Product Talk

Why is data literacy and storytelling so important in product management? In this podcast hosted by Mark Bailes, Amplitude former VP of Product Ibrahim Bashir will be speaking on leveraging data literacy and storytelling in product management. As data availability and access have grown, the challenge has shifted to making sense of the data and taking effective action. Ibrahim shares insights on interpreting data, avoiding common biases, and using qualitative and quantitative insights to drive product decisions.

What key skills and mindsets does it take to become a successful product leader? In this podcast hosted by Justin Leibow, Redfin Senior VP of Product and Design Ariel Dos Santos shares insights on balancing customer empathy, business impact, and personal growth throughout his diverse career in product management. Ariel also discusses the evolving role of product managers and the influence of emerging technologies like AI and machine learning.

What should be considered when designing effective B2B SaaS products? In this podcast hosted by Cassio Sampaio, Okta VP of Design Michael Lopez will be speaking on the key attributes and best practices for designing effective B2B SaaS products. Michael shares insights on the fundamental differences between B2B and B2C design, the importance of cross-functional collaboration, and how AI is transforming the design workflow.

What should product leaders consider when leveraging internal tools and reducing bias in HR processes? In this podcast hosted by Justin Leibow, Cornerstone OnDemand SVP & GM of Talent and Learning Products Brenda Reid will be speaking on leveraging internal tools and reducing bias in HR processes. Brenda shares insights on navigating industry consolidation, building customer trust, and the importance of remembering the "why" behind product decisions.

How can product leaders successfully navigate emerging technologies? In this podcast hosted by Barbara Bermes, GEICO former Product VP Georgiana Mirea shares insights and real-world experiences on building innovative products with cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain. Georgiana discusses strategies for learning new tech, assembling the right product teams, and managing the unique challenges of developing products in rapidly evolving spaces.

How can you take your B2B software company from zero to a billion dollars and beyond? In this podcast hosted by Sid Shaik, Rich Mironov, a seasoned product executive and investor, shares insights on structuring high-performing product teams, avoiding common scaling traps, and keeping your organization successful as you grow. Learn from Rich's decades of experience building iconic products in Silicon Valley.

How can product managers lead the transition from project-based to a product-centric operations? In this podcast hosted by Justin Leibow, Canto VP of Product Beth Gostanian will be speaking on how she led the transition from a project-based to a product-centric approach at Canto. Beth shares insights on empowering product teams, defining the right metrics, and overcoming the challenges of large-scale organizational change.

What does it take to transition from engineering to product? In this podcast hosted by Nacho Andrade, Bordo AI Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer Krunal Patel will be speaking on his career path from engineering to product. Krunal shares insights on the importance of technical expertise for product managers, the role of AI in augmenting product workflows, and how to build trust in AI-powered decision making.

How a does a go-to-market strategy drive product roadmaps and achieve scalability? The scale and urgency of the transformation required to fight climate change has never been more clear. Building hardware and software products, acquiring the funding and creating a diverse community to enhance talent capacity and to drive innovation, is essential to tackling this global environmental crisis. In this podcast, host and Silicon Valley Bank (a division of First Citizens Bank) Climate Tech & Sustainability SVP Maggie Wong will be interviewing Aircapture COO Michael Vyvoda to discuss how a go-to-market strategy shapes the product roadmap to achieve scalability, the importance of curating a diverse workplace environment, a great product manager being a "unicorn".

How can product managers innovate through deep customer understanding? In this podcast hosted by VNS Health Product Director Mark Bailes, Cyber Salus CEO Sher Baig will be speaking on how a deep understanding of customers can lead to innovative ways of gaining competitive advantage. Sher shares insights from his extensive experience in the med-tech and healthcare industry, highlighting how thinking from the customer's perspective and immersing in the field can unlock new opportunities for product innovation.

How can product leaders balance short-term wins and long-term product health? In this podcast hosted by EY Platform Operations Lead Justin Leibow, Zuora VP of Product Strategy Ken Houseman will be speaking on balancing short-term business pressures with long-term product strategy. Ken shares insights on effectively communicating the value of addressing technical debt, developing a T-shaped skill set, and the importance of self-reflection and mentorship in product management.

How can product leaders drive responsible innovation and build authentic teams? In this podcast hosted by EY Platform Operations Lead Justin Leibow, Miso Robotics VP of Product Alana Abbitt will be speaking on responsible innovation and authentic leadership. Alana shares her insights on building products that empower users, developing diverse and high-performing teams, and the importance of staying true to your leadership style.

What does it take to solve a "boring" but critical problem, and how can product leaders find passion in the details? In this podcast hosted by iDonate VP of Product Nacho Andrade, Intuit Director of Product Rosa Welton will be speaking on how she embraces the complexity of small business payroll. Tune in to hear Rosa's insights on building empathy, driving meaningful outcomes, and leading through uncertainty.

What does it mean to integrate storytelling in product? In this podcast hosted by VNS Health Product Director Mark Bailes, Innovation Storytellers CEO Susan Lindner will be speaking on the power of storytelling in product management. She shares her expertise on how product managers can craft compelling narratives to inspire their teams, gain buy-in from stakeholders, and drive action. Susan draws on her background in international aid and working with Fortune 500 companies to provide practical tips for effective storytelling throughout the product lifecycle.

How can product managers blend their engineering roots, adapt to the complexities of scale, and leverage AI to drive innovation and impact? In this podcast hosted by Justin Leibow, Life360 VP of Product Nissim Lehyani will be speaking on enhancing product management through engineering, adaptability, and AI. Nissim shares insights on balancing technical and business skills, navigating the challenges of scale, and leveraging emerging technologies to drive innovation and impact.

How can product managers leverage AI to boost their productivity and drive innovation? In this podcast hosted by EY Platform Operations Lead Justin Leibow, Google AI/ML Product Manager Aqsa Fulara shares her insights on using AI tools to streamline workflows, accelerate product development, and deliver greater customer value. Aqsa also discusses her journey into product management and the keys to building successful zero-to-one products.

How can product leaders balance innovation and commercialization in regulated industries like energy? In episode 500 of Product Talk hosted by Message Broadcast Sr. VP of Product Sid Shaik, Innowatts VP of Product Siddharth Dhar shares insights on building successful B2B products that drive both technical innovation and commercial success, drawing on his experience in the energy sector. He discusses the importance of aligning product, marketing, and sales teams from the start to ensure a cohesive go-to-market strategy.

How can active listening help product leaders be more effective at building customer-centric products powered by AI and machine learning? In this episode of the Product Talk podcast, host Justin Leibow sits down with the Choice Hotels International Senior Product Manager and winner of the Products That Count Product Leader Award Rohit Taneja to speak on leveraging active listening and AI. Rohit shares his journey into product management, highlighting the importance of balancing technology with human judgment and decision-making. Listeners will gain insights into Rohit's strategies for launching new products, influencing without authority, and mentoring the next generation of product leaders.

How can product leaders approach bridging the gap between engineering and product management? In this podcast hosted by Nacho Andrade, DataCamp's Chief Product and Technology Officer Eduardo Oliveira will be speaking on bridging the gap between engineering and product management. Oliveira shares his unique perspective on transitioning from an engineering background into a product leadership role, and the key lessons he's learned about identifying and addressing critical product gaps to drive business impact.

What is the secret to building successful products? In this podcast hosted by Barbara Bermes, Workleap Co-founder & CEO Simon de Baene will share his insights on the power of simplicity in product development. Learn how he and his team built products like ShareGate by embracing a minimalist approach, and discover how to balance data-driven decisions with instinct and passion when developing innovative software.

How can SaaS/AI be leveraged to enhance environmental justice and community engagement? The scale and urgency of the transformation required to fight climate change has never been more clear. Building hardware and software products, acquiring the funding and creating a diverse community to enhance talent capacity and to drive innovation, is essential to tackling this global environmental crisis. In this podcast, host and Silicon Valley Bank (a division of First Citizens Bank) Climate Tech & Sustainability SVP Maggie Wong will be interviewing Unified Ground Founder & CEO Jamil Ellis to discuss building SaaS technology to enhance environmental justice and community engagement, best practices utilizing AI for data analytics and relationship development, as well as leveraging the climate ecosystem to optimize partnerships and growth.

What do product leaders need to consider to deliver value-based care through customer-centric innovation? In this podcast hosted by Chenny Solaiyappan, DUOS Chief Strategy and Growth Officer Jenn Kerfoot shares insights on the evolving healthcare landscape, the role of technology and data, and her advice for aspiring healthcare entrepreneurs. Tune in to learn how Jenn is helping DUOS bridge the gaps in healthcare and deliver personalized, coordinated care.

How can product leaders build innovative solutions to tackle the complex challenges of the circular economy? In this episode hosted by Jonathan Ozeran, Rheaply VP of Product Sabira Lakhani shares insights on navigating the journey of creating asset reuse, material exchange, and empowering industries to transition from a linear to a circular model. From her early experiences witnessing the global waste crisis to building technology that enables circularity at scale, her story offers valuable lessons on driving systemic change through product development.

How can product leaders scale enterprise businesses in the highly regulated financial industry? In this episode hosted by Sid Shaik, Treasuer Financial CPO Julia Stefani shares insights on leveraging personalization powered by AI and the potential of embedded finance to drive innovation and accessibility in FinTech. Tune in to learn Julia's strategies for preparing teams, identifying growth engines, and sustaining success in a rapidly evolving market.

How can product leaders effectively lead teams and drive success when entering a new industry? In this episode hosted by Mark Bailes, Sentara Health Head of Product Cybersecurity Commercialization Shane Wooten shares his insights on positioning yourself for success when transitioning to a new vertical. Learn how to build trust and credibility with experienced teams, sell a compelling product vision, and leverage your core product skills to make an impact - even without prior industry expertise. Shane draws on his diverse background, spanning entrepreneurship, Fortune 500 companies, and now healthcare, to provide practical advice for product managers looking to take on new challenges and accelerate their careers by expanding into unfamiliar markets.

What can product leaders expect in 2025? In this insightful episode, Products That Count Founder and Board Chair SC Moatti joins Products That Count CEO Hoda Mehr to discuss five key predictions for the product management space in the coming year. From the financial outperformance of product-led companies to the rising prominence of Chief Product Officers becoming CEOs, the conversation delves into the transformative trends shaping the future of product leadership. They also explore how AI is redefining the role of product managers, the critical need for reskilling, and the growing anxiety around AI's impact on the profession. With a wealth of data and real-world examples, this episode provides product leaders with a roadmap to navigate the exciting changes ahead and position themselves for success in 2025 and beyond.

How can healthcare organizations harness the power of predictive analytics, AI, and member-centric strategies to achieve the Triple Aim of better care, lower costs, and improved population health? In this episode of the Care Catalyst series hosted by Chenny Solaiyappan, mPulse CPO Saeed Aminzadeh shares his insights on leveraging data and advanced technologies to transform healthcare. He discusses his journey in building data-driven solutions that empower health plans to proactively engage members, improve experiences, and drive better outcomes.

What's the secret to becoming a standout product leader? In this episode hosted by Justin Leibow, News Corp VP of Strategic Products Nicole Castillo and winner of the Products That Count Product Leader Awards shares how cultivating a distinctive personal brand and developing a unique product management style is crucial for product managers looking to excel in their careers. Nicole emphasizes the importance of identifying and embracing what makes you unique as a product leader.

Have you ever wondered how Chief Product Officers are transforming their organizations with artificial intelligence? In this Super Episode of Products That Count's CPO Rising Series, host Renee Niemi, the Resident CPO at Products That Count, invites five distinguished CPOs to discuss the pivotal role AI plays in product innovation and efficiency. Join us as we hear from: - Prat Vemana, CPO of Target, who emphasizes leveraging generative AI to accelerate product roadmaps and manage risks responsibly. - David Wong, CPO of Thomson Reuters, who explores AI's dual capabilities in legal tech, enhancing information retrieval and automating workflows. - Ritu Bhargava, President and CPO of SAP, who discusses the importance of building trust with customers while navigating AI's rapid advancements. - Alex Hardiman, CPO of The New York Times, who shares insights on responsibly integrating AI into journalism to enhance storytelling and accessibility. - Smita Hashim, CPO of Zoom, who highlights the need for every product team to define their AI strategy to deliver customer value. Together, these thought leaders share their unique insights on how CPOs are leveraging AI to accelerate product roadmaps, enhance customer experience, and navigate the challenges of this rapidly evolving technology landscape. From generative AI applications in legal tech to its ethical implications in journalism, this episode is packed with invaluable knowledge for product leaders everywhere. Tune in to discover how AI is not just a tool but a strategic accelerant for innovation, and learn how these CPOs are shaping the future of their industries!

What are the keys to building successful cross-functional product launch teams? In this episode hosted by Barbara Bermes, Launch Code Project CPO and Author James Whitman shares insights from his research on how the best companies introduce new offerings. He discusses the importance of trust, governance structures, and aligning product, sales, and engineering teams to overcome common reasons for product launch failures. Whitman provides case studies of both successful and failed launches, highlighting the critical role of cross-functional collaboration and a continuous product introduction mindset.

How can product managers build climate tech products that truly benefit communities and the greater good? In this episode hosted Silicon Valley Bank (a Division of First Citizens Bank) Climate Tech SVP Maggie Wong, Heirloom Head of Climate Policy Vikrum Aiyer shares his insights on developing diverse, community-centric climate tech products. Vikrum discusses Heirloom's mission to remove atmospheric CO2 through innovative direct air capture technology, the importance of engaging with policymakers and local communities, and the need for product managers to consider the broader societal impact of their work.

How can AI be used to make work more human? In this episode hosted by Nacho Andrade, PeopleReign CEO Dan Turchin shares his vision for leveraging AI to reduce employee friction and unlock human potential. Turchin discusses the principles of responsible AI development, the transformative impact of smart machines on the future of work, and his advice for entrepreneurs looking to solve meaningful problems. This thought-provoking conversation explores how technology can be a partner in empowering employees to be their best selves.

How can product leaders navigate the evolving landscape and harness the power of emerging technologies? In this episode, Products That Count Resident CPO Renée Niemi, one of the first in the world, sits down with Capgemini Engineering Chief Digital Officer and Intelligent Products & Services Leader Nicholas Rousseau. Nicholas shares his unique perspective as the "CPO for the CPOs," providing insights into the rapid acceleration of innovation, technology, and customer expectations across industries. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging the broader ecosystem, including partners, startups, and universities, to stay ahead of the curve and identify the next big opportunities. He also delves into specific examples of how Capgemini is helping clients transform their products and services by integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI, edge computing, and distributed smart systems.

How can product managers effectively utilize AI to improve their products and workflows? In this episode hosted by Daniel Feldman, Paylocity Senior Group Product Manager Balaji Ananthanpillai shares insights on the role of AI in product management. He discusses strategies for identifying the right use cases for AI, avoiding forced implementation, and using AI to automate repetitive tasks while empowering product managers to focus on higher-level strategic initiatives. Tune in to learn about leveraging AI to enhance product efficiency and effectiveness.

How can product managers develop the courage to make bold decisions and stay ahead of the curve? In this episode of Product Talk hosted by Justin Leibow, Okta Director of Product for Identity Management Vijay Pitchumani shares his insights on building confidence in decision-making and maintaining a curious learning mindset as a product manager. Vijay discusses his journey from cybersecurity to product management, the importance of bridging the gap between product and sales, and the evolving landscape of identity governance and security. He emphasizes the value of mentorship, team growth, and staying ahead of the curve in an industry driven by rapid technological advancements. Vijay's advice to aspiring product managers highlights the significance of continuous learning, embracing mistakes, and cultivating the confidence to make impactful decisions.

What are the keys to driving product success as a visionary leader in a complex B2B industry? In this episode of the CPO Rising Series hosted by Products That Count Resident CPO Renee Niemi, Finastra CPO Mike Vigue shares insights on balancing customer-centricity and visionary leadership as a top product executive. He discusses the importance of understanding user needs, guiding customers to the best solutions, and leveraging data and process to deliver consistently great products. Mike also explores the transformative potential of AI in product management, from automating non-value-add tasks to optimizing complex systems.

In this "Super Episode" of Product Talk, dive into the minds of the world's top product leaders as they reveal the secrets to building game-changing products. Join host Renee Niemi, Resident CPO of Products That Count, for a master class in product leadership. The episode takes you on a journey through the evolving role of product leadership. Hear from industry luminaries as they share their unique perspectives honed from decades of experience. Tune in for insights from: - Siddharth Mantri, former Disney Plus CPO, on generating "power moments" for customers by blending Silicon Valley innovation with local product development expertise. - Jim Denney, NBC Universal CPO, on balancing customer needs and business goals through a mix of art and science in product management. - Olivier Houpert, Altria CPO, on fostering a culture of curiosity and leveraging the transformative potential of AI and Gen AI. - Sabrina Ellis, Pinterest CPO, on the ethical considerations behind AI-powered accessible products and the importance of human oversight. - Irana Wasti, Bill's CPO, on aligning product strategy with broader business priorities to navigate post-pandemic challenges for SMBs. Get ready to elevate your product career and make your mark on the industry. This is a master class you won't want to miss.

Dive into a master class in product leadership with this special "super episode" of the Product Talk podcast. Hosted by one of the first Chief Product Officers in the world and Products That Count's Resident CPO Renée Niemi, this curated discussion features defining career moments from some of the top CPOs across diverse industries. Get ready for a playbook on becoming a world-class Chief Product Officer, as Renée guides you through the unique journeys of leaders from Disney, NBC Universal, Altria, and Extreme Networks. Uncover the invaluable insights that have shaped their approaches to product management, innovation, and leadership. Hear from: - Siddharth Mantri, former CPO of Disney Plus for emerging markets, who reveals how he customized the streaming giant's product for international markets. - James Denney from NBC Universal, who reflects on his path from TiVo to leading the Olympic streaming innovations. - Olivier Houpert, who transitioned from Procter & Gamble to become the CPO at Altria, and shares how a clear company purpose has driven his work. - David Feuer from Galileo Financial Technologies, who recounts his pivotal move from engineering to product management. - Nabil Bukhari from Extreme Networks, who highlights a transformative moment that underscored the impact of human-centered product development. This special "super episode" is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to become a top Chief Product Officer. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with a playbook for your own product leadership journey.

What's the secret to building products that stand out in a crowded market? In this episode hosted by Daniel Feldman, Raycaster Co-Founder Levi Lian shares insights on the evolving role of product management and the importance of integrating product marketing and design for rapid execution. Hear how Levi's background in ethnography and user research shaped his approach, and learn about the unique challenges and opportunities in the enterprise sales space.

How are leading organizations leveraging AI to enhance journalism and drive innovation? In this episode of the CPO Rising Series, Renée Niemi sits down with New York Times CPO Alex Hardiman to discuss the company's strategic approach to using generative AI. Alex shares insights on how the Times is using AI responsibly to make their journalism more accessible, drive monetization, and boost productivity - all while protecting the human expertise that is core to their mission. She also explores the evolving role of product managers in an AI-powered world, emphasizing the importance of creativity, judgment, and customer-centricity in the face of this transformative technology.

How is Palo Alto Networks innovating to address the evolving cybersecurity landscape? In this episode hosted by Justin Fowler, Palo Alto Networks Product Line Manager Priyanka Neelakrishnan discusses her book Autonomous Data Security and the company's platformization strategy to provide holistic cybersecurity solutions. Priyanka also shares insights on the growing challenges driven by AI and cloud adoption, and the importance of autonomous data security.

What makes a successful Chief Product Officer in today's rapidly evolving technology landscape? In this episode of the CPO Rising Series hosted by Products That Count Resident CPO Renee Niemi, SAP President and CPO Ritu Bhargava shares her insights on the importance of decisiveness, building trust with customers, and adapting to the transformative impact of AI. Ritu emphasizes the power of saying "no" to clear the path for innovation, the value of becoming a trusted advisor to customers, and the need for product leaders to stay agile and reimagine their offerings in the face of technological disruption.

How can product leaders navigate product growth and communication challenges? In this episode of Product Talk hosted by Barbara Bermes, Atlassian Fmr Head of Product Jens Schumacher speaks on building a strong product culture, navigating communication challenges, and implementing effective decision-making frameworks to scale a successful SaaS business. Discover strategies for managing stakeholder expectations, leveraging data to drive product decisions, and fostering a collaborative, customer-centric approach to product development.

How can product leaders drive transformative impact at scale? In this episode of the CPO Rising Series hosted by Products That Count Resident CPO Renee Niemi, Target CPO Prat Vamana shares his insights on leveraging curiosity, transparency, and coaching to shape strategy, accelerate execution, and prepare for the future of AI. As a seasoned CPO with experience across large enterprises, Prat has witnessed the evolving role of product management in defining organizational direction and delivering tangible business results. He discusses how product teams are now empowered to actively shape strategy, not just execute on top-down initiatives. He also shares personal anecdotes on the key mentors and practices that have shaped his own leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of building trust, fostering discussion-based rituals, and developing the next generation of product talent.

How can product leaders leverage generative AI to enhance product efficiency and customer value? In this episode of the CPO Rising Series hosted by Products That Count Resident CPO Renee Niemi, Thomson Reuters CPO David Wong discusses how his team is harnessing the power of generative AI to transform their products and better serve their customers. David shares insights on Thomson Reuters' unique position to capitalize on the AI revolution, the significant efficiency gains they've achieved in areas like legal research and document analysis, and his strategic approach to balancing build, partner, and acquisition strategies for growth. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the evolving role of product management in the age of AI and how leading CPOs are adapting to this technological shift.

How are leading AI companies scaling their enterprise businesses? In this episode hosted by Sid Shaik, we dive deep into the strategies and insights from Vectara CEO Amr Awadallah and Vectara Head of Marketing Sean Anderson, as they share their experiences in scaling enterprise software businesses. As the AI market continues to evolve rapidly, Amr and Sean discuss the importance of adaptability, identifying worthy problems to solve, and building high-performing teams to navigate the challenges. They explore the nuances of product-led growth, the role of instrumentation and data-driven decision making, and their predictions for the future of the AI platform ecosystem. This conversation offers a unique perspective from seasoned entrepreneurs and executives at the forefront of the AI revolution, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to scale their enterprise software business.

How are today's Chief Product Officers adapting to the rapid changes in their role, from the pandemic's digital transformation to the AI revolution? In this episode of the CPO Rising Series hosted by Products That Count Resident CPO Renee Niemi, Euromonitor International CPO Michael Jozwik uncovers the strategies and challenges of leading product innovation in a data-driven, AI-powered world. He shares his unique journey to the CPO role, the growing strategic importance of the position, and Euromonitor's transformation from a consulting services model to a more product-led approach. Through personal stories of success and failure, Michael reveals the critical skills of product leadership, offering invaluable insights for aspiring and seasoned CPOs navigating the AI-powered future of their industry.

How can product leaders build mission-driven products and scale niche apps? In this episode of Product Talk hosted by Jonathan Ozeran, Hallow Co-Founder Erich Kerekes shares his insights on transitioning from a corporate career to founding a successful Catholic prayer and meditation app, navigating the challenges of product development and user engagement, and leveraging data to create a personalized experience for a growing community. Tune in for actionable advice on turning passion projects into thriving businesses.

How can granular data be transformed into impactful decarbonization actions? The scale and urgency of the transformation required to fight climate change has never been more clear. Building hardware and software products, acquiring the funding and creating a diverse community to enhance talent capacity and to drive innovation, is essential to tackling this global environmental crisis. In this podcast, host and Silicon Valley Bank (a division of First Citizens Bank) Climate Tech & Sustainability SVP Maggie Wong will be interviewing Terralytiq CTO Alysha Hudson to discuss measuring Scope 3 (embodied CO2) emissions at the material level and facilitating deployment of impactful actions, maximizing value creation with granular product delivery based on target users' incremental needs, as well as the importance of diverse perspectives, data standardization and optimal financing for growing a start-up and tackling climate change.

How is the role of product leaders evolving? In this episode of the CPO Rising Series hosted by Products That Count Resident CPO Renee Niemi, Disney Fmr. CPO Sidd Mantri shares his experiences building a highly customized and localized Disney Plus product for markets like India, Indonesia, and the Middle East. He discusses the evolving role of the Chief Product Officer, highlighting key aspects such as customer focus, aligning business and customer outcomes, amplifying team productivity, and cultivating a high-performance culture. Additionally, Sidd provides his perspective on the impact of AI and generative AI tools on the product management function. He explains how AI is enhancing the efficiency and productivity of product managers, while emphasizing that creativity remains a core and irreplaceable aspect of the role.