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
36 snips
May 15, 2024 • 1h 2min
Episode 171: Applying Military Tactics to Strategy Execution with Author Stephen Bungay
Author Stephen Bungay discusses his approach to strategy execution, highlighting the three gaps in execution - Knowledge, Alignment, and Effects. He provides military-like solutions for each gap, emphasizing clarity, briefing, and intent. Alignment struggles in product management are often due to a lack of clear intent, which can be resolved through effective leadership. The podcast delves into the importance of leading through intent, empowering teams through problem-oriented direction, and crafting a cohesive strategy for successful outcomes.
14 snips
May 8, 2024 • 49min
Episode 170: Unlocking the Future with the Power of Alignment with Margaret Jastrebski, SVP of Product at Tegus
Margaret Jastrebski, SVP of Product at Tegus, discusses the power of alignment within an organization, understanding sales and marketing, and the importance of vision for execution. Topics include the transition of Tegus to digital platforms, strategic growth in the industry, achieving alignment and collaboration across teams, and the challenges of gaining alignment in product management roles.
31 snips
May 1, 2024 • 43min
Episode 169: How Balancing Vulnerability with Ability is the Secret to Great Leadership with Author, Jacob Morgan
Author and speaker Jacob Morgan discusses the importance of balancing vulnerability and competency in leadership. He shares insights on leading with vulnerability, the challenges faced by CEOs, and practical approaches to navigate vulnerability in professional settings. The podcast explores the impact of vulnerability on team dynamics, personal leadership development, and creating a culture of trust within organizations.
Apr 24, 2024 • 45min
Episode 168: Cutting the Fat after a Crisis with Alex Wattrelos, Previous CPO of Sunday
Former CPO of Sunday, Alex Wattrelos, discusses challenges of rapid scaling and downsizing during the tech-crisis in the fin-tech industry. They delve into product vision struggles, differences in product management in Europe & US, and the importance of clear goals. Alex shares insights on thin slicing, MVP in product management, international market expansion strategies, and starting a new restaurant venture.
9 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 45min
Episode 167: How to Use More Than 10% of Your Company's Brain with Aaron Smith, Chief Product Officer
Aaron Smith, Chief Product Officer of Pattern, shares key leadership principles and best practices from his time at Amazon. Topics include customer obsession, creating a culture of accountability, and the destiny creator mindset. The discussion explores transitioning from Amazon's culture to a new company, empowering product managers to think big, and unleashing innovation through idea-sharing.
4 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 41min
Episode 166: Building Products and Riding the Wave of Cutting Edge AI with Darren Wilson, CPO of Soul Machines
Join Darren Wilson, CPO of Soul Machines, as he shares insights on building digital avatars and leveraging AI technology. They discuss the journey of Soul Machines, challenges in product development, and the importance of user feedback in shaping product strategies.
4 snips
Apr 3, 2024 • 39min
Episode 165: The Story of SpotHero & Breaking into Product Management with Matt DiBari, Chief Product Officer
Matt DiBari, Chief Product Officer at SpotHero, shares insights on effective user research, B2B & B2C mindsets, essential skills in high growth companies, and breaking into product management. They discuss SpotHero's journey, adapting to mobility trends during COVID, navigating dual focus of B2B and B2C, assessing suitability for startup environments, hiring product managers, and balancing strategy and execution.
25 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 47min
Episode 164: Positioning Yourself for a Chief Product Officer Role with the CEO & Co-Founder at Artico Search
Mercedes Chatfield-Taylor, CEO of Artico Search, discusses the landscape for Chief Product Officers, the importance of technical expertise in the market, and the difference between Head of Product and CPO roles. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on CPOs, the significance of live product exercises in recruitment, evaluating candidates through case studies, and career progression strategies for aspiring CPOs.
Mar 20, 2024 • 47min
Episode 163: A Mold-Breaking IPO and the Power to Redefine CPO & CTO's Role with Tim Armandpour at PagerDuty
In this podcast, Tim Armandpour, CTO at PagerDuty, discusses the IPO success and product-market fit of the company. They also touch on user-centricity, aligning teams, and the evolving roles of CPO & CTO. The episode explores leadership qualities, challenges, and the importance of an overarching company vision. Tim's experience in Product Development and entrepreneurial ventures adds depth to the engaging conversation.
22 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 41min
Episode 162: Product Roadmap: Building a Platform for the Next Decade with Craig Saldanha, Chief Product Officer at Yelp
Craig Saldanha, Chief Product Officer at Yelp, discusses user research, two-sided marketplaces, and future-proofing businesses with Melissa Perri. They delve into customer trust, Yelp's platform importance, and new product launches like 'Yelp Guaranteed' and AI search experiences. The discussion includes the significance of customer reviews, building quality connections in two-sided marketplaces, and the collaboration between user researchers and product managers.
