Product Chats Podcast

How do you define product marketing? Francisco Bram, head of product and growth at Uber Eats, joins our host Rebecca Kalogeris, VP of marketing and product strategy for Pragmatic Institute, to chat about how he and Uber Eats defines this essential role, as well as the 10 commandments of product marketing.  You don't want to miss this one!

“Finding your nxt is about you initiating a change, not a change that happens to you,” - Cindy Carrillo   What if you left your business, your career as you knew it, and started a ranch? That’d probably be a pretty big change for most people.   It certainly was for our guest this week, Cindy Carrillo. Our host Rebecca Kalorgeris, interviews Cindy, and she shares how she navigated changes in her life. More specifically, she discusses her most recent nxt, where she bought 35 acres, built a barn, and started raising cute, small farm animals.   She also launched an Airbnb, and a new coaching business where individuals, couples and business partners participate in a two-and-a-half-day retreat at the ranch to find their nxt.   Did she have experience taking care of baby goats? Absolutely not. But she was willing, able and ready to learn.   She discovered that even when you’re leaping into the unknown all of the skills you’ve built and the experiences you’ve had come with you--you’re not starting from ground zero. You can apply everything you’ve learned to a new situation.   You can read about her journey, insights and advice in her newest book, Finding Your Nxt: When You’re Ready for the Life You Really Want.   During this episode, Rebecca and Cindy discuss: Three major areas in your life where you might want to initiate change The most common blockers to finding your next How to find balance after moving into your next Are You Looking for Your Next Job in Product? Pragmatic Institute’s certifications are sought-after worldwide and are the best way to tell everyone about your product expertise. You can pursue your Product manager, product marketer or product master certification.   Take a quick survey to find your next (or first) Pragmatic course.

Marketing superhero Mark Donnigan shares insights on customer-centric marketing strategies for business growth. Key takeaways include listening to customers, guiding buyers through a purchase process, and creating educational content. The podcast discusses the evolution of marketing strategies, challenges faced by founders, understanding the modern buyer's journey, and the importance of customer-centric marketing.

 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA  Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/  Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here “The first thing I would recommend everyone to do who has an interest in the AI space, and I think lots of people have an interest in this space, is you should be using generative AI tools in your life every day as much as you can, and really remind yourself how much of a difference it can make.” -      Isaac Lien, Co-Founder and Chief Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Officer at Grandpad In this enlightening episode, we dive deep with Isaac Lien, Co-founder and Chief AI and Innovation Officer at GrandPad, exploring the company's strategic incorporation of generative AI to enhance their offerings for the senior market. Lien shares the journey of testing and integrating AI technologies within their product, GrandPad, highlighting how a user-directed approach has fundamentally shaped both the development and marketing strategies. Isaac Lien, Co-founder of Grandpad, initially developed a math flashcards app for iPhone inspired by Steve Jobs. Motivated by communication challenges with his grandparents, he created Grandpad, facilitating video calls for the elderly. Recognizing the power of technology to improve lives, Grandpad later introduced "Grandie," which use AI to help seniors engage in seamless conversations, find inspiration, and discover new interests in an intuitive and user-friendly manner. The team focuses on effective communication and user engagement, incorporating popular games and news topics into Grandpad's offerings. Looking ahead, Isaac anticipates evolving generative AI technologies, and emphasizes the importance of user feedback to guide feature enhancements. By staying informed and exploring new tools, it’s possible to capitalize on industry advancements. Key Takeaways: 1. User Feedback is King: User feedback plays a critical role in Grandpad's product development. They have a group of users who actively advise them on what to build, ensuring that the product continuously evolves to meet the needs of their customers. 2. Market Solutions, Not Features: Marketing for Grandpad's AI-powered features is centered around Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" approach. They focus on explaining why the product is important and beneficial for their users, before diving into the technical details of how it works. The solution is what users really care about. 3. Know Your Audience Intimately: Grandpad emphasized the importance of deeply understanding their target audience and creating a product that specifically caters to their needs. In their case, they focused on older adults and designed a user-friendly product that addresses their unique challenges with technology. ABOUT OUR GUEST: As the Co-Founder and Chief Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Officer at Grandpad, Isaac Lien brings a deep understanding of technology and a passion for making it accessible to older adults. With a background in computer science, he has been instrumental in the development of Grandpad's user-friendly tablet solutions designed specifically for the unique needs of this demographic. Isaac's expertise in artificial intelligence and his dedication to incorporating user feedback have been key drivers in Grandpad's success. He has consistently leveraged advanced technologies, such as generative AI, to enhance the user experience and provide personalized, human-like interactions. Through his leadership, Grandpad has become a pioneer in utilizing AI to create more intuitive and engaging experiences for its users. At the core of Isaac's work is a commitment to making technology accessible and inclusive for all users, particularly older adults. He has dedicated his career to developing solutions that empower and enrich the lives of users, ensuring they can seamlessly connect with their loved ones, access information, and enjoy a wide range of digital experiences. You can learn more about Grandie at Grandie.AI and more about Grandpad at Grandpad.net. ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue. Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide. If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here. #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute

How can product managers blend pricing strategy, market segmentation, and portfolio? Mark Stiving, Pragmatic Institute Instructor and pricing expert, offers practical advice to help product professionals elevate their pricing strategies and deliver value for customers. In this interview, Mark shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspective on how companies can leverage pricing as a powerful tool for business growth. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts #ProductManagement #ProductPricing Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com

“When you truly grasp the impact of your words, actions, and behavior, that awareness fundamentally transforms your approach to everything.”– Dr. Jonathan Baktari, Healthcare CEO, Entrepreneur, Speaker In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chats series, host Rebecca Kalogeris engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Jonathan Baktari, a seasoned physician, entrepreneur, and leader with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Baktari owns and operates several businesses, including multiple health clinics and a software service used in over 20,000 locations. As a business leader, he relies on technology, data, and his trusted team to reach more people than ever before. He shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspective on the intersection of leadership, technology, and employee development. Join us for an engaging conversation that blends healthcare, technology, and leadership, offering practical advice for product managers, marketers, and leaders looking to elevate their teams and organizations. Key Takeaways: 1. The Leadership Dilemma: Dr. Baktari delves into the Peter Principle, which suggests that individuals are promoted based on their current role competence rather than their potential in higher roles. This often leads to leaders who excelled in previous positions but struggle with leadership duties. Great CEOs can make the critical distinction between someone who is proficient at a job and those that would make an effective leader. 2. Micro Mentoring: Dr. Baktari introduces the concept of "micro mentoring" as a superior alternative to micromanaging. By instilling the organization's philosophy and goals in employees, leaders can empower their teams to make independent decisions that align with the company's vision. This approach fosters a sense of autonomy and encourages proactive problem-solving. 3. Invest in Company Culture: The importance of investing in employee growth and fostering a supportive culture is often underestimated. Dr.Baktari emphasizes creating an environment that encourages continuous improvement and development. By prioritizing employee development, companies can build a robust and motivated workforce dedicated to achieving long-term success. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Dr. Jonathan Baktari is a distinguished physician with over two decades of experience in clinical practice, medical administration, and entrepreneurship. He has served as clinical faculty for several prestigious medical schools and has transitioned successfully into leading technology companies. Dr. Baktari is also the host of the Baktari MD podcast, where he shares his expertise on leadership, technology, and healthcare. Listeners can follow Dr. Jonathan Baktari's insights and content on his podcast, Baktari MD, available on YouTube, Spotify, and other major platforms. Additional resources, including links to his podcasts and national interviews, can be found on his website, https://jonathanbaktarimd.com ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue. Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide. If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule.Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here. #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute

“If you’re potential customers aren’t aware that they have a problem and you have a solution, your sales cycle is so much longer and so much more painful." Amanda Northcutt, CEO of Level Up Creators Join us for an insightful conversation with Amanda Northcutt, CEO of Level Up Creators, as she dives deep into the world of recurring revenue and subscription-based businesses. Amanda shares her expert knowledge on optimizing customer journeys, reducing churn rates, and leveraging revenue opportunities to ensure sustained business growth.   Key Takeaways: Understand and Optimize the Customer Journey: Amanda emphasizes the importance of mapping out and understanding the entire customer journey to enhance retention and improve the overall experience. Data-Driven Decision Making: Tracking customer behavior and using qualitative and quantitative data to inform decisions is crucial for refining products and services. Consistent Value Addition: Continuously providing value through new features, unique content, and improved offerings keeps customers engaged and reduces churn. Proactive Churn Management: Identifying and addressing the reasons behind customer churn proactively helps maintain a stable and satisfied customer base. Effective Revenue Operations: Implementing robust revenue operations practices ensures optimal management and maximization of various revenue streams. Bonus Discussion: Amanda also delves into the benefits of competition in the market, monetizing personal brands, and why you should be including a category for premium customer experiences.   About Our Guest Amanda Northcutt is a seasoned expert in the subscription business model and recurring revenue strategies. As the CEO of Level Up Creators, she leverages her deep understanding of customer journeys and retention behaviors to help digital thought leaders optimize their businesses. Amanda's insights on pricing strategies, packaging techniques, and marketing tactics are invaluable for anyone looking to succeed in the subscription economy. You can find more of her resources on LinkedIn or through her websites, https://welevelupcreators.com and levelupcreatorschool.com.   About Pragmatic Institute Since 1993, Pragmatic Institute has provided training and professional development for product design and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.   Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet.   We offer individual course training in product design and data and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.   If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at Pragmatic Institute. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.   #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute

“There are certain things that product managers sometimes unintentionally do, or things they don't realize they do, that have really negative cascading impacts for engineers." Dan Corbin, Product Management Leader and Instructor at Pragmatic Institute In this episode, we dive deep into the dynamics between product managers and engineering teams with Dan Corbin, an experienced product management professional and instructor at Pragmatic Institute.   Dan shares his recent findings on the behaviors and practices that can either foster collaboration or create friction between these crucial roles.   With extensive experience leading product teams across various industries, Dan provides invaluable insights into building a harmonious and productive team environment.   Key Takeaways: Misconceptions About Engineer Satisfaction: Simple gestures like bringing donuts aren’t enough; effective collaboration requires more nuanced approaches. Common PM Pitfalls: PMs often make unintentional mistakes, such as failing to validate customer needs, allowing scope creep, and not prioritizing effectively. Implementing Effective Changes: Dan emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, continuous learning, and aligning closely with engineering teams. Maintaining Clear Boundaries: PMs should focus on the "what" and "why," while engineers handle the "how" and "when," ensuring each team can work optimally within their expertise.   About Our Guest Dan Corbin is a seasoned product management leader dedicated to improving product strategy and operations for companies across diverse sectors. With a rich background in software development, Dan has a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and product side of the business.   Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong passion for his work and a dedication to helping others in the product management field. He is particularly interested in the dynamics between product and engineering teams and is committed to fostering effective communication and alignment within these roles. Dan's approach to product management emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, gratitude, and continual learning.   Dan is also the founder of The Product League and a regular speaker for Agile Austin, initiatives that further his mission of fostering effective product management practices. Always ready for a conversation, Dan Corbin is a regular guest on podcasts and a valuable contributor to discussions on product management best practices. About Pragmatic Institute Since 1993, Pragmatic Institute has provided training and professional development for product design and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.   Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet.   We offer individual course training in product design and data and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.   If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at Pragmatic Institute. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here. #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute

“Consumers are our most valuable treasure trove of information, along with online reviews and some other data sets.” -Tim Trapp, Director of Quality Engineering at Mattel, Inc. In this episode, Tim shares all about product quality, specifically what can be learned from Mattel regarding the implementation of key product quality measures. Discussion topics include understanding customer feedback, the balance between cost, schedule, and quality, and the importance of monitoring both customer feedback and competitor performance. Don't miss your chance to gain insights from one of the most recognized names in the industry. Key Takeaways: 1. User Testing for Competitive Advantage: Testing products with real users to identify potential issues and improve design is a significant strategy at Mattel. This includes formative testing, which is done early and often to shape the design of products. 2. Active Post Market Surveillance: Once the products are in the market, the quality team looks at post-market surveillance to understand how the products are performing in real life, which can inform future design and manufacturing decisions. 3. Corrective Actions and Continuous Improvement: A well-defined process for corrective actions ensures that any issues are addressed promptly and do not become repeat mistakes. This involves constant checking of products in the market and making necessary improvements. 4. Quality as Everyone's Responsibility: Tim emphasizes that quality is not just the quality department's problem but everyone's responsibility in the company. Striving for the best consumer experience should be a part of everything a company does. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Tim Trapp is a seasoned product executive with extensive experience in managing product quality across a diverse range of products. He has worked with and led multidisciplinary and multinational cross-functional teams, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex global landscapes. His expertise lies in being able to ensure the highest standards of product quality, compliance, and safety. At Mattel, Tim has been instrumental in driving quality initiatives that have significantly enhanced product performance and customer satisfaction. His approach to quality is holistic, encompassing everything from initial design and user testing to post-market surveillance and continuous improvement. His insights have helped shape Mattel's product portfolio and maintain its reputation for excellence. ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide. If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at pragmaticinstitute.com/product. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here. #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute

✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA 📚 Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/ 🚀 Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here “What you notice is that the real nuggets that you get, the parts of the story that really shed light on a candidate's exceptional fit or lack of fit for a role, it's usually the third, fourth, fifth, maybe even more follow up questions deep.”-      Jordan Burton, Cofounder of Talgo   Join us for a conversation with Jordan Burton, a professional interviewer and co-founder of the training firm Talgo, a company specializing in helping individuals and businesses attract, evaluate, and hire top talent. In this episode, Jordan shares invaluable insights on how to hire the best talent in today's competitive market.   We dive deep into the world of data-driven hiring, where decisions are made based not on emotional responses, but on concrete information about a candidate's past performance and accomplishments. Jordan elaborates on the importance of clarity in understanding a company's needs and the business results they desire from a new hire.   With a wealth of tips for both interviewers and interviewees, this episode is filled with practical advice that can help companies attract and retain changemakers, and help candidates put their best foot forward in interviews. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best minds in the industry. Key Takeaways:   1. Data-Driven Hiring: Jordan Burton emphasizes the importance of data-driven hiring. This approach prioritizes factual information about a candidate's past performance and achievements over emotional responses, providing a more objective evaluation of potential hires.   2. Clarity in Hiring Needs: Burton highlights the need for clarity in understanding the company's needs and desired business results from a new hire. Rather than focusing on what tasks the candidate will perform, the emphasis should be on what they will achieve or the impact they will make.   3. Value of Follow-Up Questions: One of the key insights from the discussion is the importance of follow-up questions during an interview. These questions allow the interviewer to delve deeper into a candidate's experiences, offering valuable insights that might not surface with surface-level inquiries.   4. Notetaking for Bias Mitigation: Burton strongly recommends notetaking during interviews. Using these notes, rather than relying on memory or emotional responses, can help mitigate bias in the hiring process, leading to more objective and fair hiring decisions. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jordan Burton is a highly experienced executive assessor and interviewing trainer, and co-founder of the training firm Talgo. With over 17 years in the industry, he has honed his skills in training venture capitalists, private equity investors, and high-growth companies on the art of hiring the best talent. He has trained over 3,000 executives and investors on hiring and interviewing skills.   Before venturing into his entrepreneurial journey with Talgo, Jordan was a Partner at the esteemed leadership advisory firm ghSMART, and a consultant at Bain & Company.Jordan's methods are applied not only in the interviewing processes he conducts but also in his training programs, helping companies to improve their hiring processes. His current portfolio at Talgo includes managing relationships with industry giants like Sequoia Capital, TH Lee, and Palantir Technologies.   ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE: Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.   Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.   If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/.   Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.   #ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute