The Way of Product with Caden Damiano

Caden Damiano
The Way of Product with Caden Damiano

A podcast on overcoming the challenges of collaboration within a product team. If you want to develop strong soft skills, product sense, and design taste, this show is for you! www.wayofproduct.com

  1. #126: The Art of Tech Adoption, Issues of Mini-CEO PM's, and the Human Element in Business w/ Jason Monberg, CEO of Presence

    OCT 28

    #126: The Art of Tech Adoption, Issues of Mini-CEO PM's, and the Human Element in Business w/ Jason Monberg, CEO of Presence

    I recently spoke with Jason Monberg (LinkedIn Here), a seasoned tech entrepreneur and product leader. Our discussion covered a lot of ground, from navigating the tech industry to evolving roles in product management and the importance of continuous learning. Listen now on Apple and Spotify. Here’s what really stood out to me: Actionable Takeaways Table of Contents ✅ Rethinking Product Management Roles ✅ The Power of Team Chemistry ✅ Embracing Continuous Learning ✅ Simplifying Technology Adoption ✅ Rethinking Product Management Roles We dove into the actual role of a product manager, debunking the myth that they should act like CEOs of their products. Jason explained how the essence of effective product management lies in influence and collaboration rather than authoritarian control. Takeaway: Influence is Key "Ultimately you have to get a team oriented around a vision and they have to buy in on their own. You can't force them to..." -Jason Monberg Action Tip: 👉 Build a collaborative atmosphere where team members feel heard. Your job is to have a vision and sell it. 👉 If you can’t sell it, return to the drawing board; don’t promise things to the leadership team of customers that you can’t sell internally. 👉 If you can’t sell it, you may not be the right person for that role. Product Managment is a leadership position. Make sure you make sure you are pointing everyone is the right direction. ✅ The Power of Team Chemistry Our talk emphasized the importance of team chemistry and dynamics. Successful projects often hinge on how well team members communicate and work together rather than just the tech stack they use. Takeaway: Foster Team Cohesion "If the chemistry with the leadership of the product management team isn't spot on, that's always going to be a mess." -Jason Monberg Action Tip: 👉 Keep tabs on team dynamics and encourage open communication to ensure everyone is moving in the same direction. ✅ Embracing Continuous Learning Continuous learning came up as a must for staying competitive in tech roles. Jason highlighted the importance of viewing yourself like a professional athlete, always training and upskilling for those pivotal moments. Takeaway: Keep Learning "Think about yourself as an elite athlete... take pride in yourself no matter what you're doing." Jason Monberg Action Tip: 👉 Make it a habit to explore new skills and tech platforms weekly. Staying informed helps keep you agile and relevant. 👉 Read “Chop Wood, Carry Water” to learn more about this philosophy. ✅ Simplifying Technology Adoption We discussed the balance between tech adoption and business needs. Sometimes, the best tech decisions involve simplifying rather than complicating your processes. Takeaway: Simplify for Success "I'm excited to see a simplification of technology... You don't need all the technology all the time." -Jason Monberg Action Tip: 👉 Review your tech setup regularly to streamline operations and align them more closely with business goals. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com

    52 min
  2. #125 Understanding the Common Pitfalls of Digital Transformation Projects

    SEPT 30

    #125 Understanding the Common Pitfalls of Digital Transformation Projects

    My chat with Seamus MacIsaac, VP of Product @ HelcimThis episode will be a goldmine of insights for those interested in the intricacies of digital transformation, product management, and navigating the complexities of various industries. Listen now on Apple and Spotify. Seamus MacIsaac offers a wealth of experience. Having transitioned from a small-town upbringing in Nova Scotia to spearheading product management in various industries, including construction and payments. Table of Contents ✅ What Empathy Looks Like in Product Management ✅ Don’t Over-Engineer Before You Have Demand ✅ Digital Transformation Isn’t Just About Adding Technology ✅ Iterate with the “Scooter, Honda Civic, Ferrari” Framework This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com

    49 min
  3. Former Wealthfront CEO on Innovating Across Disciplines, Building Emotional Connections in Product Design, & Empowering Charitable Giving EP 123

    AUG 10

    Former Wealthfront CEO on Innovating Across Disciplines, Building Emotional Connections in Product Design, & Empowering Charitable Giving EP 123

    Hey Listener, I’m thrilled to share my latest interview with Adam Nash, the Co-Founder and CEO of Daffy, a fintech company dedicated to making charitable giving more accessible and impactful. * Adam’s Linkedin * Donate $25 to any cause of you choosing using this link Adam has a full-stack background in managing, designing, and engineering products, having held key roles at companies such as Dropbox, LinkedIn, and eBay and recently as CEO of Wealthfront. Highlights 👉 The multidisciplinary approach to innovation in technology he developed in his career where His experiences span notable companies such as Apple, LinkedIn, and Dropbox, 👉 The importance of combining engineering, design, and business insights and how he used his diverse skill set to drive innovation. 👉 Adams career advice: How to be fluid and adapt roles to create impactful solutions. 👉 We get tactical in designing to promote a desired behavior. It’s fun to talk shop with a CEO with excellent design taste. Adam’s latest venture Daffy stands for the Donor Advised Fund for You. It’s a unique platform inspired by the belief that everyone should have a straightforward way to put money aside for charity, much like a 401(k) for retirement. Daffy is designed to automate the giving process, making it easier for people to commit financial resources to causes they care about. Highlights include: 💪 Daffy’s mission to help people be more generous by simplifying the giving process 🔥 How their latest launch of Daffy Campaigns campaigns encourages more people to donate. ✌️ How Daffy leverages technology to create a communal space for philanthropy. Chapters:00:00:00 Adam Career From Apple to CEO of Wealthfront 00:05:37 The Importance of Multidisciplinary Innovation 00:11:35 Pushing the Creative Process at Apple 00:15:28 Donor Advised Funds 00:22:49 Daffy is like Acorns for giving 00:29:12 Solving Emotional Problems with Design 00:36:28 Problems, especially with software, are emotional 00:39:54 Daffy and the Future of Giving This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.wayofproduct.com

    47 min
  4. "I accidentally turned a COVID hobby into a bestseller" / How to tap into the “x factor” of every great creator / Taha Ebrahimi, Director of Tableau Public EP 124

    AUG 10

    "I accidentally turned a COVID hobby into a bestseller" / How to tap into the “x factor” of every great creator / Taha Ebrahimi, Director of Tableau Public EP 124

    Hey Listener, Today, I introduce you to Taha Ebrahimi, the author and illustrator of the book "Street Trees of Seattle, an Illustrated Walking Guide." Taha's journey from Director at Tableau Public to an accidental author is filled with insights about curiosity, the power of storytelling, and the intersection of technology and nature. Chapters 00:00 The Value of Curiosity and Exploration 01:12 Introducing Taha Ibrahimi 03:09 Taha's Eclectic Career Journey 04:36 The Birth of a Book During COVID 10:06 Challenges in Identifying Trees 12:51 Combining Data and Drawing 15:22 Validating Data with Field Work 26:08 The Role of AI in Video Editing 26:46 Empowerment Through Technology 29:23 Cultural Significance of Trees 30:50 The Unexpected Success of the Book 33:10 The Power of Storytelling 37:49 Curiosity and Data Visualization 45:10 Exploring Seattle's Diverse Tree Collection 46:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 47:56 Special Offer for Listeners This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.wayofproduct.com

    49 min
  5. From Tech Strategy to Emotional Engagement, What companies do to Gain Raving Fans, and How to Set up a Tech Stack for Acquisition.

    JUN 24

    From Tech Strategy to Emotional Engagement, What companies do to Gain Raving Fans, and How to Set up a Tech Stack for Acquisition.

    Hello listeners! This episode features Bryan Ferris, CEO of Goldfish Code. This episode explores the intersection of technology, strategy, and the essence of building communities within products. Bryan brings a wealth of experience from his tech strategy consulting firm and shares his unique approach to building scalable and engaging products. In this episode, he credits much of Goldfish’s success with his “motivation-driven design” process, which highlights the importance of aligning user motivations with business goals. We discussed: (04:41) Bryan’s background and the genesis of Goldfish Code (08:11) Insights on the role of a virtual CTO and strategic consulting (12:01) Building products with a motivation-driven design (15:18) The importance of community in product strategy (19:47) Effective client relationship management (24:30) Real-world examples of automation and efficiency improvements (30:18) Custom builds vs. leveraging existing solutions (35:45) The evolving role of AI in software development (41:04) How human needs drive business solutions Interview Takeaways: Understanding Motivation-Driven Design Bryan’s approach focuses on user motivations to drive product development, such as loss avoidance and community belonging. Using behavioral psychology techniques, Goldfish Code ensures that products meet functional requirements and engage users emotionally. Community as a Core Element Bryan believes that effective products foster a sense of community among users. Whether it’s a FinTech application or an e-commerce platform, building features encouraging users to feel part of a larger group can drive engagement and loyalty. The Role of a Virtual CTO A virtual CTO brings strategic insights that can make or break a product. By starting with a minimum viable workflow and iterating based on real user feedback, Bryan’s team helps businesses avoid common pitfalls and build scalable solutions. Balancing Custom Builds and Existing Tools Rather than reinventing the wheel, Bryan emphasizes leveraging existing tools and frameworks. This approach not only speeds up development but also allows for more focus on the unique aspects of the product that differentiate it in the market. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com

    47 min
  6. The Muscle of Customer Obsession, the behaviors of customer obsessed individuals and leading by example with Allison Nulty, Head of Product at Contra Ep 121

    JUN 17

    The Muscle of Customer Obsession, the behaviors of customer obsessed individuals and leading by example with Allison Nulty, Head of Product at Contra Ep 121

    I enjoyed speaking with Allison Nulty from Contra a couple of weeks ago. This a fantastic case study on what happens when you build that muscle of customer obsession. Having active contact with your customers, getting them onboarded to your Slack instance, and the time it takes to understand what they are looking for deeply are uncommon traits in product leaders. Allison demonstrates this proactive energy through case studies with brands like Framer and Webflow!We go over: ⭐ How Contra enables the freelance economy by connecting top talent with companies. ⭐ The importance of building working relationships with customers, getting them onboarded to Slack instances, and developing rapport for candid conversations. ⭐ Allison's unique approach to fostering a culture of ownership on her team.⭐ The challenges of transitioning from traditional business roles like management consultant to leading product innovation in tech. ⭐ Real-life example of how Contra has helped companies like Framer manage and scale their freelance workforce effectively. Chapters 01:00 Meet Allison Nulty: Product Leader at Contra 03:06 The Vision and Mission of Contra 06:46 Challenges and Strategic Decisions at Contra 08:16 Building a Marketplace and Community 09:11 Contra's Unique Business Model 11:59 Scaling with Freelancers and Flexible Talent 14:29 Customer-Centric Product Development 22:20 The Power of Customer Feedback 24:27 Customer Obsession and Building Relationships 24:51 The Journey of Starting a Podcast 26:30 From Consulting to Product Management 28:06 Lessons from Working as a Managment Consultant to Product Management. 33:23 Empowering Teams with Ownership 39:43 The Importance of Communication and Transparency 43:13 Final Thoughts and Reaching Out 45:31 Outro and Special Offer This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com

    48 min
  7. One of the most misunderstood concepts in business, the hard thing about prioritization and how to get better at it with Harry Max -Fractional Executive & Coach. Ep 120

    JUN 10

    One of the most misunderstood concepts in business, the hard thing about prioritization and how to get better at it with Harry Max -Fractional Executive & Coach. Ep 120

    In this episode, I welcome Harry Max, an executive player-coach with experience in product design leadership and COO roles.  You read that right; Harry has a wide range and can bridge the gap between experienced design leadership and operational excellence. Harry has led at DreamWorks, Hewlett-Packard, Rackspace, and Apple.  We dive into the complexities of balancing operations and design, the challenges faced by product leaders, and the political nature of leadership and decision-making. Harry introduces his highly practical DEGAP framework for prioritization, emphasizing the importance of intentional decision-making and guiding me through the tangible steps involved.  Finally, we explore how prioritization plays a crucial role in the lives of individual contributors, teams, and organizations. He aims to equip you with practical tools to significantly enhance your decision-making and leadership skills. 20% of Harry Max’s book “Managing Priorities”: mp-twop You can buy his new book “Managing Priorities” through this link Chapters 00:20 The Unique Role of a Fractional Executive 00:58 Bridging Operations and Design: A Dual Competency 03:04 The Challenges of Product Leadership 08:19 The Art of Prioritization in Leadership 08:24 Unpacking the Book on Managing Priorities 15:19 Real-World Prioritization: A Case Study from Rackspace 27:22 The Five Steps of Effective Prioritization 30:30 Unpacking the Prioritization Process 31:01 Exploring Decision-Making Tools and Techniques 35:47 Deep Dive into the D-GAP Methodology 40:18 Applying Prioritization in Personal and Professional Contexts 40:57 Insights on Individual Contributor Prioritization 47:36 Concluding Thoughts on Prioritization and Productivity This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com

    54 min
  8. Engineers invented design thinking! The history of the product design profession, thinking like an engineer, and UX as a Discipline w/ Bryan Zmijewski CEO of Zurb EP 116

    JUN 3

    Engineers invented design thinking! The history of the product design profession, thinking like an engineer, and UX as a Discipline w/ Bryan Zmijewski CEO of Zurb EP 116

    On #wayofproduct this week, join us as we dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Bryan Zmijewski, a veteran in the design world, design lecturer at Stanford, and a pioneer in integrating design thinking and engineering concepts. With his extensive experience in design and technology, Bryan shares his unique perspectives on how design fits into today's business ecosystems. In this episode, we explore: ⭐ The origins of design thinking from engineering and its practical applications in business and design. ⭐ Bryan's extensive experience in helping companies like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney craft great things through design. ⭐ The evolving role of design in product development and the shifting dynamics between product design and UX design. ⭐ The importance of system thinking in design and how it influences the creation of user experiences. ⭐ Bryan's approach to design as a tool for facilitating organizational change and producing impactful products. ⭐ The role of intuition in the design process and the balance between gut feelings and structured testing. ⭐ A deep dive into understanding customer needs and integrating feedback loops into design and product development. ⭐ Bryan's insights on successful product development despite team dysfunctions and the focus on creating great products. ⭐ An introduction to Helio, Bryan's continuous discovery tool, and its impact on gathering rapid customer feedback for digital products. Subscribe and listen to The Way of Product on... 🎧 Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pivot/id1442980948?mt=2&uo=4 🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7dy9vYUPNj3dH9lKAVDheV 🎧 Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy81ODQxMTc0L3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz 🎧 Audible - https://podcasters.amazon.com/podcasts/9ed01fe7-2dbd-4eb6-a114-12ed367e371f How to tune in for the new releases: 📺 Watch the podcast clips - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrBZL31DoAT7vW2vbYkeXhw 📲 Watch Episode Clips on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@caden.damiano?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 📲 Watch Episode Clips on X - https://twitter.com/Caden_Damiano 📸 Follow me on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/caden.damiano/ Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from Bryan Zmijewski's vast experience in design and technology on The Way of Product. Subscribe now for more thought-provoking conversations and cutting-edge strategies in product development. #DesignThinking #ProductDesign #UXDesign #Innovation #WayOfProduct #Technology #CustomerFeedback #Helio #ContinuousDiscovery This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com

    53 min
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A podcast on overcoming the challenges of collaboration within a product team. If you want to develop strong soft skills, product sense, and design taste, this show is for you! www.wayofproduct.com

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