Product and Cake

In the season opener, Ghonche and Paul sit down with Catalina Turlea, Founder and CTO of Lovelace, to demystify the "black box" of AI integration. We explore why engineering shouldn't gatekeep prompts, how to use experimentation to avoid the "average" results of generic LLM wrappers, and why your domain expertise—not just your technical skill—is the secret to building AI that actually resonates with users. March 26th (Berlin): Join Paul and Catalina for a live panel on "AI as a Teammate". https://luma.com/1t5gsmse

Former Fox/DreamWorks exec turned founder Steven Puri shares how Sukha helps remote workers flip into deep focus, finish faster, and feel healthier.    We dig into body-doubling and community mechanics that measurably boost retention, the Hollywood idea of “delights” and how to engineer them in product, plus how tiny teams can leverage AI without losing soul—and the one founder habit that compounds. Click play!

UX has changed more in the last 10 years than in the 30 before — and it’s not slowing down. In this episode Paul and Ghonche talk with Nick Cawthon, veteran designer, educator, and founder of Gauge, about how product and tech leaders can adapt without burning out. We cover: • Why curiosity is the most underrated skill in product • How AI is reshaping design and collaboration • The myths and misconceptions about what designers really do • Practical tips for managing attention and technology boundaries Nick brings not just experience but perspective — reminding us that while tools come and go, our ability to stay curious determines whether we thrive or get left behind.

What does it really take to bring clarity, speed, and structure to a complex product organization? In this episode, Dr. Thomas Gigant, Head of Product at Lingoda, shares what he’s learned leading product at companies like Blinkist, Go1, and Adevinta. We explore: • How to rebuild product velocity when things slow down • The underrated power of structure and simplification • What AI can—and cannot—replace in product work • How to balance people, process, and strategy • Why courage, not perfectionism, is the real product superpower Whether you’re scaling a team, fixing a stuck org, or thinking about what great product leadership really looks like—this episode will give you the clarity and challenge you need.

Nesrine has built products used by millions — at Google, Spotify, Microsoft, and Skype. But her focus isn’t scale. It’s emotion. In this episode, she shares how features like background blur and emoji reactions came from empathy, not roadmaps. We talk about “Product Delight,” why B2H matters more than B2B, and how great teams listen deeply before they build. https://nesrine-changuel.com/product-delight-book/

From consultant to product director, Ghazal shares the personal shifts that shaped her leadership style — and how trust, change, and vulnerability became core tools, not just soft skills. A powerful story about growing into your voice and making space for others to grow too.

How do you keep focus when your product and team are scaling fast? Mariano shares how he stays close to users, manages chaos without over-optimizing, and why great PMs need taste, not just process.

Are you at a turning point in your product career? Shobhit Chugh a former PM at Google and now a product career coach, shares how to navigate transitions with more clarity, less ego, and a stronger sense of self. From job titles to personal growth, this episode is a calm and thoughtful reminder that your role isn’t your identity.

Friederike Gaigl left her secure job as a UX designer at SAP to build something entirely her own. Now co-founder and Head of Product and Tech at Nyord, she shares how she’s building a real, scalable product—without a tech team. We talk about the power of Bubble, using AI as a co-creator, learning through doing, and the messy reality of early-stage decision-making.

Chakameh Shafii leads Product Management for Data & AI at Zalando Lounge, where she helps turn AI from a buzzword into real value. We talk about the real job of an AI product manager, the danger of chasing point solutions, how to balance experimentation with responsibility, and why solving the right problem is the most important skill of all.

What if your next big idea came to life with just six pages—starting with a press release? In this episode of Product&Cake, Paul and Ghonche are joined by Marcelo, founder and author of PRFAQ Labs and former Director of Product & Tech at Amazon, to unpack the power of Amazon’s PRFAQ framework, why traditional product tools often miss the mark, and how AI is reshaping the art (and science) of product management.

Jacob Bank left a director role at Google to build something faster, simpler, and more human: Relay, an AI agent platform for real businesses. In this episode, we talk about what happens when you stop chasing PRDs, why small teams often move faster than giants, and how action—not analysis—creates real information. A conversation about product, growth, AI, and the stories we tell ourselves along the way.

Kurtis Morrison has worked across startups like Bunch, Babbel, and Prematch—leading growth with a hands-on, data-driven, and refreshingly honest approach. In this episode, he shares how to find real leverage in early-stage teams, how AI is changing his day-to-day work, and what growth really means beyond marketing or sales. Plus: shipping fast, generalist struggles, and YAY/NAY hot takes on MVPs and build culture.

Jacob Clark has seen it all—from legacy government platforms to bleeding-edge AI products. In this episode, he shares why most technical problems are already solved, what engineers really bring to the table, and how focusing on people over productivity leads to better teams and better software. A conversation about architecture, ethics, human connection—and the real cost of chasing the AI hype.

What happens when you’re the first Product Ops in a company of 40+ PMs—and no one really knows what your job is? In this episode, Jonas Kniel shares how he builds trust, creates clarity in ambiguity, and uses AI as a sparring partner to support product teams at scale. A calm, reflective conversation on product culture, operational impact, and why “being useful” beats being loud.

Luis didn’t follow a typical PM path—and that’s what makes this episode so fun. From selling books and aquarium plants online to becoming a Senior PM at Finanzguru, his story is all about experimentation, risk-taking, and building with curiosity. We talk about: – Why product teams need less documentation and more bold moves – How he uses AI in a surprisingly practical way – What PMs can learn from bottom-up innovation – Plus, the return of our YAY/NAY game 🎲 Luis also hosts the podcast Digitalconomics (www.digitalconomics.com), where he interviews founders and builders—check it out!

Great product leaders don’t just manage features—they solve problems at scale. In this episode, Nitin Maslekar, VP of Product & Tech at Miles Mobility, shares how his engineering background, PhD in AI, and love for problem-solving shaped his career. We dive into: 🔹 Why he still codes 20% of his time as a VP 🔹 The biggest misconceptions about product & tech teams 🔹 How AI is actually changing mobility & product management (hint: it won’t replace PMs—but it will change the job) 🔹 The YAY/NAY game—on prioritizing enterprise customers, PMs dictating engineering processes & AI-generated product specs 🚗 Whether you’re in mobility, AI, or just love solving problems, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Most product teams focus on delivery, but what about discovery? In this episode, John Fontenot, VP of Product at Terlumina (https://terlumina.com) and Co-Founder of Path2Product (https://path2product.io), shares why discovery is often ignored, why that’s a huge mistake, and how he learned to push past roadblocks—even when leadership had a different vision.

Some people plan their way into product management. Others stumble into it—and thrive. Annika Grunewaldt’s career path started in marketing, took a detour through business development, and somehow landed her in product management at ImmoScout. In this episode, she shares how she navigated the transition, the biggest misconceptions about product management, and why curiosity and efficiency are a PM’s best assets. From data struggles to corporate roadblocks, we get real about what it takes to build products that actually make an impact.

Dysfunctional teams don’t just happen—they’re built through misalignment, poor communication, and resistance to change. Gustavo Avila has spent years coaching teams across industries, helping them break silos, embrace agile thinking, and actually deliver impact. In this episode, he shares what makes teams thrive, why leadership buy-in is the ultimate game-changer, and how small shifts can turn frustration into flow. Plus, a fun debate on product dilemmas that every team has faced. Get in touch with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavoavila/

Deep dives into the world of product and tech, exploring the roles, challenges, and strategies that shape great products. Each week, we bring candid conversations, expert insights, and real-world experiences from product managers, engineers, designers, and industry leaders. Whether you’re navigating product development, tackling team dynamics, or scaling innovation, this podcast is your go-to guide for building and leading in the tech world. 🚀

Ghonche and Paul explore the inevitable conflicts that arise in product development—whether between engineers and product managers or designers and developers. They discuss root causes, the power of early involvement, and practical tools like Nonviolent Communication to foster better collaboration. Wrapping up Season 3, they also tease the exciting theme for Season 4: All About People in Product & Tech!

Collaboration between product managers and engineers isn’t always smooth sailing, but it’s the backbone of successful product development. In this episode, Ghonche Tavoosi and Paul Lunow discuss how to foster strong partnerships between product and tech teams. They share actionable strategies for aligning workflows, balancing tech debt with new features, and creating a shared vision that keeps everyone motivated. With humor and insights, they highlight the importance of retrospectives, clear communication, and flexibility in methodologies. Whether you’re in product or engineering, this episode will give you practical tips to work better together.

Forget bloated launches and over-engineered first steps. This episode is all about Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that deliver real value without wasting resources. Ghonche Tavoosi and Paul Lunow share their sharpest insights on how to define, design, and deliver an MVP that works. Whether it’s an explainer video, a landing page, or a single feature, they unpack creative strategies to validate your ideas and keep your efforts lean. This episode is your toolkit for testing bold ideas without breaking the bank.

Static roadmaps are like fragile promises—they shatter under real-world pressure. Ghonche Tavoosi and Paul Lunow share how to avoid this pitfall with a dynamic “Now-Next-Later” approach. Learn to create plans that adapt to change, focus your team’s efforts, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Packed with insights on prioritization, cross-team alignment, and embracing agility, this episode transforms how you think about product planning.

How do you define a vision that motivates your team, aligns with company objectives, and paints a clear picture for the future? In this episode, Ghonche Tavoosi and Paul Lunow tackle the art of crafting product vision and goals. With practical examples, they explore how to create a vision that resonates, the difference between company and product visions, and why simplicity and clarity are essential. They even share their favorite unconventional tip: using AI for a “brutal roast” of your vision statement to refine and perfect it.

Customer voices are more than just opinions—they’re your best roadmap to success. Ghonche Tavoosi and Paul Lunow dive into the art of turning customer feedback into actionable insights that drive product success. Practical strategies to collect and analyze qualitative feedback. How to transform support tickets into engagement opportunities. Connecting data and feedback to refine your product decisions

From defining North Star metrics to crafting actionable KPI trees, Ghonche and Paul explore how to turn raw data into clear insights that drive decisions. Discover how to align team efforts, avoid common tracking pitfalls, and effectively balance quantitative and qualitative data. If you’re looking to sharpen your data game and improve product outcomes, this episode delivers the tools you need.

The most critical aspects of product management: continuous validation. Ghonche Tavoosi and Paul Lunow explore the importance of validating assumptions at every stage, sharing strategies like empathy mapping, competitor analysis, and the art of asking the right questions. Ghonche and Paul emphasize how customer insights can shape a product’s direction, using real-world examples to highlight the value of validating with multiple methods and across diverse user groups. If you’re a product manager, founder, or anyone who wants to create products that truly meet customer needs, this episode is packed with insights on staying aligned with the market.

Kareem Mayan, co-founder of Savio and a product management veteran with over 23 years of experience joined Ghonche and Paul today. Kareem shares his journey, from his early days building groundbreaking tools at ESPN to co-founding multiple successful startups. Together, they dive into critical topics, including: • The art of prioritization and customer feedback integration • Navigating cross-functional collaboration between product, sales, and engineering • Insights on launching MVPs and how to identify the right time to monetize • Why acquisition strategies are more vital than ever in today’s saturated market Kareem’s wealth of experience and practical advice make this a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of product management.

Drawing from their experiences, Ghonche and Paul discuss the importance of defining a clear user focus early on and share insights on creating a successful MVP by homing in on specific needs. From memorable anecdotes, like testing a product for seniors in a retirement home, to tips on avoiding the common pitfall of “building for everyone,” this episode is packed with actionable advice for product managers, founders, and anyone in tech.

Let's explore favorite tools for task management, collaboration, and product design, offering insights on how each can enhance your workflow. But Ghonche and Paul don’t stop there: they also take a fun (and somewhat painful) look at the tools they can’t stand, including a shared hatred for a certain project management giant. If you’re looking for practical recommendations to streamline your product management tasks or just curious about the tools Ghonche and Paul swear by, this episode is packed with actionable tips.

In this insightful episode of Product and Cake, Ghonche Tavoosi and Paul Lunow break down the full product life cycle, from the initial spark of an idea to the emotional sunset of a product. Whether you’re just starting with an idea, transitioning to an MVP, or managing a mature product, this episode will guide you through each stage. The hosts offer practical advice on handling launches without pressure, growing efficiently, and managing the inevitable decline of a product or feature. If you want to learn how to avoid common pitfalls and maximize your product’s impact, this episode is a must-listen. Discover how to keep your product alive and thriving—or when it’s time to say goodbye.

In this exciting episode of Product and Cake, Ghonche Tavoosi and Paul Lunow take on the question: Do you actually need a product manager? Whether you’re building a startup or managing a growing business, this episode explores when the product management role becomes essential and why it can make or break your company’s success. They break down seven key responsibilities of a product manager—from defining the vision to managing risk—and explain how this multifaceted role ensures everything stays on track. If you’re on the fence about adding a product manager to your team, this episode is a must-listen to understand the crucial role they play in aligning strategy, driving innovation, and fostering cross-functional leadership. Don’t miss the story about why managing a product is just like running a top-tier kitchen!

In the second episode of season three of Product and Cake, Ghonce Tavoosi and Paul Lunow dive into the essential skills and responsibilities required to be a successful product manager. They explore unexpected skills like meeting management, knowledge management, and communication, emphasizing strategic thinking, customer empathy, and technical literacy. The hosts also highlight adaptability, creativity, and leadership as key traits that separate great product managers from good ones. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to refine your product management skills, this episode offers invaluable insights.

In the first episode of season three of Product and Cake, the hosts Ghonche Tavoosi and Paul Lunow dive into the fundamentals of product management. They discuss the complexities of entering the product management field, sharing personal stories and insights on the essential responsibilities of the role. This episode is perfect for anyone curious about whether product management is the right path for them or seeking clarity on how to thrive in the role. Key topics include defining the role of a product manager, balancing between business, customer, and technical perspectives, and how product management differs from project management.

Welcome to the kickoff of Season 3 of Product and Cake! In this special episode, we chat with Christoph Steinlehner, a product coach and consultant, who introduces his “Mapper Method” — a powerful tool to help product teams escape endless meetings and drive real progress. Christoph shares how mapping your thoughts and aligning with your team can lead to clearer, more effective product strategies. Discover Christoph’s unconventional path into product leadership, plus tips for tackling everyday challenges in product management. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Connect with Christoph on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/csteinlehner/) for more details about the Mapper Method and stay tuned for more exciting episodes! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share with your fellow product enthusiasts!

Ghonche and Paul sit down together to give the podcast a new shape. A new profile. In short, we did some product work. Want to know the result? Just tune in and let us know what you think.

Summer is here! Christmas is just around the corner. A project starts or finishes. You need to rally the team. In short, it's all about team events. They are always a challenge, but today, in hybrid mode, they are even more challenging. Get some inspiration on what to do, what to serve, what to ask. Use this episode to get your head into planning mode. Make your next team event the best ever.

The tech giants are dominant in all areas. We imagine that they could just stuff 1000 people to do basically every startup idea that exists on the planet. But they don't! Why is that? Will AI save us? And most importantly: Does it make sense for you to start something today? Find the answers in this refreshing and motivating podcast episode with Ghonche and Paul.

The most undervalued function is product ops. Only with dedicated product ops people is it possible to scale a product organisation at all. The same goes for engineers and DevOps. Is it that simple? Tune in to learn about this exciting role and why Ghonche and Paul are not quite on the same page here.

We start deep. Sometimes the check-in questions get out of hand, as they did this time. But hey, that's what they're made for. The subject of this episode is also huge. We talk about product strategy. Is monetisation part of it? What makes a good strategy and do I even need one? This is your glimpse as a service (GaaS). Get your head in the game and dive into the topic of strategy.

You do it every day. Your team depends on you to do it. Your peers, colleagues, friends, family, in fact everyone has to do it, is waiting for it and will lose confidence if it is not done. Ghonche and Paul talk about decisions. And we also made a big decision to introduce something new to our podcast. Tune in to find out what has changed!

Now it is time for a return to the office. The days of working from home, recording from home and living from home are over. Ghonche phrased it as working from work. But is that really the case? Is returning to the office the only way forward? Sitting in traffic, spending time at the coffee machine. Or are there other solutions? Solutions to stay motivated, stay connected and feel a sense of belonging. Tune in for some answers. This is the icing on the cake when it comes to thinking about the workplace of the future.

It was shocking to receive the following answer to my question: How are you? I am fine. But my bank account has been emptied. What? I can't believe it! But Ghonche laughed and said: "Yes, it was unexpected, but the bank will take care of it now." Then my HR manager asked me: Paul, did you really send me that email? Someone had asked her, on my behalf, to change my bank details before the next salary cycle. Finally, an email arrived in my inbox from our IT department asking me to become a human firewall. Are we all at risk? Should we close our eyes and concentrate on our breathwork? These are crazy times we live in. But there is no need to despair. Celebrate the invisible heroes! Double down on trust and transparency in your team! Aim for extraordinary product experiences to use shocking moments to build a relationship. We need to talk about this. Tune in to the latest episode of Product and Cake.

Closing a chapter and opening a new one is very common in all product and technology teams these days. But how do you do it right, and what factors keep people motivated? These and other questions are answered by your hosts Ghonche and Paul in the final episode of 2023. We list the key factors and give a nice suggestion on how to show appreciation. Recommend this episode to someone who is starting a new chapter, leading a team and has to make decisions now. Or just follow the nice appreciation excerpt to have a happier team in 2024.

What happens when seasoned product and technology experts get together to discuss how to launch a new product? It all depends. In this episode, we welcome Lukasz from LLI to discuss what it takes to get a new idea off the ground. Lukasz has founded several companies as CTO and runs a successful software development company. His insights are fascinating and inspiring. And this episode is packed with insights. Paul shares his latest idea for a new business. And who knows, maybe it will soon become a side project. Use the conversation to get all the inspiration you need to validate your product and technical approach. And if you love it as much as we do, send us your questions, because there will be a follow-up episode.

And everything you need to know about the OpenAI drama. Tired of reading too? We've got you covered. Just tune in to the latest episode of Product and Cake. Enjoy the icing on the team engagement cake! Is MS Teams finally better than Slack? Is sending emoticons part of your role description? And how can you increase engagement with your remote team? Answers to these questions and more in this episode.

How long have you been working on your current project? Do you involve users in your development process? Join this episode to learn about Paul's current project status, how Ghonche can be scared, and what to do to make sure you are developing products that meet user requirements. Hint: this is not user testing!

Do you find yourself constantly resizing windows all over your screen? Moving them from one desktop to another? Have you ever lost data because you accidentally copied something and overwrote your clipboard? Have you ever been giving a presentation and then your computer went into standby mode? Don't ask any more, jump straight into the episode and find out how small applications can make a big difference to the way you work!