Product Thinking

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri sits down with Elaina O'Mahoney, the Chief Product Officer at Mural, to explore the evolving landscape of product operations, the strategic use of AI, and the essential collaboration between product and go-to-market teams. Elaina shares her insights into how organizations can streamline their product operations and effectively integrate AI to enhance user experience without losing the human touch.She also delves into the dynamics of working with go-to-market teams to ensure products are aligned with market needs from the outset. For product leaders looking to enhance their strategic approach and better align with sales and marketing, this episode provides valuable perspectives and practical advice from a seasoned expert in the field.Want to understand how to integrate AI into your products strategically and enhance your product operations? Tune in to hear Elaina's insights on building a collaborative product culture.You'll hear us talk about:06:01 - Visual Collaboration and Decision MakingElaina discusses the transformative role of visual collaboration tools like MURAL in product development. She highlights how these tools enable faster decision-making and efficient iteration by providing a shared visual language across teams.20:57 - Embedding Product with Go-To-Market TeamsElaina explores the benefits of integrating product management with go-to-market strategies. She explains how involving product marketing early in the process leads to a more seamless transition from development to market, reducing friction and accelerating time-to-market.28:27 - Future of Product OperationsElaina shares her vision for the future of product operations, emphasizing the need to streamline tools and processes. She talks about the importance of focusing on outcomes, customer needs, and metrics to avoid the trap of building features without clear purpose.Episode resources:Mural: https://www.mural.co/Elaina on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eomahoney/Check out Monday dev: http://monday.com/devCheck our courses: https://productinstitute.com/Timestamps:00:00 Entering Mural and navigating product leadership10:57 Enabling product creativity and outcome-driven teams16:26 Building strong partnerships with sales and GTM teams24:29 Balancing AI innovation with enterprise needs30:34 Future of product leadership and final reflections

What advice do you have for a situation where multiple product managers are accessing the same developer team, potentially slowing down delivery?Navigating multiple product managers sharing the same development team can lead to inefficiencies and context switching, which negatively impacts productivity. It's crucial to have dedicated developers for specific areas to improve ownership and accountability. The typical ratio of product managers to developers should be reconsidered, and if the workload is too high, hiring more developers may be necessary. Tracking productivity metrics and engaging developers in discussions can help present a case for leadership to make informed decisions about team structure and resource allocation.Episode resources:Check out Monday dev: http://monday.com/devGet a Angel Squad Guest pass: https://go.angelsquad.co/melissaCheck all the podcast episodes here: https://www.produxlabs.com/product-thinking

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Dr. Maryam Ashoori joins Melissa Perri to explore the transformative impact of AI on product management. Maryam shares her insights into how AI is reshaping roles within the industry, particularly the evolving relationship between product managers and engineers. With AI increasingly influencing design processes, she discusses the shift from traditional UI building to prompt definition. The conversation also delves into the distinct capabilities of AI agents compared to generative AI, highlighting their potential for reasoning and task automation.Maryam provides valuable guidance for enterprises on adopting AI strategically, emphasizing the importance of focusing on specific problems rather than being swayed by emerging technologies. The episode also touches on the challenges large organizations face in integrating AI tools amidst rapid technological changes.Curious about how AI can redefine your product management approach? Tune in to this episode for a deep dive into AI's role in transforming industry practices and discover actionable insights for leveraging AI within your organization.You’ll hear us talk about:05:45 - The Evolution of Product Management Roles with AIMaryam discusses the increasing integration of AI in product management, emphasizing the shift towards focusing on building the right products, not just any products. She highlights how AI is changing the dynamics between product managers and engineers.14:10 - Designers' New Role in the AI EraThe conversation shifts to how AI is impacting design roles, with designers moving away from traditional UI construction to defining prompts for AI. Maryam explains how this evolution is changing the design landscape.22:30 - Strategic AI Adoption in EnterprisesMaryam shares her insights on how enterprises can successfully adopt AI by starting small with proof of concepts and scaling strategically. She emphasizes focusing on problem-solving rather than being distracted by the latest tech trends.Episode resources:Maryam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mashoori/Watsonx.governance: https://www.ibm.com/products/watsonx-governanceCheck out Monday dev: http://monday.com/devCheck our courses: https://productinstitute.com/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction02:43 Maryam's career journey05:07 AI agents and their role in business07:45 Capabilities and limitations of AI agents16:07 Guardrails and practical use of AI in teams24:21 Creativity, UI standardization, and product strategy28:10 Enterprise AI adoption and building future-ready strategy34:38 Emerging trends and opportunities for product leaders

What advice can a new VP of product, with extensive industry experience but limited product management experience, receive to succeed in their role?Advice for a new VP of product with industry experience but limited product management knowledge includes understanding product management as a craft, learning key concepts and methodologies, and leveraging industry expertise to empathize with customers. It's essential to establish a collaborative environment with product managers, focus on defining problems rather than solutions, and continuously engage with users to inform product strategy. Building strong relationships with engineering and design teams, while being open to feedback and learning, will help in successfully transitioning into the role.Episode resources:Check out Monday dev: http://monday.com/devGet a Angel Squad Guest pass: https://go.angelsquad.co/melissaCheck all the podcast episodes here: https://www.produxlabs.com/product-thinking

Jody Bailey, the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Stack Overflow, joins Melissa Perri to discuss the integration of AI and product strategy in one of the world’s largest online communities for technologists. Jody shares insights on how Stack Overflow is navigating the rapid technological advancements and adapting to maintain long-term trust within its community.They delve into the challenges and opportunities AI presents and how it influences product management at Stack Overflow. Curious about how AI is reshaping the product landscape and how Stack Overflow is positioning itself in this new era? Tune in to discover how Jody Bailey is leading the charge at the intersection of technology and community.You'll hear us talk about:06:52 - Building Trusted AI Knowledge for EnterprisesJody Bailey describes Stack Overflow's enterprise solution that maintains a positive feedback environment and identifies subject matter experts. He emphasizes the need for a trusted knowledge layer to manage and distribute proprietary information within organizations.13:43 - Leveraging Core Strengths in the AI EraJody discusses how Stack Overflow is focusing on its core strengths, such as human connection and technical information, to position itself as a vital source for technologists in a world increasingly turning to AI tools for quick answers.19:52 - Trust, Adoption, and the Limits of AI in Development WorkThe conversation covers the importance of trust in Stack Overflow's community and how the platform ensures transparency and reliability, especially when integrating AI into its offerings. Jody highlights the need for a balanced approach to using AI without compromising on human interaction and knowledge.Episode resources:Jody on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodybailey/Stack Overflow: https://stackoverflow.com/Check out Monday dev: http://monday.com/devCheck our courses: https://productinstitute.com/Timestamps:00:00 Coming Up02:18 From retirement to Stack Overflow06:52 Building trusted AI knowledge for enterprise12:19 Redefining Stack Overflow’s strategy for the AI era19:52 Trust, adoption, and the limits of AI in dev work26:08 Keeping junior roles relevant in an AI future32:22 Internal transparency and advice for ambitious leaders

What product management principles can be applied in an enterprise setting where teams implement a purchased SaaS tool rather than building their own?The podcast discusses the role of product management in organizations that implement purchased software rather than building it. Melissa Perri emphasizes that product managers still need to evaluate whether the tools solve the right problems, customize them for their needs, and ensure they align with business goals. She encourages teams to practice good product management principles, regardless of whether they own the tools, and to communicate the importance of these practices to leadership.Episode resources:Check out Monday dev: http://monday.com/devGet a Angel Squad Guest pass: https://go.angelsquad.co/melissaCheck all the podcast episodes here: https://www.produxlabs.com/product-thinking

Keith Lucas, author and former product leader at Roblox, joins Melissa Perri to discuss his new book "Impact," which focuses on building high-performing, innovative teams. Keith shares insights from his experience leading teams at Roblox and explores how visionary leadership and mission-driven strategies can inspire and align teams for success. The conversation delves into creative constraints, the balance between vision and mission, and the continuous improvement necessary for effective leadership.Ready to learn how to lead innovative teams and align them with your organization's mission? Tune in to gain valuable insights from Keith's experience and discover practical strategies for building impactful teams.You’ll hear us talk about:05:45 - Visionary Leadership and Team AlignmentKeith explains the importance of visionary leadership and involving teams in strategy formation to inspire and align them with the organization's goals. He discusses how this approach helps in building trust and fostering a shared sense of purpose among team members.15:30 - Creative Constraints and InnovationIn this section, Keith emphasizes the need for creative constraints and maintaining flow states to foster innovation. He shares strategies on how leaders can set boundaries that encourage creativity without stifling the team's potential.27:20 - Decency Over Niceness in LeadershipKeith talks about the distinction between being decent and being nice as a leader. He argues that transparency and honesty are more valuable than mere niceness, especially when it comes to making tough decisions and fostering a culture of trust.Episode resources:Impact book: https://keithvlucas.com/writing/impact/Keith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kvlucas/Check out Monday dev: http://monday.com/devCheck our course: https://productinstitute.com/Timestamps:00:00 Coming Up02:40 Why Keith wrote Impact09:33 Creating focus and the year of growth15:30 OKRs, cadence, and Kanban approach22:58 Mastery and ownership in high-performing teams33:11 Course correction and tough calls35:40 Decency over niceness and creating space for creativity44:56 Intuition, mastery, and first steps for leaders

Join Melissa Perri as she dives into some of the best advice about career growth in product management from an incredible group of industry leaders. Monica Lewis from LinkedIn, Kristin Dorsett from Viator, Dheerja Kaur from Robinhood, Lucie Buisson from Contentsquare, Ben Hafele from the Lean Startup Co., Marco De Freitas and Amber Brestowski from Vanguard, Oliver Seil from Belkin International, David Myszewski from Wealthfront, and Eilon Reshef from Gong share their insights on developing strategic judgment, embracing learning, and leveraging AI for productivity.Discover how focusing on impact over scope, obsessing over problems, and starting small can accelerate your growth in product management. Our guests also discuss the importance of market fit strategy, learning from missteps, and being open to unexpected opportunities.Want to accelerate your product management career with practical advice from industry leaders? Tune in to this episode for actionable insights and strategies to help you grow and succeed.You’ll hear us talk about:07:45 - Embracing Learning on the JobKristin Dorsett talks about not sweating the small stuff and embracing learning on the job, emphasizing that nobody has it all figured out and the value of continuous growth in product management.15:22 - Leveraging AI for ProductivityLucie Buisson explains how using AI can enhance productivity, allowing product managers to focus on strategic thinking and customer engagement by freeing up valuable time.23:10 - Starting Small to Prove ConceptsBen Hafele introduces the "Convinced Do Loop," highlighting the importance of starting small to prove concepts instead of trying to convince everyone at once, thereby enabling more effective product management strategies.Episode resources:Monica Lewis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamlewis/Kristin Dorsett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristindorsett/Dheerja Kaur: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dheerja/Lucie Buisson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucie-buisson/David Myszewski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmyszewski/Amber Brestowski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-brestowski-019b56ab/Marco De Freitas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-de-freitas-80416714/Oliver Seil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-seil/Eilon Reshef: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eilonreshef/Ben Hafele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hafele/Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Introduction03:03 Monica Lewis: Grow where you are04:28 Kristin Dorsett: Don’t sweat the small stuff07:36 Lucie Buisson: Use AI to reclaim time for strategy11:12 David Myszewski: Lean into what’s working13:30 Amber & Marco: Obsess over problems, be ruthless with priorities18:50 Oliver Seil: Learn with intention21:20 Ben Hafele: Start small and let doing drive buy-in

In this episode, Quincy Hunte, Mark Rosenberg, Vivian Finney, Jessica Soroky and Hugo Froes join Melissa Perri to delve into the evolving world of Product Operations (ProdOps) and its impact on scaling product management within organizations. They explore how structuring product operations can enhance efficiency, align business and technology goals, and transform how product teams function. The conversation also touches on the integration of AI in prod ops, aiming to elevate strategic involvement while minimizing administrative tasks.Join us to discover how these leaders are pioneering scalable planning, OKR systems, and treating internal teams as customers to improve decision-making and reduce friction.Want to learn how to optimize product operations for better strategic insights and decision-making? Tune in to this episode to gain practical insights and strategies for enhancing your product management functions.You’ll hear us talk about:08:45 - Structuring Product Operations for EfficiencyQuincy Hunt discusses the significance of structuring product operations to boost efficiency and align technology with business goals. He emphasizes the need for agile teams and clear decision-making roles, which are crucial for product managers to understand.18:20 - AI's Role in Shifting from Admin to StrategyThe conversation shifts to how AI can transform product operations by reducing the focus on administrative tasks, allowing product managers to engage more in strategic roles and decision-making processes.31:50 - Treating Internal Teams as CustomersMark Rosenberg and Vivian Finney share insights on how treating internal product teams as customers can streamline processes, reduce friction, and improve overall decision-making, which is essential for product managers looking to enhance team dynamics and outcomes.Episode resources:Quincy Hunte: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quincyhunte/Mark Rosenberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-rosenberg-724653/Vivian Phinney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivian-phinney/Jessica Soroky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasoroky/Hugo Froes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugofroes/Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Introduction02:42 Prod Ops fundamentals07:45 Bridging tech and business through prod ops09:42 Driving visibility and standardization at scale16:11 Balancing autonomy and structure17:39 Integrating AI and evolving product ops tools21:35 Creating scalable planning and OKR systems24:39 Enabling faster decisions through insight curation

In this episode, we delve into the transformative role of AI in product management through conversations with some of the best Product leaders. You’ll hear from Anthony Maggio (VP Product Management at Airtable), Jessica Hall (CPO at Just Eat Takeaway), Karthik Suri (CPO at Cornerston OnDemand), Mario Rodriguez (CPO at Github), Steve Wilson (CPO at Exabeam), Darren Wilson (CPO at Soul Machines), and Tamar Yehoshua (Former Glean President of Product and Technology).We explore how AI tools are reshaping strategy and efficiency, while personalizing customer experiences. Join us as we discuss the impact of AI, and the future of product strategy. Are you curious about how AI can revolutionize your product management approach? Tune in to discover insights and practical applications that could redefine your strategies and customer interactions.You’ll hear us talk about:10:05 - AI's Role in Product StrategyExplore how product leaders are integrating AI into their strategic planning, focusing on addressing significant business and customer problems. The discussion highlights the experimental applications of AI in enhancing customer journeys and optimizing backend processes.18:45 - Enhancing Customer Interaction with Digital AvatarsWe dive into the world of digital avatars and their role in creating empathetic and personalized customer interactions. This section covers how avatars can be used for language learning and practicing difficult conversations in a non-judgmental setting.27:30 - Cybersecurity in the Age of AIUnderstand the evolving landscape of cybersecurity with AI's influence. Learn about the dual nature of AI in enhancing defenses and creating new threat vectors, emphasizing the importance of rapid AI adoption to stay competitive in the cybersecurity arena.Episode Resources:Anthony Maggio (VP Product Management at Airtable): https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonymaggio/Jessica Hall (CPO at Just Eat Takeaway): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalrhall/Karthik Suri (CPO at Cornerston OnDemand): http://linkedin.com/in/surikarthik/Mario Rodriguez (CPO at Github): https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariorodriguez3/Steve Wilson (CPO at Exabeam): https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilsonsd/Darren Wilson (CPO at Soul Machines): https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpjwilson/Tamar Yehoshua (Former President of Product): https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamar-yehoshua-886217/Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Coming Up01:37 Intro02:57 AI raising the bar for PMs06:57 Using AI to improve personalization10:52 Reimagining products with emerging AI14:55 AI behind GitHub Copilot20:21 AI’s risks and impact on cybersecurity24:22 AI avatars and emotional interaction30:42 How PMs can stay relevant in the AI age

Join Melissa Perri as she sits down with Nan Yu, Head of Product at Linear, to explore how Linear is reshaping project management tools for software development. This episode delves into creating seamless user experiences, the evolving role of AI in product management, and the importance of aligning product strategy with company goals.In this engaging conversation, Nan shares insights on how Linear is designed to enhance software development, the strategies for balancing feature requests with strategic development, and the role of AI in reducing administrative burdens for product managers. If you're looking to understand how to align product strategy with real-world customer needs while leveraging cutting-edge technology, this episode is a must-listen.Don't miss out on this insightful discussion! Tune in to learn how to elevate your product management skills and strategies.You’ll hear us talk about:08:00 - Restoring the Joy in Software DevelopmentNan Yu explains how Linear aims to bring back the fun in software development by minimizing friction and enhancing user experience, allowing developers to focus on creating.21:00 - Rethinking Estimation and CapacityDiscussing the challenges of scope and estimation in Agile environments, Nan provides insights on how Linear encourages milestone-based development rather than fixed scopes.40:00 - AI's Role in Streamlining WorkflowsNan talks about the impact of AI on product management, highlighting how AI can take over routine tasks, allowing PMs to focus on strategic and customer-focused activities.Episode resources:Nan on X: https://x.com/thenanyuLinear: https://linear.app/Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Coming Up02:38 Dear Melissa06:57 Getting into Linear14:54 Making Linear engaging for developers and PMs22:58 Capacity, estimation, and internal collaboration29:58 AI’s role in streamlining PM workflows36:07 Linking strategy to execution and future trends40:45 Advice to younger self

Join Melissa Perri as she sits down with Jameson Troutman, Head of Product for Small Business at JP Morgan Chase, to explore the dynamic world of product management. In this episode, Jameson shares his insights on balancing the art and science of product management, emphasizing the need for product managers to trust their judgment alongside leveraging data and research.Jameson delves into the importance of maintaining a customer-centric approach, ensuring that every product decision aligns with customer feedback and business goals. He also touches on the integration of AI in product management, which automates routine tasks, allowing product managers more time for strategic thinking.If you're interested in how to harness the power of curiosity within your product team, align strategies in large organizations, and utilize data insights to enhance customer experience, this episode is a must-listen.Want to gain a deeper understanding of successful product management strategies? Tune in to hear Jameson's expert advice on how to navigate the challenges of product management in a corporate setting.You’ll hear us talk about:15:40 - Empowering Product Managers with AIJameson discusses how AI can be used to automate mundane tasks in product management, freeing up time for more strategic activities. He highlights the importance of leveraging AI tools to improve efficiency and decision-making processes within product teams.28:15 - The Role of Curiosity in Product TeamsIn this section, Jameson emphasizes the need for product managers to cultivate curiosity within their teams. He explains how asking the right questions and understanding the "why" behind products can lead to more impactful solutions and innovations.42:05 - Strategic Alignment and Flexibility in Large OrganizationsJameson addresses the challenges of aligning product strategy with budget constraints in large companies. He highlights the importance of maintaining flexibility and open communication to successfully navigate these challenges and achieve organizational goals.Episode Resources:Jameson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameson-troutman/Chase for Business: https://www.chase.com/businessCheck our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Intro02:44 Dear Melissa07:05 Evolving into product leadership12:27 Building judgment in product teams15:50 Discovering customer insights and adapting strategy21:32 Building with data and platform readiness28:18 Aligning strategy and budget35:13 Collaborative prioritization and ownership38:26 AI’s real value in product management43:07 Future trends and advice for PMs

In this episode, Melissa Perri is joined by Julia Austin, Author, Lecturer at Harvard Business School, and Founder of Good For Her, to discuss the essentials of building a strong startup foundation. They delve into the importance of understanding your customer and the problem you’re solving, the dynamics of co-founder relationships, and transitioning to outcome-based roadmaps. Julia shares insights on how AI can play a role in product development and gives advice for first-time product managers in startups.Julia emphasizes the need for founders to focus on financial and legal aspects, often overlooked in the excitement of building a product. The conversation offers valuable advice for product managers and founders aiming to build sustainable and successful startups.Want to gain insights into building a strong foundation for your startup and the role of product managers? Listen to the full episode for practical tips and strategies from Julia's extensive experience.You’ll hear us talk about:05:20 - Understanding Foundational Work in StartupsJulia Austin discusses why startups should spend 80% of their time on foundational work and discovery, emphasizing the importance of understanding the problem and target audience before developing solutions.12:45 - Transitioning to Outcome-Based RoadmapsMelissa Perri explains how product managers can shift from feature-based roadmaps to outcome-based ones, focusing on connecting outputs to outcomes and effectively communicating with stakeholders.24:10 - Advice for First Product Managers in StartupsJulia provides tips for new product managers on building trust with founders by understanding the company's history and aligning with the founders’ vision to help structure the startup's roadmap and priorities.Episode resources:Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliaaustin/After the Idea book: https://www.aftertheideabook.com/Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Introduction03:08 Dear Melissa08:34 Understanding Founder Relationships15:53 Operational Foundations for Startups26:20 Applying AI Thoughtfully35:26 Role of PMs in Startups43:48 Closing Remarks

Join us this week on the Product Thinking Podcast as we explore the intersection of digital innovation and product management with Jose Quesada, VP of Product Management for Mobile and Web at American Express. With over 15 years of experience, Jose provides valuable insights into transforming digital experiences within the financial industry and the pivotal role of experimentation in fostering innovation.Jose shares his approach to creating a culture of safe experimentation, the seamless integration of digital and physical financial products, and the importance of developing soft skills in product management. He offers a compelling perspective on how digital transformation is reshaping customer interactions and product strategies at American Express.You'll hear us talk about:- 11:25 - Embracing ExperimentationJose discusses the importance of using experimentation as a tool to reduce uncertainty, encouraging his team to innovate and learn from mistakes without fear.- 25:31 - Data-Driven Product StrategyJose emphasizes the significance of a dual-track approach in product development, balancing immediate business outcomes with future-focused discovery.- 33:24 - Building Psychological Safety for InnovationJose shares strategies for fostering a team environment where making mistakes is part of the learning process, thereby driving innovation and growth.Episode resources:Jose on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josequesadamedina/Careers at AMEX: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/careers/Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overviewTimestamps:00:00 Coming Up01:23 Intro03:00 Dear Melissa08:38 Entering product14:53 Outcome-Driven Teams25:41 Making Data Work34:28 Embracing Change41:44 Future Of Digital Products

Join us on this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast as Oji and Ezinne, co-authors of "Building Rocketships: Product Management for High-Growth Companies”, discuss the pivotal role of Product Managers in the AI era. As they share insights from their experiences with innovation and product development, Oji and Ezinne explore how PMs must adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape to remain relevant.In this episode, they delve into the balance between customer focus and business needs, highlighting the significance of people, execution, leadership, and communication. Oji and Ezinne emphasize the need for PMs to lead conversations, advocate for solutions that address customer issues, and stay attuned to industry shifts.If you're eager to understand how to navigate the challenges and opportunities that AI presents to Product Management, don't miss out on these valuable insights!You'll hear us talk about:28:55 - Balancing Board Pressure and Long-Term VisionOji shares advice on managing the pressure from board members while maintaining the focus on long-term strategy and vision, a perennial challenge for product managers.40:12 - AI at the Core vs. the EdgeEzinne discusses the difference between companies that integrate AI at their core versus those that only sprinkle AI on top. Learn what it means to truly embed AI in your company's workflow and how to approach it strategically.49:38 - The Evolving Role of Product ManagersEzinne covers how the role of PMs is changing with AI's capabilities in areas like PRDs and data diagnostics, questioning whether AI will replace product managers or simply change the way they work.Episode resources:Oji on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ojiudezue/Ezinne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezinne/Building Rocketships: https://shop.damngravity.com/products/building-rocketships-udezue?variant=43588962779312Check our new course: https://productinstitute.com/p/mastering-product-strategy-overview

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

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

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

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

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