Product Driven

What happens when you mix creative agency chaos with world-class engineering? You get teams that don’t just write code—they own the product.In this episode, I’m talking with David Mitchell, CTO at VML, one of the biggest creative agencies on the planet. With thousands of engineers and global clients like Wendy’s and United Rentals, David’s teams are building things that most devs only dream of—and doing it without getting buried in bureaucracy.We break down what it really takes to foster creative engineering inside a massive org, how to keep engineers out of the ticket-taking trap, and how AI is reshaping what engineering leadership actually looks like.If you lead teams and want to stop micromanaging, or if you're just tired of pretending Agile is still helping... this one’s for you.⏱️ Episode Breakdown[00:15] — What is a "creative engineer" and why don’t we have more of them?[06:00] — Why software engineering should be creative work[07:40] — The evolution of engineering: From basement coders to business thinkers[11:20] — Ownership vs. ticket-taking: How VML trains teams to lead[13:30] — Journey-Driven Development and the myth of “API-first”[20:45] — Is AI changing how we build software—or just hyped?[24:00] — Hackathons, prototyping, and the rise of “vibe engineering”Links & ResourcesConnect with David on LinkedInProduct Driven - Get the BookSubscribe to the Product Driven NewsletterWhat Smart CTOs Are Doing Differently With Offshore Teams in 2025Subscribe to the Global Talent SprintFull Scale – Build your dev team quickly and affordablyIf you’re trying to get your team out of the basement and into real product ownership, this episode is your playbook. Stop being a ticket factory. Build teams that think, create, and lead.Follow the show, rate it, and send this to someone who’s still trying to do “real Scrum.” They need it more than you do.

Engineering Clarity in the Age of AI: How Docs, Context, and Product Thinking Shape Better SoftwareSeth Rosenbauer is the founder of a tool that uses AI to help engineers create better documentation—and, more importantly, the right thing, faster.But this conversation isn’t just about tooling.It’s about how context is the new currency in engineering. Why your team’s ability to understand what to build and why is more critical than ever. And how AI is changing the shape of product communication, technical documentation, and engineering ownership.Whether you lead a growing dev team or are trying to ship more with less, this one’s for you.Key Discussion PointsSeth’s journey: From PM to founder to doc tool builderWhy traditional documentation fails engineersThe real cost of unclear requirementsWhat AI can (and can’t) fix in engineering communicationHow better docs lead to better productsThe problem with "done"—and how teams miss the last 10%Building a culture of engineering ownershipLinks & ResourcesConnect with Seth Rosenbauer on LinkedInJoggrProduct Driven - Get the BookSubscribe to the Product Driven NewsletterWhat Smart CTOs Are Doing Differently With Offshore Teams in 2025Subscribe to the Global Talent SprintFull Scale – Build your dev team quickly and affordably

Explore the hidden communication barriers between engineers and executives. Learn why innovation stalls in large organizations and how a CTO can bridge these gaps. Discover how introversion affects engineering culture and the crucial blend of product knowledge and technical expertise for success. Delve into the challenges of empathy in engineering and how storytelling can enhance collaboration. Finally, uncover the importance of soft skills and a product-driven mindset for career growth in the tech world.

Jerel Velarde, a product manager at Full Scale Ventures, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing product management. He introduces the concept of 'prompt prototyping,' which accelerates feedback cycles and enhances collaboration between PMs and engineering teams. Jerel discusses the shift in focus from artifacts to outcomes and the evolving role of PMs as they blend design, strategy, and coding. He emphasizes the importance of coding skills for non-technical managers and the transformative potential of AI in shaping product development.

Matt chats with Randy Silver, a product and leadership consultant helping companies tackle communication and coordination challenges at scale. They delve into why execution often falters despite clear strategies, discussing the phenomenon of 'in-shittification' and its impact on innovation. Randy outlines three common organizational dysfunctions and explains why autonomy without alignment can lead to chaos. He emphasizes the importance of strong leadership and clear product strategy to restore focus and direction in growing teams.

Laura Tacho, CTO at DX and a leading expert in developer experience, shares insights on how AI is reshaping software development. She highlights the concept of developer experience and its "marketing problem." Tacho discusses the real friction sources hindering productivity, stressing that organizational challenges, not just tech issues, are the main culprits. She also unpacks the evolving role of developers, the impact of AI on workflow efficiency, and the importance of bridging communication gaps between engineering and business.

Brian Jenney, a seasoned software engineer and founder of the coding bootcamp Parsity, shares insights on the evolving role of engineers amid AI advancements. He differentiates between 'code that runs' and 'code that lasts,' emphasizing craftsmanship. Discussing the risks of over-relying on AI, he warns against blindly shipping generated code. Brian champions the importance of foundational skills in coding and highlights how diverse backgrounds contribute to the tech field, preparing career-switchers to tackle real-world challenges.

Brittany Rastsmith, a consultant for early-stage companies at Bloom Remote, shares insights on overcoming the bottleneck trap that founders often face. She discusses the importance of clear communication, measurable goals, and establishing trust within teams. Brittany emphasizes fostering psychological safety to empower team members and improve productivity. She also highlights the need for effective systems in remote leadership, urging leaders to focus on meaningful outcomes rather than just checking boxes. This conversation is packed with actionable strategies for startups.

In this engaging discussion, Noah Lindner, an ex-Airbnb engineer now consulting at 10x Developers, debunks the '10X developer' myth, redefining them as workflow architects who enhance productivity. He and host Matt Watson explore the nuances of recruiting technical co-founders in a competitive landscape, shedding light on the skills that truly matter. They discuss the vital importance of communication and feedback in software development, ultimately emphasizing how proper alignment of technical expertise and product vision can drive startup success.

Kathy Keating, an industry veteran and co-founder of CTO Levels, shares her expertise in scaling engineering teams and navigating the evolving landscape of technology leadership. She delves into the multifaceted role of the CTO, discussing how today's leaders balance strategy and operations. Key topics include the importance of understanding the broader context of engineering challenges and the impact of AI on productivity. Kathy also introduces a valuable framework to support CTOs at different stages of their careers, emphasizing the need for adaptability and leadership growth.