PLAY PODCASTS
Product Talk

Product Talk

704 episodes — Page 5 of 15

EP 503 - Innovation Storytellers CEO on the Power of Storytelling in Product Management

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.

Feb 5, 202541 min

EP 502 - Life360 VP of Product on Enhancing Product Management Through Engineering, Adaptability, and AI

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.

Feb 3, 202539 min

EP 501 - Google Product Manager on Leveraging AI to Drive Productivity and Innovation

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.

Jan 27, 202530 min

EP 500 - Innowatts VP of Product on Balancing Innovation and Commercialization in Regulated Industries

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.

Jan 24, 202544 min

EP 499 - Choice Hotels International Senior PM on Leveraging Active Listening and AI to Build Customer-Centric Products

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.

Jan 22, 202529 min

EP 498 - DataCamp CPO on Bridging the Gap Between Engineering and Product

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.

Jan 20, 202543 min

EP 497 - Workleap Co-founder & CEO on the Power of Simplicity in Product Development

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.

Jan 17, 202537 min

EP 496 - Unified Ground CEO on Leveraging SaaS/AI to Enhance Environmental Justice and Community Engagement

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.

Jan 15, 202534 min

EP 495 - DUOS Chief Strategy & Growth Officer on Delivering Value-Based Care Through Customer-Centric Innovation

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.

Jan 13, 202547 min

EP 494 - Rheaply VP of Product on Navigating the Challenges of Building Circular Economy Solutions

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.

Jan 8, 202545 min

EP 493 - Treasuer Financial CPO on Scaling Enterprise Businesses Through Personalization and Embedded Finance

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.

Jan 6, 202548 min

EP 492 - Sentara Health Head of Product on Effectively Leading Product Teams in New Industries

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.

Jan 2, 202548 min

EP 491 - Five Predictions For Product Leaders You Don't Want to Miss

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.

Jan 1, 202535 min

EP 490 - mPulse CPO on Driving Healthcare Innovation Through Data-Driven Engagement

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.

Dec 23, 202444 min

EP 489 - News Corp VP of Strategic Products on Developing a Unique Product Management Style

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.

Dec 20, 202436 min

EP 488 - CPO Super Episode #3: How CPOs are Leveraging AI

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!

Dec 18, 202426 min

EP 487 - Launch Code Project CPO on Building Successful Cross-Functional Product Launch Teams

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.

Dec 16, 202434 min

EP 486 - Heirloom Head of Climate Policy on Building Diverse, Community-Centric Climate Tech Products

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.

Dec 13, 202453 min

EP 485 - PeopleReign CEO on Humanizing Work Through Responsible AI

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.

Dec 11, 202439 min

EP 484 - Capgemini Engineering Chief Digital Officer on Accelerating Innovation Through Ecosystem Collaboration and Intelligent Product Design

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.

Dec 9, 202434 min

EP 483 - Paylocity Senior Group PM on Leveraging AI to Enhance Product Efficiency

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.

Dec 6, 202437 min

EP 482 - Okta Product Director on Building Confidence and Curiosity in Product Management

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.

Dec 4, 202430 min

EP 481 - CPO Rising Series: Finastra CPO on Balancing Customer-Centricity and Visionary Leadership

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.

Dec 2, 202435 min

EP 480: CPO Super Episode - Insights from Top CPOs on the Evolving Role of Product Leadership

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.

Nov 25, 202436 min

EP 479: CPO Super Episode - Insights from Top CPOs on the Path to Becoming a CPO

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.

Nov 22, 202432 min

EP 478 - Raycaster Co-Founder on Integrating Product Marketing and Design for Rapid Execution

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.

Nov 20, 202449 min

EP 477 - CPO Rising Series: New York Times CPO on Leveraging AI to Enhance Journalism and Product Innovation

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.

Nov 18, 202440 min

EP 476 - Palo Alto Networks Product Line Manager on Autonomous Data Security and the Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape

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.

Nov 13, 202447 min

EP 475 - CPO Rising Series: SAP CPO on Decisiveness, Customer Trust, and Adapting to AI

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.

Nov 11, 202418 min

EP 474 - Atlassian Fmr Head of Product on Navigating Product Growth and Communication Challenges

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.

Nov 8, 202440 min

EP 473 - CPO Rising Series: Target CPO on Driving Product Impact Through Curiosity, Transparency, and Coaching

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.

Nov 4, 202438 min

EP 472 - CPO Rising Series: Thomson Reuters CPO on Leveraging Generative AI to Enhance Product Efficiency and Customer Value

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.

Oct 28, 202438 min

EP 471 - Vectara CEO and Head of Product Marketing on Scaling AI Enterprise Businesses

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.

Oct 25, 202450 min

EP 469 - CPO Rising Series: Euromonitor International CPO on Adapting to the Evolving Role of Product Leadership

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.

Oct 21, 202435 min

EP 468 - Hallow Co-Founder on Building a Mission-Driven Product and Scaling a Niche App

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.

Oct 18, 202447 min

EP 467 - Terralytiq CTO on Transforming Granular Data into Impactful Decarbonization Actions

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.

Oct 16, 202438 min

EP 466 - CPO Rising Series: Disney Fmr. CPO on the Evolving Role of Product Leaders and Impact of AI

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.

Oct 14, 202441 min

EP 465 - Product Culture Founder and PM Coach on Building Trust and Aligning Stakeholders

How can product leaders build trust and align stakeholders? In this episode of Product Talk hosted by Nacho Andrade, Product Culture Founder Bruce McCarthy and Executive PM Coach Melissa Appel speak on the critical importance of stakeholder management in product development. They discuss their new book "Aligned," which they describe as the "missing manual" for getting product done, focusing on the often-overlooked skills of aligning teams and building trust with key stakeholders. They share personal experiences, practical techniques, and the underlying principles of effective stakeholder management, emphasizing the need for authenticity, curiosity, and a human-centric approach. The discussion provides valuable insights for product managers at all stages of their careers, as well as anyone working in cross-functional teams, on the art of navigating organizational dynamics and ensuring successful product outcomes.

Oct 9, 202440 min

EP 464 - CPO Rising Series: Galileo Financial Technologies CPO on Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Focus in Product Management

How can product leaders balance short-term and long-term focus? In this episode of the CPO Rising Series hosted by Products That Count CPO Renee Niemi, Galileo Financial Technologies CPO David Feuer discusses his approach to balancing short-term and long-term focus in product management. David shares his philosophy of servant leadership, emphasizing the importance of empowering his team, and highlights Galileo's significant impact on improving financial inclusion and responsible lending. The conversation also explores his use of storytelling to deepen customer understanding and his perspective on adapting to the evolving role of AI in product management.

Oct 7, 202441 min

EP 463 - NCQA CPO on Transforming Healthcare Quality Measurement Through Digital Innovation

What does it mean to transform healthcare quality measurement through digital innovation? In this episode of the Care Catalyst series hosted by Cognizant Product Director Chenny Solaiyappan, NCQA CPO Krishna Kandula speaks on the organization's transformative initiatives in the healthcare industry. Krishna shares his journey from a technologist to a healthcare quality and risk management expert, and how his experience has informed his work at NCQA. The discussion delves into the importance of HEDIS (Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set) and NCQA's shift towards digital quality measurement and data aggregation and validation. Krishna explains how these initiatives are aligned with CMS's strategy to transition all quality measures to a digital format, enhancing data accuracy, interoperability, and ultimately, patient outcomes.

Oct 4, 202442 min

EP 462 - Alegeus Fmr. CPO on Turning Product Strategy and Roadmap into Value by Focusing on the Finances

How can product leaders turn product strategy and roadmap into value? In this episode of Product Talk, VNS Health Product Director Mark Bailes interviews Alegeus Fmr. CPO and Head of Banking Bill Reboul. They discuss the importance of focusing on the financial aspects of product strategy and roadmaps to drive value creation. Key topics covered include defining value in product management and the time value of money framework, aligning product strategy and roadmaps with financial goals and metrics, and challenges in prioritizing finances in product management. They also speak on developing product roadmaps that tell a financial story, the importance of internal alignment and external communication of product roadmaps, and the impact of reporting structure on a Chief Product Officer's ability to influence finances.

Oct 2, 202444 min

EP 461 - CPO Rising Series: Extreme Networks CPO on Delivering Outcomes Through AI Capabilities

How can product leaders excel in delivering outcomes through AI capabilities? In this episode of the CPO Rising Series hosted by Products That Count Resident CPO Renee Niemi, Extreme Networks CPO Nabil Bukhari speaks on the evolving role of the Chief Product Officer, emphasizing the importance of leading not just products and technology, but also the business impact and human outcomes. Nabil discusses Extreme Networks' mission to help customers become "infinite enterprises" by providing connectivity, scalability, and exceptional customer experiences. He also delves into the implications of AI for product management, advising against treating AI as a standalone product and instead focusing on using AI capabilities to deliver tangible value and outcomes for customers.

Sep 30, 202439 min

EP 460 - Carbon Collective Investing President on Finding Product Market Fit With Customer Insights and Enhancing User Experience With Technology

How can product leaders find product market fit with customer insights? 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, Silicon Valley Bank (a division of First Citizens Bank) Climate Tech & Sustainability SVP Maggie Wong will be interviewing Carbon Collective Investing President Breene Murphy to discuss achieving product market fit and scalability through understanding customer needs, optimizing adoption with user friendly process flow and technology, as well as leveraging market signals and relevant stakeholders to amplify product impact.

Sep 27, 202439 min

EP 459 - Amazon Fmr. Product Manager on Scaling Enterprise Software with AI

How can AI be used when scaling enterprise software? In this episode of Product Talk hosted by Sid Shaik, Amazon Fmr. Product Manager Polly Allen speaks on how to scale enterprise software businesses using AI. Polly discusses the role of AI in both the pre-product market fit phase and post-product market fit phase, highlighting the importance of prototyping quickly and creating personalized content. She also addresses the challenges of revenue generation in AI-driven businesses and the need for companies to start with internal use cases to improve efficiencies. Polly provides examples of how AI can be integrated into regulated industries like Schneider Electric and the critical considerations around managing the blast radius of AI's unpredictable outputs.

Sep 25, 202446 min

EP 458 - CPO Rising Series: NBCUniversal CPO on Delivering Exceptional Customer Experiences

How can product leaders deliver exceptional customer experiences? In this episode of the CPO Rising Series hosted by Products That Count Resident CPO Renee Niemi, NBCUniversal CPO Jim Denney shares insights on driving innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences, drawing from his experience leading products like Peacock, Fandango, and the Olympics streaming coverage. He discusses his career journey and defining product experiences at TiVo and NBCUniversal, the innovations in the Olympics streaming experience and the importance of user control, the balance of art and science in product management including the role of AI, best practices for building a high-performing product team and driving accountability, and the future of product management and why it won't be replaced by bots anytime soon.

Sep 23, 202433 min

EP 457 - VNS Health SVP of Strategy and Innovation on Transitioning to an Executive Role

How can product leaders transition to an executive role? In this episode of Product Talk hosted by VNS Health Product Director Mark Bailes, VNS Health SVP of Strategy and Innovation David O'Malley discusses the key considerations and strategies for transitioning to an executive role. David shares his extensive experience moving from a product manager to a senior product leader, highlighting the evolving responsibilities, communication needs, and leadership skills required at each stage. He also speaks on the nuanced differences between coaching and management, the importance of building trust and demonstrating readiness, and the growing trend of Chief Product Officers reporting directly to the CEO.

Sep 20, 202453 min

EP 456 - Microsoft Fmr Product Director and Chisel Founder on Empowering Product Managers With AI

How can AI empower product managers? In this episode of Product Talk hosted by Jonathan Ozeran, Microsoft Fmr Product Director and Chisel Founder Praful Chavda shares insights on the intersection of AI and product management, discussing how AI can automate repetitive tasks and free up product managers to focus on strategic, customer-centric work. He delves into the principles of good product management, the differences between working at large companies and startups, and the evolution of his startup, Chisel, and their roadmap to empowering product managers with AI. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on leveraging technology to enhance the product management discipline and build products that truly resonate with customers.

Sep 18, 202447 min

EP 455 - Uniphore CPO on Leveraging Generative AI to Transform Product Management

How can generative AI be used to transform product management? In this episode of the CPO Rising Series hosted by Products That Count Resident CPO Renee Niemi, Uniphore CPO Tushar Shah shares insights on how Uniphore is leveraging generative AI to transform product management and enable enterprises to harness the technology across various business functions. Tushar discusses Uniphore's evolution from a SaaS company to a platform provider, allowing customers to deploy large and small language models tailored to their specific industry and use cases. He highlights the importance of understanding customer journeys and using AI to identify opportunities for improving self-service experiences and reducing customer service costs.

Sep 16, 202435 min

EP 454 - Qventus Product Director on Practical Product Management in Startups

What is practical product management in startups? In this episode of Product Talk hosted by VNS Health Product Director Mark Bailes, Qventus Product Director Katie Saindon shares insights on practical product management in the startup world. She discusses the key differences between product management in large corporations and fast-paced startups, emphasizing the need for speed, adaptability, and wearing multiple hats. Katie delves into the frameworks she uses to guide decision-making, balancing data-driven insights with intuition honed through deep user understanding. She also explores the role of the product leader as a "player-coach," staying hands-on while coaching a cross-functional team.

Sep 13, 202442 min

EP 453 - Amazon Fmr. Head of Product on Building Successful AI-Powered Products

What do product leaders need to consider to build successful AI-powered products? In this episode of Product Talk hosted by Kaboo Founder Neha Shah, Amazon Fmr. Head of Product Sheetal Rajpal shares insights on building successful AI-powered products. Sheetal discusses the importance of treating AI as a "garden" that requires human oversight, the challenges of balancing speed and thoughtfulness in AI development, and best practices for making critical model choices. She also provides examples of how she leveraged AI for personalization, content moderation, and recommendations in Amazon's Kids Plus subscription product. Sheetal's advice for aspiring product managers emphasizes honing product intuition, understanding AI's unique capabilities, and thinking critically about user journeys and success metrics when incorporating AI into products.

Sep 11, 202442 min