The Product Podcast

In this episode, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia interviews Zeb Evans, Founder and CEO of ClickUp.ClickUp, founded in 2017, has rapidly grown into a comprehensive productivity platform, consolidating multiple work tools into a single application. The company has raised $537.5 million in funding and achieved a valuation of $4 billion. ClickUp now serves over 14 million users and 3 million teams, including notable clients like Netflix and Spotify.As Founder, CEO, and CPO of ClickUp, Zeb leads both the company and product strategy, maintaining a hands-on approach to product development. He played a pivotal role in developing ClickUp Knowledge Management, an AI-powered tool that integrates data from various sources to enhance workplace productivity.In this episode, we explore ClickUp's journey from a startup to a major player in the project management space, the integration of AI in productivity tools, and Zeb's unique approach to product leadership. We also discuss how personal challenges have shaped Zeb's business philosophy and how ClickUp balances Product-Led Growth with Sales-Led Growth.What you'll learn:- How Zeb's narcolepsy and near-death experiences influenced ClickUp's development.- ClickUp's strategy for competing in the crowded project management space.- The implementation of AI in productivity tools and its impact on product teams.- Zeb's unconventional approach to product management and company structure.- How ClickUp balances Product-Led Growth with Sales-Led Growth in B2B SaaS.Key Takeaways👇:Personal Challenges Drive Innovation: Zeb's experiences with narcolepsy and near-death incidents have shaped his approach to business and product development.Hands-On Leadership: Zeb emphasizes the importance of founders maintaining control over product development, even as the company scales.AI-Powered Productivity: ClickUp is leveraging AI to enhance workplace productivity, as demonstrated by their Knowledge Management tool.Flexible Product Development: Zeb advocates for building initial versions of new features in just two weeks, forcing critical thinking about core functionality.Continuous Learning: Zeb's practice of journaling and annual review highlights the importance of reflecting on past lessons to drive future success.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereCredits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Zeb Evans

In this episode, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia interviews Anthony Maggio, Vice President of Product at Airtable.Airtable, founded 12 years ago, has evolved from a user-friendly spreadsheet alternative to a robust enterprise-grade application development platform. The company has raised $1.35 billion in funding and achieved a valuation of $11 billion. Airtable now serves over 500,000 organizations, including half of the Fortune 500 companies.As VP of Product at Airtable, Anthony leads the product management organization, focusing on creating powerful, intuitive solutions that enhance user experience and meet customer needs. He played a pivotal role in developing Airtable Cobuilder, a groundbreaking AI-powered tool that allows users to create custom applications quickly and easily.In this episode, we explore Airtable's transition from a consumer product to an enterprise platform, the integration of AI in product development, and the launch of ProductCentral—a solution unifying the entire product development process. We also discuss why product teams are becoming more accountable for revenue and how Airtable connects Product-Led Growth with Sales-Led Growth for enterprise customers.What you'll learn:- Anthony's approach to scaling Airtable from a consumer product to an enterprise platform.- How Airtable Cobuilder revolutionizes application creation using AI.- Strategies for making product teams accountable for revenue.- The integration of AI into Airtable's product development process.- How Airtable balances Product-Led Growth with Sales-Led Growth for enterprise customers.Key Takeaways👇:- AI-Powered Development: Anthony highlights the transformative potential of AI in application development, as demonstrated by Airtable Cobuilder.- Revenue Accountability: He emphasizes the importance of aligning product teams with revenue goals to drive business success.- Enterprise Focus: Anthony discusses Airtable's strategic shift towards serving larger enterprises with connected applications.- Customization at Scale: He explains how Airtable enables customers to build and customize applications that can serve thousands of users.- Future of No-Code Platforms: Anthony shares insights on how AI is democratizing software creation for non-technical users.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereCredits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Anthony Maggio

In this episode, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia interviews Sneha Rao, VP of Product for Platform at The New York Times.The New York Times, founded in 1851, has undergone a significant digital transformation over the past decade, evolving from a print-centric business to a digital-first news and lifestyle platform. With over 10 million paid subscribers and more than 100 million weekly active users globally, the company has a market cap of over $9 billion and annual revenue of $2.4 billion.As a Platform Product Leader at The New York Times, Sneha is passionate about building and scaling robust platforms that empower developers to create innovative products. Her focus is on enhancing developer productivity, optimizing cloud infrastructure, and ensuring the reliability of our systems across news and standalone products like games, cooking, wirecutter to name a few.In this episode, we explore Sneha's approach to building and scaling platform products, strategies for driving digital transformation within a large enterprise, and The New York Times' expansion into a multi-product media company. We delve into methods for identifying leading indicators of revenue growth and the science of running multiple experiments to enhance the user experience.What you'll learn:- Sneha's approach to building and scaling platform products at The New York Times.- Strategies for driving digital transformation within a traditional media company.- How The New York Times is expanding into a multi-product media company.- Methods for identifying leading indicators of revenue growth in a platform environment.- The science of running multiple experiments to enhance user experience in news consumption.Key Takeaways👇:- Platform Efficiency: Sneha emphasizes the importance of building efficient platform teams that can support diverse product offerings without overshadowing the core business.- Rapid Experimentation: She advocates for shortening the time from idea to deployment, enabling faster learning and adaptation in the digital space.- Balancing Innovation and Tradition: Sneha highlights the necessity of maintaining The New York Times' core journalistic mission while driving digital innovation.- Metrics for Success: She outlines key metrics for platform success, including time to market for new features and experiments, and cost to serve for new ideas.- Future of News Consumption: Sneha shares insights on how The New York Times is positioning itself to meet changing reader expectations in an increasingly digital world.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereCredits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Sneha Rao

In this episode, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia interviews Drew Lesicko, Vice President of Product and Technology at SoulCycle.SoulCycle, founded in 2006, is a pioneer in boutique fitness known for its passionate customer community. The company has successfully blended physical and digital experiences, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when it launched its At-Home Bike.Drew oversees the full digital journey of SoulCycle customers and all technology platforms for the company. He joined SoulCycle in 2018 and played a crucial role in launching the At-Home Bike at the beginning of the pandemic, which helped sustain the business when physical studios had to close. What you'll learn:Drew's approach to balancing physical and digital experiences in fitness.SoulCycle's adaptation during the pandemic, the strategy for blending physical and digital experiences, and the future of connected fitness technology. How SoulCycle has built such a strong customer community and how they're using data and AI to personalize each rider's fitness journey.The future of connected fitness technology and SoulCycle's positioning in this evolving landscape.Key Takeaways👇:Blending Physical and Digital: Drew emphasizes the importance of making digital experiences additive to the in-studio experience, rather than replacing it.Data-Driven Personalization: He highlights how SoulCycle uses data on instructor styles, music, and user preferences to create hyper-personalized recommendations for riders.Adapting Business Models: Drew shares insights on how SoulCycle evolved its business model, including the introduction of subscription plans and the At-Home Bike.Customer Retention Strategies: He discusses the importance of the first five rides in customer retention and how SoulCycle focuses on guiding new riders through this crucial period.AI in Fitness: Drew outlines how SoulCycle is leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences, from personalized class recommendations to improved customer service.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereCredits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Drew Lesicko

In this episode, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia interviews Justin Kim, Vice President of Product at Vimeo.Vimeo, founded in 2004, has evolved from the "hipster's version of YouTube" to a leading SaaS video platform for businesses. Now a public company, Vimeo boasts over 300 million users and more than 100 billion video plays.Justin drives Vimeo's platform strategy across essential areas like payments, trust and safety, integrations, monetization, and identity and access management. Before joining Vimeo, he spent nearly 12 years at Amazon, where he led the AWS Commerce Platform.In this episode, we explore Vimeo's transformation from a consumer-focused video discovery product to an enterprise video platform. We delve into the challenges of replatforming, the power of third-party integrations for boosting user retention and ecosystem growth, and the future of video technology, including generative AI in video creation.What you'll learn:Justin's approach to platform as a product and driving business outcomes at Vimeo.The challenges and strategies involved in replatforming complex systems.How to prioritize features and integrations in a platform product environment.The future of video technology and Vimeo's positioning in the evolving landscape of generative AI.Key Takeaways👇:Platform as a Product: Justin emphasizes the importance of viewing platforms as products, focusing on driving business outcomes and connecting technical work to customer impact.Strategic Integrations: He highlights how integrations can significantly improve user retention, especially in subscription-based businesses like Vimeo.Balancing Priorities: Justin shares insights on managing competing priorities in platform development, emphasizing the need to understand and communicate end customer value.Replatforming Challenges: He discusses the complexities of replatforming, including the importance of progressive rollouts and maintaining existing functionality while improving systems.Metrics for Success: Justin outlines key metrics for different areas of the platform, such as payment success rates, integration usage, and trust and safety prevalence.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereCredits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Justin Kim

In this episode, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia interviews Jay Lee, SVP of Product at the NBA.The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the world's most popular sports leagues, boasting over a billion fans globally. Founded in 1946, the NBA has evolved into a digital powerhouse, offering fans innovative ways to engage with the sport.Jay leads consumer product experience and product strategy for the NBA's digital portfolio, including the NBA App, NBA.com, NBA ID membership, Fantasy and Gaming, and League Pass - the NBA's direct-to-consumer streaming subscription service available in over 220 countries worldwide.In this episode, we'll explore the rationale behind redesigning the NBA app, how Jay and his team are leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver an excellent fan experience, and the future of sports technology. We'll discuss features such as real-time scores, multi-language broadcasts, and offline viewing options designed for the 99% of fans who will never set foot in an NBA arena.What you'll learn:- Jay's journey to becoming SVP of Product at the NBA and his insights on the league's digital transformation.- The challenges and strategies involved in creating a global, multi-platform sports app.- How to prioritize features and innovations in a fast-paced, fan-centric environment.- The future of sports technology, including virtual and shared reality experiences.Key Takeaways👇:- Global Fan Engagement: Jay emphasizes the importance of catering to a diverse, international fanbase through personalized experiences and multi-language support.- Innovative Viewing Experiences: The NBA is pushing boundaries with features like AI-powered insights, multi-view options, and immersive technologies to bring fans closer to the game.- Data-Driven Product Development: Jay highlights the use of engagement metrics and user behavior analysis to guide product decisions and improvements.

In this episode, Carlos González de Villaumbrosia, CEO at Product School interviews Jeetu Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer at Cisco. This is a very special episode for me because it was recorded live from our conference ProductCon San Francisco in front of 2,000 product leaders.Jeetu shares his journey in the tech landscape, detailing his role in driving Cisco's innovative strategies following the landmark acquisition of Splunk for $28 billion. He discusses the complexities of integrating cybersecurity and observability into Cisco's offerings, the importance of collaboration with competitors in the cybersecurity space, and how to maintain a customer-centric focus in a rapidly evolving tech environment.Jeetu dives into his strategic framework for becoming an AI-first company, emphasizing how to prioritize AI integration across various functions. He also addresses the future of AI in product management, highlighting trends such as modular systems and enhanced user experiences.What you'll learn:Jeetu's journey to becoming EVP & CPO at Cisco and his vision for the company’s future.The challenges and strategies involved in integrating AI and cybersecurity into existing product ecosystems.How to effectively transition from traditional models to an AI-first approach.The evolving landscape of AI and its key players.Key Takeaways👇:Customer-Centric Innovation: Jeetu emphasizes that understanding customer needs is vital for successful product development. Leveraging AI can significantly enhance user experiences and streamline operations.Collaborative Cybersecurity: He advocates for working closely with competitors to strengthen defenses against common threats, demonstrating that unity can lead to better security outcomes.Embracing Lifelong Learning: Jeetu highlights the importance of networking and engaging with experts to deepen understanding of AI, suggesting that curiosity and proactive learning are key to mastering new skills.Brought to you by:Sprig, a product experience platform that generates AI-powered opportunities to continuously improve your product at scale. Sprig AI captures your product experience in real-time through Heatmaps, Replays, Surveys, and Feedback studies, instantly analyzing all of your product experience data to generate real-time insights. Join product teams at Figma and Notion by uncovering AI-powered product opportunities at scale. Visit sprig.com/productschool to book a demo and get a $75 gift card.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here- Find out more about Product School hereCredits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Jeetu Patel

In this episode, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia interviews Andrew Davidson, Senior Vice President of Product at MongoDB.MongoDB is the most used modern database, powering some of the largest companies across industries like financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing. Originally launched as a free open-source project in 2009, MongoDB went public in 2017 and has grown into a $20Billion dollar enterprise data platform. In this episode, we’ll discuss how to incentivize team members to grow within the same company for a long period of time, the key product milestones in MongoDB’s transformation, nurturing a developer ecosystem, using AI to accelerate code deployment and scaling in the cloud, building 3rd-party integrations with over 100 partners, and allowing companies to integrate with MongoDB as they create their own data stack.Key Takeaways👇:- Empowering Developers with AI: Andrew emphasizes that leveraging AI can significantly enhance developers' productivity, enabling them to manage complexity more effectively and build applications faster.- The Importance of Open Core Models: He advocates for maintaining an open-source version of MongoDB, ensuring accessibility for developers while adding value through premium features.- Continuous Learning Culture: Andrew highlights the necessity of fostering a growth mindset within teams, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive innovation.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereBrought to you by:Sprig, a product experience platform that generates AI-powered opportunities to continuously improve your product at scale. Sprig AI captures your product experience in real-time through Heatmaps, Replays, Surveys, and Feedback studies, instantly analyzing all your product experience data to generate actionable insights. Join product teams at Figma and Notion by uncovering AI-powered product opportunities at scale. Visit sprig.com/productschool to book a demo and get a $75 gift card.Credits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Andrew Davidson

In this episode, Stephen Hsu, Chief Product Officer at Calendly, shares his insights on navigating the AI landscape and transforming Calendly into a comprehensive meeting lifecycle platform. He discusses the challenges of evolving from a simple scheduling tool to a robust solution that meets diverse customer needs and the importance of maintaining a customer-centric approach in a competitive market.Stephen elaborates on his strategic vision for integrating AI across various functions within Calendly, emphasizing the need for a modular product design that can adapt to emerging technologies. He also highlights key trends in the AI space, such as enhancing user experiences and fostering deeper integrations with existing tools.What you'll learn:- Stephen's journey to becoming CPO at Calendly and his vision for the company's growth.- Strategies for transitioning from a basic scheduling feature to a comprehensive product suite.- The significance of understanding customer needs in product development.- Insights into the competitive landscape of AI and scheduling solutions.Key Takeaways👇:Customer-Centric Innovation: Stephen stresses that aligning product development with customer needs is crucial for success. Leveraging AI can significantly enhance user experiences and streamline workflows.Modular Product Design: He advocates for flexible architectures that allow rapid adaptation to new capabilities, ensuring products remain relevant as technology evolves.Focus on Activation Metrics: Understanding what constitutes user activation is vital. Stephen emphasizes the importance of defining clear activation metrics to foster long-term user retention.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereBrought to you by:Sprig, a product experience platform that generates AI-powered opportunities to continuously improve your product at scale. Sprig AI captures your product experience in real time through Heatmaps, Replays, Surveys, and Feedback studies and instantly analyzes all of your product experience data to generate real-time insights. Join product teams at Figma and Notion by uncovering AI-powered product opportunities at scale. Visit sprig.com/productschool to book a demo and get a $75 gift card.Credits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Stephen Hsu

In this episode, Frank te Pas, Head of Enterprise Product at Perplexity AI shares his journey in the AI landscape, detailing his role in transforming Perplexity into an innovative answer engine that challenges traditional search paradigms. He discusses the complexities of integrating AI into products, the importance of a modular approach to product design, and how to maintain a customer-centric focus in a rapidly evolving tech environment.Frank dives into his strategic framework for becoming an AI-first company, emphasizing how to prioritize AI integration across various functions. He also addresses the future of AI in product management, highlighting trends such as modular systems, and enhanced user experiences.What you'll learn:- Frank's journey to becoming Head of Enterprise Product at Perplexity AI and his vision for the company's future.- The challenges and strategies involved in integrating AI into existing product ecosystems.- How to effectively transition from a traditional model to an AI-first approach.- The AI landscape and its key players.Key Takeaways👇:- Customer-Centric Innovation: Frank emphasizes that understanding customer needs is vital for successful product development. Leveraging AI can significantly enhance user experiences and streamline operations.- Modular Product Design: He advocates for creating flexible backends that allow companies to adapt quickly to new AI capabilities, ensuring products remain relevant as technology evolves.- Embracing Lifelong Learning: Frank highlights the importance of networking and engaging with experts to deepen understanding of AI, suggesting that curiosity and proactive learning are key to mastering new skills.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereBrought to you by:Sprig, a product experience platform that generates AI-powered opportunities to continuously improve your product at scale. Sprig AI captures your product experience in real time through Heatmaps, Replays, Surveys, and Feedback studies and instantly analyzes all of your product experience data to generate real-time insights. Join product teams at Figma and Notion by uncovering AI-powered product opportunities at scale. Visit sprig.com/productschool to book a demo and get a $50 gift card.Credits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Frank te Pas

In this episode of #TheProductPodcast we chat with Jessica Hall, Chief Product Officer at Just Eat Takeaway. Jessica shares her journey in the food delivery industry, detailing her role in transforming Just Eat Takeaway into a global leader that serves over 81 million customers across 19 countries. She discusses the complexities of re-platforming a product, integrating diverse team cultures after multiple acquisitions, and simplifying the user experience of a multi-feature platform.In this episode, Jessica dives into her strategic framework for product expansion, focusing on how she prioritizes new markets, users, and use cases. She also addresses the future of food delivery, highlighting trends such as AI, self-driving cars, and virtual kitchens. Jessica emphasizes the importance of maintaining a customer-centric approach while navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry.Key Takeaways👇:- Customer-Centric Innovation: Jessica highlights that understanding customer needs is vital for driving successful product development. Just Eat Takeaway's expansion into non-food items reflects their commitment to convenience.- Culture Integration Post-Acquisition: She shares insights on creating a unified culture within a diverse workforce, emphasizing that engagement and communication are crucial for overcoming challenges.- Simplicity Before Automation: Jessica advocates for simplifying processes before automating them, ensuring that businesses can operate more efficiently and effectively while reducing costs.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereBrought to you by:Sprig, a product experience platform that generates AI-powered opportunities to continuously improve your product at scale. Sprig AI captures your product experience in real time through Heatmaps, Replays, Surveys, and Feedback studies and instantly analyzes all of your product experience data to generate real-time insights. Join product teams at Figma and Notion by uncovering AI-powered product opportunities at scale. Visit sprig.com/productschool to book a demo and get a $50 gift card.Credits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Jessica Hall

In this episode of The Product Podcast, we chat with Mario Queiroz, VP of Product at Hinge Health and former VP at Google, where he co-invented the Google Chromecast.Mario takes us on a captivating journey through his diverse career, from building revolutionary hardware products at Google to transforming healthcare with digital physical therapy at Hinge Health. He opens up about the challenges of moving from software to hardware, the complexities of scaling a global product, and the role of AI in personalizing healthcare solutions.In this episode, Mario dives into the development of Google Chromecast, how Hinge Health is redefining healthcare with AI, and the importance of combining product management expertise with domain knowledge. He also shares his experience in leading cross-functional teams to drive innovation in both the tech and healthcare industries.CONTENT(00:25) 🌎 From Brazil to the US: Mario’s Journey to Stanford and HP(03:10) 📡 Building Chromecast: Lessons in Hardware and Software(05:38) 🎮 Innovating at Google: Revolutionizing Streaming with Chromecast(16:22) 💡 Leading at Hinge Health: Digital Solutions for Chronic Pain(21:04) ⚕️ Aligning Product Success with Health Outcomes(24:36) 🤖 Leveraging AI for Personalized Healthcare(36:37) 🚀 Navigating Regulatory Challenges and Scaling in HealthcareKEY TAKEAWAYS👇:Hardware Meets Software: Mario shares the groundbreaking journey behind Google Chromecast and how integrating software into hardware can create game-changing products.AI in Healthcare: Learn how AI is reshaping healthcare through personalized treatment at Hinge Health, blending technology with human care for better outcomes.Cross-Industry Expertise: Mario reflects on navigating product management in multiple industries, emphasizing the importance of blending product expertise with deep domain knowledge.Building Cross-Functional Teams: Insights into how Mario led cross-functional teams to drive innovation, focusing on both business needs and user experiences.SOCIAL LINKS:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereCredits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Mario Queiroz

In this episode of The Product Podcast, we sit down with Vinod Suresh, US Chief Product Officer at GoDaddy, to dive deep into his journey from moving across 13 schools as a child to leading major product teams at GoDaddy. Vinod shares his passion for lifelong learning, explaining how this constant evolution has shaped his leadership approach, enabling him to embrace and drive change effectively in a fast-paced environment.Vinod discusses GoDaddy’s Entrepreneur's Wheel, which covers identity, presence, and commerce, and how it helps small businesses and entrepreneurs build their digital presence. He explains how the company ensures its products work seamlessly together to create a fully connected ecosystem, providing customers with the tools they need to succeed.In this episode, Vinod also breaks down his unique approach to time management and prioritization—skills that have allowed him to successfully lead a large, dynamic team while maintaining a strong personal and professional balance.CONTENT(00:00) 🎒 Vinod’s Journey: From 13 Schools to Leading GoDaddy’s Product Team (07:25) 📚 Lifelong Learning: How Continuous Education Fuels Success(18:51) 🌐 The GoDaddy Ecosystem: Building for Entrepreneurs Around the World (24:14) 🛠️ Structuring a Product Team for Maximum Impact (32:54) 🌍 Expanding Beyond Domains: GoDaddy’s End-to-End Entrepreneur Support (44:09) 🔗 Creating a Connected Product Experience at GoDaddy KEY TAKEAWAYS👇:1. Embracing Change: Vinod’s ability to adapt quickly has become his strength, helping him lead GoDaddy’s transformation into a product-driven ecosystem for entrepreneurs. 2. Lifelong Learning: His belief in continuous education keeps him ahead of industry trends and better prepared for future challenges. 3. Process Efficiency: Vinod dives into how he has built efficient, self-sustaining processes at GoDaddy to streamline operations, from weekly reviews to monthly business evaluations, allowing his team to focus on innovation.4. Structuring Product Teams: Vinod wraps up by discussing how his product teams are structured to focus on customer outcomes, rotating across products and leveraging AI for a connected and hyper-personalized customer experience.SOCIAL LINKS- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereCREDITS:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Vinod Suresh

In this episode of The Product Podcast, we chat with Tom Wang, Chief Product Officer at Turo, the world’s largest peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace.Tom shares his journey of scaling Turo from a small team to a leading car-sharing platform that allows entrepreneurs to monetize their idle cars while providing customers with a unique and convenient rental experience. He opens up about his experience in building a high-quality marketplace, the evolution of Turo’s product team, and the importance of staying close to customers to drive innovation.In this episode, Tom dives into how Turo uses AI to prototype customer-focused solutions, why creating a high-quality marketplace is crucial for long-term success, and the lessons he has learned from Turo's entrepreneurial hosts. He also touches on how Turo’s unique selection of vehicles creates emotional connections with customers and how staying customer-centric drives product development at every stage.CONTENT(00:00) 🚗 Turo’s Journey: Scaling a Peer-to-Peer Car-Sharing Marketplace(01:52) 🚀 From RelayRides to Turo: The Evolution of the Product Team(04:49) 🌟 The Importance of High-Quality Hosts in Marketplace Success(07:41) 📈 Building a Data-Informed, Customer-Driven Culture(13:22) 🛠️ Enhancing Host and Guest Experiences Through Product Innovations(18:06) 💼 Positioning Turo in a Competitive Market(23:56) 🤖 How Turo is Using AI to Solve Real Customer Problems(32:07) 🚙 Looking to the Future: What’s Next for TuroKEY TAKEAWAYS👇: 1. Customer-Centric Product Development: Tom emphasizes the power of listening to customer feedback—both hosts and guests—ensuring the product meets real-world needs while uncovering new opportunities for innovation.2. Balancing Data and Insights: While Turo values data, Tom believes that customer interactions and real-world use cases are key to driving product development. It's about blending data with human insights.3. Leveraging AI for Innovation: Turo uses AI prototypes to solve specific customer problems, ensuring technology aligns with practical, real-world use rather than creating novelty features without value.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereCredits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Tom Wang

In this episode, of The Product Podcast, we chat with Tomer London,Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Gusto, the leading HR platform for small and medium-sized businesses in the US. Tomer shares his journey from coding his first inventory management system for his dad’s clothing store as a teenager to building Gusto into a comprehensive payroll and HR platform serving over 300,000 small businesses. He opens up about the challenges of evolving his role as CPO, transitioning from hands-on coding to building product teams, and scaling the company while staying deeply customer-focused.In this episode, Tomer dives into the importance of embedding compliance into the core of Gusto’s product, why he believes product management should be data-aware but not data-dependent, and how he fosters a culture of intuition-driven decision-making. He also shares how Gusto integrates AI to streamline processes, from payroll automation to enhancing customer support, all while maintaining the human touch that defines their success. CONTENT(00:19) 🌱 Early Beginnings: Building Software for a Small Business (03:33) 💪🏽 From Engineer to Product Leader(04:45) 👨🏽‍⚖️ The Importance of Compliance in Small Business Solutions(11:00) ⚖️ Balancing Data and Intuition in Product Management(20:26) 💥 Gusto's Product Expansion Strategy (35:51) 🤖 AI and Human Touch in Customer Experience KEY TAKEAWAYS👇:Customer-Centric Product Development: Tomer emphasizes that listening to customers and addressing their pain points is the foundation for building successful products. Gusto's focus on helping small businesses manage compliance and payroll seamlessly has driven its product-market fit.Data-Aware, Not Data-Dependent: Tomer believes that while data is important, product managers should balance it with intuition built from direct customer interactions. This approach ensures that products are not just functional but deeply aligned with user needs.Scaling with AI & Human Touch: Gusto’s innovative use of AI enhances internal efficiency and customer service. Tomer shares how AI-driven features like automated data entry make life easier for users, while maintaining personal connections through exceptional customer support.FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereBROUGHT TO YOU BY:Eppo, the next-generation A/B testing and feature management platform built for modern growth teams by alums of Airbnb and Stitch Fix. Visit their website https://www.geteppo.com/, and 10x your experiment velocity.CREDITS:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Tomer London

In this episode of the Product Podcast we chat with Karri Saarinen, the CEO at Linear. It's the fastest-growing and most beloved project management tool in the world. The company is valued at $400 million, and has raised $52 million in funding from Accel, Sequoia, and some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs including the founders of Slack.Before Linear, Karri led product design at Airbnb and Coinbase.In our conversation, we'll discuss how his design background is helping him a product users love, his strong Product-Led Growth (PLG) approach to reach decision-makers, how to not always rely on data for product decisions, and his stance against incorporating AI-specific features into his product at this time. Discover how Linear is building the tool that PMs love with a innovative and human approach that allows them to be growing so fast and having the sense of belonging of clients. This episode is packed with lessons on how coming from a different background can be a positive perspective when building a product that turns into the most enjoyable and efficient way to manage development. (00:00) 🎬 Intro (03:16) 🚀Design Background & Starting Linear(06:41) 👨🏽‍💻 Role and Focus as a Founder (09:19) 🛒 Competing in a Crowded Market (12:45) 📈 Maintaining Long-Term Success (14:48) 📚 Conclusion KEY TAKEAWAYS1. Design-Centric Approach: As a designer, Karri's approach to starting Linear focuses on user experience and brand. He emphasizes the importance of creating a great experience for users, especially in a collaboration tool like Linear.2. Role as a Founder: Karri handles non-technical aspects of the company, including design and product vision. He believes in focusing on areas where he can make the most impact, like maintaining high standards in design and brand.3. Unlike competitors who expand to generalize their tools, Linear stays focused on providing an excellent user experience for its target audience. Differentiating in a crowded market by building the best product specifically for software teams.SOCIAL LINKS:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereBROUGHT TO YOU BY:Pendo, the only all-in-one product experience platform for any type of application. With all the tools you need, in one simple-to-use platform, Pendo makes it easy to answer critical questions about how users are engaging with your product—then turn those insights into action—all so you can get your users to do what you actually want them to do. Visit their website to create your free Pendo account todayEppo, the next-generation A/B testing and feature management platform built for modern growth teams by alums of Airbnb and Stitch Fix. Visit their website and 10x your experiment velocity. CREDITS:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Karri Saarinen

In this episode of the Product Podcast we chat with Jeremy Forrester, VP Product at Twitch and a key player in the world of short videos and live streaming. From his work on Vine for Windows Phone at Twitter to his impactful eight-year stint at Twitch, Jeremy offers incredible insights into the challenges and successes that have shaped today’s media scene. Jeremy talks about Vine's legacy and its influence on platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok. Moving on to Twitch, he gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what keeps streaming audiences engaged and growing. We dive into how activities like gaming and DJ sets keep viewers hooked, with highlights like Ibai’s record-breaking streams and Ninja’s celeb collabs. Jeremy also explores the future of live streaming, including mobile game streaming and the impact of generative AI. Discover how Twitch stands out from the crowd and the cool tools that make user experiences better. Jeremy also shares tips on how Twitch’s team structure supports both viewers and creators. This episode is packed with lessons on handling conflicts, continuous learning, and the importance of networking. Whether you’re a content creator or just love streaming, this episode is full of valuable insights and inspiration.Content(00:00) 🎬 Intro(03:00) 🚀 The evolution of Jeremy at Twitch(07:33) 📊 Key indicators of Twitch’s content(11:09) 🧑‍💻 How does Jeremy define a content creator?(13:48) 🌐 Twitch expansion: from community to events(19:43) 🔮 What’s next for Jeremy(24:10) 🎮 The gaming scene(28:37) 🤖 How does Twitch implement Gen AI(33:54) 🏢 Jeremy’s role as a VP of Product at TwitchKey TakeawaysLearn from predecessors: Vine's influence on platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok underscores the importance of studying and understanding past products. This can provide valuable insights and guide the development of new features or products.Focus on community: Jeremy's role in evolving Twitch highlights the significance of fostering a strong community. Product people should prioritize features that help users build and sustain their own communities.Utilize machine learning for personalization: Implementing personalized recommendations can significantly enhance user engagement. Additionally, features like polls and channel points can create interactive and engaging user experiences, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation in user engagement strategies.Social Links:Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok hereFollow Product School on LinkedIn hereJoin Product School's free events here Find out more about Product School hereBrought to you by:Pendo, the only all-in-one product experience platform for any type of application. With all the tools you need, in one simple-to-use platform, Pendo makes it easy to answer critical questions about how users are engaging with your product—then turn those insights into action—all so you can get your users to do what you actually want them to do. Visit their website https://www.pendo.io/productschool/ to create your free Pendo account todayEppo, the next-generation A/B testing and feature management platform built for modern growth teams by alums of Airbnb and Stitch Fix. Visit their website https://www.geteppo.com/, and 10x your experiment velocity. Credits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Jeremy Forrester

In this episode of the Product Podcast, join us for a chat with Daniel Danker, CPO at Instacart. Daniel breaks down Instacart Plus and how it’s changing the game with $0 delivery fees and lower costs. Find out how teaming up with Uber Eats has supercharged the value for members by combining grocery and restaurant deliveries into one smooth service. Daniel also talks about sticking to what you’re good at and teaming up for new stuff to keep everything top-notch.We also dive into how AI is shaking things up at Instacart. Daniel gives us the scoop on cool features like "personal planograms" that tailor the shopping experience to what you like. Plus, we chat about how AI thinking is becoming part of everything they do, driving innovation while keeping the core product strong. Tune in to catch some great insights on leading products, keeping things simple, and how AI is changing the grocery game.Strategic Partnerships for Enhanced Customer Value:Form strategic partnerships that complement your services. Instacart’s collaboration with Uber Eats to integrate restaurant deliveries with grocery orders is a great example. Such partnerships can significantly enhance customer convenience and increase your value proposition.The Importance of Membership Models:Focus on developing robust membership models that offer tangible benefits. Instacart Plus provides perks like $0 delivery fees and reduced costs, making it attractive to users. Concentrate on your core strengths and consider partnerships to expand your service offerings efficiently.Organizational Evolution with AI:Integrate AI thinking across your organization rather than confining it to a single team. This fosters continuous innovation and ensures that AI-driven insights are applied to improve all aspects of the customer experience. Product Leadership and the Power of Simplicity:Practice effective product leadership by setting clear strategies, speeding up product delivery, and eliminating operational blockers. Emphasize simplicity in product development, focusing on core elements that drive success and avoiding unnecessary complexity.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereBrought to you by:Pendo, the only all-in-one product experience platform for any type of application. With all the tools you need, in one simple-to-use platform, Pendo makes it easy to answer critical questions about how users are engaging with your product—then turn those insights into action—all so you can get your users to do what you actually want them to do. Visit their website to create your free Pendo account todayEppo, the next-generation A/B testing and feature management platform built for modern growth teams by alums of Airbnb and Stitch Fix. Visit their website, and 10x your experiment velocity.   Credits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Daniel Danker

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Jamie DeLanghe, VP of Product at Slack, who shares her inspiring journey from working in customer support at Etsy to a successful career in product management. Jamie provides valuable insights into mastering product management without a technical background, emphasizing the role of curiosity and self-education. We delve into the integration of Slack, the evolving use of workplace communication tools, and strategies for aligning growth incentives in B2B SaaS. Jamie also discusses Slack's approach to enhancing user experience through AI, flexible pricing strategies, and the strategic expansion of Slack's product features to cater to both small teams and large enterprises. This episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples for anyone interested in product management and career growth.Key TakeawaysSuccessful product management requires fostering a collaborative environment. Managing a diverse team, including product managers, localization, and learning teams, emphasizes the importance of structure and resource allocation to support core features, AI development, and growth.Be flexible with pricing strategies to meet the needs of different user segments. Balance between seat-based and usage-based pricing, and ensure fair billing practices to build trust and satisfaction among users.Leverage AI to improve user experience and productivity. Prioritize the development of features that help users manage information effectively, and consider the cost and value of AI integrations when developing pricing strategies.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereBrought to you by:Pendo, the only all-in-one product experience platform for any type of application. With all the tools you need, in one simple-to-use platform, Pendo makes it easy to answer critical questions about how users are engaging with your product—then turn those insights into action—all so you can get your users to do what you actually want them to do. Visit our website to create your free Pendo account todayEppo, the next-generation A/B testing and feature management platform built for modern growth teams by alums of Airbnb and Stitch Fix. Visit our website, and 10x your experiment velocity.   Credits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Jaime DeLanghe

In this episode of the Product Podcast, we're thrilled to host Robert Brunner, Chief Designer at Beats by Dr. Dre and founder of Ammunition. Robert takes us on an enlightening journey through his remarkable career, sharing the secrets behind designing products that drive billions in revenue.We delve into the intersection of aesthetics and functionality, exploring how innovative design can propel a brand to new heights. Robert emphasizes the importance of balancing visual appeal with usability, providing invaluable insights for aspiring designers and product leaders.Our conversation covers the vital role of leadership in the design process, highlighting how collaboration and cross-disciplinary input lead to cohesive, market-successful products. Robert also shares his thoughts on staying adaptable with evolving trends, ensuring your designs remain relevant in a fast-paced industry.Tune in to hear about the creation of iconic products and the breakthrough moments that defined Robert’s career. We also discuss the importance of continuously refining your craft and prioritizing user experience to create beloved products.Get ready to embrace innovative thinking, foster collaboration, and stay ahead of design trends. Join us for a thought-provoking episode that promises to elevate your design approach and inspire you to create impactful, user-centered products. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the industry’s most influential designers!Key Takeaways:Good design vs. great design: Good design is functional, usable, desirable, competitive, manufacturable, and affordable. Great design, however, inspires, empowers, and transforms. It challenges norms, fits into cultural contexts, and creates significant social and economic value.Recognize that innovative design can significantly boost a company's revenue and market position. Strive to integrate creative design solutions that drive business success.Always consider the user experience in your designs. Understand and anticipate user needs to create products that are loved and widely adopted. Focus on creating products that are both visually appealing and highly functional. Strive for a balance where aesthetics enhance usability and user experience.Lead by fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creativity. Empower your team to innovate and contribute ideas that can enhance the design process.Social Links:- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here- Join Product School's free events here - Find out more about Product School hereBrought to you by:Pendo, the only all-in-one product experience platform for any type of application. With all the tools you need, in one simple-to-use platform, Pendo makes it easy to answer critical questions about how users are engaging with your product—then turn those insights into action—all so you can get your users to do what you actually want them to do. Visit our website to create your free Pendo account todayEppo, the next-generation A/B testing and feature management platform built for modern growth teams by alums of Airbnb and Stitch Fix. Visit our website, and 10x your experiment velocity.   Credits:Host: Carlos Gonzalez de VillaumbrosiaGuest: Robert Brunner