Product Voices

In this episode of Product Voices, we venture into a world transformed by emerging technologies, with esteemed guests Eva Agapaki, Tatyana Mamut, Katharina Koerner, and Yuying Chen-Wynn. These tech pioneers offer their insights into emerging technologies that will impact our world for years to come. We grapple with the immense promises of AI as it has evolved from predictive to generative, and from domain-specific to generalizable - while acknowledging the monumental challenges and responsibilities tied to this potent tool. We discuss the future of product management in the AI era, and the panel offers advice for product managers on the skills that will be needed to succeed.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Product Advisory Collective, a firm that accelerates product with curated Product-Leader Fit™ and outcomes-driven advisory and consulting services.

In this episode of the Product Voices podcast, we speak with Yasmin Kothari, the product director for Bumble for Friends. Bumble for Friends is an app designed to connect people nearby who share similar interests and friendship goals. It provides a convenient way to expand your friendship circle, with features like group conversations and a 72-hour response window. Yasmin shares insights on building meaningful connections through technology and excelling in product management. Download Bumble for Friends and join us in combatting loneliness with technology.

What if there was a roadmap to break into the dynamic field of product management? We've got Rajat Tiwari on the show today, a promising future product manager and current master's student at Johns Hopkins, to guide you through his personal journey. Rajat's humble beginnings dreaming of Silicon Valley led to the creation of a hospitality website showcasing his web development and API knowledge. He offers insights on how finding a unique selling point can be the game-changer in this highly competitive market.Rounding off our fascinating conversation, Rajat dives into the importance of preparation for job interviews, not merely job applications, in product management. He also underscores how traditional practices like patience, user empathy, and understanding the customer's needs should be a part of every product manager's repertoire. The future belongs to those combining unique strengths with state-of-the-art technology tools. Tune in for Rajat's insights that promise to be invaluable for anyone contemplating a career in product management.

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of product consulting with our special guest, the seasoned consultant, entrepreneur, and leader, Mary Beth Snodgrass. Buckle in as we traverse the terrain of product consulting and its growing popularity, tackling topics from managing product challenges to exploring the gig economy. Mary Beth takes us inside her collective, the PAC, shedding light on their unique, results-oriented approach to advising product teams on strategy and diversity.Stepping further into the sphere, we delve into the competencies of a product leader, the specific hurdles faced by women in tech, and the power of collective intelligence in driving product. Mary Beth discusses the importance of real-world learning and how product consultants can augment organizations. Pondering over the role of advisory boards and proper scoping in product consulting, we unravel the myriad ways consultants add value and how to determine the best fit for your organization.In the grand finale, Mary Beth illuminates the path to setting up a consulting practice. From the financial aspects and risk profiles to the art of building your brand, she provides sage advice for budding consultants. We also turn our focus to the crucial role of business development in product consulting, touching on sales best practices and strategies for assessing your strengths. So, if you're ready to discover the depth and breadth of opportunities in product consulting, don't miss this enlightening conversation.

Priya Kasi-Chari, senior director of product management at PeopleReady, joins us on Product Voices to share her inspiring story of resilience and success. Her unique blend of creative pursuits - including classical dance, language learning, and sewing - has greatly shaped her product management career, bringing a refreshing perspective to the industry.But what's the secret sauce to a thriving product management career? Priya believes it lies in developing multifaceted skills, from technology to innovation. She emphasizes the value of curiosity, adaptability, and empathy - all critical traits that have propelled her as a great product manager and product leader. And for those of you contemplating a career shift into product management without having traditional experience, Priya drops some gold nuggets of advice that you can't afford to miss.Tune in for a stimulating episode packed with a wealth of knowledge.More at ProductVoices.com.

Ever wondered how the magic word 'no' can catapult your product management career to a whole new level? Then it's time to tune in! We're graced with the presence of Jo McCawley, a senior director of product and seasoned veteran of the ad tech world, and he's ready to reveal the importance of saying 'no' in product management. We touch on everything from setting boundaries to tackling tricky conversations, all with the aim of safeguarding your strategy, mental health, and professional relationships.In this lively discussion, McCawley highlights the art of declining with grace, using her 15 years of experience to illustrate how this simple tactic can amplify your career and make you a better ally to your team and customers. It's not just about saying 'no', it's about how you say it! McCawley also takes us through some unconventional methods she's employed to practice the art of refusal, including a boundary workshop at a cuddle party! This is an episode jam-packed with pivotal insights and strategies, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to sharpen your product management skills.

Unlock the power of data with Graham Reed, a seasoned product management professional, as he reveals how data can transform your product management strategies. Can you imagine how understanding data can help to build better products and make effective decisions? Graham, who leads product operations at Cobalt, shares interesting insights from his 12-year journey in the world of product management, a trip that has been filled with data-informed decisions, challenges, and triumphs.We also tackle the hot topic of AI, its potentials and limitations. Are we overlooking the ethical considerations of AI? Graham urges us not to rush into AI without fully understanding its implications, especially in relation to the lack of transparency with AI data sets. This conversation is not just about data, it's about the approach to data as a tool for product management. Join us on this intriguing journey with Graham Reed at the helm, and equip yourself with a new perspective on data's role in product management.

In this great conversation with Beks Yelland,  we delve into the ins and outs of "product tech" and the "product industry" and its evolving impact on product teams and product managers. As product management has become more visible and popular, there are more and more tools, resources, frameworks, and more being thrust upon product managers. Has it become too much? Beks sheds light on the best ways to steer clear of unnecessary complexities, adopt a mission-driven approach, and manage stakeholder relationships. 

Welcome to Product Voices, where we spotlight the brightest minds in the world of product management! Today Jennifer Spanos, a seasoned expert in the CPG and software product management realm, joins us for a chat that will challenge your thinking and give you an edge in your product management journeys. With a rich repository of knowledge, Jennifer shares the importance of striking a balance between domain and product knowledge. One could even say, product management is an art that finds its beauty in solving the right problems and creating value for clients and businesses. As we traverse through the episode, we focus on a fascinating blend of product and domain knowledge. Are you inclined to believe that being in the customer's seat can provide fresh insights into problem-solving? We sure are and Jennifer's experiences prove just that! In fact, her journey speaks volumes about the merits of questioning mind that digs deep into an industry's nooks and corners. Listen in, this is one episode you wouldn't want to miss!See more at https://www.productvoices.com/post/jenniferspanos

Tatyana Mamut, an expert in organizational culture and leadership, discusses the importance of leaders shaping the culture within organizations. She shares insights on how to understand a company's culture when considering a leadership role and highlights the significance of evaluating mechanisms and systems in healthy teams. The speakers also touch on the future of product management, innovation, and the importance of understanding human needs.