The Product Pivot: Stories of career shifts, breakthroughs, and advice for PMs.

TheProductPivot
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The Product Pivot is a podcast dedicated to sharing the real-life journeys of product management professionals.Through candid conversations, we dive into the highs, the lows, and all the unexpected twists of product. Our stories are unfiltered, honest, and packed with lessons learned along the way.Whether you’re an aspiring PM, a seasoned leader, or simply curious about product, we've got something for you.So, follow us for updates, guest announcements, and insights to support your growth in product. 🚀

  1. The Product Pivot | Why AI Should Be Boring — And That’s a Good Thing

    OCT 15

    The Product Pivot | Why AI Should Be Boring — And That’s a Good Thing

    Everyone’s hyping AI like it’s a magic trick. Aaron Kesler sees it differently — it’s just really good at boring stuff. Now VP of Product at RozieAI, Aaron’s focused on solving the unglamorous problems that make real business impact. But his path to product didn’t start in a boardroom. In college, he built a startup that got acquired. Then he realized he hated coding but loved talking to customers, so he walked away from tech completely and started working at Starbucks. That’s where he learned the skill every great PM needs: listening. That same curiosity pulled him back into tech, through SnapLogic’s biggest launches, and into leading product at RozieAI, proving that the best PMs chase problems worth solving. We cover: → Why AI should be boring (and why that’s a good thing) → The difference between having AI and creating real value → How PMs can use AI to bridge creative and technical gaps → Why you should claim a job title once you’re already doing the work This one’s sharp, honest, and packed with lessons for anyone building in AI or trying to break into product. Aaron’s Links: 🔗 LinkedIn 📖 Newsletter: “Become an AI Product Manager” on LinkedIn

    39 min
  2. The Product Pivot | The Power of Saying Yes (and Figuring It Out Later)

    OCT 8

    The Product Pivot | The Power of Saying Yes (and Figuring It Out Later)

    Some pivots don’t start with a master plan, they start with saying yes and figuring it out along the way. In this episode, Eduardo (Eddie) Rosenfeld, VP of Applied AI at Lavender 💜🔮, shares how studying philosophy and writing comedy scripts in L.A. somehow led to product ops at one of the fastest-moving AI startups in sales tech. We talk about: → Why curiosity and grit matter more than credentials → The art of “doing whatever it takes” in scrappy startup roles → How to handle feedback without losing your fire → Knowing when to use bandaids vs. surgery in product decisions → Building product through empathy, not ego Eddie’s story is a love letter to the generalists — the ones who fill gaps no one asked them to, learn tools overnight, and somehow turn chaos into progress. Listen in for a reminder that product isn’t about titles or frameworks, it’s about curiosity, feedback, and the nerve to keep building when things get messy. Eduardo’s Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardorosenfeld/

    58 min
  3. The Product Pivot | From Incubator to Product Management: Nikhil’s Journey

    SEP 30

    The Product Pivot | From Incubator to Product Management: Nikhil’s Journey

    Not every career pivot starts with a master plan. Sometimes it starts with curiosity or even a lemonade stand. In this episode, Nikhil Punjabi (PM at Dash Social) shares how working with founders at an incubator sparked his shift into product management, and why small experiments can teach the biggest product lessons. We cover: → The power of transferable skills when moving into product → Why “done” is often better than “perfect” → How to avoid building a plane when your customer just needs a bicycle → Why empathy, humility, and experimentation matter more than shiny metrics What we loved most: Nikhil’s reminder that product management isn’t about titles, it’s about listening deeply, solving real problems, and being brave enough to try new things. If you’re pivoting into product, or navigating the messy middle of your PM career, hit Subscribe for real stories and honest lessons. Drop your takeaways for Nikhil in the comments — we’ll jump in to continue the conversation. Nikhil’s Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhil-punjabi/

    44 min
  4. The Product Pivot | The Power of Storytelling in Hiring

    SEP 24

    The Product Pivot | The Power of Storytelling in Hiring

    Santi and Meagan sit down with Heidi Ram, a seasoned product recruiter, to uncover what hiring managers really look for in product candidates. Heidi breaks down: Why storytelling sets great PMs apartHow to optimize LinkedIn and resumes to stand outThe truth about career pivots and internal movesWhy understanding your impact (and your “why”) mattersIf you’re job seeking, pivoting into product, or just want to sharpen your career story, this episode is for you. If you’re pivoting into product, or levelling up where you are, hit Subscribe for honest stories and actionable insights. Connect with Heidi Ram https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiram/

    51 min
  5. The Evolution of Product Ops: A Deep Dive with Graham Reed

    SEP 16

    The Evolution of Product Ops: A Deep Dive with Graham Reed

    When’s the right time to hire Product Ops? In this episode of The Product Pivot, hosts Santi and Meagan sit down with Graham Reed, Head of Product Operations at Helios, to unpack the rise of Product Ops and what it really means for growing teams. Graham shares how he “fell into” the role after a decade in product management and why he’s built product ops functions from scratch at multiple companies. We also dig into the messy middle between scrappy and established teams, and why Product Ops is more about change management and influence than tools or processes. You’ll take away: The magic number of employees that signals it’s time to hire Product Ops.Why starting as a team of one works, and how to make it sustainable.The real difference between PMs vs. Product Ops.The critical soft skills that matter more than experience (empathy, listening, influence).How to pivot into Product Ops by spotting and solving problems in your current org.If you’ve ever wondered when (or why) to invest in Product Ops, or how to break into the role yourself, this one’s for you. Graham’s Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamreed/ If you’re pivoting into product, or levelling up where you are, hit Subscribe for honest stories and actionable playbooks. Drop your questions for Graham in the comments and we’ll tackle them in a follow-up. Hosts’ Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-glenn/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiana-brace/

    50 min
  6. The Product Pivot | From 8 Rejections to Google

    SEP 9

    The Product Pivot | From 8 Rejections to Google

    Join hosts Santi and Meagan as they dive into the world of product management with Gabor. Discover Gabor's unique journey from a programmer to a product manager, his experiences with major tech companies, and his insights on the evolving role of AI in product management. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of breaking into the tech industry and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. Key Highlights: Gabor's transition from programming to product management. The evolution of product management roles over the years. The impact of AI on product management and its future implications. Gabor's personal journey and motivation in the tech industry. Tips for aspiring product managers and the importance of interview preparation.If you’re pivoting into product, or levelling up where you are, hit Subscribe for honest stories and actionable insights. Gabor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayergabor/ Gabor’s interview ready test: https://test.bigupgrade.com/

    39 min
  7. The Product Pivot | Season 2 Kickoff & More!

    SEP 2

    The Product Pivot | Season 2 Kickoff & More!

    We’re back with Season 2 of The Product Pivot and this time, it’s bigger than just product management. This kickoff episode is part reflection, part roadmap. We look back at what worked in Season 1, what surprised us, and where we’re going next. From PM career pivots to deeper dives into leadership, operations, and scaling impact, this season will bring even more real stories and actionable lessons. You’ll learn: • What we took away from candid conversations • How “product pivots” extend beyond career moves - to strategy, ops, and culture • The new themes we’ll explore in Season 2 (and why they matter right now) • How to join the conversation and shape what’s ahead Hosts’ Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-glenn/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiana-brace/  Prodfolio Waitlist: https://waitlist.prodfolio.io/ Prodfolio LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prodfoliohq/about/ If you’ve been with us since Season 1, thank you for being part of this journey. And if you’re just joining - welcome. Hit Subscribe and grow with us as we explore the messy, inspiring world of pivots together. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Season One Recap  01:57 Insights from Season One Guests  04:50 Celebrating Podcast Success and Community Impact  07:18 New Projects: Prodfolio and Its Purpose  09:55 Navigating Career Changes and New Roles 1 2:48 Teasers for Season Two Guests and Topics  15:07 Advice from the Community: Product Tips  23:31 Understanding Team Dynamics and Customer Perspective  23:57 Advice for Aspiring Product Managers  25:27 The Importance of Iteration in Product Development  27:09 Mindset vs. Experience in Product Management  31:10 Empathy in Product Management  34:17 Looking Ahead to Season Three

    37 min

  8. APR 1

    The Product Pivot | Fractional PM Unpacked

    In this episode of The Product Pivot, we chat with Trevor Acy—a fractional product manager and coach—about his journey from marketing into product, how he broke in without the title, and what real product thinking looks like inside companies. We also dig into: What founders and early-stage teams get wrong when scalingWhy unscalable work is often the smartest workHow Trevor built his fractional practiceTrevor’s mission to grow Mississippi’s tech ecosystemIf you’re exploring fractional work, thinking about a pivot, or building in the early stages—this one’s for you. Connect with Trevor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevoracy/ Like, subscribe, and drop a comment if there’s a topic you want us to cover! Timestamps:  00:00 – Intro: Trevor Acy’s Pivot from Marketing to Product 03:00 – Early Exposure to Product Principles 13:00 – From Full-Time to Fractional: Trevor’s Transition 17:00 – Common Pitfalls in Product-Less Organizations 20:00 – Common Mistakes Early-Stage Startups Make 24:00 – Why Companies Are Turning to Fractional PMs 29:00 – Finding Clients & Building a Fractional Practice 37:00 – Building the Mississippi Tech Ecosystem 45:00 – Where to Find Trevor

    52 min
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The Product Pivot is a podcast dedicated to sharing the real-life journeys of product management professionals.Through candid conversations, we dive into the highs, the lows, and all the unexpected twists of product. Our stories are unfiltered, honest, and packed with lessons learned along the way.Whether you’re an aspiring PM, a seasoned leader, or simply curious about product, we've got something for you.So, follow us for updates, guest announcements, and insights to support your growth in product. 🚀

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