Product Talk with Malthi

Welcome to Product Talks with Malthi! In this episode, host Malthi SS chats with Raghu Ramanujam, a product leader from Flipkart, about the Indian startup ecosystem, its growth, challenges, and future opportunities. What’s Covered? Why hasn’t India produced global giants like TikTok or WhatsApp yet? How startups can achieve product-market fit and scale globally. The role of AI in transforming product management and startup strategies. Key advice for founders: resilience, innovation, and leveraging IPOs. Subscribe to Product Talks with Malthi for more inspiring conversations and expert advice! 0:00 - 0:22 The Challenge of India Producing Global Giants 0:22 - 1:10 Introduction to Ragu Ramanujam and Indian Startup Evolution 1:10 - 2:22 The Rise of India as a Startup Ecosystem 2:22 - 4:17 The Evolution of India’s Tech Industry from the 70s to Present 4:17 - 6:06 Incubators and Accelerators Driving Growth 6:06 - 8:06 The Value of Storytelling and Pitching for Startups 8:06 - 10:16 From Product-Market Fit to Scaling Challenges 10:16 - 12:32 The Role of Mentors as Sounding Boards 12:32 - 15:18 Transitioning from Services to Products 15:18 - 17:54 India’s Unique Tech Enablers for Startups 17:54 - 20:08 Challenges of Building Global B2C Platforms from India 20:08 - 24:08 B2B Success and Opportunities for Category Creation 24:08 - 27:28 Importance of IPOs for the Indian Startup Ecosystem 27:28 - 30:30 Leveraging AI for Product Management 30:30 - 34:01 Opportunities and Threats AI Brings for Startups 34:01 - 35:12 Key Advice for Indian Founders 35:12 - 37:45 Importance of Talent, Design, and Product Thinking 37:45 - 39:24 Future of Indian Tech Talent and Education Meet our Guest:- Raghu Ramanujam, Senior Director of Product at Flipkart, leads the Fintech and Payments division, driving affordability for customers and supporting the Digital India initiative. With prior leadership roles at Zoho and InMobi, and as the founder of the ride-sharing startup PoolCircle, Raghu brings a rich mix of entrepreneurial and product expertise. He passionately believes that a product’s success is best measured by its impact on customer success. LinkedIn:-https://www.linkedin.com/in/raghuramanujam?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app Host corner: Malthi is the CEO & Founder of SparkProd Consulting, a product consulting boutique firm and product advisor to start-ups. She is a seasoned global product leader, Start-Up Mentor and Freelance Product Coach and Trainer. She has more than 2 decades of professional experience in building global software products working with PayPal, Societe Generale, Intuit, SAP and EMC catering to millions of customers. 🌟 S͇u͇b͇s͇c͇r͇i͇b͇e͇ t͇o͇ t͇h͇i͇s͇ Y͇o͇u͇T͇u͇b͇e͇ C͇h͇a͇n͇n͇e͇l͇ a͇n͇d͇ s͇t͇a͇y͇ a͇h͇e͇a͇d͇ i͇n͇ y͇o͇u͇r͇ p͇r͇o͇d͇u͇c͇t͇ m͇a͇n͇a͇g͇e͇m͇e͇n͇t͇ s͇k͇i͇l͇l͇s͇: https://www.youtube.com/@product-talk-with-malthi 🌟 🔗Gᴇᴛ ɪɴ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ᴡɪᴛʜ Mᴀʟᴛʜɪ: 📧 Email: malthi.satish@gmail.com 🌐 Website : www.malthiss.com 🔹 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malthis 👉𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐢'𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: https://malthi.substack.com/

In this must-watch episode of Product Talk with Malthi, we welcome Roopa, an accomplished product and technology leader in B2B SaaS. She shares her formula for building successful products and managing large, distributed teams in a global market. Roopa also shares her recipe for impactful leadership, focusing on clear communication, aligning vision with action, and ensuring seamless execution. This episode is filled with actionable insights for anyone looking to lead with a customer-first approach while scaling products across diverse markets. Tune in to gain valuable strategies for navigating the complex landscape of global product management! 🌐 TimeStamp 0:30 How did you manage large, remote teams during and after COVID? 4:53 What are the key challenges for remote teams and how can they succeed? 9:55 How can an organisation empower remote product teams? 13:26 How do you balance innovation with business as usual? 17:42 How do you align global teams when entering new markets? 24:03 What is your recipe for success as a global product leader? 40:19 Quick insights on productivity, leadership, and remote work. 43:17 Final thoughts on the product revolution in India. Meet our Guest:- Roopa Jayaraman is a seasoned product and technology leader with extensive experience driving product-led growth for a leading B2B SaaS platform. She excels in shaping product vision, innovation, and go-to-market strategies while leading cross-functional teams with a customer-first approach. As Chief Technology Officer and India Site Leader at Odessa, Roopa oversees a 1,000+ strong team, combining her expertise in technology and business to foster an innovative, inclusive, and growth-driven culture. Roopa is a recognized thought leader, speaking at events like Nasscom, Your Story, and the Women in Tech Global Conference. She also contributes to Business Today and serves on the Executive Product Industry Council at the Institute of Product Leadership. LinkedIn:-https://www.linkedin.com/in/roopajayaraman/ Host corner: Malthi SS, is Fractional Chief Product Officer at HerKey(formerly JobsForHer), a woman’s career engagement platform. She is a seasoned global product leader, Start-Up Mentor and Freelance Product Coach and Trainer. She has more than 2 decades of professional experience in building global software products working with PayPal, Societe Generale, Intuit, SAP and EMC catering to millions of customers. 🌟 S͇u͇b͇s͇c͇r͇i͇b͇e͇ t͇o͇ t͇h͇i͇s͇ Y͇o͇u͇T͇u͇b͇e͇ C͇h͇a͇n͇n͇e͇l͇ a͇n͇d͇ s͇t͇a͇y͇ a͇h͇e͇a͇d͇ i͇n͇ y͇o͇u͇r͇ p͇r͇o͇d͇u͇c͇t͇ m͇a͇n͇a͇g͇e͇m͇e͇n͇t͇ s͇k͇i͇l͇l͇s͇: https://www.youtube.com/@product-talk-with-malthi 🌟 🔗Gᴇᴛ ɪɴ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ᴡɪᴛʜ Mᴀʟᴛʜɪ: 📧 Email: malthi.satish@gmail.com 🌐 Website : www.malthiss.com 🔹 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malthis 👉𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐢'𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: https://malthi.substack.com/

In this must-watch episode of Product Talk with Malthi, we dive deep into the world of gamification—how products use storytelling, psychology, and engagement techniques to influence user behaviour. 🚀 Join Malthi and special guest Vaishnavi as they explore her journey from radio jockey to product design expert. They discuss the challenges of gamification, why some strategies work and others don’t, and share insights on behavioural frameworks to enhance user experiences. Vaishnavi also recommends some great books to help you understand user behaviour and engagement better. If you're a product manager, designer, or just curious about what keeps users hooked, this episode is packed with insights and is a must-watch! If you're a product manager, designer, or just curious about how products keep users hooked, this episode is packed with insights and is a must-watch! TimeStamp 03:10 What does Gamification mean in the context of product development & design? 07:08 Experience in addressing gamification for users? 14:21 How does the whole process work from the concept to execution to launch? 20:16 How Does PM Use Behavioral Framework? 22:09 Thoughts on the Gamification Process? 27:11 How do you balance fun in implementation while staying true to the product's core value 31:08 Thoughts on the Gamification in Enterprise Products 35:24 Experience with AI 40:00 Successful examples of gamifications? 42:04 How can someone start gamification 45:36 Failed attempt at gamification Meet our Guest:- Vaishnavi has an impressive 15-year career leading growth and consumer experiences across renowned companies like Zipdial, Ola, and CRED. Currently, she heads driver products, growth, and engagement at Swiggy, shaping the experiences of India’s gig workforce. Her journey has been diverse and dynamic—she witnessed exponential growth at Ola, crafted products for the top 1% at CRED, and now focuses on a completely different consumer segment at Swiggy. Beyond her professional achievements, Vaishnavi has a passion for dance and was once a part-time radio jockey. As a mother of two, she cherishes family time through traveling and board games. LinkedIn:-https://www.linkedin.com/in/gvaishnavi?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app Host corner: Malthi SS is the Fractional Chief Product Officer at HerKey(formerly JobsForHer), a women’s career engagement platform. She is a seasoned global product leader, Start-Up Mentor and Freelance Product Coach and Trainer. She has more than 2 decades of professional experience in building global software products working with PayPal, Societe Generale, Intuit, SAP and EMC catering to millions of customers. 🌟 S͇u͇b͇s͇c͇r͇i͇b͇e͇ t͇o͇ t͇h͇i͇s͇ Y͇o͇u͇T͇u͇b͇e͇ C͇h͇a͇n͇n͇e͇l͇ a͇n͇d͇ s͇t͇a͇y͇ a͇h͇e͇a͇d͇ i͇n͇ y͇o͇u͇r͇ p͇r͇o͇d͇u͇c͇t͇ m͇a͇n͇a͇g͇e͇m͇e͇n͇t͇ s͇k͇i͇l͇l͇s͇: https://www.youtube.com/@product-talk-with-malthi 🌟 🔗Gᴇᴛ ɪɴ ᴛᴏᴜᴄʜ ᴡɪᴛʜ Mᴀʟᴛʜɪ: 📧 Email: malthi.satish@gmail.com 🌐 Website : www.malthiss.com 🔹 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malthis 👉𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐔𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐢'𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: https://malthi.substack.com/

Priyanka, Chief Design Officer at Dream11, and Muru, CTO at HerKey, dive into key insights on building inclusive social platforms. They discuss the challenges of developing products like WhatsApp, balancing openness, safety, and privacy, and how thoughtful design strategies foster user trust. Discover how customer empathy is transforming user experiences and why safety and privacy are non-negotiable in today’s digital landscape.. They also discuss the powerful role of women in technology and the shift in career platforms driving today’s workforce. This episode offers valuable insights into designing platforms that empower and connect diverse users. 00:00 How to build Inclusive Social Platforms 02:46 How its like to build a product like watsapp 08:49 Balance on creating open, engaging and safe platform for women 15:05 How to follow safety and privacy protocols while building a platform for women 22:22 Applying design strategies in a product for better user trust and experience 29:00 Product iteration roadmap on building a inclusive social platform 35:41 Forher platform for women’s career growth  36:04 Priyanka shares her Career journey as a women in STEM  39:55 importance of team understanding about userbase for better product quality 43:16 How including diverse talents make a change in the product journey 48:25 Role and career growth of women in technology 52:30 The 4 M’s of a woman's life and career impact  55:25 insights from the innovative project return to work by watsapp for women’s career growth led by priyanka  Meet our guests : Priyanka Kodikal Priyanka is the Chief Design Officer at Dream Sports, having returned to India in 2023 after two decades of design experience in the U.S. She leads the expansion of the design team and influences the design philosophy across the Dream Sports portfolio. Prior to this role, Priyanka was the Head of Design for WhatsApp’s consumer products, where she shaped core user experiences for calling, messaging, and status. Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyankakodikal/ Murugan Arjunan With over 20 years of global leadership experience in technology, SaaS product development, and cloud transformation, he has served as Chief Technology Officer at HerKey since 2023. He is passionate about leveraging technology, AI, and data to create products that empower millions of women to access opportunities, learning, and supportive communities for their career aspirations. Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/muru-arjunan/ Host corner: Malthi SS, is Fractional Chief Product Officer at HerKey(formerly JobsForHer), a woman’s career engagement platform. She is a seasoned global product leader, Start-Up Mentor and Freelance Product Coach and Trainer. She has more than 2 decades of professional experience in building global software products working with PayPal, Societe Generale, Intuit, SAP and EMC catering to millions of customers. Connect with Malthi:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malthis Website : www.malthiss.com Subscribe to the Newsletter at - https://malthi.substack.com

Explore the world of data with Sathish KS, CTO of Zeotap GMBH. Sathish discusses the transformative power of data platforms, from the concept of "data as the new oil" to how businesses are leveraging data for innovation and growth. Key topics include the evolution of data platforms, the challenges posed by data silos, the role of AI in enhancing product management, and the importance of data quality and privacy. Sathish also highlights how modern organizations are balancing data-driven strategies with trust and privacy concerns, while providing practical insights on managing data platforms effectively in the digital age. 1:40 Sathish takes us back to his journey into data space 5:48 importance of distribution of data platforms  8:26 Shirky Principle explained  12:20 Conways law and data platforms  17:16 Understanding the evolution of data strategies  20:29 New age innovations and regulations  21:11 Roles & responsibilities of a data product manager  24:45 thought process of a product manager in ai systems  25:10 How to get proper decision based on experiments, predictions & judgements 28:40 why starting as a analyst is important for a product manager  31:15 Advice for product and tech teams to achieve stakeholders requests 35:58 How can a data platform organizations manage trust and privacy concerns  45:30  Ai becomes a good partner for product managers in data platforms  50:51 Next evolution with Ai in data space  Meet our guest  Sathish KS is the CTO of Zeotap GMBH, a leading customer data platform provider in Europe and the UK. With over 22 years of IT experience, he has built cutting-edge data and analytics solutions in industries like MarTech, AdTech, IoT, and Anti-Fraud. Prior to Zeotap, Sathish played key roles at Ola and Cisco, developing fraud prevention systems and IoT solutions. An avid Tai Chi practitioner, he brings a unique perspective to technology and leadership. Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sathishks/ Host corner  Malthi SS, is Fractional Chief Product Officer at HerKey(formerly JobsForHer), a woman’s career engagement platform. She is a seasoned global product leader, Start-Up Mentor and Freelance Product Coach and Trainer. She has more than 2 decades of professional experience in building global software products working with PayPal, Societe Generale, Intuit, SAP and EMC catering to millions of customers.  Connect with Malthi:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malthis Website : www.malthiss.com Subscribe to the Newsletter at - https://malthi.substack.com

Explore how machine learning is transforming cancer detection and the challenges of bringing this technology to the forefront of healthcare space. Dive into the inspiring story behind Niramai's mission to break social barriers in rural healthcare, fueled by a personal tragedy. Gain insights into the tech hurdles of healthcare innovation, learn about effective go-to-market strategies, and uncover the possibilities for nationwide healthcare coverage and future innovations that could reshape the industry. 00:00 AI in Healthcare: Dr. Geetha Manjunath on Cancer Detection and Innovation 03:58 How Nirmai was founded  06:32 Inventing a new method for breast cancer detection 11:00 Understanding Rural area concerns for cancer detection  13:39 Self experiment and medicine professional support to build the solution 17:21 Educating Users Through Interactive and Accessible Approaches 19:27  Key challenges of developing the healthcare solution  21:30 Tech expectations and cancer detection  27:00 Global Adoption of New Cancer Detection Methods 29:00 Key Elements in NIRAMAI’s Go-to-Market Strategy 30:24 Understanding revolution in healthcare space 35:20  Listener Q&A: Implementing Nationwide Healthcare Coverage Systems About guest  Dr. Geetha Manjunath Dr. Geetha Manjunath is the Founder, CEO, and CTO of NIRAMAI Health Analytix, where she pioneered an AI solution for early, non-invasive breast cancer detection. With 25+ years of IT innovation experience, she previously led AI projects at Xerox and HP and was Lab Director for Data Analytics at Xerox India. Recognized on Forbes' Top 20 Self-Made Women 2020 list, Dr. Geetha holds 20 US patents and has received multiple awards for her work in healthcare and entrepreneurship. Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/geetha-manjunath-82b8058/ Host corner  Malthi SS, is Fractional Chief Product Officer at HerKey(formerly JobsForHer), a woman’s career engagement platform. She is a seasoned global product leader, Start-Up Mentor and Freelance Product Coach and Trainer. She has more than 2 decades of professional experience in building global software products working with PayPal, Societe Generale, Intuit, SAP and EMC catering to millions of customers.  Connect with Malthi:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malthis Website : www.malthiss.com Subscribe to the Newsletter at - https://malthi.substack.com

Explore the journey from UNIX to modern microservices and learn about integrating diverse data sources and building products from scratch using non-SQL databases. Dr. Srikant discusses the shift to decentralized ecosystems with open APIs and shares his experiences with industry leaders and early Silicon Valley's collaborative innovation. He advocates for practical, hands-on educational initiatives in AI and data sciences, addressing current gaps in product management and stressing the need for immersive, industry-relevant education to prepare future technologists and product managers. Key takeaways  Tech Evolution: Explore the shift from UNIX to microservices and APIs. Product Development: Understand the value of building products from scratch and data integration. Decentralisation: Learn the benefits of decentralised ecosystems and open APIs. Industry Insights: Gain inspiration from Dr. Srikant's experiences with tech pioneers. Practical Education: Recognize the importance of blending theory with hands-on experience. Product Management: Identify current gaps and the need for immersive, industry-relevant training. About guest Dr Srkanth Sundararajan General partner at VenturEast  VC, Senior Exec, Entrepreneur, Professor - with a focus on tech, enterprise tech, SaaS, startups, incubators, etc., spanning 36+ years! Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/srikanth-99?originalSubdomain=in Host corner  Malthi SS, is Fractional Chief Product Officer at HerKey(formerly JobsForHer), a woman’s career engagement platform. She is a seasoned global product leader, Start-Up Mentor and Freelance Product Coach and Trainer. She has more than 2 decades of professional experience in building global software products working with PayPal, Societe Generale, Intuit, SAP and EMC catering to millions of customers.  Connect with Malthi:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malthis Website : www.malthiss.com Subscribe to the Newsletter at - https://malthi.substack.com

Facing challenges with product monetization or ad integration? Anurag Verma addresses common challenges by sharing monetization strategies and a guide on choosing the right ad formats. He discusses seamless ad integration, essential ad tech metrics, and offers recommendations for B2B and B2C monetization. Anurag also highlights the importance of cross-functional collaboration and explores how new technologies impact ad formats and user experience, providing actionable insights for effective ad tech product management.  00:00 Adtech monetization & Product management 02:23 Anurag journey into AdTech world  06:40 Monetization strategy & ads integration in products  09:32 What is sponsored listings 10:40 Types of ad formats which are available in AdTech world 15:10 Limiting ads usage for enhanced user experience  17:20 Tips for making more relevant native ads  19:00 What are the metrics to track when using ads on products  24:35 Metrics a product manager should be aware of in the adtech world  27:11 What is a brand lift study for ads monetization  31:40 A Pm’s guide to monetization strategies and cross functional collaborations  39:50 New tech integration with product ads  42:50 How adtech product management works  45:00 Resources for Product managers to learn more about ads monetization  Guest Bio Anurag Verma is a seasoned product manager with 16 years of experience, holding degrees from the Indian School of Business and NIT Allahabad. He has held leadership roles at MakeMyTrip, Disney+ Hotstar, InMobi, and Goldman Sachs. Anurag has successfully built B2C apps with over 20 million daily users and B2B monetization products for markets like North America, China, and Southeast Asia. His expertise spans Online Travel, OTT, and AdTech. Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/verma-anurag/ Host corner  Malthi SS, is Fractional Chief Product Officer at HerKey(formerly JobsForHer), a woman’s career engagement platform. She is a seasoned global product leader, Start-Up Mentor and Freelance Product Coach and Trainer. She has more than 2 decades of professional experience in building global software products working with PayPal, Societe Generale, Intuit, SAP and EMC catering to millions of customers.  Connect with Malthi:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malthis Website : www.malthiss.com Subscribe to the Newsletter at - https://malthi.substack.com

Ranjani Mani, Director & Country Head of Generative AI at Microsoft India, joins host Malthi to explore AI's transformative impact on product management. They discuss practical examples of Generative AI, its role in productivity, process automation, and customer experience enhancement. Ranjani also addresses challenges in AI project implementation, underscores the product manager's crucial role in aligning technology with business goals, and offers strategic insights for effective AI integration. Whether new to AI or a seasoned pro, gain actionable strategies and expert perspectives on driving innovation in product management with AI. 00:00 Introduction to GenAI Product Management 02:45 Ranjani Shares Her Life Journey and Purpose 06:23 Most Common Use Cases in Gen AI Projects 10:00 Understanding Top-Down Methodology 13:43 Common Reasons for Project Failures 16:58 Guidelines for Building AI Products for Product Managers 20:52 The Role of Product Managers and Evolution with GenAI 23:33 Optimizing Cost vs. Need for AI Products 26:15 Key Considerations for PMs and Engineering Leaders in AI Product Development 28:50 Real Learning vs. Hype in Productive Work Environments 31:00 Recommended Resources & Books for GenAI Product Management 34:50 Linear vs. Exponential Growth Frameworks Explained About the Guest  Ranjani Mani, Director and Country Head of Generative AI at Microsoft India. A recognized leader in AI, Ranjani brings over two decades of expertise in AI product platforms and data sciences from VMWare, Dell, and Atlassian. She mentors startups and champions women in AI leadership, speaks at TEDx and industry panels, and hosts the podcast "Generative AI & I." Discover her journey and deep industry insights on staying ahead in the evolving world of AI. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranjanimani/ Host corner  Malthi SS, is Fractional Chief Product Officer at HerKey(formerly JobsForHer), a woman’s career engagement platform. She is a seasoned global product leader, Start-Up Mentor and Freelance Product Coach and Trainer. She has more than 2 decades of professional experience in building global software products working with PayPal, Societe Generale, Intuit, SAP and EMC catering to millions of customers.  Connect with Malthi:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malthis Website : www.malthiss.com Subscribe to the Newsletter at - https://malthi.substack.com

Explore the transformative impact of AI on the tech industry and startups with Rajan as he shares his journey from working on SaaS products to focusing on AI SaaS, highlighting the evolution of AI from its early days to the present. The discussion emphasizes the revolutionary potential of AI, comparing its impact to the advent of cloud computing, and covers the differences in AI adoption and investment between the US and India. Gain valuable insights into the AI landscape, including practical advice for early-stage startups on identifying genuine AI opportunities. Rajan stresses the importance of building first and focusing on accessible goals. Packed with expert knowledge on the future of AI in product development, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the tech industry, AI advancements, and startup strategies. Tune in to understand how AI is poised to redefine industries and learn how to navigate this exciting technological shift.   00:00 - Transformative Impact of AI  03:58 - 06:59 how rajan explores the landscape of AI and product development 07:39 - AI future in Indian ecosystems  10:05 - Startup investment and market value of india vs US in AI segment  16:05 - Understanding Persona, Problems, and Customer Requirements 22:05 - Is AI a co-pilot for the product managers ?  26:00 - Four steps to meet market expectations  30:26 - Does AI influence software ecosystem investment and product market  37:18  - Awareness of AI in product management and a PM’s role of translator  42:04 - Unconventional AI use cases and Rajan's Product Experience 47:10 - Generative AI's Impact on Work Compression About the guest:  Rajan, managing partner at Upekkha, an AI accelerator investing in 100+ early-stage startups founded by Indian entrepreneurs with global product focuses. Previously, he led product at Intuit and founded a computer vision startup. Linkedin - http://linkedin.com/in/thiyagarajan About the Host:  Malthi SS, is Fractional Chief Product Officer at HerKey(formerly JobsForHer), a woman’s career engagement platform. She is a seasoned global product leader, Start-Up Mentor and Freelance Product Coach and Trainer. She has more than 2 decades of professional experience in building global software products working with PayPal, Societe Generale, Intuit, SAP and EMC catering to millions of customers.  Connect with Malthi:  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malthis Website : www.malthiss.com Subscribe to the Newsletter at - https://malthi.substack.com

Discover how strategic pivots can lead to successful acquisitions with Bhaskar, a seasoned product leader in supply chain, accounting, and fintech. He shares EasyTap's shift from hardware-first to software-first, leading to its acquisition by Razorpay, and explores the impact of India's digital stack, especially UPI.  Bhaskar discusses deploying e-commerce devices and digital payment solutions, highlighting innovations like UPI Lite and the National Common Mobility Card. He also covers emerging trends in contactless payments and cybersecurity, and emphasizes the evolving role of product managers, focusing on empathy, customer understanding, and AI integration. About guest:  Bhaskar Chatterjee is a seasoned product leader, orchestrated Ezetap's transition from hardware to software-first, leading to its acquisition by Razorpay. With expertise in fintech and digital payments, he offers strategic insights into market innovations and the evolving role of product managers. Connect with him on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bchatterjee About Host:  Malthi SS, is Fractional Chief Product Officer at HerKey(formerly JobsForHer), a woman’s career engagement platform. She is a seasoned global product leader, Start-Up Mentor and Freelance Product Coach and Trainer. She has more than 2 decades of professional experience in building global software products working with PayPal, Societe Generale, Intuit, SAP and EMC catering to millions of customers. Connect with Malthi at:  Email: malthi.satish@gmail.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/malthis

I'm thrilled to share the latest episode of the Level Up Prodcast with Malthi where I had an enriching conversation with Karthi Subbaraman, Senior Design Director at Salesforce. 🌟 In this episode, we cover: 🛤️ Karthi's Career Journey: From a C++ programmer to a strategic designer and product manager, Karthi shares her incredible two-decade journey in the tech industry. 📝 The Importance of Writing: Discover why writing is a crucial skill for product managers and how it enhances clarity and cognitive processes. 🤖 ChatGPT and Productivity: Karthi's insightful views on leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to boost productivity and collaboration. ⏰ Productivity Hacks: Learn effective time management strategies and the significance of prioritizing impactful work. 🔍 Decision Making: Gain insights into Karthi's decision-making process, focusing on actions' significance and impact. 👥 Community Building: Explore Karthi's drive to create and nurture communities for better learning and collaboration. 🔮 The Future of Product Professionals: Predictions for the next decade in product management and the evolving role of AI. 🎧 Tune in to the full episode for an engaging conversation filled with valuable insights and practical advice for product builders and leaders. Don't miss out! #Podcast #ProductManagement #AI #Productivity #CommunityBuilding #Leadership #CareerJourney #ChatGPT #FutureOfWork

In this episode we deep dive with Sumit Singh on the two sides of Hiring and Interviewing. We delve into topics of "What goes in Hiring Product Managers and preparing for the interviews". Some very candid share outs. 0.00 - 4.39 Introduction of Sumit's experience 4.40 - 14.51 How does Hiring manager get to the "most suitable" candidates. Unpacking it layer by layer from sourcing resumes to exploratory conversations 14.52 - 24.30 How does one assess PM craft, attitude, culture fitment, creativity. What are the rounds to expect in a PM role and why having a genuines conversation is important 24.31 - 30.57 Trends in technology is constantly eveolving the way we build products, how does this impact hiring decisions. How Sum 30.58 - 38.33 What Sr. PMs should focus on when they switching their jobs or looking to move to the next level 38.34 43.30 How can PMs demonstrate their craft in the interview or case study submissions 43.31 - 47.38 What are the mistakes that candidates should avoid while interviewing 47.39 - Teachable point of view for PM #podcast #productmanagement #hiring #interviews #jobs

In this episode, I chat with Sonali Nands, who is Senior Vice President at Exxat. Prior to Exaat, Sonali was product leader with High Radius and managed a fairly large team with Product, Design, Analytics and Engineering. We spoke about: - Managing different things as a Product Leader - people, product, strategy etc - How to Foster Innovation and Creativity - Balancing Speedy Execution and Strategic Thinking - Advice for Women in Product Management - Managing Diverse Teams and Priorities 00:00 Introduction 6:39 Sonali's Journey in Product Leadership 7:38 Managing Diverse team and context switching 12:52 Fostering Innovation and creativity 27:21 Advice for women in Product Leadership 34:40 Managing Priorities and Conflicts

Key Takeaways Entrepreneurial Journey and Insights: Chaitra shares her transition from a software engineer to a serial entrepreneur, highlighting her experiences and learnings from Stanford and Silicon Valley, emphasizing the importance of diverse experiences in shaping her approach to startups and product innovation. Focusing on Women in Fintech: The conversation reveals the significant potential in addressing the financial needs of women, underscoring the untapped market and the unique insights gained from focusing on women as a primary user base for fintech products. Design Thinking and Empathy: The importance of empathy in product design, especially in fintech, is discussed, showcasing how understanding users' needs and behaviors leads to more intuitive and successful products. Technology Integration and Challenges: Chaitra delves into the technical challenges and solutions in implementing AI and NLP to create user-friendly financial tools, demonstrating the balance between technology and user experience. Continuous User Research: Continuous engagement with users and adapting based on their feedback is stressed as crucial for product evolution and maintaining relevance in a fast-changing market. Word-of-Mouth and Trust: Insights into how women, as a user base, can drive organic growth through word-of-mouth and the importance of building trust with users, especially when dealing with financial products. Partnership Between Product and Tech Teams: The dialogue underscores the synergy between product managers and technical teams, emphasizing the need for a balance of business acumen and technical expertise for innovative product development. Customization at Scale: The conversation touches on the importance of providing personalized user experiences while managing scalability through smart technology solutions.

In today's episode, we're joined by Neha Bagaria, the founder of Herkey(formerly JobsForHer), as she shares the journey of her product's evolution alongside her company's growth. Key takeaways - Do it manually before you build it - Be obsessed with your customers - Embracing change is the only way to succeed - Find your fly-wheels - Beat the things into details for perfect execution - Manage your time

I am thrilled to share my latest episode with our own "Product(Value)-Led Growth" Guru - Deepak Singh(Founder of PMcurve.com and Author of TechSimplified) Deepak shared invaluable insights into transitioning from a traditional Product Manager to a Growth PM, emphasizing the shift towards value-led growth strategies. From discussing the essence of understanding user behavior to leveraging data and experimentation, Deepak outlined the pathway to impactful product leadership. His journey from leading roles at startups like UpGrad and Flipkart to founding PMcurve.com illustrates a masterclass in fostering product-led growth in India's dynamic tech landscape. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Embrace a mindset focused on creating impact rather than just shipping software. Master data analysis and experimentation to uncover high-leverage growth areas. Deep domain and customer knowledge are crucial as you advance in your PM career. At leadership levels, persuasion and self-awareness become your greatest tools. 🌟 Deepak's journey and the detailed examples of product-led success stories, like Scaler and Meesho, not only inspire but also guide aspiring PMs towards realizing their own growth potentials. For anyone looking to make a significant impact in the product management sphere or seeking to understand the nuances of product-led growth, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom. Catch the full conversation and let us fuel your next big leap in the product world. And remember, whether you're building for India or the globe, understanding your users and innovating around their needs is the key to unlocking unprecedented growth. 🌍💡 #ProductManagement #GrowthHacking #TechInnovation #StartupIndia #LevelUpProdcast #ProductLedGrowth

In this Women's day Special episode, we are chatting with Padmini Janaki - Co-Founder and CEO of Mind & Mom. In this candid conversation, she shared - About her journey of building Mind & Mom - Her pursuit to build a "pain killer" product and not a "vitamin" product - Some "out of the box" hacks she put for acquiring her first set of customers and get the product validated - Focus to build an exceptional customer experience enabled by a tech product that can help the organization to scale - Do it right by the customer #product #entreprenureship #womenenterpreneurs #gtm #customerfirst #customerexperience #digitalproducts #productmanagement #productmanagers 00.00 - 01.02 - Introduction 01.03 - 03.05 - Product Discovery - Is your product serving as a Vitamin or Pain Killer 03.06 - 4.31 - Building Trust with users

In this episode, we chat with Prashant Mahajan who is the founder of Zeda.io. Here are a few Key topics we discussed: Evolution of Zeda.io: Iterative and Going Broad to Narrow on Problem identification Importance of MVP Design: Significance of designing MVPs that meet the high expectations of sophisticated users, especially when those users are product managers themselves. Leveraging AI: How Zeda.io incorporates AI to enhance both the product management process and the product experience for users, advocating for the proactive adoption and understanding of AI technologies. Building for a Global Audience: Insights on the challenges and strategies for developing products for a global market, including user research, cultural nuances, and geographic considerations in marketing and product design. #productmanagers #problemidentification #MVP #AIforPMs