Prodity: Product by Design

In this episode of Prodity: Product by Design, Kyle chats with Jason Monberg, CEO of Presence, about the power of product thinking, the thrill of building from scratch, and the importance of team chemistry. With over 25 years of experience spanning engineering, product management, and entrepreneurship, Jason shares lessons from starting companies like Carbon Five and Presence, including how to find the right people, build resilient teams, and apply technology thoughtfully. We also dive into the hype and reality of GenAI, navigating constraints in enterprise organizations, and yes—even homemade pizza ovens. It’s a wide-ranging and insightful conversation you won’t want to miss.Jason MonbergJason Monberg is the founder of South Park Products and the former CEO of Presence. He has over 25 years of experience in digital product development. He previously served as VP of Product Management at MarkLogic, where he drove product strategy and achieved $80 million in annual revenue. Jason also founded Carbon Five, a consultancy specializing in agile software development, and helped grow Composite Software to $20 million in revenue.Links from the Show:Company: Presence Consulting LinkedIn: Jason MonbergBook: The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses by Jesse SchellOther: Ooni Pizza OvensMore by Kyle:Follow Prodity on Twitter and TikTokFollow Kyle on Twitter and TikTokSign up for the Prodity Newsletter for more updates.Kyle's writing on MediumProdity on MediumLike our podcast, consider Buying Us a Coffee or supporting us on Patreon

Kirk Marple, founder and CEO of Graphlit, shares his journey from Microsoft to creating a platform that converts unstructured data into usable formats. He delves into the crucial differences between structured and unstructured data and discusses its impact across industries like healthcare and construction. Kirk emphasizes the role of knowledge graphs in enhancing data search and interactions. He also highlights the significance of product vision and user feedback in developing AI-driven tools, balancing scalability with specificity in product design.

In this episode of Prodity: Product by Design, Kyle interviews Andrew Einhorn, CEO and co-founder of LevelFields, an AI-driven fintech application that automates investment research. Andrew shares his unique background in epidemiology and data science, detailing how it led him to create LevelFields, which focuses on event-driven trading strategies. The conversation explores the importance of user feedback, the role of AI in investment analysis, and how LevelFields differentiates itself from traditional investment platforms. Andrew emphasizes the need for continuous innovation and the lessons learned from his previous ventures.TakeawaysUser feedback is crucial for product development and improvement.AI helps in analyzing vast amounts of data quickly and efficiently.Understanding user behavior is key to designing effective software.Continuous innovation is essential for staying relevant in the fintech space.Andrew EinhornAndrew Einhorn is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of LevelFields, an AI-driven fintech application that automates arduous investment research so investors can find opportunities faster and easier. His mission is to create AI tools that make advanced financial strategies effortless and accessible for all. With over 10 years of experience in building and leading technology and tech-enabled service firms, Andrew has a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions that solve real-world problems and generate value for customers and stakeholders.Links from the Show:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/einhorn/Website: https://www.levelfields.ai/More by Kyle:Follow Prodity on Twitter and TikTokFollow Kyle on Twitter and TikTokSign up for the Prodity Newsletter for more updates.Kyle's writing on MediumProdity on MediumLike our podcast, consider Buying Us a Coffee or supporting us on Patreon

Sandy Ryza, a lead engineer on Dagster, shares his rich journey from software engineering to data science. He dives into the evolution of data engineering, emphasizing its increasing complexity and the vital role of AI in shaping data platforms. Sandy discusses best practices for managing data, highlighting the integration of software engineering principles. He also reflects on the future of open-source tools and the importance of data ownership in modern infrastructures. His insights offer great value for both seasoned professionals and newcomers in the field.

In this insightful discussion, JB Benjamin, CEO of Akuma Engineering, unveils his journey in creating privacy-centric digital products. He dives into the world of post-quantum encryption with his innovative Vox Messenger and explores the significance of blockchain for transparent governance. The conversation also touches on Universal Basic Income and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies. JB emphasizes the need for authenticity in product design, advocating for genuine solutions that cater to real-world issues.

In this episode, Kyle sits down with Jake Moshenko, co-founder and CEO of AuthZed, to discuss his journey from working at major tech companies to becoming a two-time founder. After his first company Quay (a Docker registry service) was acquired, he founded AuthZed to solve application permission challenges. Jake shares the contrasts between his two founding experiences, transitioning from a bootstrapped two-person company to a venture-backed enterprise-focused business. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right problem space and being prepared for the long journey of entrepreneurship. We also discuss the significance of open-source in modern software development and his perspectives on AI technology.Jake MoshenkoJake Moshenko has been an innovator in the cloud-native ecosystem for over 15 years. After engineering roles at Amazon and Google, Jake founded Quay, the first private Docker registry, which was acquired by CoreOS. Jake then became an engineering leader at CoreOS, which was acquired by Red Hat (and then IBM). He is now the co-founder and CEO of AuthZed, the company commercializing SpiceDB, the industry-leading cloud-native permissions database.Links from the Show:LinkedIn: Jake MoshenkoWebsite: AuthZedBooks: The MartianGames: AzulMore by Kyle:Follow Prodity on Twitter and TikTokFollow Kyle on Twitter and TikTokSign up for the Prodity Newsletter for more updates.Kyle's writing on MediumProdity on MediumLike our podcast, consider Buying Us a Coffee or supporting us on Patreon

David CM Carter, a serial entrepreneur with four decades of mentoring leaders, dives into the vital role of character in personal and professional success. He introduces his Entelechy framework, focusing on 54 essential character qualities that bridge the gap in soft skills. David shares impactful stories of workplace transformations and the importance of feedback in self-awareness. Plus, he highlights his personal joys, from training a Labrador to grandparenthood, showcasing the balance between work and life. Tune in for practical insights on unlocking human potential!

Christoph Steinlehner, a product management coach and interaction design expert, discusses the transformative power of visual thinking in product management. He shares his journey from web development to coaching, highlighting the importance of visual methods for enhancing team collaboration and communication. Christoph introduces his Mapper Method, a six-step framework for clarifying strategies and assumptions through visual mapping. Listeners gain practical advice for navigating challenges and advancing in their product careers.

In this episode of Prodity: Product by Design, Kyle sits down with Ari Tulla, co-founder and CEO of Elo, a smart nutrition service using AI and data to personalize health solutions. Ari shares his fascinating journey from his early passion for gaming and technology to becoming a leading figure in the healthcare space. He discusses how Elo is turning the concept of "food as medicine" into reality, using biometric data, wearable devices, and AI to create personalized nutrition solutions. Ari also delves into the challenges and innovations that come with building a product in a space where technology, health, and human experience intersect, emphasizing the importance of balance in life and business. Join us to learn more about the future of health and how personalized nutrition is set to revolutionize wellness.Ari TullaAri Tulla is a San Francisco-based entrepreneur, co-founder, and CEO of the smart nutrition service EloLinks from the Show:LinkedIn: Ari TullaWebsite: elo.healthInstagram: Elo HealthBooks: Expeditionary Force SeriesLinks: Hardcore HistoryMore by Kyle:Follow Prodity on Twitter and TikTokFollow Kyle on Twitter and TikTokSign up for the Prodity Newsletter for more updates.Kyle's writing on MediumProdity on MediumLike our podcast, consider Buying Us a Coffee or supporting us on Patreon

In this episode of Prodity: Product by Design, Kyle sits down with the duo behind Oak Theory, Hannah Ryu and Veronica Shelton. These co-founders share their story of turning a chance encounter into a thriving design studio, all while navigating the chaos of a pandemic. Get an inside look at how Oak Theory is redefining UX/UI with a bold focus on inclusivity and raw authenticity. Hannah and Veronica break down the latest trends in design, from the rise of AR to the subtle shift toward softer, more organic visuals. They also offer a candid glimpse into the rollercoaster ride of entrepreneurship—highlighting the grit, resilience, and creativity it takes to build something truly unique. If you're into cutting-edge design, tech innovation, or just love a great startup story, this episode is a must-listen.Veronica Shelton and Hannah RyuHannah Ryu and Veronica Shelton are the Co-Founders behind Oak Theory, a design studio specializing in UX/UI, web and application design.Links from the Show:LinkedIn: Veronica Shelton, Hannah RyuCompany: Oak TheoryInstagram: Oak TheoryBooks: What Doesn’t Kill Us, Build the Damn ThingOther Links from Show: Figma, Clickup, MoleskinMore by Kyle:Follow Prodity on Twitter and TikTokFollow Kyle on Twitter and TikTokSign up for the Prodity Newsletter for more updates.Kyle's writing on MediumProdity on MediumLike our podcast, consider Buying Us a Coffee or supporting us on Patreon