Product Thinking
Melissa Perri
Successful product management isn’t just about training the product managers who work side by side with developers everyday to build better products. It’s about taking a step back, approaching the systems within organizations as a whole, and leveling up product leadership to improve these systems. This is the Product Thinking Podcast, where Melissa Perri will connect with industry leading experts in the product management space, AND answer your most pressing questions about everything product. Join us each week to level up your skillset and invest in yourself as a product leader.
Episodes
Mentioned books
16 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 14min
Episode 240: Mastering Product Craft as a New VP
A new VP of product learns to navigate their role by understanding product management as a craft. They are encouraged to leverage their industry experience to empathize with customers and define real problems. Building collaborative relationships with product managers, engineering, and design teams is crucial. Engaging directly with users through observations and interviews provides valuable insights into their needs. Embracing feedback and fostering teamwork can lead to innovative solutions and a successful transition into product leadership.
8 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 38min
Episode 239: Navigating the AI Shift at Stack Overflow with Jody Bailey
Jody Bailey, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Stack Overflow, dives into AI integration and product strategy in a major tech community. He reveals how Stack Overflow tackles the challenges of generative AI while ensuring trust among its users. Jody discusses building a trusted knowledge layer for enterprises and emphasizes maintaining human connection amidst AI advancements. He reflects on the evolving role of technologists and the importance of mentorship for junior talent in an AI-driven landscape, highlighting the balance between innovation and foundational skills.
7 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 9min
Episode 238: Managing Success Beyond the Build
Explore the unique challenges of managing acquired products and the need for effective product management structures in organizations. Discover how product managers can ensure that third-party SaaS tools truly meet user needs and align with business goals. Melissa Perri emphasizes that even when teams implement purchased software, applying foundational product management principles is key to success. Elevate your organization's effectiveness and maintain a competitive edge by understanding the importance of these practices.
12 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 52min
Episode 237: Leading Creative Teams with Discipline with Keith Lucas
Keith Lucas, author of 'Impact' and former product leader at Roblox, dives into the secrets of building high-performing teams. He emphasizes the role of visionary leadership in aligning teams with organizational goals and fostering trust. Keith discusses the balance between creativity and discipline, advocating for creative constraints to spark innovation. Moreover, he differentiates between being decent and nice as a leader, urging transparency to enhance team dynamics. Tune in for actionable strategies on mastering team ownership and improving collaboration!
9 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 24min
Episode 236: Real Career Advice From Product Leaders
Kristin Dorsett, COO at Viator, shares her insightful journey in product management. She emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and not sweating the small details. The discussion dives into how leveraging AI can boost productivity, freeing time for strategic insights. Dorsett, along with other industry leaders, highlights the significance of focusing on core problems rather than features and learning from missteps, encouraging aspiring product managers to adopt a curious mindset and embrace unexpected opportunities.
26 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 27min
Episode 235: Inside Product Ops: How Teams Scale Strategy
Quincy Hunte, VP of Digital Products at Cutter Airways, joins industry leaders to discuss the transformative power of Product Operations. They delve into structuring product ops for enhanced efficiency and the importance of aligning technology with business objectives. The conversation highlights how AI can shift focus from administrative tasks to strategic decision-making, aiding product managers. Additionally, they explore innovative planning techniques and the balance between standardization and team autonomy to improve collaboration and customer experiences.
43 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 32min
Episode 234: What Product Leaders Are Saying About AI
Darren Wilson, CPO at Soul Machines, dives into the fascinating realm of AI and its integration in product management. He highlights how AI is revolutionizing strategy, enhancing decision-making, and personalizing customer interactions. The conversation also explores digital humanoids, emphasizing their role in creating empathetic connections and facilitating language learning. With insights on the evolving landscape of AI, Wilson sheds light on its potential to reshape customer experiences and transform product strategies.
55 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 42min
Episode 233: How Linear Builds Tools Developers Actually Want with Nan Yu
Nan Yu, Head of Product at Linear, is on a mission to redefine project management tools for software development. In a lively chat, she discusses how Linear minimizes friction in workflows, allowing developers to enjoy their craft again. Nan also dives into the evolving role of AI, emphasizing its power to automate tedious tasks and enhance product strategies aligned with company goals. Discover her thoughts on the importance of understanding user needs deeply and the shift towards milestone-based development in Agile environments.
38 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 48min
Episode 232: The Art and Science of Product Decisions with Jameson Troutman
Jameson Troutman, Head of Product for Small Business at JP Morgan Chase, discusses the fusion of art and science in product management. He emphasizes the importance of a customer-centric approach while leveraging data for impactful decisions. Jameson explores how AI can automate mundane tasks, offering managers more time for strategy. He also shares insights on fostering curiosity within product teams and navigating challenges in adapting to new technologies. Tune in for expert tips on aligning product strategies with genuine customer needs!
50 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 49min
Episode 231: Laying the Groundwork for Startup Success with Julia Austin
Julia Austin, an author, Harvard Business School lecturer, and founder of Good For Her, emphasizes the importance of laying a strong foundation for startups. She discusses understanding customer pain points and the dynamics between co-founders, stressing the need for alignment in financial attitudes. Julia advocates for outcome-based roadmaps and highlights how AI can streamline product development while maintaining user engagement. Her insights equip first-time product managers with practical strategies for building successful and sustainable startups.
