Supra Insider

Alexander Hanthorn, Staff Product Manager at Drift, shares his wealth of user research knowledge from his time at companies like Taco Bell and TripleByte. He discusses scrappy research methods for startups and the need to look beyond surface-level feedback to understand true user motivations. The conversation delves into the role of AI in enhancing user research and the importance of teamwork among product teams. Alex emphasizes balancing intuition with data and practical strategies for effective research, making this a treasure trove of insights for product managers and founders.

Varun Puri, CEO and co-founder of Yoodli, delves into his remarkable journey from working with Sergey Brin at Google X to launching a platform dedicated to enhancing public speaking. He discusses the challenges and personal sacrifices of entrepreneurship, alongside the rewarding moments of making an impact. The conversation highlights the innovative features of Yoodli that help users improve their communication skills and shares invaluable advice for aspiring founders navigating the startup landscape.

Melissa Chi, COO at Pathpoint and former Head of Product, shares insights on her career transition and the challenges of leading operations in a remote setting. She emphasizes the importance of user empathy and effective coaching within teams. The discussion highlights strategies for managing time, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and building strong communication. Melissa also touches on the evolving nature of leadership roles in tech and the need for transparency and adaptability in fast-paced environments.

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben sat down with longtime friends and co-founders, Joshua Herzig-Marx and Ben Sprecher, to explore their journey from childhood friendship to building a company that was acquired by Google. In this candid conversation, Joshua and Ben share their co-founder origin story, the challenges they faced scaling a startup, and how they managed their relationship through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. They also dive into the crucial lessons learned from hiring a CEO, pivoting their business model, and making tough decisions to ensure a successful exit. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for anyone thinking about finding a co-founder or navigating the early stages of a startup.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* Josh and Ben’s co-founder origin story, from childhood friends to business partners* The importance of trust and intellectual respect between co-founders* Why finding a co-founder with complementary skill sets can save a startup from failure* The decision to hire a CEO and how it shaped their company’s trajectory* Navigating the emotional challenges of running a startup and maintaining a strong co-founder relationship* The pivotal moments that led to their startup being acquired by Google* Lessons learned from balancing long-term vision with short-term opportunities* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Joshua Herzig-Marx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaherzigmarx/* Josh’s site: https://joshua.herzig-marx.com/* Ben Sprecher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bensprecher/* Josh’s wife Carla Naumberg’s new book, How to Stop Freaking Out: https://www.carlanaumburg.com/books/how-to-stop-freaking-out/* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed:And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of the Supra Insider. This time, Ben and Marc are joined by Katie Kent, who shares her unique experience transitioning from a product leadership role back to an individual contributor (IC) as a staff PM at Semgrep. Katie talks about how her background in leadership has sharpened her skills as an IC, the lessons she’s learned from the security industry, and why she believes in staying hands-on with product work. The conversation explores the value of remote and hybrid work, the evolving role of tools like FigJam in fostering collaboration, and what it means to bring joy and delight into B2B products. Whether you’re a PM considering a career shift or looking to deepen your strategic thinking, this episode offers a wealth of insights.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* Katie's decision to move from a leadership role back to being an IC and how it's impacted her approach to product management* Her journey into the security industry and what makes security a compelling space for product managers* The benefits of hybrid versus remote work and how the return to office is reshaping PM roles* How collaboration tools like FigJam are changing the dynamics between product managers, designers, and engineers* The future of leadership in tech and the potential career paths for PMs* Insights on staying connected to the craft of product management and maintaining creativity and impact over the long term* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Katie Kent: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekent/* Katie’s X: https://twitter.com/k80kent* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed:And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben sat down with Josh Brewer, former CEO and Co-founder of Abstract, to discuss the nuances of creative leadership in today's fast-evolving tech landscape. Josh shares his unique perspective on building high-performing teams, delegating effectively, and fostering an environment of openness and authenticity. The conversation delves into the concept of "founder mode," the future of design amidst AI advancements, and the critical role design plays in shaping product vision and business strategy. Tune in for actionable insights and lessons from Josh's extensive experience in product management, design, and entrepreneurship.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* Strategies for building and nurturing high-performing teams* Josh's thoughts on the concept of "founder mode" and balancing leadership with effective delegation* Insights on delivering and receiving feedback in a growth-oriented environment* The evolving role of design in the age of AI and its impact on future products* How to attract top talent and cultivate a culture of creativity and accountability* Reflections on the importance of staying connected to the core mission of the product and the organization* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Josh Brewer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabrewer/* Josh’s Website: https://jbrewer.me/* Josh’s Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jbrewer* Josh’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/jbrewer* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed:And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben explore the timely topic of taking time off. Recently returning from their own breaks, they share experiences, insights, and reflections on the value of truly unplugging. The conversation delves into their activities during time off, common challenges of stepping away from work, and effective strategies for fully disconnecting. They also discuss the personal benefits experienced and the lessons learned, which they are excited to apply moving forward.For anyone considering a break or just returning from one, this discussion is meant to inspire and offer practical advice on making the most of downtime.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* The importance of taking time off and its benefits for both personal well-being and professional growth* Common concerns and challenges people face when disconnecting from work* Strategies for fully unplugging and making the most of time away* Insights on how time off can lead to renewed energy, clarity, and focus* Reflections on maintaining balance between work and personal life* Practical tips for planning and preparing for time off effectively* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, we feature Brenton Sellati, a seasoned product leader who went from managing four teams to leading 50 at Wayfair. Brenton introduces his framework for exponential growth, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and influencing skills. He shares how applying these principles to his career led to rapid advancement and offers practical advice for PMs at all levels. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to elevate their product management game. We highly recommend you watch this episode on YouTube since Brenton used slides throughout the episode.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* Brenton's journey from Group PM (4 teams) to Senior Director (50 teams) at Wayfair* The four domains of intelligence and their relevance to product management* How to develop first principles and mental models for effective problem-solving* The importance of framing ideas to influence and align teams* The concept of portfolio strategy and its role in prioritizing efforts* Tips for PMs to continuously improve their critical thinking and decision-making abilities* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube: Links:* Brenton Sellati: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentonsellati/* Presentation Decks: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PZvjGT8HQ-WM21jbW8K_SBo3Zp3pnkGJOK7OM-1R6eg/edit#slide=id.g1efbe561ac4_0_72 * Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Rich Mironov, a seasoned product leader and 6x interim CPO, dives into the intricate dance of balancing product strategy with sales demands. He highlights the common pitfalls of burnout among product leaders and the vital need for empathy and relationship-building across teams. Rich unpacks misconceptions about sales and marketing roles, and offers insights on how to prioritize effectively in high-pressure environments. He also shares advice on assessing company culture during job searches, providing a roadmap for success in product management.

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben sat down with Allison Braley, partner and head of marketing at Bain Capital Ventures. This episode delves into common marketing and communications mistakes made by founders, the importance of an authentic online presence, and how to build effective partnerships between product leaders and marketers. We also touched on Allison’s transition from an operational marketing leader role to supporting founders as a VC and why this new role plays to her strengths. This episode is essential for founders looking to enhance their marketing strategies and get more leverage out of their marketing leaders.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* What founders get wrong when it comes to marketing* The benefits of continuously workshopping your company’s narrative* The value of establishing an authentic online voice as a founder* Allison’s learnings from creating consistent and engaging content* Pitfalls of ghostwriting and why it can be detrimental* Setting up effective partnerships between product and marketing* Allison’s transition to supporting founders as a marketing partner at BCV* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube: Links:* Allison’s Succession finale post on LI (the last of many bangers)* Allison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonbraley/* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed (Spotify links embed better but you can see all of these on other platforms, too, from the podcast page on Substack): This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com