Product Chats Podcast Pragmatic Institute

“Finding your nxt is about you initiating a change, not a change that happens to you,” - Cindy Carrillo
 
What if you left your business, your career as you knew it, and started a ranch? That’d probably be a pretty big change for most people.
 
It certainly was for our guest this week, Cindy Carrillo. Our host Rebecca Kalorgeris, interviews Cindy, and she shares how she navigated changes in her life. More specifically, she discusses her most recent nxt, where she bought 35 acres, built a barn, and started raising cute, small farm animals.
 
She also launched an Airbnb, and a new coaching business where individuals, couples and business partners participate in a two-and-a-half-day retreat at the ranch to find their nxt.
 
Did she have experience taking care of baby goats? Absolutely not. But she was willing, able and ready to learn.
 
She discovered that even when you’re leaping into the unknown all of the skills you’ve built and the experiences you’ve had come with you--you’re not starting from ground zero. You can apply everything you’ve learned to a new situation.
 
You can read about her journey, insights and advice in her newest book, Finding Your Nxt: When You’re Ready for the Life You Really Want.
 
During this episode, Rebecca and Cindy discuss:
Three major areas in your life where you might want to initiate change
The most common blockers to finding your next
How to find balance after moving into your next
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 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/ Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here"In Marketing, our job is to keep our ear very close to the ground, understand the process, listen to the buyers, listen to the customer, and always be thinking about what drives the customer."
-Mark Donnigan, Startup Marketing Consultant
In this episode of Product Chats, we are joined by marketing superhero Mark Donnigan. With a focus on growth-stage marketing, Mark has carved a niche in the tech industry as a consultant who helps B2B companies, particularly startups and those in the growth phase, to craft and execute successful go-to-market strategies.
His approach is deeply rooted in the belief that marketing is an integral component of business strategy, inseparable from product development and sales.
Key Takeaways:
Consistently Listen and Engage with Customers: The significance of staying attuned to the customers' needs and the market dynamics cannot be overstated. Engaging with customers regularly and genuinely understanding their business can unveil invaluable insights for product development and marketing.
Guide Your Buyers to Purchase: There is a five-step framework that guides B2B purchases. This process includes identifying problems, exploring solutions, building requirements, selecting vendors, and undergoing a validation process. Mark advocates for creating valuable, educational content tailored to each step of the customer's buying journey. This approach is vital for engaging potential buyers early and establishing your brand as a trusted advisor.
Leverage an Iterative Marketing Approach: Embrace a highly iterative marketing framework that focuses on executing in small chunks, measuring results, and refining strategies based on market feedback. This process ensures that marketing efforts are aligned with customer needs and market trends.
Understanding the Buying Process is Vital: Recognize the critical milestones in the customer's buying journey and ensure that your marketing materials and strategies support and facilitate this process, helping to guide the customer from problem identification to solution validation.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Mark Donnigan is a Virtual CMO and GTM consultant that designs and executes go-to-market and marketing programs that produce real business results for technology startup companies.
Dive deeper into Mark's insights and strategies by checking out his Minibook, "First Principles in Marketing for Startup Founders and CEOs." This guide is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering a fresh perspective on marketing by breaking down problems to their core and building innovative solutions that meet and redefine customer expectations.
ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE:Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.
Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.
If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.c

 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/ Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here
“The first thing I would recommend everyone to do who has an interest in the AI space, and I think lots of people have an interest in this space, is you should be using generative AI tools in your life every day as much as you can, and really remind yourself how much of a difference it can make.”
-      Isaac Lien, Co-Founder and Chief Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Officer at Grandpad
In this enlightening episode, we dive deep with Isaac Lien, Co-founder and Chief AI and Innovation Officer at GrandPad, exploring the company's strategic incorporation of generative AI to enhance their offerings for the senior market. Lien shares the journey of testing and integrating AI technologies within their product, GrandPad, highlighting how a user-directed approach has fundamentally shaped both the development and marketing strategies.
Isaac Lien, Co-founder of Grandpad, initially developed a math flashcards app for iPhone inspired by Steve Jobs. Motivated by communication challenges with his grandparents, he created Grandpad, facilitating video calls for the elderly. Recognizing the power of technology to improve lives, Grandpad later introduced "Grandie," which use AI to help seniors engage in seamless conversations, find inspiration, and discover new interests in an intuitive and user-friendly manner. The team focuses on effective communication and user engagement, incorporating popular games and news topics into Grandpad's offerings.
Looking ahead, Isaac anticipates evolving generative AI technologies, and emphasizes the importance of user feedback to guide feature enhancements. By staying informed and exploring new tools, it’s possible to capitalize on industry advancements.
Key Takeaways:
1. User Feedback is King: User feedback plays a critical role in Grandpad's product development. They have a group of users who actively advise them on what to build, ensuring that the product continuously evolves to meet the needs of their customers.
2. Market Solutions, Not Features: Marketing for Grandpad's AI-powered features is centered around Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" approach. They focus on explaining why the product is important and beneficial for their users, before diving into the technical details of how it works. The solution is what users really care about.
3. Know Your Audience Intimately: Grandpad emphasized the importance of deeply understanding their target audience and creating a product that specifically caters to their needs. In their case, they focused on older adults and designed a user-friendly product that addresses their unique challenges with technology.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
As the Co-Founder and Chief Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Officer at Grandpad, Isaac Lien brings a deep understanding of technology and a passion for making it accessible to older adults. With a background in computer science, he has been instrumental in the development of Grandpad's user-friendly tablet solutions designed specifically for the unique needs of this demographic.
Isaac's expertise in artificial intelligence and his dedication to incorporating user feedback have been key drivers in Grandpad's success. He has consistently leveraged advanced technologies, such as generative AI, to enhance the user experience and provide personalized, human-like interactions. Through his leadership, Grandpad has become a pioneer in utilizing AI to create more intuitive and engaging experiences for its users.
At the core of Isaac's work is a commitment to making technology accessible and inclusive for all users, particularly older adults. He has dedicated his career to developing solutions that empower and enrich the lives of users, ensuring they can seamlessly connect with their loved ones, access information, and enjoy a wide ra

How can product managers blend pricing strategy, market segmentation, and portfolio?
Mark Stiving, Pragmatic Institute Instructor and pricing expert, offers practical advice to help product professionals elevate their pricing strategies and deliver value for customers. In this interview, Mark shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspective on how companies can leverage pricing as a powerful tool for business growth.
For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts
#ProductManagement #ProductPricing
Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com

“When you truly grasp the impact of your words, actions, and behavior, that awareness fundamentally transforms your approach to everything.”– Dr. Jonathan Baktari, Healthcare CEO, Entrepreneur, Speaker
In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chats series, host Rebecca Kalogeris engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Jonathan Baktari, a seasoned physician, entrepreneur, and leader with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Baktari owns and operates several businesses, including multiple health clinics and a software service used in over 20,000 locations.
As a business leader, he relies on technology, data, and his trusted team to reach more people than ever before. He shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspective on the intersection of leadership, technology, and employee development.
Join us for an engaging conversation that blends healthcare, technology, and leadership, offering practical advice for product managers, marketers, and leaders looking to elevate their teams and organizations.
Key Takeaways:1. The Leadership Dilemma: Dr. Baktari delves into the Peter Principle, which suggests that individuals are promoted based on their current role competence rather than their potential in higher roles. This often leads to leaders who excelled in previous positions but struggle with leadership duties. Great CEOs can make the critical distinction between someone who is proficient at a job and those that would make an effective leader.
2. Micro Mentoring: Dr. Baktari introduces the concept of "micro mentoring" as a superior alternative to micromanaging. By instilling the organization's philosophy and goals in employees, leaders can empower their teams to make independent decisions that align with the company's vision. This approach fosters a sense of autonomy and encourages proactive problem-solving.
3. Invest in Company Culture: The importance of investing in employee growth and fostering a supportive culture is often underestimated. Dr.Baktari emphasizes creating an environment that encourages continuous improvement and development. By prioritizing employee development, companies can build a robust and motivated workforce dedicated to achieving long-term success.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:Dr. Jonathan Baktari is a distinguished physician with over two decades of experience in clinical practice, medical administration, and entrepreneurship. He has served as clinical faculty for several prestigious medical schools and has transitioned successfully into leading technology companies. Dr. Baktari is also the host of the Baktari MD podcast, where he shares his expertise on leadership, technology, and healthcare.
Listeners can follow Dr. Jonathan Baktari's insights and content on his podcast, Baktari MD, available on YouTube, Spotify, and other major platforms. Additional resources, including links to his podcasts and national interviews, can be found on his website, https://jonathanbaktarimd.com
ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE:Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.
Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.
If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursui

“If you’re potential customers aren’t aware that they have a problem and you have a solution, your sales cycle is so much longer and so much more painful."
Amanda Northcutt, CEO of Level Up Creators
Join us for an insightful conversation with Amanda Northcutt, CEO of Level Up Creators, as she dives deep into the world of recurring revenue and subscription-based businesses. Amanda shares her expert knowledge on optimizing customer journeys, reducing churn rates, and leveraging revenue opportunities to ensure sustained business growth.
 
Key Takeaways:
Understand and Optimize the Customer Journey: Amanda emphasizes the importance of mapping out and understanding the entire customer journey to enhance retention and improve the overall experience.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Tracking customer behavior and using qualitative and quantitative data to inform decisions is crucial for refining products and services.
Consistent Value Addition: Continuously providing value through new features, unique content, and improved offerings keeps customers engaged and reduces churn.
Proactive Churn Management: Identifying and addressing the reasons behind customer churn proactively helps maintain a stable and satisfied customer base.
Effective Revenue Operations: Implementing robust revenue operations practices ensures optimal management and maximization of various revenue streams.
Bonus Discussion: Amanda also delves into the benefits of competition in the market, monetizing personal brands, and why you should be including a category for premium customer experiences.
 
About Our GuestAmanda Northcutt is a seasoned expert in the subscription business model and recurring revenue strategies. As the CEO of Level Up Creators, she leverages her deep understanding of customer journeys and retention behaviors to help digital thought leaders optimize their businesses. Amanda's insights on pricing strategies, packaging techniques, and marketing tactics are invaluable for anyone looking to succeed in the subscription economy. You can find more of her resources on LinkedIn or through her websites, https://welevelupcreators.com and levelupcreatorschool.com.
 
About Pragmatic InstituteSince 1993, Pragmatic Institute has provided training and professional development for product design and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.
 
Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet.
 
We offer individual course training in product design and data and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.
 
If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at Pragmatic Institute. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.
 
#ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute