fit for Sustainable Growth Many companies hit a revenue plateau because they misunderstand their real market fit. Rachel breaks down how to refine product-market fit by deeply understanding user pain points, use cases, and adjacent markets—without chasing the wrong opportunities. How Product and GTM Teams Can Actually Work Together Scaling isn’t just about the product—it’s about ensuring sales, marketing, and product are in sync. Rachel shares actionable strategies for strengthening cross-functional collaboration so growth efforts don’t stall. The AI Hype Trap: When to Actually Use AI in Your Product Many teams are under pressure to integrate AI into their products—but not every problem needs an AI-driven solution. Rachel explains how to evaluate when AI is truly adding value versus when it’s just a distraction. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: A framework for refining product-market fit without unnecessary pivots. Strategies to align product, sales, and marketing for real go-to-market success. A decision-making process for when AI should (and shouldn’t) be part of your growth strategy. Lessons from Rachel’s experience scaling SaaS businesses from $1M to $10M ARR. Scaling is about strategic focus. Don’t mistake it for throwing more features at the wall. Don’t miss Rachel’s insights. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

What’s the difference between being a product manager at an agency vs. in-house? In this episode of Productside Stories, host Rina Alexin sits down with Anne Veit, Head of Product Strategy at Razorfish, to dive deep into how agency product management works, how to navigate rapid innovation, and why problem-solving skills matter more than industry expertise. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to manage products on behalf of multiple clients, this episode is a must-listen. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Key topic #1 Product Acceleration Teams: How Razorfish builds cross-functional teams that rapidly innovate and execute at speed. Key topic #2 The Agency vs. In-House Product Manager Experience: The unique challenges and advantages of leading product in a client-driven environment. Key topic #3 AI & Product Innovation: How agencies help companies cut through AI hype and find real business value. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: Learn how to thrive in an agency product role – Managing multiple stakeholders and moving fast without breaking things. Get insights on cross-functional collaboration – How blending data, design, and tech accelerates innovation. Discover the secrets of product acceleration teams – The agency approach to shipping fast, learning faster, and keeping clients ahead of the curve. Understand AI’s real role in product management – Why “AI everywhere” isn’t always the right answer, and how to separate hype from strategy. If you’re in product—whether agency or in-house—this episode will challenge how you think about strategy, execution, and innovation. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

Stepping into product leadership means balancing strategic vision, customer focus, and emerging tech. In this episode of Productside Stories, Neha Bansal, Head of Product at Meta Ads Manager Reporting, joins Nicole Tieche to discuss her career, the high-speed role of AI in advertising, and how PMs can stay ahead of industry shifts. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Key topic #1 From Consulting to Product Leadership – Neha shares how a customer-first mindset led her from consulting to product management at companies like Google and Meta. Key topic #2 AI’s Impact on Advertising – How AI is transforming ad targeting, fraud detection, and campaign performance for small businesses and enterprise brands alike. Key topic #3 Thriving as a Product Leader – Why adaptability, data fluency, and domain expertise are the future of product management—and how PMs can develop these critical skills. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain:  Insider insights on AI-driven advertising and how it impacts businesses  Practical advice on developing leadership skills in product management  Strategies for balancing customer needs with data-driven decision-making  A roadmap for upskilling and future-proofing your product career Neha’s journey from data analytics to leading product at Meta Ads Manager Reporting is packed with takeaways for aspiring and experienced product managers alike. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt:  Productside Resource Library  More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes  Explore Productside Courses 

In this episode, Rina Alexin chats with Brian Fugere, a product veteran who’s led M&A strategies at symplr and beyond. They dive into the good, bad, and downright shocking sides of acquisitions—covering why some deals fail, how to avoid due diligence pitfalls, and tips for making cultural integration actually work. Whether you’ve been through M&A chaos or are bracing for your first, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Key topic #1 The Real Reasons Companies Do M&A: Growth shortcuts, customer acquisition plays, and competitive pressures that drive deal-making. Key topic #2 Why Product Leaders Need a Seat at the M&A Table: How skipping PMs during due diligence leads to expensive surprises post-acquisition. Key topic #3 Cultural Integration—The Silent Deal Killer: Proven tactics to avoid brain drain and create a unified product team post-acquisition. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain:  Battle-tested advice on navigating M&A as a product leader  Red flags to watch for during due diligence  Tips on retaining top talent during acquisitions  Strategies to unify product processes post-M&A If you’re a product leader facing a potential acquisition—or just want to be prepared—this episode is a must-listen. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt:  Productside Resource Library  More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes  Explore Productside Courses 

Meet Ravi Ramsaran, Chief Product Officer at Nextria, who’s built a reputation for turning bold ideas into tangible products. In this episode, he and host Rina Alexin explore uniting teams around a product vision, leveraging deep customer insights, and staying resilient through market shifts. Hear how Ravi fosters a culture of curiosity to deliver winning outcomes time and again. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Key topic #1 Ravi’s foundational approach to building trust and alignment among cross-functional teams, ensuring every stakeholder—from UX to engineering—owns the product vision and stays laser-focused on delivering real value. Key topic #2 The “structured curiosity” framework Nextria uses to explore emerging opportunities, from cutting-edge AI features to refining legacy systems, and how it accelerates discovery without derailing ongoing priorities. Key topic #3 Strategies for staying nimble when the market throws you curveballs, including data-driven pivots and transparent communication that galvanizes teams instead of causing chaos. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain:  Real-world tips on leading product teams through changing markets  A blueprint for harnessing curiosity as a competitive advantage  Methods for balancing bold experimentation with disciplined execution  Insights on building a trust-centered culture that drives innovation  Discover how one CPO’s obsession with customer needs shapes every product decision.  Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt:  Productside Resource Library  More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes  Explore Productside Courses 

In this episode of Productside Stories, Sahara Muradi, VP of Product Management at Office Space Software, shares her journey from consulting to leading product teams across major industries like hospitality, sports, and workplace planning.  She discusses the biggest challenges product managers face today, including prioritization, stakeholder alignment, and balancing business outcomes with user needs. If you’re looking to elevate your career in product management, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Key topic #1 How Sahara transitioned from consulting to product leadership – Lessons from her early career that shaped her approach to product management. Key topic #2 The art of ruthless prioritization – How to balance competing demands from stakeholders, customers, and business goals. Key topic #3 How to build credibility and influence in product leadership – The mindset shifts needed to lead cross-functional teams and drive impact. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain:  Learn how to navigate a career transition into product leadership.  Discover frameworks for making smarter prioritization decisions.  Understand how to use stakeholder alignment to drive better product outcomes.  Get practical career advice for women in product leadership. This episode is a gem for product managers who want to refine their approach to leadership in the discipline. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt:  Productside Resource Library  More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes  Explore Productside Courses