In this special episode of Rocketship.FM, we welcome back the podcast’s original founder, Michael Sacca, for a unique and insightful conversation. Recently appointed as CEO of Leadpages, Michael brings with him a wealth of experience from his years as a product executive across early-stage startups. Now, he faces the challenge of leading an established, well-known company through a period of growth and innovation. This episode explores Michael's approach to his new role, his vision for the future of Leadpages, and the mindset shifts he's making as he moves from product leader to CEO.Join us as we dive into Michael’s journey, the strategic decisions he's prioritizing, and his perspective on building a resilient product team. For product managers and product leaders alike, Michael’s story offers invaluable insights into leadership, adaptation, and growth. Whether you're a longtime fan of Rocketship.FM or new to the show, this episode is a must-listen for those curious about the path from product builder to company leader.

Katie Trauth Taylor, Founder and CEO of Narratize, shares her journey in creating an AI-driven storytelling platform that enhances enterprise communication. She discusses the frustrations that sparked her innovation, overcoming fundraising challenges as a female entrepreneur, and securing notable clients like Boeing and Hearst. The podcast delves into how Narratize's AI uniquely interacts with users and transforms complex ideas into clarity, revolutionizing traditional storytelling in tech environments.

Dan Blumberg, founder of Modern Product Minds and former product leader at The New York Times, shares his wealth of experience in product discovery across traditional enterprises. He highlights the unique challenges product managers face in legacy systems, discusses the importance of genuine user feedback, and offers strategies to test ideas without risking brand reputation. Dan also emphasizes fostering cross-functional collaboration and moving customers from hypothetical interest to real commitments, providing actionable insights for anyone in finance, media, or traditional industries.

Todd Olson, CEO of Pendo and a champion of product community building, joins Mike Belsito to discuss Pendo's acquisition of Product Collective. They dive into how this partnership will elevate the product community through expanded events and resources. Todd shares his insights on the origin of Product Collective and its evolution into a prominent network for product professionals. They also highlight the exciting changes ahead in product management education and the importance of mentorship and collaboration in fostering innovation.

Nick McEvely, a seasoned fractional Chief Product Officer, shares his insights on the game-changing role of fractional CPOs in early-stage startups. He discusses the timing for hiring product leadership, emphasizing the shift from founder-led management to specialized guidance. Nick highlights how fractional CPOs enhance team communication and foster product-market fit, while also providing a valuable checklist for startups to assess their readiness for this flexible leadership approach. A must-listen for founders and product professionals!

Dive into the future of product management where AI takes center stage. Discover Google's revolutionary Notebook LM, an AI research assistant that's changing how we engage with information. Learn about innovative AI solutions that enhance creativity and project efficiency. Explore the critical role storytelling plays in product management, emphasizing empathy and relatable narratives. Plus, get insights on the complexities of AI integration and the evolving dynamics within product teams. A thought-provoking blend of human ingenuity and technology awaits!

Roman Pichler, a renowned product management coach and author, shares vital insights on avoiding common product strategy mistakes. He emphasizes the importance of aligning product strategies with business goals and making evidence-based decisions. The conversation highlights the necessity of flexibility and collaboration among stakeholders to develop adaptive strategies. Roman stresses iterative refinement and market research as keys to success. As he concludes, he encourages listeners to deepen their understanding of user needs and competitive differentiation for effective product development.

Connor Joyce, an author and expert in evidence-based product development, challenges the assumption that high usage metrics equal success. He discusses the importance of aligning product features with real user needs to achieve genuine impact. Connor introduces innovative concepts like feature impact analysis and the insights hub, advocating for a culture of evidence-based decision-making. His insights on fostering experimentation within product teams aim to transform how organizations approach product development, ensuring offerings truly meet customer challenges.

Join John Haggerty, a seasoned product leader and coach, as he explores the art of internal partnerships in product management. Discover why treating stakeholder engagement like a product can enhance collaboration and outcomes. Haggerty shares effective strategies for customizing communication with diverse teams and highlights the importance of empathy and informal interactions. Tune in to learn how to avoid common pitfalls and measure the success of your internal partnerships, boosting your influence across the organization.

Mitch Kroll, co-founder and longtime CEO of Findaway, shares the thrilling journey of his tech company from a small startup to a $123 million acquisition by Spotify. He discusses the pivotal strategic pivot from music to audiobooks, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and vision. Kroll reveals insights on building success outside traditional tech hubs and highlights the personal fulfillment gained throughout the 18-year journey. This conversation is packed with lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs on resilience and the evolving nature of innovation.