
LaunchPod | Product Management Podcast
LaunchPod is a product management podcast hosted by LogRocket's CEO, Matt Arbesfeld, and VP of Marketing, Jeff Wharton, where they talk to product leaders about the issues they faced in their careers, how they found solutions to those issues, and how you can apply these solutions in your own day-to-day product role.
Latest episodes

Jul 1, 2025 • 44min
How to scale $0 to $25M ARR | Michael Park, VP of PM (Buffini & Co) | LaunchPod (Repeat)
Today, our guest is Michael Park, VP of Product and Project Management at Buffini and Company.
In this episode, Jeff talks to Michael about:
His six lessons from scaling product from zero to $25M ARR
The nuance that comes with the “founder mode” discussion
And what a self-imposed sabbatical taught Michael about product leadership.
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gotothepark/
Resources
Spotlight Interview: https://blog.logrocket.com/product-management/leader-spotlight-michael-park/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:58 The Burden of Digital Inventory and Tech Debt
06:17 The Importance of Focus and Time Management in Product Development
06:48 Challenges and Realities of Product Management Practices
07:37 Michael Park's Sabbatical and Reflections on Product Leadership
13:37 The Value of Consistency and Fundamentals in Product Management
18:25 Hiring for Cultural Fit and Communicating Company Goals
20:47 Transitioning from Founder to Product Leader
27:22 The Role of a Product Leader in Scaling a Business
28:43 The Importance of Founder Involvement
30:45 Balancing Founder Mode and Professional Management
36:19 The Parent-Child Analogy in Business Leadership
41:53 The Debate on Roadmaps: Rigid vs. Squishy
46:32 Product Evangelism and Cross-Functional Collaboration
50:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Follow LaunchPod on YouTube
We have a new YouTube page! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe!
What does LogRocket do?
LogRocket's Galileo AI watches user sessions for you and surfaces the technical and usability issues holding back your web and mobile apps. Understand where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com.Special Guest: Michael Park.

Jun 24, 2025 • 30min
Automating PRDs and Beyond with AI | Roman Gun, VP of Prod. (Zeta Global) | LaunchPod AI
We're excited to kick off a new show focusing on the real-world AI applications that product teams are using to become faster, more efficient, and smarter.
Jeff has been traveling across the country meeting product leaders, and he keeps having the same conversation: every product person wants to know how their peers are using AI in their teams and their workflows.
So we’re bringing you those conversations about how your peers are using AI in their day-to-day to move faster and more efficiently than ever before.
In our first episode, we’re welcoming back Roman Gun, VP of Product at Zeta Global. In this episode, we talk about:
The prompting and workflow orchestrations Roman created to automate writing PRDs, one of the most disliked tasks of product managers, and how he has made them into living, breathing documents that initiate collaboration
The AI communities and platforms he uses, including Reddit and Discord, to stay ahead, learn new tricks, and gain early access to the best new tools
And Magic...not actual magic, but we have a little fun with Roman’s side-project centered around Magic: The Gathering, and how he built tools to prototype new decks and beat players with far more experience
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romangun/
Zeta Global: https://zetaglobal.com/
Resources
Real-world AI products with Roman Gun, VP of Product: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7syxCetzHU
Leader Spotlight: Right-sizing processes, with Roman Gun: https://blog.logrocket.com/product-management/leader-spotlight-roman-gun/
Inside Gemini 2.5 | Logan Kilpatrick | PodRocket: https://youtu.be/2LGKwf2xH7g
Tools
OpenAI: https://openai.com/
Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/
Claude: https://claude.ai/
Figma: https://www.figma.com/
Coda: https://coda.io/
Notebook LM Discorder: https://support.google.com/notebooklm/answer/16268096?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
Cursor: https://www.cursor.com/
Windsurf: https://windsurf.com/
Loveable: https://lovable.dev/
ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/
Chapters
00:25 AI in Action
01:27 Real-World AI Applications
02:41 Community and AI Learning
06:12 Automating PRDs with AI
11:51 Training AI for Better Outputs
14:48 Prototyping with AI Tools
16:03 Generating Baseline Code with AI Tools
16:17 The Power of Prototyping and User Feedback
16:36 Accelerating the Creative Process
18:18 Magic: The Gathering and AI Deck Building
19:28 Challenges and Innovations in AI Deck Building
21:35 Learning and Applying AI in Real Life
25:30 The Future of Junior Roles in Tech
30:21 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Follow LaunchPod on YouTube
We have a new YouTube page! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe!
What does LogRocket do?
LogRocket's Galileo AI watches user sessions for you and surfaces the technical and usability issues holding back your web and mobile apps. Understand where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com.Special Guest: Roman Gun.

Jun 17, 2025 • 41min
How To Modernize Million-User Products | Kamal Srinivasan, SVP of Product (Alludo) | LaunchPod
Today on the pod, we’re talking with Kamal Srinivasan, SVP of Product Development at Alludo.
In this episode, we discuss:
How CorelDraw was modernized from a legacy desktop tool into an AI-enabled, collaborative SaaS product, including:
The user research approach that balanced less mature users with the needs of long-time power users
And How they utilized AI to power entire workflows, helping all users behave like pros
We also discuss Kamal’s navigation of a major roadmap misalignment with senior leadership, including:
The real negotiation tactics he used to diffuse the initial conflict
And his “squiggly line” framework for balancing near-term revenue with long-term product vision
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamalsrinivasan/
Resources
Tell Your CEO They're Wrong (And KEEP Your Career) | Steve Nash, Dir. Product (GumGum) | LaunchPod: https://youtu.be/oeEBy8mJfB0?feature=shared
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:56 From PhD to Product Management
02:47 The Value of a PhD in Product Management
05:26 Challenges in Modernizing Legacy Products
06:11 Understanding Vector Graphics Design
09:47 Democratizing Design Tools
16:23 User Feedback and Product Development
19:49 Incorporating AI in Design Software
21:43 Integrating AI into Design Workflows
22:51 Enhancing Productivity with AI
24:15 Proactive Issue Detection with AI
27:21 Understanding Parallels Virtualization
29:50 Challenges and Strategies in Product Development
38:20 Effective Communication and Leadership
41:52 Conclusion and Future Plans
Follow LaunchPod on YouTube
We have a new YouTube page! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe!
What does LogRocket do?
LogRocket's Galileo AI watches user sessions for you and surfaces the technical and usability issues holding back your web and mobile apps. Understand where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com.Special Guest: Kamal Srinivasan.

Jun 10, 2025 • 35min
Kickstarter's Comeback | Mahesh Guruswamy, CPTO (Kickstarter)
Today, we’re talking with Mahesh Guruswamy, CPTO at Kickstarter.
In this episode, we discuss:
How daily reflection on hard moments helped him grow as a leader—and led to his widely praised book How to Deliver Bad News and Get Away with It.
How Kickstarter went from “printing money” and experiencing “insane” PMF to plateauing - and how they created urgency and competition to quickly turn it around
The actual process Kickstarter used to activate its creator and backer communities to shape a better UX, build real loyalty, and re-ignite growth
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maheshguruswamy/
Website: https://www.maheshguruswamy.com/
Substack: https://maheshguruswamy.substack.com/
Resources
How to Deliver Bad News and Get Away with It: A Manager's Guide, By Mahesh Guruswamy: https://www.amazon.com/How-Deliver-Bad-News-Away/dp/B0D7FHTTNN
Tell Your CEO They're Wrong (And KEEP Your Career) | Steve Nash, Dir. Product (GumGum): https://youtu.be/oeEBy8mJfB0
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:09 Mahesh's Background and Kickstarter Connection
02:08 The Power of Writing and Self-Reflection
04:28 Publishing a Book: How to Deliver Bad News
05:53 Effective Communication and Feedback
06:46 Navigating Tough Conversations
11:03 Kickstarter's Evolution and Challenges
14:16 Listening to Customers and Adapting
19:36 Navigating Market Shifts and Growth
20:34 Prioritizing Customer Feedback
25:59 Building and Engaging the Community
29:54 Competitive Strategies and Organizational Culture
34:05 Leadership and Legacy
37:03 Conclusion and Future Prospects
Follow LaunchPod on YouTube
We have a new YouTube page! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe!
What does LogRocket do?
LogRocket's Galileo AI watches user sessions for you and surfaces the technical and usability issues holding back your web and mobile apps. Understand where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com.Special Guest: Mahesh Guruswamy.

Jun 3, 2025 • 35min
Inside MailChimp's PLG Engine | Lauren Schuman, VP of Prod. Growth (Bitly) | LaunchPod
On today’s episode, our guest is Lauren Schuman, VP of Product Growth at Bitly & former Sr. Dir. of Product Growth at MailChimp.
In this episode, we discuss:
How Lauren created product-led growth (PLG) as a discipline at MailChimp and turned it into a systematic growth engine
The turnaround story behind a failed product launch, and how it led to a 183% spike in adoption overnight
Why lagging engagement pushed her to lead a ground-up rebuild of MailChimp’s core email editor to improve growth
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenschuman/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Lauren Schumann
03:09 Transition to E-commerce and PLG
07:15 Joining MailChimp and Early Challenges
09:50 Implementing PLG at MailChimp
13:43 Navigating Organizational Politics
19:03 Improving User Experience at MailChimp
19:26 Defining Key Customer Journey Metrics
20:30 Challenges and Solutions in Email Activation
21:40 Balancing Core Competencies and Expansion
22:59 The Role of AI in Product Management
24:50 Human Touch in the Age of Automation
27:48 Future of AI and Personalization
34:50 Outro
Follow LaunchPod on YouTube
We have a new YouTube page! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe!
What does LogRocket do?
LogRocket's Galileo AI watches user sessions for you and surfaces the technical and usability issues holding back your web and mobile apps. Understand where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com.Special Guest: Lauren Schuman.

May 27, 2025 • 31min
How to compete with Apple — and win | Steve Chazin, CEO & Founder (Skytech.io) | LaunchPod (Repeat)
On today’s repeat episode, our guest is Steve Chazin, CEO & Founder of Skytech.io and formerly VP of Products at Alarm.com.
In this episode, we discuss:
Steve’s experience working at Apple, competing with Final Cut Pro, and his current role at alarm.com
The time he said no to Steve Jobs — and how that pushed his career forward
The importance of user-centered product design and the impact of AI in home security
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chazin/
Chapters
00:00 Intro
03:05 Reviving Apple: The University Consortium
07:04 The iMac and Think Different Campaign
07:37 Lessons from Steve Jobs
11:35 Competing with Apple: The Avid Story
19:05 Current Role at Alarm.com
21:41 The Future of AI in Home Security
27:15 Advice for Aspiring Technologists
29:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Follow LaunchPod on YouTube
We have a new YouTube page! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe!
What does LogRocket do?
LogRocket's Galileo AI watches user sessions for you and surfaces the technical and usability issues holding back your web and mobile apps. Understand where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com.Special Guest: Steve Chazin.

May 20, 2025 • 41min
The AI Velocity Engine for Product | Jeremy Pollock VP of Product (WP Engine) | LaunchPod
On today’s episode, we’re talking with Jeremy Pollock, VP of Product at WP Engine.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why speed is the new moat — Jeremy is pushing PMs to use AI, ship code, and move fast, because in the AI era, slow teams fall behind for good
How WP Engine is enabling product teams to use AI — through access, training, and best practices that turn weeks of work into hours
And, How big, aspirational product goals create momentum — giving teams the motivation to “eat their vegetables” and tackle the foundational work required for long-term success
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dane-molter-6b937231/
Navan: https://navan.com/
Resources
(Ethically) cheat your way to $250M+ | Mikal Lewis, Product Exec. (Whole Foods, Nordstrom): https://youtu.be/5txeT2U_YQo
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:06 Dane Molter’s Journey From Amex to Grubhub
01:44 The Grubhub Experience: Embracing Imperfection
04:08 The Push for Hypergrowth in Product
05:19 Lessons in Product Risk and Innovation
06:59 The Bigger Picture: Product Beyond Technology
09:30 Focusing on Bravery in Product Innovation
12:12 Applying Product Lessons at Navan
17:50 Enterprise Travel Challenges and AI Solutions
19:53 Business Outcomes and Accountability
20:13 Learning Business Mechanics at Amex
26:15 The Importance of Small Tests in Product Testing
34:27 Navigating AI and Emerging Technologies
37:45 Outro
Follow LaunchPod on YouTube
We have a new YouTube page! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe!
What does LogRocket do?
LogRocket's Galileo AI watches user sessions for you and surfaces the technical and usability issues holding back your web and mobile apps. Understand where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com.

May 13, 2025 • 38min
Build product impact with LLMs and data normalization | Rajitha Chaparala VP of Product (Procore) | LaunchPod
On today’s episode, we’re talking with Rajitha Chaparala, VP of Product at Procore, a construction management solution and one of the most successful examples of vertical SaaS out there today.
In this episode, we discuss:
How Rajitha and Procore got hesitant construction executives hungry for AI by showing real, immediate value in processing unstructured data, improving efficiency, and taking friction out of core workflows
Rajitha’s critical processes to ensure data quality, consistency, and collection in service of AI solutions deliver on their promise
How you can leverage 3rd party data to unlock the promises of AI
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajithachaparala/
Procore: www.procore.com
Resources
Do THIS to Build a $1M+ Product Team (ex Google, Bitly PM) | Product Growth Podcast with Aakash Gupta: https://www.news.aakashg.com/p/matt-lemay-podcast
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to LLMs and Data Structuring
01:39 The Importance of Data in Product Management
04:53 Impact-Driven Product Management
08:28 Challenges and Solutions in Data Utilization
13:00 Energy Efficiency and Data Insights
16:33 The Role of AI in Data Normalization
19:56 AI's Role in Construction Efficiency
20:34 Automated Area Takeoff
21:18 Leveraging LLMs in Construction
22:33 Challenges and Adoption in the Construction Industry
25:05 Streamlining Information Dissemination
25:27 Request for Information (RFI) Process
31:26 AI Integration in Procore's Tools
33:57 Future of AI in Construction
39:01 Outro
Follow LaunchPod on YouTube
We have a new YouTube page! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe!
What does LogRocket do?
LogRocket combines frontend monitoring, product analytics, and session replay to help software teams deliver the ideal product experience. Try LogRocket for free today.

May 6, 2025 • 39min
How to category carve in B2B commerce | Jake Hookom, EVP of Product (Perforce) | LaunchPod
Today, we’re talking with Jake Hookom, EVP of Product at Perforce.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
How Jake’s focus on "category carving" at Four51 helped them soar above the sea of headless commerce tools and into a successful exit
Why most PMs are wrong to measure success on features shipped - it’s about solving user problems throughout the entire customer journey
And, how Sitecore’s enormous practitioner community provided market awareness and a means to drive product adoption beyond anything they could do alone disrupts the world
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobhookom/
Perforce: https://www.perforce.com/
Resources
Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets by Al Ramadan, Dave Peterson, Christopher Lochhead, Kevin Maney: https://www.harperacademic.com/book/9780062407610/play-bigger/
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:17 Joining 451 During COVID
02:24 First 90 Days Strategy
04:21 Defining a New Category
08:07 Focusing on B2B Market
10:16 Product as a Spectrum
15:59 Importance of Compliance
19:37 Success and Acquisition
20:17 Joining the Java Champions Community
21:22 The Acquisition by Sitecore
22:29 Focusing on B2B Product Sales
24:16 Building a Practitioner Community at Sitecore
25:40 Leveraging Community Feedback
30:00 The Role of Product in Solving Problems
33:52 Engaging and Growing the Community
39:27 Outro
Follow LaunchPod on YouTube
We have a new YouTube page! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe!
What does LogRocket do?
LogRocket combines frontend monitoring, product analytics, and session replay to help software teams deliver the ideal product experience. Try LogRocket for free today.Special Guest: Jake Hookom.

Apr 29, 2025 • 39min
Building Consumer Trust for Mainstream Adoption | Sean McLeary, VP, Prod. Exp. (InTapp) | LaunchPod
Today, we’re talking with Sean McLeary, VP of Product Experience at Intapp.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
How Sean turned Macys.com and Macy’s brick-and-mortar into one cohesive experience, increasing revenue across both sources
How the team at DocuSign improved the UX to go from tech darling to mainstream product
The current landscape of AI adoption, addressing "empty box syndrome," and how AI’s parallels to the early stages of the internet help us understand how user behavior might evolve
Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smcleary/
Intapp: https://www.intapp.com/
Resources
How To Say "Not Yet" To Enterprise | Deepti Mendiratta, VP Of Products (HungerRush) | LaunchPod: https://youtu.be/WHapWGbuS0Q
How to A/B test your product to millions in ARR | Eric Metelka, Head of Product (Eppo) | LaunchPod: https://youtu.be/3u5vovkAtXc
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:23 Challenges in Bridging Physical and Digital Retail
03:13 Macy's Digital Transformation
06:44 User Research and Implementation
12:30 Impact and Results of Macy's Integration
15:04 Introduction to DocuSign's Evolution
20:42 Challenges in Highly Regulated Industries
21:51 User Research and Common Themes
22:11 DocuSign's Feature-Rich Product
23:40 Sender and Signer Dynamics
28:16 Trust Layer and Proof of Insurance
32:28 AI and Data Ownership
35:42 The Future of AI in Everyday Life
40:37 Outro
Follow LaunchPod on YouTube
We have a new YouTube page! Watch full episodes of our interviews with PM leaders and subscribe!
What does LogRocket do?
LogRocket combines frontend monitoring, product analytics, and session replay to help software teams deliver the ideal product experience. Try LogRocket for free today.Special Guest: Sean McLeary.