Mobile Dev Memo Podcast Season 6, Episode 13: MDM Mailbag #5 (with Kate Minogue)
Oct 14, 2025
In this engaging conversation with Kate Minogue, a seasoned fractional CPO and AI advisor, listeners dive into the intricate world of fractional executive roles. Kate shares insights on ad monetization opportunities for AI apps and discusses the critical need for defensible moats in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. She highlights essential capabilities for optimizing AI-native products and stresses the importance of external expertise for startups. With practical negotiation tips and a look at the future of ads in AI applications, this discussion is packed with valuable takeaways.
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Episode notes
From Advisor To Acting Product Lead
- Kate described transitioning from advisory to owning a product roadmap for a startup until MVP and launch.
- She stepped back once the company could afford or needed a full-time product lead.
When To Hire Fractional Versus Full-Time
- Hire a full-time executive when you have sustained budget and a 40-hour-a-week scope for them.
- Use a fractional exec when you need expertise part-time or to gain cross-company learnings in fast-moving fields like AI.
Cross-Company Experience Is A Feature
- Fractional hires can add value because they work across companies and bring cross-pollinated learnings.
- AI's rapid change makes this external perspective particularly valuable.