In this episode of the Product Podcast with Prashanthi Ravanavarapu, Product Executive at PayPal, we unlock the secrets to becoming a transformative product leader. Our guest takes us on her journey from the data team to leading customer experience initiatives at PayPal, showcasing the power of internal mobility for personal and organizational growth.
 
We chat about how product management can address global challenges like poverty and hunger and why human-centered design is crucial for making meaningful, impactful products.
 
Get ready to hear about building high-performing "missionary teams" where passion for the mission and customer alignment drive success. Our guest also shares fascinating anecdotes from her background as a shot putter, illustrating how discipline and dedication translate to powerful leadership.
 
We also dive into justice-driven product design, emphasizing the creation of inclusive and equitable solutions that tackle systemic issues and foster diversity. 
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that promises to elevate your leadership skills and inspire lasting social impact. Don't miss out on this insightful episode!

Formula for navigating internal mobility effectively:
1. What are my unique strenghts?
    - Identify the skills and capabilities that set you apart.
    - Reflect on past roles and projects where you have excelled.
    - Consider feedback from peers and mentors to gain insights into your core competencies.
2. What are my interests?
    - Think about the areas within the organization that excite you.
    - Align your career aspirations with your passions.
    - Explore opportunities that not only challenge you but also keep you motivated and engaged.
3. What’s the business gap?
    - Look for gaps or unmet needs within the business that align with your strengths and interests.
    - Conduct a thorough analysis to understand where your skills can add value.
    - Develop a business case that demonstrates how your unique strengths and interests can address these gaps and contribute to the company's success.

The ingredients to unlock talent in people are discussed extensively. Here are the key components highlighted:
1. Purpose and Passion
2. Empathy and Understanding
3. Proactive Problem-Solving
4. Supportive Leadership
   
Social Links:

- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here
- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here
- Join Product School's free events here
- Find out more about Product School here

Brought to you by:

Pendo, the only all-in-one product experience platform for any type of application. With all the tools you need, in one simple-to-use platform, Pendo makes it easy to answer critical questions about how users are engaging with your product—then turn those insights into action—all so you can get your users to do what you actually want them to do. Visit our website https://www.pendo.io/productschool/ to create your free Pendo account today, and start building better experiences across every corner of your product.

Credits:

Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Prashanthi Ravanavarapu

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Product Podcast with David Myszewski, as we dive into his incredible journey from an Apple engineer to a leading fintech innovator at Wealthfront. David shares his unique path from Wyoming to Silicon Valley, discussing his pivotal role in launching the first iPhone.

When he joined Wealthfront, the company was managing approximately $3 billion in assets. During his time at the company, he has experienced an extraordinary 20x growth, with Wealthfront now overseeing over $60 billion in assets under management.

David discusses Wealthfront's innovative features like tax loss harvesting and direct indexing, which have saved clients significant amounts in taxes. He emphasizes the importance of simplifying products to meet client needs and prioritizing long-term wealth-building. We also touch on future trends in fintech, including the strategic importance of bundling services to deliver comprehensive value to consumers.
 
Tune in to gain valuable insights from David's experiences and learn how continuous innovation and customer feedback drive successful product development. Don't miss this fascinating conversation about revolutionizing tech and fintech!

Episode Highlights
(00:00) 🎙️ Intro 
(03:45) 📱 Work on the first iPhone team 
(06:00) 👨‍💻 Did you get to demo in front of Steve Jobs? 
(08:23) 📈 From $3B assets to over $60B assets under management at Wealthfront 
(13:53) 💼 Caring about building long-term wealth for their clients 
(16:16) ⚙️ Spending about 70% of our time optimizing existing products 
(28:14) 🔬 Leverage research when building better products 
(31:52) 🎨 Where does design fit into the org?

Social Links:

- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here
- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here
- Join Product School's free events here
- Find out more about Product School here

Brought to you by:

Eppo, the next-generation A/B testing and feature management platform built for modern growth teams by alums of Airbnb and Stitch Fix. Visit our website, and 10x your experiment velocity.   

Credits:

Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: David Myszewski

In this episode of the Product Podcast, join us for a chat with Francois Ajenstat, Chief Product Officer at Amplitude. Francois shares his journey in the tech world, shaped by his AI professor dad, and his time at Tableau, where he helped it grow and eventually get bought by Salesforce for $15.7 billion.

Francois talks about important mindset shifts for leaders, like balancing frameworks with outcomes and embracing Amazon's "disagree and commit" principle. He stresses the importance of always learning and making a difference at every career stage.

We also dive into the future of AI in product management, talking about the launch of Snowflake Native Amplitude, which makes data management easier and acts as a co-pilot for product managers. Francois explains how this innovation is changing the game by simplifying and automating tasks.

Tune in for some great insights on leadership, innovation, and the future of AI in product management from one of the industry's top figures.  Don't miss it! 🎧✨

Episode highlights
(00:00) 🎙️ Intro
(03:37) 🌱 Figuring out How to Live and Grow Since a Very Early Age
(04:30) 💻 The Experience Working at Microsoft
(06:08) 📈 Joining Tableau: from $12M to Sell the Company to Salesforce
(14:21) 🚨 "I Hate Frameworks"
(20:02) 🤝 Disagree and Commit Principle from Amazon
(23:16) 🎤 Why Learn How to Demo will Take You to the Next Level
(31:40) 🔎 The Secrets Behind Amplitude
(43:36) 🤖 How AI Transforms Product Management

Social Links:
- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here
- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here
- Join Product School's free events here
- Find out more about Product School here

Brought to you by:
Pendo, the only all-in-one product experience platform for any type of application. With all the tools you need, in one simple-to-use platform, Pendo makes it easy to answer critical questions about how users are engaging with your product—then turn those insights into action—all so you can get your users to do what you actually want them to do. Visit our website to create your free Pendo account today, and start building better experiences across every corner of your product.

Credits:
Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Francois Ajenstat

In this episode of the Product Podcast,  we sit down with Trisha Price, the Chief Product Officer at Pendo, to explore how AI is transforming product strategy and driving innovation. Trisha shares the incredible impact of OpenAI's ChatGPT on Pendo's development of new features, particularly in guide creation, analytics, and qualitative feedback synthesis. Learn how Pendo is balancing cutting-edge AI advancements with customer satisfaction through initiatives like hackathons and user feedback. 

Dive deep into Pendo's strategic integration of diverse products under one cohesive platform, the criteria for evolving features into standalone offerings, and the power of open APIs. Trisha provides valuable insights into the evolving role of chief product officers in shaping go-to-market strategies and achieving key business outcomes like reducing churn and driving growth. 

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the daily life of a product executive at Pendo, where customer engagement and meticulous execution tracking are crucial. Plus, get a sneak peek at an upcoming product launch set to redefine customer communication through AI and smart segmentation, promising hyper-personalized experiences.  This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone navigating the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Don't miss it! 🎧✨

Episode highlights 🚀 
(00:00) 🌟 Intro
(01:45) 🤖 How ChatGPT influenced Pendo's AI strategy
(11:20) 🛠️ Building an Integrated Product Platform at Pendo
(15:25) 🏢 How Product Teams Are Now Being Involved in Go-To-Market?
(20:30) 📊 Product Leadership and Success Metrics
(27:12) 📣 Three Approaches to Engage Customers
(35:10) 🗓️ Day in the Life of a Product Executive
(40:33) 🔍 Sneak Peek of Upcoming Launch

Key Takeaways
🎯 How Pendo Supercharged Their Product Strategy with AI
💬 Direct Customer Engagement Shapes Product Success
🚀 Hackathons: The Secret to AI Innovation at Pendo
📊 Using Their Own Platform to Identify and Engage Buyers
👥 A Day in the Life of a Product Executive

Social Links:

- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here
- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here
- Join Product School's free events here
- Find out more about Product School here

Brought to you by:

Eppo, the next-generation A/B testing and feature management platform built for modern growth teams by alums of Airbnb and Stitch Fix. Visit our website, and 10x your experiment velocity.   

Credits:

Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Trisha Price

In this episode of the Product Podcast, unlock the secrets to leading successful product teams in our latest episode featuring Ryan Dally Gallardo, the Senior Vice President of Product at Dow Jones. Join us as Ryan takes us on her inspiring journey from intern to a pivotal leader managing top consumer brands like the Wall Street Journal.

In this episode, Ryan shares how her upbringing in a large family honed her communication skills, crucial for overseeing diverse teams. Her background in market research and analytics laid a solid foundation for her current role, emphasizing the importance of understanding systems rather than coding.

Dive deep into the concept of "front seat, back seat" leadership and learn how clear roles and communication are paramount in product management. Ryan also discusses the structure of Dow Jones' product teams and the advantages of having dedicated product owners for each brand and platform.

Explore essential product metrics, monetization strategies, and the delicate balance between user needs and business goals. Ryan explains how Dow Jones maintains a premium user experience while integrating ads and the impact of AI on journalism. This episode offers a comprehensive guide to building and leading successful products at scale, with valuable insights into leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and the significance of context in data interpretation.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Ryan's wealth of experience!

Episode highlights 🚀
(00:00) 🏗️ Building Products for a Multi-Million Audience
(04:44) 📰 First Job at Dow Jones
(08:19) 🤝 Product Ownership and Collaboration Structure
(14:01) 📊 Product Metrics and Monetization Strategies
(19:11) ⚖️ Friction between advertising and subscription models
(27:40) 🌟 Personalization, Innovation, and Leadership in Media
(34:28) 🤖 Integration of AI in journalism
(42:03) 🔑 Context Is Key in Product Development

Social Links:

• Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here
• Follow Product School on LinkedIn here
• Join Product School's free events here 
• Find out more about Product School here

Brought to you by:
Pendo, the only all-in-one product experience platform for any type of application. With all the tools you need, in one simple-to-use platform, Pendo makes it easy to answer critical questions about how users are engaging with your product—then turn those insights into action—all so you can get your users to do what you actually want them to do. Visit our website to create your free Pendo account today, and start building better experiences across every corner of your product.

Credits:
Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Ryan Daly Gallardo

In this episode of the Product Podcast, we dive into the fascinating career journey of Joff Redfern, who made a big move from Chief Product Officer at Atlassian to partner at Menlo Ventures. If you're navigating career changes or want to master business innovation, this episode is a must-listen.

Join us as Joff shares his insights on the dynamic roles of VP and CPO, the importance of managing talent, and building strong executive relationships. He also talks about his "less is more" philosophy, which extends to his sustainable living on a farm in Santa Barbara, where he's all about being food, water, and energy independent.

You'll learn about Joff's innovative "Rolling Four Plans" strategy, which he introduced at Atlassian. This game-changing approach to traditional annual planning promotes flexibility with quarterly updates, helping organizations stay ahead in a competitive market.

We also explore how AI is transforming venture capital and product tech industries. Joff discusses investments in pioneering companies, shedding light on how AI is reshaping software development and product management. Plus, he highlights the importance of effective communication in rallying teams around groundbreaking visions.

Don't miss this compelling episode filled with actionable insights and strategies to excel in the evolving tech landscape. Hit that subscribe button and join us for an exciting journey into the world of products! 🎧✨                                                           

Episode highlights 🚀
(00:00) 🚀 Transition From Product Executive to VC
(04:57) 🔨 Building a Great Business
(15:19) 📈 Improving Strategy With Rolling Four Plans
(19:39) 💪 Surround Yourself with Amazing People
(23:23) 💼 When Joff Joined Atlassian
(28:19) 💡 Venture Capital and AI Investing
(34:50) 🤖 AI's Impact on Product Tech Industry
(41:16) 🗣️ The Power of Effective Communication

Social Links:

• Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here
• Follow Product School on LinkedIn here
• Join Product School's free events here 
• Find out more about Product School here

Brought to you by:
Eppo, the next-generation A/B testing and feature management platform built for modern growth teams by alums of Airbnb and Stitch Fix. Visit our website , and 10x your experiment velocity.   

Credits:
Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Joff Redfern

Join us in a new Product Podcast as Yi-Wei Ang, the Chief Product Officer at Talabat, takes us through his extraordinary journey of transforming Talabat from a local food delivery service into the largest multi-service tech company in the Middle East. Yi-Wei shares invaluable insights into how his team expanded from 100 to 550 in product and engineering, and how they tackled the challenges of scaling a tech company in a rapidly growing market.

Discover the strategies behind structuring teams to stay closely aligned with business and customer issues, the importance of deep diving into each vertical, and the role of personalization in enhancing the customer experience. Learn about the potential for cross-selling between Talabat's diverse services and the innovative use of AI technology in customer experiences, such as AI-driven recipe generation in grocery stores.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of product strategy in growing markets, emphasizing the need to understand local cultures and the importance of having local sponsors for new features to ensure commercial success. Yi-Wei also discusses balancing tailored experiences with brand consistency across different regions, long-term planning and prioritization, and fostering a culture of vulnerability and learning from failures.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in product development and leadership in the fast-evolving tech landscape of the Middle East.

Episode highlights 🚀
(00:00) 👋 Intro
(00:55) 🏗️ Building a Multi-Service Tech Company
(01:30) 🍽️ About Talabat
(05:30) 🚀 Overcoming Early Startup Challenges
(10:57) 📈 Product Strategy in Growing Markets
(15:45) ⚖️ Balancing Innovation with Market Demand
(22:08) 🌟 Product Leadership and Vulnerability Insights
(28:12) 🔮 Future Trends in Tech Industry

Social Links:

• Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here
• Follow Product School on LinkedIn here
• Join Product School's free events here 
• Find out more about Product School here

Brought to you by:
Pendo, the only all-in-one product experience platform for any type of application. With all the tools you need, in one simple-to-use platform, Pendo makes it easy to answer critical questions about how users are engaging with your product—then turn those insights into action—all so you can get your users to do what you actually want them to do. Visit our website to create your free Pendo account today, and start building better experiences across every corner of your product.

Credits:
Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Yi-Wei Ang

Join us in this episode with Álvaro Morales, CEO of Orb, as he explores product pricing strategies that align value and revenue. From his start as a software engineer at Asana to his current role leading pricing innovation, Álvaro offers insights into initial pricing decisions and the progression towards complex pricing frameworks. 

Learn how pricing strategies impact company growth, the importance of collaboration across departments, and the basics of usage-based pricing models. Discover the balance of choosing value metrics, introducing new pricing to customers, and the concept of reverse trials. 

The episode also touches on the future of pricing, billing system challenges, and Orb's approach to simplifying these for customer satisfaction. Álvaro discusses transitioning from seed-based to usage-based pricing, the importance of trust in pricing changes, and how to create value displays that maintain customer engagement.

Learn how to master pricing for your business.

Episode highlights 🚀
(00:00) 🎙️ Intro
(00:56) 💵 Understanding Product Pricing Strategies
(05:45) 📈 "Let's Increase Pricing"
(10:01) 💰 Maximizing Revenue With Usage-Based Pricing
(12:36) ⚙️ Pricing Is Just Friction
(24:23) 🤖 AI Pricing Strategies and Communication
(29:39) 🛠️ Building the Future of Pricing
(30:39) 🎬 Closing Remarks and End of Episode

Social Links:

• Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here
• Follow Product School on LinkedIn here
• Join Product School's free events here 
• Find out more about Product School here

Brought to you by:
Eppo, the next-generation A/B testing and feature management platform built for modern growth teams by alums of Airbnb and Stitch Fix. Visit our website, and 10x your experiment velocity.

Credits:
Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Alvaro Morales

Tune into this engaging episode of the Product Podcast, where we delve into the career story of Priyankka Mani, former CPO at Lonely Planet. Discover her incredible journey and insights gained from leading product teams at tech giants Google and Amazon, and how she expertly navigated her career switch from marketing to product management. Learn about her approach to handling user outcomes, her strategy for competitive e-commerce pricing, and her use of AI in content suggestions. Take away some valuable tips on leading a team through digital transformations and find that ideal balance between the speed of innovation and quality.

Episode highlights 🚀

(00:00) Transition From Marketing to Product Management
(05:36) Pricing Strategy in E-Commerce World
(13:06) Challenges and Opportunities in Machine Learning
(16:11) Global Expansion and Product Development
(24:42) Digital Transformation Challenges Lonely Planet
(30:14) Challenges of Content and Product Integration
(41:36) Balancing Velocity and Quality in Business

Social Links:

• Follow our Podcast on TikTok here
• Follow Product School on LinkedIn here 
• Join Product School's free events here 
• Find out more about Product School here 

Credits

Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Priyankka Mani

In this podcast, Fabrice des Mazery, former Chief Product Officer at TripAdvisor, shares invaluable perspectives on product management, ethics, and combating work burnout in large-scale operations. He stresses the significance of cultivating a robust product culture, developing clear strategies in line with the company's vision, and nurturing empathy within product teams. Additionally, Fabrice delves into the intricacies of managing product strategies within holding companies, underlining the importance of transparent communication and the establishment of well-defined objectives.

Throughout the discussion, Fabrice emphasizes the interconnectedness of user needs, ethical considerations, and business outcomes. By providing practical insights and emphasizing the value of maintaining an ethical approach to product development, the podcast serves as a valuable resource for product leaders and entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of modern product operations while prioritizing ethical considerations.

Episode highlights 🚀
(00:00) 🎙️ Intro
(03:11) 💡 Insights on Product Leadership and Entrepreneurship
(04:22) 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Building Effective Teams and Product Strategies
(06:48) 🧠 Strategic Thinking and Execution in PM
(13:07) 🏢 Organizational Design and Product Team Dynamics
(22:45) ⚖️ Work-Life Balance and Team Management
(29:31) 🌟 Leadership and Self-Care
(41:26) 🌍 Global Product Community

Social Links:

• Follow our Podcast on TikTok here 
• Follow Product School on LinkedIn here 
• Join Product School's free events here 
• Find out more about Product School here 

Brought to you by:
Pendo, the only all-in-one product experience platform for any type of application. With all the tools you need, in one simple-to-use platform, Pendo makes it easy to answer critical questions about how users are engaging with your product—then turn those insights into action—all so you can get your users to do what you actually want them to do. Visit our website to create your free Pendo account today, and start building better experiences across every corner of your product.

Credits:
Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Fabrice des Mazery

Join us for an enlightening fireside chat series featuring Product Leaders from top global tech companies. This time, we'll be joined by Fred Koopmans, Chief Product Officer at BigPanda, offering an exclusive chance to glean valuable perspectives from his experience. Hosted by Product School's Founder & CEO, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia, this session provides an inside look into Fred's journey.

Discover what it's truly like to work in this dynamic role and gain unique insights into breaking into the industry. Fred will share the insider perspective on the day-to-day life of a CPO, discussing the challenges of the job and providing personal takeaways from their professional journey.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Fred is an accomplished builder, weaving together a tapestry of trusted partnerships with enterprise customers. As the CPO at BigPanda, he stands at the forefront of empowering teams responsible for maintaining the digital heartbeat of the world.