Product Coalition Podcast

Jay Stansell
  • 4.3 (3)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Product Coalition’s mission is to make mastery of product management globally accessible. www.productcoalition.com

  1. EP99 Localization debt: the hidden bottleneck slowing down your launch

    12/18/2025

    EP99 Localization debt: the hidden bottleneck slowing down your launch

    Summary In this episode, Jay Stansell interviews Andrew Sachs, a veteran in product strategy and localization. They discuss the concept of localization debt, the evolution of localization solutions, and the importance of integrating localization into product development from the start. Andrew shares insights on the differences between Smartling and Google Translate, the challenges of ensuring translation quality, and the necessity of building a business case for localization. The conversation also touches on data privacy concerns and the future of translation technology, including real-time translation capabilities. Takeaways * Localization debt arises when language considerations are an afterthought. * Manual processes in localization lead to accumulating debt. * The shift to cloud-based solutions has transformed localization. * Machine translation has evolved but still requires human oversight. * Quality in translation is subjective and requires native speakers. * A global-first approach should be integrated into product development. * Building a business case for localization is essential for market success. * Localization should be considered in the design and development phases. * Data privacy regulations impact localization strategies. * The future of translation includes real-time capabilities and AI integration. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Localization and Smartling 02:18 Understanding Localization Debt 06:13 Evolution of Localization Solutions 09:46 AI’s Role in Localization 16:29 Building a Global-First Product 21:14 Making the Business Case for Localization 24:42 Managing Localization Backlogs 25:56 Handling PII and Jurisdictional Constraints 27:12 The Future of Translation Technology This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productcoalition.com/subscribe

    33 min
  2. EP98 The Death of Top-Down Product Management

    12/04/2025

    EP98 The Death of Top-Down Product Management

    Summary In this conversation, Jay Stansell and Margaret-Ann Seger discusses the importance of empowering teams through a bottoms-up leadership approach, emphasizing the need for autonomy and innovation within organizations. He shares insights on establishing guardrails for innovation, the significance of cross-functional collaboration, and the role of hackathons in generating ideas. Stansell also explores the integration of AI in product development, advocating for a human-centric approach, and highlights the evolving nature of product management in the context of AI. Finally, he addresses the importance of building a customer-centric support model that involves all team members. Takeaways * Empowering teams leads to better outcomes. * Autonomy is crucial for smart individuals. * Establishing a clear vision is essential. * Hackathons can unlock hidden talent and ideas. * Cross-functional collaboration sparks innovation. * AI should enhance human decision-making. * PRDs are becoming obsolete in favor of prototypes. * Customer-centric support models improve product quality. * Regular check-ins help maintain alignment with goals. * Encouraging diverse input leads to better product development. Chapters * 00:00 Empowering Teams Through Bottom-Up Leadership * 10:30 Establishing Guardrails for Innovation * 14:05 The Role of Cross-Functional Collaboration * 20:27 Leveraging Hackathons for Idea Generation * 23:14 AI in Product Development: A Human-Centric Approach * 30:22 The Future of Product Management and AI * 35:50 Building a Customer-Centric Support Model This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productcoalition.com/subscribe

    37 min
  3. EP97 What Engineers Wish PMs Knew

    11/20/2025

    EP97 What Engineers Wish PMs Knew

    Summary In this episode of the Product Coalition podcast, host Jay Stansell speaks with Ali Hafizji about the critical relationship between engineers and product managers. They discuss the importance of aligning on outcomes, building trust, and effective communication strategies. Ali emphasizes the shift from traditional product requirement documents to prototypes, the need for measurable engineering performance, and the significance of mentorship for new engineers. The conversation highlights the necessity of empathy and collaboration in achieving successful product outcomes. Takeaways * The relationship between engineers and product managers is crucial for achieving business outcomes. * Transparency and trust are foundational for effective collaboration. * Product managers should frame problems clearly rather than providing solutions. * Prototypes can serve as a more effective tool than traditional PRDs. * Measuring engineering performance should focus on tangible metrics like bug counts and release frequency. * Effective communication is key to building strong relationships between teams. * Empathy towards engineers can foster a more cohesive team environment. * Mentorship is vital for new engineers to understand their role beyond coding. * Regular rituals and meetings can enhance team alignment and accountability. * Understanding the business context helps engineers align their work with company goals. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to the Engineer-Product Relationship * 05:16 Understanding Outcomes in Engineering and Product Management * 11:44 Building Trust Between Engineers and Product Managers * 17:27 Effective Communication Strategies for Collaboration * 22:14 The Shift from PRDs to Prototypes * 28:16 Measuring Engineering Performance and Quality * 34:43 Setting Expectations for Team Collaboration * 40:53 Mentorship for New Engineers This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productcoalition.com/subscribe

    41 min
  4. EP96: Designing for AI Disruption: How to Build Resilient Products

    11/06/2025

    EP96: Designing for AI Disruption: How to Build Resilient Products

    Summary In this episode of the Product Coalition Podcast, Jay Stansell interviews Rachel Wolan, Chief Product Officer at Webflow. They discuss Rachel’s extensive career in product management, her driving principles, and the importance of resilience in product design, especially in the context of AI integration. Rachel shares insights on managing design risks, ensuring brand control, and navigating vendor risks while maintaining data privacy. The conversation also covers pricing strategies for AI products, shifts in product workflows due to AI, and the balance between automation and human creativity. Rachel emphasizes the need for product managers to focus on discoverability and answer engine optimization in the evolving landscape of AI. Takeaways * Rachel emphasizes the importance of being a ‘learn at all’ rather than a ‘know at all’. * Building resilience in products means understanding customer needs and ensuring uptime and reliability. * AI integration requires a shift in traditional product development workflows. * Brand control is crucial when AI generates content or experiences. * Vendor risk management is essential for maintaining service continuity. * Data privacy and governance are top priorities in AI product development. * Pricing strategies for AI should reflect the unique value provided to customers. * AI is changing the way products are built, focusing on speed and efficiency. * Human creativity remains vital in the design process, even with AI automation. * Future product managers must prioritize discoverability and answer engine optimization. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Rachel Wolin and Webflow * 04:11 Driving Principles in Product Management * 10:08 Building Resilience in Products * 14:41 Design Risks and Challenges with AI * 19:14 Brand Control and AI Integration * 21:17 Vendor Risk Management in AI * 24:23 Data Privacy and Governance in AI * 26:28 Pricing Strategies for AI Products * 28:45 Shifts in Product Workflows Due to AI * 31:45 Balancing AI Automation with Human Creativity * 33:39 Future Moats in the AI Era This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productcoalition.com/subscribe

    37 min
  5. EP95 Building tech solutions that solve real problems vs just adding AI features

    10/30/2025

    EP95 Building tech solutions that solve real problems vs just adding AI features

    Summary In this episode, Jay Stansell interviews Bruno Belcastro-Pinter, a lead product manager at Definely, who shares insights on the intersection of AI and legal tech. Bruno discusses the challenges and opportunities in building AI solutions for lawyers, emphasizing the importance of understanding legal workflows and customer needs. He highlights the significance of being customer-centric, addressing hesitancy towards AI in the legal field, and the evolution of AI in legal practices. The conversation also covers pricing models, measuring success, onboarding clients, and differentiating in a competitive market. Bruno shares valuable lessons from his experience as a founder and offers advice for product managers entering new industries. Takeaways * AI can significantly enhance legal workflows. * Understanding customer needs is crucial for product success. * Legal tech is a crowded market, requiring differentiation. * Customer-centric development leads to better products. * Pricing models in legal tech are evolving and complex. * Measuring success involves multiple metrics, not just adoption rates. * Effective onboarding is key to client retention. * Legal risks must be managed carefully when integrating AI. * Innovative features can set a product apart in legal tech. * Empathy for customers is essential for product managers. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Legal Tech and AI * 01:35 Understanding Legal Workflows and AI Integration * 06:00 Building Products in a Crowded Market * 09:49 Customer-Centric Product Development * 12:04 Addressing Hesitancy Towards AI in Legal * 15:31 The Evolution of AI in Legal Tech * 17:44 Pricing Models in Legal Tech * 19:28 Measuring Success and Value Creation * 21:37 Onboarding and Customer Engagement * 22:30 Differentiation in a Competitive Market * 24:20 Risk Management and Legal Oversight * 26:03 Key Features of Define.ly * 27:46 Insights from a Founder’s Perspective * 29:37 Advice for Product Managers in New Domains * 31:55 Myths About AI in Law * 32:50 Future of Legal AI: Winners vs. Tourists This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productcoalition.com/subscribe

    37 min
  6. EP94 Do We Really Need Research for This? How to Know, Fast

    10/23/2025

    EP94 Do We Really Need Research for This? How to Know, Fast

    Summary In this episode of the Product Coalition Podcast, host Jay Stansel speaks with Anna Bello-Elliott, a seasoned user experience researcher, about the critical role of research in product management. They discuss the challenges product managers face in determining when research is necessary, the signs that indicate a need for deeper understanding of customer needs, and the importance of risk management in product decisions. Anna shares her insights on how to evaluate the necessity of research, the emotional attachments that can cloud judgment, and the evolving role of AI in the research process. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration between product and research teams to create effective solutions that meet user needs. Takeaways * Product managers face pressure from multiple directions. * Research is essential for understanding customer needs. * Identifying risks is crucial in product development. * Teams should ask critical questions before proceeding. * Emotional attachments can hinder effective research. * AI tools can enhance research efficiency. * Collaboration between product and research is vital. * Research should inform product strategy and planning. * Understanding user needs is a continuous process. * Real-world applications of research lead to impactful products. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Product Research Challenges * 02:24 Understanding the Need for Research * 06:53 Identifying Signs for Research Necessity * 09:40 Evaluating Risks in Product Decisions * 12:05 Research Matrix: When to Conduct Research * 15:44 Emotional Attachments and Research * 19:22 The Role of AI in Research * 21:58 Future of Research and Product Management * 25:21 Integrating Research into Product Planning * 28:56 Real-World Impact of Research This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productcoalition.com/subscribe

    34 min
  7. EP93 Monetize This! How you can turn data, AI, and innovation into revenue.

    10/09/2025

    EP93 Monetize This! How you can turn data, AI, and innovation into revenue.

    Summary In this episode of the Product Coalition podcast, Jay Stansell interviews Nicole Segerer, a general manager at Revenera, discussing the evolving landscape of software monetization. They explore the impact of AI, data intelligence, and innovative pricing models on revenue growth. Nicole shares insights on the challenges product leaders face, the importance of collaboration across teams, and best practices for implementing effective monetization strategies. The conversation emphasizes the need for data-driven decision-making and understanding customer value to succeed in the competitive software market. Takeaways * Monetization is crucial for software companies. * AI introduces new costs and challenges for profitability. * Product leaders must focus on customer value, not just features. * Usage intelligence is essential for effective pricing strategies. * Collaboration across teams is vital for successful monetization. * Executive buy-in is necessary for new monetization models. * Companies should count usage before implementing pricing changes. * Legacy industries may struggle with modern monetization strategies. * Innovative pricing models can include hybrid approaches. * Balance in personal development is important for leadership. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Software Monetization * 01:55 The Importance of Monetization in Software * 04:26 Current Trends in Software Monetization * 07:25 Unlearning Misconceptions in Product Management * 09:38 Balancing Technical Skills and Business Acumen * 12:18 Best Practices for Pricing and Monetization * 16:29 Creating Intelligence for Pricing Strategies * 20:07 Legacy Industries and Monetization Challenges * 23:01 The Role of Usage Intelligence in Pricing * 25:57 Fostering Collaboration for Monetization Strategies * 28:35 Advice for Future Innovation Strategies * 30:46 Personal Development and Leadership Insights This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productcoalition.com/subscribe

    33 min
  8. EP92 The future of operations work

    09/25/2025

    EP92 The future of operations work

    Summary In this episode, Chris Butler, a leading product manager, discusses the evolving landscape of product operations, the integration of AI, and the importance of qualitative research. He emphasizes the need for a chaotic good mindset in product management, focusing on reducing operational toil and enhancing decision-making processes. Chris also addresses the fears surrounding automation, the timeless practices in product management, and the strategic planning necessary for 2026. He highlights the significance of storytelling in product management and the future roles that will emerge as AI continues to evolve. Takeaways * Product operations significantly impact outcomes and decision-making. * AI can reduce operational toil and improve efficiency. * A chaotic good mindset encourages open-mindedness and creativity. * Qualitative research is essential for understanding team dynamics. * Automation should focus on repetitive, non-value-adding tasks. * Fear of automation often stems from losing meaningful work. * AI tools can enhance decision-making processes. * Human relationships and communication remain vital in product management. * Documentation and context sharing are crucial for effective collaboration. * The future of product management will involve more AI integration. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Product Operations and AI * 02:34 The Role of a Product Manager in Operations * 04:23 Embracing Chaos: The Chaotic Good Product Manager * 06:27 Foundational Principles of Product Operations * 10:30 Identifying Automation Opportunities * 12:33 Addressing Fear of Automation in Teams * 15:25 The Evolution of AI in Decision Making * 20:36 Ethics in AI and Decision-Making Processes * 24:00 The Role of Human Decision-Making in Automation * 26:32 Documentation and Context in Product Management * 28:29 The Importance of Human Relationships in Teams * 30:51 Strategizing for 2026: Must-Haves vs. Could-Haves * 34:09 The Future of Product Management Roles * 36:30 Practical Advice for Navigating AI Changes * 42:09 Storytelling and Science Fiction in Leadership This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productcoalition.com/subscribe

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Product Coalition’s mission is to make mastery of product management globally accessible. www.productcoalition.com

Information

  • Creator
    Jay Stansell
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jay Stansell
  • Show Website
    Product Coalition Podcast