Product Thinking

Melissa Perri
Product Thinking

Successful product management isn’t just about training the product managers who work side by side with developers everyday to build better products. It’s about taking a step back, approaching the systems within organizations as a whole, and leveling up product leadership to improve these systems. This is the Product Thinking Podcast, where Melissa Perri will connect with industry leading experts in the product management space, AND answer your most pressing questions about everything product. Join us each week to level up your skillset and invest in yourself as a product leader.

  1. HACE 6 DÍAS

    Episode 212: Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Corporate Innovation with Ben Hafele

    In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri is joined by Ben Hafele, CEO of Lean Startup Company, to explore the complexities of corporate innovation. Ben shares insights on how large companies can effectively integrate lean startup methodologies into their existing frameworks. They discuss the importance of aligning innovation efforts with business strategies and how to avoid falling into the trap of unnecessary complexity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in fostering meaningful innovation within large organizations while maintaining strategic alignment. Are you looking to navigate the challenges of corporate innovation and strategic alignment? Tune in to this episode for valuable insights from Ben Hafele's experience with lean startup methodologies. You'll hear us talk about: 10:45 - Establishing Connective Tissue for Innovation:Ben introduces the concept of creating a "connective tissue" that links build-measure-learn cycles with overall business strategy. He explains how fostering this connection ensures that every experiment conducted is aligned with the company's broader objectives. 22:17 - Balancing Experimentation with Strategic Goals:The discussion delves into the challenge of balancing experimentation with strategic goals. Ben shares approaches for ensuring that innovation initiatives do not deviate from the company's strategic priorities, maintaining relevance and purpose. 45:30 - Overcoming Complexity in Corporate Innovation:Ben and Melissa discuss ways to overcome the inherent complexity in corporate innovation. They highlight practical strategies for simplifying processes and ensuring that innovation efforts remain effective and focused on delivering value. Episode Resources: Ben Hafele on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hafele/ Lean Startup Co: https://leanstartup.co/ Sign up for a free Liveblocks account: ⁠https://liveblocks.io/⁠ Timestamps: 00:00 Coming Up 00:47 Dear Melissa 11:25 What Defines a Startup? 19:08 The Importance of Strategic Filters 24:38 The Innovation vs. Legacy Divide 31:35 B2B vs. B2C Experimentation Challenges 39:50 The Right Way to Build Capability in Organizations 46:42 Evolving Corporate Innovation

    49 min
  2. 19 FEB

    Episode 211: The Power of Team Topologies with Matthew Skelton

    In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, I am thrilled to welcome Matthew Skelton, co-author of "Team Topologies: Organizing Business and Technology Teams for Fast Flow." We delve into the intricate intersections between team topology principles and product management, exploring how these frameworks can transform the way product teams work together to enhance collaboration and reduce cognitive load. If you're looking to refine your team's approach to delivering outstanding customer outcomes, this episode is a must-listen. Matthew Skelton joins me to discuss the revolutionary concepts within "Team Topologies," highlighting their impact on modern product management and operations. We uncover how organizing teams around flow and customer value can drastically improve product outcomes. Matthew shares practical examples of how these concepts are applied in various industries, providing invaluable insights for anyone involved in managing or organizing product teams. Curious about how team topologies can optimize your product processes? Tune in to hear Matthew Skelton's expert insights and discover practical strategies to enhance your team's workflow. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leading voice in the field of organizational design for software delivery. You'll hear us talk about: Product Managers in Regulated Spaces (28:30)We discuss the debate over whether product managers should be domain experts versus having deep product knowledge. Matthew provides insights into how teams can effectively leverage subject-matter experts without them managing the entire product line. Breaking Silos in Teams (14:21)Matthew and I explore how organizations can overcome internal silos, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across product management, development, marketing, and sales for cohesive product delivery. AI and Team Enablement (51:54)We dive into how AI is transforming team topologies and enabling teams, discussing the shift in AI enablement platforms and their potential in redefining team roles and productivity. Episode Resources: Matthew Skelton's Website: https://matthewskelton.com Conflux Website: https://confluxhq.com Team Topologies Information: https://teamtopologies.com Sign up for a free Liveblocks account: ⁠https://liveblocks.io/⁠ Timestamps: 00:00 Episode Preview 00:56 Intro 03:00 Dear Melissa 08:35 Moving from Projects to Product 14:45 Breaking Silos in Teams 18:27 Mistakes in Product Models 28:14 Product Managers in Regulated Spaces 35:51 Product Ops at Scale 42:17 SAFE and Big Batch Planning 51:37 AI and Team Enablement

    1 h y 3 min
  3. 12 FEB

    Episode 210: Navigating Product Leadership in Complex Industries with Fabio Brocca

    In this episode, I welcome Fabio Brocca, Chief Product Officer at Xeneta, to discuss how product managers can effectively balance the urgency of product development with the need for strategic perfection. Drawing from his extensive experience at Amazon and MSC, Fabio provides a unique take on the importance of swift iteration and execution in the fast-paced world of product management. We explore how real-time feedback can drive innovation and refine strategies without waiting for the elusive perfect plan. Eager to understand how you can apply these insights to enhance your product processes? Join us for a deep dive into Fabio’s strategies and experiences in transforming the freight industry with agility and precision. You’ll hear us talk about: 12:45 - Adapting Strategies Through Feedback LoopsFabio discusses the significance of using real-time feedback to adapt and refine product strategies. He elaborates on the agility required to iterate based on customer interactions and feedback, which is crucial for any product manager aiming to remain relevant in dynamic markets. 23:05 - The Balance of Speed and Quality in Product LaunchesWe dive into the challenge of maintaining quality while prioritizing speed in product launches. Fabio shares his approach to managing expectations and aligning team efforts towards effective execution without sacrificing the end-user experience. 36:18 - Leadership in Fast-paced Product EnvironmentsFabio offers insights into leading product teams in high-pressure environments. He emphasizes the role of leadership in fostering a culture that embraces change and supports rapid iteration, ensuring teams are equipped to handle the demands of fast-paced product management. Episode Resources: Fabio on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiobrocca/Michele on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelesancricca/Paul on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pkinglux/Reel Saber:www.reelsaber.comSign up for a free Liveblocks account: ⁠https://liveblocks.io/⁠Tune in and gain practical strategies to enhance your product management techniques from one of the leading voices in the industry. Timestamps: 00:00 Episode Preview00:59 Intro03:19 Dear Melissa09:22 Fabio’s Path to Product Management14:32 Early Challenges as a First-Time CPO24:47 Scaling from Amazon to a Growth-Stage Company30:38 Big Tech vs. Scale-Up38:28 Tackling Freight Industry Challenges42:48 Thriving in Less Glamorous Fields46:26 Fabio’s Leadership Philosophy

    52 min
  4. 5 FEB

    Episode 209: From Databases to Developer Platforms: The MongoDB Story with Andrew Davidson

    In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri talks with Andrew Davidson, Senior Vice President of Products at MongoDB. Andrew has been instrumental in transforming MongoDB from a traditional database company into a comprehensive developer data platform. As MongoDB evolves, Andrew shares insights into managing technical products and enhancing user experiences, crucial areas for product managers working with complex platforms. Join us as we explore the nuances of product management in the world of databases and developer tools. Andrew sheds light on maintaining a balance between technical excellence and strategic management, offering valuable lessons for product managers. Tune in to gain actionable insights on how to approach product management for highly technical products like databases and learn how this can impact broader business outcomes. You'll hear us talk about: 09:29 The Spark Behind MongoDB Andrew explains the motivation for creating MongoDB and how it challenged traditional relational databases, emphasizing the need for a system that aligns better with modern computing demands. 24:32 User Experience in Technical Products We delve into the importance of user experience within technical products, highlighting the layers of user and developer experiences that product managers must consider. 35:50 Balancing Internal Innovation and Customer Feedback Andrew discusses the importance of balancing internal innovation with customer feedback, stressing the necessity for product managers to engage directly with users to refine the product. Episode Resources: Andrew Davidson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewad/ Learn more about MongoDB: https://www.mongodb.com/ Sign up for a free Liveblocks account: https://liveblocks.io/ Timestamps: 00:00 Episode Preview 01:25 Introduction 02:57 Liveblocks 03:40 Dear Melissa 07:56 Early Days in Databases 15:39 MongoDB’s Longevity 21:13 From Database to Developer Data Platform 32:21 Ensuring Product Strategy in Technical Tools 39:51 The Rise of MongoDB Atlas 45:04 Navigating Market Perception and Growth 52:16 Balancing Speed and Stability in Tech

    58 min
  5. 29 ENE

    Episode 208: Scaling Research Ops to Drive Organizational Change with Kate Towsey

    In this episode, Melissa Perri sits down with Kate Towsey, an authority on research operations and author of "Research That Scales." They dive into the significance of research ops in aligning product strategy and operations within a company, emphasizing how research can provide strategic insights essential for product development and organizational growth. Kate discusses the evolution and necessity of research ops, sharing her journey from content strategy to pioneering the field. She highlights how effective research ops facilitate knowledge management, ensuring that valuable insights are not just gathered but are used to inform business decisions across an organization. Tune in to discover how Kate's insights can transform your approach to integrating research into product strategy and the benefits of a well-structured research ops framework. You’ll hear us talk about: - 08:20 - Solving Recruitment Pain Points Kate elaborates on the common starting point in research ops: participant recruitment. She discusses how managing this aspect effectively can impact product managers, researchers, and designers by enabling more seamless customer interactions. - 28:52 - Democratizing Research through Collaboration Melissa and Kate explore the importance of collaboration between product managers, UX designers, and researchers. They argue that while each role has its specialties, working together can democratize research and lead to better product decisions. - 42:40 - Breaking Down Silos Between Teams The discussion turns to the silos that exist within organizations, especially between product marketing and product management. Kate and Melissa share strategies for overcoming these divides to improve customer insights and product outcomes. Episode Resources: - Find Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katetowsey/ - Purchase Kate's book, "Research That Scales," on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Research-That-Scales-Operations-Handbook/dp/1959029223/ - Subscribe to the Product Thinking Podcast newsletter for more insights here: https://productinstitute.kit.com/2c8b2a0136 Listen to the full episode to learn more about incorporating research ops into your strategy. Timestamps: 00:00 Highlights 00:56 Intro 02:20 Dear Melissa 06:57 Kate Towsey's Journey into Research Ops 10:46 Understanding Research Operations 16:14 Challenges in Conducting Customer Research 23:38 The Shift of Research Ops to a Strategic Role 32:06 Collaboration in User Research 35:49 Right Tools to Scale Research 42:40 Research Ops and Product Ops Synergy

    53 min
  6. 22 ENE

    Episode 207: Mastering Predictable Product Success with the ODI Strategy with Tony Ulwick

    In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri welcomes Tony Ulwick, the founder and CEO of Strategyn, and the pioneer behind the jobs-to-be-done theory and Outcome-Driven Innovation (ODI). Tony shares insights from his groundbreaking work in redefining product development and innovation. He discusses the importance of separating innovation from development processes and why focusing on customer outcomes rather than features leads to more successful products. Whether you’re a product manager looking to refine your approach or a leader aiming to align teams around customer needs, this episode is a treasure trove of practical guidance and deep insights into mastering the art of innovation. Tune in to discover how you can leverage ODI to drive your product strategy towards success. You’ll hear us talk about: - 14:22 - Front-End Innovation vs. Development Process Tony explains the importance of distinguishing between the innovation process—where the product concept is formed—and the development process, where Agile methods come into play. This separation ensures that only market-winning concepts proceed to development. - 19:41 - Understanding Customer Needs Tony outlines the steps in Outcome-Driven Innovation, focusing on identifying and addressing customer needs to enhance product success. He emphasizes defining markets and needs before devising solutions. - 28:06 - Aligning Teams on Customer Needs Tony shares strategies to encourage organizational alignment on the definition and prioritization of customer needs, ensuring all teams work towards a common goal. Episode Resources: Tony Ulwick on LinkedIn Strategyn

    43 min
  7. 15 ENE

    Episode 206: Building and Scaling Zero to One Products with Uday Marepalli

    In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, I am joined by Uday Marepalli, Director of Product Management at Upwork, who brings his expertise from leading AI-driven initiatives to our conversation. Uday shares his insights on building zero to one products within large organizations, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and leveraging AI in product development. This episode dives into the challenges and strategies for innovating in a way that aligns with both customer expectations and technological capabilities. Want to learn how to effectively launch and scale products in complex environments? Tune in to gain practical insights from Uday's extensive experience in product management. You'll hear us talk about: 06:24 - The Thrills and Challenges of Zero to One Products Uday delves into the unique excitement and difficulty of creating something from nothing, stressing the importance of balancing speed with thoughtful validation of hypotheses 14:37 - Handling Conflicting Information and Making Strategic Pivots Uday discusses how to manage new, sometimes contradictory, information by aligning it with the overarching vision and deciding whether to iterate or pivot. 38:54 - Building AI Zero to One Products Uday explores the peculiar challenges of AI products, including data collection and ensuring trust and explainability in AI-driven decisions. Episode Resources: Uday Marepalli on LinkedIn 💡 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe to the Product Thinking Podcast to catch all the new episodes.

    43 min
  8. 13 ENE

    Episode 205: Revolutionizing Workforce Agility Through AI with Karthik Suri

    Join Melissa Perri in this insightful episode of the Product Thinking Podcast as she chats with Karthik Suri, Chief Product Officer at Cornerstone OnDemand. Recognized for his expertise in leveraging AI for workforce development, Karthik shares innovative strategies on bridging skill gaps and creating personalized career pathways through generative AI and data intelligence. They explore the transformative potential of AI in talent development, emphasizing the need for a blend of technical and human-centric skills to thrive in today’s dynamic work environment. Discover how AI is reshaping talent management and why human skills are increasingly in demand, surpassing digital skills threefold. Karthik highlights the significance of adaptable enterprise software that aligns with the evolving needs of workforces. Curious about how to prepare your organization for the future with AI-driven insights? Tune in to explore the intersection of AI, skills development, and workforce readiness. You’ll hear us talk about: 23:52 - Harnessing AI for Skill Detection and Career Growth Karthik explains how generative AI can assess skills through various data sources, creating holistic profiles for employees. This approach helps organizations identify and develop the necessary skills for career progression. 29:09 - Building a Unified Product Strategy Karthik shares insights on the importance of a unified user experience and a platform mindset for product strategy. He discusses how integrating design systems and data structures across products enhances customer outcomes. 42:57 - Ethical AI in Performance and Skills Evaluation The conversation delves into the ethical considerations of using AI for performance reviews, highlighting the importance of accountability, explainability, and bias mitigation. Episode Resources: Karthik Suri on LinkedIn Cornerston OnDemand

    53 min
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Successful product management isn’t just about training the product managers who work side by side with developers everyday to build better products. It’s about taking a step back, approaching the systems within organizations as a whole, and leveling up product leadership to improve these systems. This is the Product Thinking Podcast, where Melissa Perri will connect with industry leading experts in the product management space, AND answer your most pressing questions about everything product. Join us each week to level up your skillset and invest in yourself as a product leader.

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