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
90 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 55min
Episode 247: Freeing Teams from Operational Overload with John Cutler
John Cutler, a product operations and enablement expert, shares insights from his rich career at Toast and Amplitude, now leading product at DotWork. He delves into how the tension between people and processes shapes product teams. John emphasizes the need for a blend of simplification and nuance in operational models. The conversation also explores the role of AI in enhancing product operations, streamlining processes, and reducing manual tasks, all while addressing challenges in today’s fast-paced tech landscape.
24 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 7min
Episode 246: Rethinking the Role of R&D
The podcast dives into the intriguing dynamics of integrating R&D within product management. It highlights different roles of R&D, such as market experts and technical teams, using healthcare and education as real-world examples. The discussion warns against R&D drifting into academic territory, stressing the importance of aligning efforts with customer needs and business value. The presenters emphasize treating technical R&D as a platform team to enhance its impact and relevance within the organization.
35 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 37min
Episode 245: Building Product Thinking in Engineering Teams with Matt Watson
In this engaging discussion, Matt Watson, Founder and CEO of Full Scale, shares his transformative journey from developer to CEO. He highlights the importance of engineers embracing product thinking and seeing their role as part of a larger vision. Matt emphasizes the need for clear communication and ownership in tech teams, advocating for a culture that supports innovation. He also explores how AI is reshaping engineering roles, pushing teams to balance technical skills with business insights to deliver real value to customers.
19 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 10min
Episode 244: Thriving as a Platform Product Manager
Discover what it takes to shift from end-user product management to platform product management. Learn how understanding internal users and technical workflows is crucial for success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of collaboration with engineering teams and mastering skills like APIs and DevOps. Plus, find out how to align platform strategies with business goals while ensuring scalability and a positive internal user experience. With a rising demand for platform product managers, this is a must-listen for aspiring professionals!
67 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 33min
Episode 243: Embracing Visual Collaboration in the Age of AI with Elaina O’Mahoney
In this conversation, Elaina O’Mahoney, Chief Product Officer at Mural, shares her expertise in product operations and the integration of AI into collaborative tools. She emphasizes the power of visual collaboration in enhancing decision-making and streamlining processes. Elaina discusses the importance of aligning product management with go-to-market strategies and enhancing customer experiences without sacrificing the human touch. Listeners gain valuable insights on fostering a collaborative culture while adapting to changing market needs.
23 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 10min
Episode 242: Why Context Switching Slows You Down
Discover the challenges of multiple product managers accessing a single development team and how it can slow down delivery. Explore the negative impacts of context switching on productivity, especially for small and growing companies. Learn about the importance of having dedicated developers to boost ownership and accountability. The discussion emphasizes rethinking the typical product manager to developer ratio and the necessity of tracking metrics for informed decision-making.
66 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 38min
Episode 241: Mastering AI Strategy in Enterprise Teams with Maryam Ashoori
Maryam Ashoori, Vice President of Product and Engineering at IBM WatsonX, discusses the evolving landscape of AI in product management. She unveils how AI is reshaping roles and emphasizes the collaboration between product managers and engineers. Maryam highlights the distinction between AI agents and generative AI, showcasing their problem-solving capabilities. She advises enterprises to adopt AI strategically, focusing on specific challenges rather than being distracted by trends, and stresses the importance of small-scale implementations for successful integration.
27 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.
23 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.
8 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.
