133 episodes

Do you struggle to get cross-functional alignment and develop strong partnerships in your career? This podcast can help.

We explore the world of product teams and the operators in them. If you’re an aspiring leader looking to work ‘on’ rather than ‘in’ the business, this podcast is for you.

Explore product work with a design-thinking twist as we host experts who share insights on discovering, designing, and executing products and services that resonate. Tune in, learn, and elevate your teamwork and contributions to your business, job, and life.

This podcast is brought to you by Alquimi.

The Way of Product | A Podcast on Product Team Collaboration Caden Damiano

    • Technology
    • 4.0 • 7 Ratings

Do you struggle to get cross-functional alignment and develop strong partnerships in your career? This podcast can help.

We explore the world of product teams and the operators in them. If you’re an aspiring leader looking to work ‘on’ rather than ‘in’ the business, this podcast is for you.

Explore product work with a design-thinking twist as we host experts who share insights on discovering, designing, and executing products and services that resonate. Tune in, learn, and elevate your teamwork and contributions to your business, job, and life.

This podcast is brought to you by Alquimi.

    Crafting AI User Experiences, What it Means to be an “Artist” and What you should Look for in your next role after a layoff w/ Michael Tinglin, Design Leader, ex 7-Eleven, Atlassian EP 117

    Crafting AI User Experiences, What it Means to be an “Artist” and What you should Look for in your next role after a layoff w/ Michael Tinglin, Design Leader, ex 7-Eleven, Atlassian EP 117

    Understanding this secret will set you up for success as a product designer in this AI age.



    AI is “autocomplete” on steroids in its current form.



    On #wayofproduct this week, we're thrilled to have Michael Tinglin back on the show!



    Michael is a design leader who has worked at places like 7-Eleven, and Fannie Mae, and recently was Head of Design at Confluence.



    He taught me about the non-linear career path, where you can jump between management and IC work depending on your interests.



    A designer from Dallas, Texas, Michael has a passion for UX and product design.



    Michael brings his unique insights into AI and product design, emphasizing that AI is not “a magic bullet” but a tool that, when utilized thoughtfully, can be transformative.



    In this episode, we dive into:



    ⭐ The state of AI in the media and marketing world and how it's not as “new” as many think.

    ⭐ The importance of not just adding AI for the sake of it but ensuring it adds real value and ROI.

    ⭐ How AI might be the next phase of true personalization in e-commerce, moving beyond creepy ads to genuinely valuable recommendations.

    ⭐ The conversation around strategy in design and product management and how agile is often a tactic rather than a strategy.

    ⭐ Michael's perspective on innovation as a business growth mechanism and how companies like Berkshire Hathaway transformed from furniture stores to investment giants through innovative thinking.



    Subscribe and find where to listen to “The Way of Product” at



    way+of+product+dot+com (LinkedIn will throttle this post for sharing a link)



    ———————————————————

    Hi! I'm Caden Damiano; I'm an interaction designer, collaboration coach, and lifelong student of the craft of product development.



    I believe that product development is a liberal art, meaning you must experience multiple disciplines and perspectives to know how to make something that customers tell their friends about.



    In short, I believe great products have free word-of-mouth marketing.



    Follow me here on LinkedIn for daily clips from my interviews with product professionals.



    #UXDesign

    #AI

    #ProductDesign

    #Innovation

    #WayOfProduct

    #CreativeStrategy

    • 1 hr 4 min
    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

    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

    • 52 min
    Experiencing a startup exit, creating your own table instead of getting a seat at the table, what it takes to sell a compelling vision w/ Mitchell Clements Design Manager @ nCino Ep 115

    Experiencing a startup exit, creating your own table instead of getting a seat at the table, what it takes to sell a compelling vision w/ Mitchell Clements Design Manager @ nCino Ep 115

    On #wayofproduct this week, we're joined by Mitch Clements, a seasoned product design manager whose career journey has taken him from a budding startup in a basement to a pivotal role in a billion-dollar unicorn. Mitch shares his transformative experiences and insights on leading design innovations and influencing company culture in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.



    Here's what we're diving into:



    ⭐ Mitch's unique journey from a small basement startup, Simple Nexus, to its acquisition by nCino, valued at $1.2 billion.

    ⭐ The critical role of design vision and strategy in propelling a company's growth and maturation.

    ⭐ How continuous user-focused design and customer listening shaped Simple Nexus's success and acquisition appeal.

    ⭐ The power of sharing and collaborating on design visions company-wide, creating a unified direction and excitement.

    ⭐ Mitch's transition from hands-on design to empowering and leading a team of designers in a larger corporate environment.



    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/



    Who is Mitch Clements?



    Mitch Clements is a dynamic leader in the world of product design, whose passion for creating impactful user experiences has driven his career from a hands-on designer to a strategic manager. Starting at Simple Nexus, a small basement startup, he played a significant role in the company's rapid growth and eventual acquisition by nCino. Mitch's approach goes beyond aesthetics; it's about deeply understanding user needs and crafting strategies that align with the company's vision. His journey is a testament to the power of design thinking and its role in transforming not just products but entire companies.



    For more of Mitch's inspiring story and insights into leading design in the tech industry, check out the episode and don't forget to subscribe to The Way of Product for more enlightening conversations.



    #ProductDesign

    #StartupGrowth

    #Leadership

    #WayOfProduct

    #Innovation



    Connect with Mitchell Clements https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-clements/



    00:00 The Journey of a Startup



    01:08 Acquisition by nCino



    01:28 Transition to a Manager Role



    02:03 The Importance of Design in Unconventional Industries



    03:56 The Challenges of Scaling a Startup



    05:31 The Role of Design in Streamlining the Home Ownership Journey



    06:45 Creating a Vision for the Future



    08:16 The Impact of Design on Acquisition



    09:01 The Importance of a High-Level Vision



    10:30 The Role of Design in Company Strategy



    12:36 The Power of Collaborative Vision



    23:59 The Transition from Designer to Manager



    29:15 Conclusion

    • 1 hr 5 min
    How AI Transforms Small Teams into Global Powerhouses, Building Your Brand Online, AI's Role in Creating Compelling Posts and Videos w/ Ajay Yadav, Co-Founder of Simplified.Com Ep 114

    How AI Transforms Small Teams into Global Powerhouses, Building Your Brand Online, AI's Role in Creating Compelling Posts and Videos w/ Ajay Yadav, Co-Founder of Simplified.Com Ep 114

    On #wayofproduct this week, Ajay Yadav, an entrepreneurial maverick and the brains behind Simplified, a comprehensive AI-powered design and video platform, dives into the future of AI in creative industries and its democratizing power for small businesses and independent content creators. He discusses the transformation from traditional, labor-intensive content creation to AI-assisted processes that empower even the smallest teams.



    Here's what we're exploring:



    ⭐ How AI is reshaping the landscape of content creation, making it more accessible and efficient for everyone.

    ⭐ Ajay's journey from founding startups at 17 to spearheading a revolutionary platform that integrates design, video, and AI.

    ⭐ The challenges and opportunities in navigating the saturated social media planning and creation landscape.

    ⭐ The transformative impact of AI on small businesses and individual creators, enabling them to produce content at scale.

    ⭐ Insights into the evolving nature of work and collaboration, especially in a post-pandemic world where remote teams are the norm.



    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/



    Who is Ajay Yadav?



    Ajay Yadav is more than just an entrepreneur; he's a visionary who's been building companies since his teens. Now, with Simplified, he's turning the tide in content creation by harnessing the power of AI to streamline and enhance the process for marketers and creators alike. Ajay's passion lies in breaking down barriers and democratizing content creation, making it possible for anyone, anywhere, to share their voice and build their brand.



    For more of Ajay's revolutionary insights and to learn about Simplified, check out the episode and don't forget to subscribe to The Way of Product for more inspiring stories and strategies.



    #CreativeIndustries

    #FutureOfAI

    #ContentCreation

    #WayOfProduct

    #InnovativeEntrepreneurship



    Connect with Ajay https://www.linkedin.com/in/yadavajay/

    Start your content creation journey using a free account at www.simplified.com



    00:00 The Power of AI in Small Businesses

    00:38 The Importance of Online Presence

    01:10 Leveraging AI for Content Creation

    01:47 The Future of AI and Creative Industries

    02:10 The Evolution of Content Creation Tools

    02:21 The Challenges of Collaborative Work

    02:37 The Role of AI in Streamlining Workflows

    02:57 The Impact of Content Creation on Personal Branding

    04:40 The Journey of Building a Startup

    09:16 The Shift in Content Creation

    10:38 The Role of AI in Content Repurposing

    25:13 The Impact of AI on Traditional Businesses

    27:35 The Power of Content Creation in Building Trust

    29:12 The Rise of TikTok and Staying Relevant

    29:35 Promoting the Podcast and Upcoming Book

    30:22 The Power of AI in Content Creation

    31:25 The Role of Consistency in Content Creation

    32:18 The Impact of AI on Design Thinking

    32:56 The Challenges of Content Creation and Marketing

    34:43 The Role of AI in Streamlining Content Creation

    35:42 The Importance of Authenticity in AI-Generated Content

    38:20 The Power of AI in Personal Branding

    45:06 The Future of Small Businesses and AI

    46:12 The Challenges of Building End-to-End Workflow Software

    52:39 The Importance of Tryin

    • 56 min
    The Art of Multi-Stakeholder Management, Upholding a Brand's "Enduring Idea", and Their Impact on Successful Organizations w/ Curt Schreiber, Chief Creative Officer at VSA Ep 114

    The Art of Multi-Stakeholder Management, Upholding a Brand's "Enduring Idea", and Their Impact on Successful Organizations w/ Curt Schreiber, Chief Creative Officer at VSA Ep 114

    On #wayofproduct this week, Curt Schreiber, Chief Creative Officer of VSA, takes us on a deep dive into the world of multi-stakeholder design, sharing his vast experience and insights on creating purpose-driven organizations that deliver value to every stakeholder involved.



    Here's what we're unpacking:



    ⭐ Curt's perspective on Apple as a benchmark for multi-stakeholder design and how they've successfully integrated their mission with profitability and environmental sustainability.

    ⭐ The importance of designing for multiple stakeholders and how this approach has evolved from Curt's early days in annual report design to current global strategies.

    ⭐ The role of systems thinking in business and design, considering the broader ecosystem in which they operate.

    ⭐ Insights from Curt's collaboration with Yale's stakeholder innovation and management program and how businesses are rethinking their approaches to stakeholder engagement.

    ⭐ Reflections on the dynamic between solving big global issues and addressing immediate, smaller challenges, and how this impacts long-term value creation.



    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/



    Who is Curt Schreiber?



    Curt Schreiber is not just a designer; he's a visionary thinker who has been shaping the world of design for over four decades. As the Chief Creative Officer at VSA, Curt has steered the firm through evolving landscapes, always with an eye on how design impacts and is influenced by various stakeholders. His work is not just about aesthetics but about creating meaningful connections and driving innovation.



    For more of Curt's profound insights and to understand the future of multi-stakeholder design, check out the episode and don't forget to subscribe to The Way of Product for more enlightening conversations.



    #MultiStakeholderDesign

    #PurposeDrivenOrganization

    #InnovativeThinking

    #WayOfProduct

    #BusinessStrategy



    Connect with Curt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtschreiber/



    00:00 The Success of Apple in Multi-Stakeholder Design

    01:33 Conversation with Kurt Schreiber

    02:45 Introduction to the Podcast

    03:45 Interview with Kurt Schreiber

    04:40 Discussion on Stakeholder Management

    05:11 Insights from Yale Business School

    12:11 Discussion on Electric Vehicles

    16:18 Apple's Approach to Multi-Stakeholder Design

    17:56 Discussion on Organizational Structure

    21:52 Challenges in Identifying the User

    23:52 Reflections on Steve Jobs and Apple's Brand

    25:21 Unpacking the Concept of Brand

    25:44 The Role of a CEO in Upholding a Brand's Enduring Idea

    27:16 Intermission: A Special Request for Podcast Subscribers

    27:56 Exploring Successful Companies and Their Brands

    28:53 The Evolution of IBM's Brand

    42:57 The Importance of Systems Thinking in Design

    43:53 Closing Remarks and Recommendations

    46:15 Post-Show Announcements and Offers

    • 48 min
    Having Michael Jordan as a Stakeholder, Designing for Different Brands and Creating Iconic Products: An Interview with Michael DiTullo Ep 113

    Having Michael Jordan as a Stakeholder, Designing for Different Brands and Creating Iconic Products: An Interview with Michael DiTullo Ep 113

    On #wayofproduct this week, we're thrilled to feature Michael DiTullo, a visionary designer whose journey has taken him from iconic brands like Nike and Jordan to the forefront of industrial design across diverse industries. Michael brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on creating products that resonate deeply with consumers.



    Here's what we're getting into:



    ⭐ Michael's philosophy on design as a brand exercise and his approach to creating iconic, beloved products.

    ⭐ Insights from his time working with Michael Jordan and how those experiences shaped his approach to design and collaboration.

    ⭐ The importance of understanding your brand's identity and audience to create relevant and resonant products.

    ⭐ Michael's journey from major brands to an independent consultant, and the lessons he's learned about effective collaboration and respecting a brand's purpose.

    ⭐ The power of storytelling in design and how understanding narratives can drive better product development.



    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/



    Who is Michael DiTullo?



    Michael DiTullo is a design force to be reckoned with. Having worked with some of the most recognizable brands in the world, Michael's expertise spans from creating iconic sneakers at Nike and Jordan to pushing the boundaries in industries like audio equipment and architectural systems. His unique approach to design is not just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the core of what makes a brand tick and delivering products that embody that essence. Michael believes in the power of design to transform everyday experiences into moments of joy and inspiration.



    Join us as we dive into Michael's world of design, storytelling, and innovation on The Way of Product. Don't forget to subscribe for more captivating stories and insights into the world of product design.



    #CreativeVision

    #DesignLeadership

    #BrandStorytelling

    #WayOfProduct

    #InnovativeDesign



    Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelditullo/



    00:00 Introduction and Career Journey

    01:15 The Art of Iconic Design

    02:03 The Apple Aesthetic and Branding

    05:03 Understanding Your Target Audience

    08:21 The Importance of Product Love and Belief

    09:10 Creating for Specific Audiences

    09:33 Working with Michael Jordan

    21:51 The Role of Design in Different Industries

    25:28 The Power of Personal Branding

    26:16 The Impact of Personal Definition

    31:08 The Power of Defining Yourself

    31:23 Transitioning Careers: From Nike to Frog Design

    32:13 The Art of Interviewing: Storytelling and Control

    32:47 Defining Your Professional Identity

    33:19 Collaboration and Leadership in Design

    35:27 The Impact of Directness and Honesty

    36:27 Understanding Your Brand's Perception

    36:57 The Importance of Consumer Perspective

    40:48 Learning from Mistakes: The Polk Audio Story

    43:40 The Principle of Maya in Design

    45:38 Designing for Digital First Companies

    55:13 Designing an Electric Speedboat

    59:01 The Role of Intuition in Design

    01:00:20 Maintaining Integrity in Design

    • 1 hr 13 min

Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5
7 Ratings

7 Ratings

LexASZ ,

Sound Quality

The sound quality in both the first and second episodes are horrible. It’s almost too hard to listen to but the information being presented is great. Hopefully it gets better in the more recent episodes.

As a new UX Designer, I wish there was a way to fix these two episodes because they are full of good information.

yogastud ,

Caden and Design!!

Love the flow, info, and conversation. Keep it up!

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