The Way of Product with Caden Damiano Caden Damiano

Connect with Norma Løvhaugen on Linkedin.
In this episode, Norma, a veteran in the video conferencing industry with 19 years of experience, shares her journey from starting in Hamburg and Cisco to becoming the Head of Product at Neat.
This company blurs the line between the office and remote workers. I am in awe of what goes into seamless videoconferencing experiences.
She discusses the magic of creating products that facilitate human connection across distances and the collaborative effort it involves, especially the intricate balance between design, technology, and user experience.
Norma emphasizes the importance of design-driven approaches, the complexities behind the simplicity of video conferencing products, and how balancing various considerations like audio quality, compliance, and aesthetics leads to products highly valued by customers.
She highlights the role of psychological safety and trust within teams, facilitating effective cross-functional collaboration, and the impact of directly engaging with customers and sales teams to understand better and meet their needs.
Norma also touches on her reasons for joining Neat, the excitement of working in a startup environment, and the recent launch of Neat's second-generation video conferencing bar, encapsulating her passion for innovation in the industry.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:05 Norma's Journey in the Video Conferencing Industry
01:02 Inside the World of Video Conferencing Tech
04:53 The Magic of Product Development and Design
10:25 Learning from Mistakes: A Product Launch Story
13:11 Building a Culture of Psychological Safety and Trust
18:00 The Power of Inclusive Product Strategy
23:51 Transitioning from Cisco to NEAT: A New Chapter
26:51 Understanding Business Through Product Leadership
28:18 The Role of Design in Product Success
33:07 Collaboration Across Departments: A Key to Success


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com

People don’t collect art; they collect the story.




People will spend $200,000 on a Pokemon card, and the team at Rally understands that.




On #wayofproduct this week, Rob Petrozzo, co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Rally, shares his journey of creating a groundbreaking platform like a collectibles stock market. Rally has become a hub for trading everything from dinosaur fossils and classic cars to modern NFTs and trading cards, fostering a community of shared interests and passion.




Here's what we're diving into:




⭐ The inception of Rally and how it evolved from a concept to a thriving community around unique and emotional collectibles.

⭐ Rob's personal journey and how his passion for tangible art and design influenced Rally's development.

⭐ The challenges and strategies in making high-value collectibles like classic cars and Warhol paintings accessible to more people.

⭐ Insights into the storytelling aspect of products, emphasizing that it's not just the item but its story that creates value and captivates people.

⭐ How Rally's approach differs from traditional financial platforms by focusing on user experience, akin to exploring a museum, rather than just transactions.

⭐ The importance of authentic marketing and design that resonates with consumers on an emotional level, especially in a world where traditional advertising methods are becoming less effective.

⭐ Rally's strategy to build a strong community by offering a platform that's as engaging and informative as it is transactional.




Subscribe and listen to The Way of Product at www.wayofproduct.com




————————————————————

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 and insights on making great products.





This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com

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





This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com

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


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com

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





This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.wayofproduct.com

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 I