Product Thinking

Melissa Perri
  • 4.8 (142)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
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. 3H AGO

    Episode 219: The Real Role of Product Marketing in Strategy with Rebecca Shaddix

    Rebecca Shaddix, a seasoned marketing executive and go-to-market strategist, joins Melissa Perri to explore the balance of acceptable mistakes in market strategy. Rebecca discusses the importance of defining acceptable mistakes to avoid unnecessary delays and to better align team efforts with strategic goals. This episode focuses on how acknowledging acceptable mistakes can accelerate development without compromising core objectives. Rebecca also addresses the overemphasis on latest trends like AI, stressing the importance of intentional use rather than succumbing to hype. She provides insights into managing internal pressures and steering conversations back to meaningful customer outcomes. If you want to learn how to effectively balance strategic goals with market pressures while maintaining a focus on customer value, tune in to gain practical insights from Rebecca’s experiences. You’ll hear us talk about: 09:04 - The Concept of Acceptable MistakesRebecca explains what an acceptable mistake entails, offering examples such as opting for fewer customer interviews to accelerate go-to-market strategies without significant risk. 29:19 - Navigating AI HypeDiscusses the cycle of trendy technologies and how AI has become a prevalent, though often superficial, part of product strategy, emphasizing the importance of intentionality. 15:32 - Product and Product Marketing PartnershipHighlights the need for a bidirectional relationship between product management and product marketing, focusing on how they should collaboratively drive strategy and insights. Listen to the full episode for more in-depth discussions and insights. Episode resources: Rebecca on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccashaddix/ Try Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io/ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:57 Dear Melissa 06:17 Defining acceptable mistakes in go-to-market 12:22 How product and go-to-market should collaborate 17:48 What data product and marketing teams should track 22:53 Turning competitive noise into strategy 29:21 Responding to AI pressure from the market 34:29 Crafting real differentiators, not buzzwords 39:29 Advice for future product marketers

    47 min

  2. APR 9

    Episode 218: Turning Belkin into a Design-Led Company with Oliver Seil

    Oliver Seil, Vice President of Design at Belkin, joins Melissa Perri on the Product Thinking Podcast to explore how Belkin has transitioned into a design-focused company. Oliver discusses the role of design in creating products that resonate with users while fulfilling their functional needs. He shares how Belkin's design philosophy prioritizes consumer insights and prototyping to create products that are both innovative and intuitive. Through this episode, Oliver outlines the importance of integrating empathy and creativity in the design process and how these elements can foster a dynamic and inclusive company culture. He provides valuable insights into how product managers and designers can collaborate effectively, ensuring that the products not only meet market demands but also enhance user experiences. Interested in learning more about how design can drive product innovation and company culture? Tune in to gain practical insights from Oliver’s experiences at Belkin. You’ll hear us talk about: 14:20 - The Importance of Executive Buy-In for Cultural ChangeOliver explains how having the support from top leadership, such as the CEO and a chief design officer, was crucial to fostering a design-focused culture at Belkin, promoting an environment where design is celebrated and integrated into the company's DNA. 21:47 - Embracing Experimentation in DesignOliver shares strategies for balancing the need for rapid prototyping with the constraints of manufacturing timelines. He emphasizes the importance of testing and validating products through consumer feedback before full-scale production. 25:29 - Collaboration Between Product Managers and DesignersHighlighting the significance of prototyping and communication, Oliver discusses how designers can effectively share their ideas and collaborate with product managers to bring innovative products to life. Episode resources: Oliver on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-seil/ Belkin website: https://www.belkin.com/ Try Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io/ Timestamps: 00:00 Coming Up 01:23 Intro 06:00 Discovering design and joining Belkin 10:30 Transforming culture through design 19:20 User insights and product joy 24:47 Pitching and selling design ideas 30:35 Foster creativity and passion 40:48 Building diverse teams

    48 min

  3. APR 2

    Episode 217: Behind the Scenes of Pendo’s Product Operations Evolution with Jessica Soroky

    Join us for an insightful episode of the Product Thinking Podcast as we delve into the world of product operations with Jessica Soroky, the Senior Director of Product Operations at Pendo. In this episode, Jessica reveals the transformative strategies that have redefined Pendo's product operations, highlighting their innovative approach to integrating data and AI for enhanced product management. Jessica and I discuss the evolving landscape of product operations and the strategic shifts necessary to elevate the role beyond administrative tasks. We explore how Pendo empowers product managers by streamlining data insights and fostering a cross-functional communication framework that improves product launches and customer satisfaction. If you're eager to understand how product operations can drive strategic value and innovation within your organization, this episode is a must-listen. Gain practical insights and inspiration from Pendo's journey in optimizing their product operations. You’ll hear us talk about: 09:17 - Evolution from Scrum Master to Program ManagerJessica explains the bold transition of Scrum Masters to Program Managers at Pendo, expanding their roles to oversee the entire product lifecycle and enhancing cross-functional collaboration. 15:04 - Leveraging AI in Product OperationsDiscover how Pendo is integrating AI into their operations to reduce the burden of data tasks for product managers, allowing them to focus on strategic decision-making. 20:56 - Implementing Effective Launch ProcessesLearn about the introduction of go-to-market checklists and launch briefs at Pendo, which have streamlined product launches and improved cross-departmental alignment. Episode resources: - Jessica on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasoroky/ - Pendo: https://www.pendo.io/ - Try Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io/ Timestamps: 00:00 Coming Up 01:17 Intro 05:53 Jessica's journey to Product Ops leader 11:48 Improving launches through whole-company alignment 19:19 Structuring product ops for impact 25:00 Building effective cadences and data rituals 30:14 Driving data culture and exploring AI tools 36:30 Making product ops strategic

    40 min

  4. MAR 26

    Episode 216: Getting OKRs Right: Planning with Impact at OLX with Hugo Froes

    Join Melissa Perri in an insightful episode of the Product Thinking Podcast featuring Hugo Froes, Head of Operations at OLX. In this episode, Hugo shares his remarkable journey from UX and service design to leading product operations, a transition that highlights the importance of bridging design with business needs.This conversation dives into how Hugo has effectively shaped product operations at OLX, focusing on process optimization, reducing friction, and empowering teams to deliver true value. Hugo’s approach showcases how strategic product operations can drive innovation and efficiency within organizations.Ready to explore how product operations can transform your organization? Listen to the full episode and gain practical insights from Hugo's experiences! You’ll hear us talk about: 00:25:08 - Making OKRs Work Across the Organization Hugo discusses the challenges and solutions for standardizing OKR frameworks to ensure consistent and measurable outcomes while allowing flexibility for team-specific practices. 00:30:41 - The Product Ops Mix Hugo explains the multi-faceted approach of OLX's product operations team, focusing on improving efficiency, streamlining processes, and supporting organizational growth through strategic tooling. 00:39:03 - Measuring Value in Product Management Hugo and Melissa explore the importance of continuously validating product value against business outcomes, emphasizing learning over feature delivery. Episode resources: Hugo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugofroes/Thoughts Unravelled: https://thoughtsunravelled.substack.com/Try Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io/ Timestamps: 00:00 Coming Up 01:01 Intro 05:37 From UX to Product Ops: Hugo’s Journey 09:17 Shift to Product Thinking 16:33 Starting Product Ops at OLX 21:23 Rethinking OKRs for Real Teams 25:08 Making OKRs Work Across the Org 30:41 The Product Ops Mix 35:48 The Real Limits of AI 43:07 What’s Next for Product Ops

    49 min

  5. MAR 19

    Episode 215: Transforming Enterprise Sales: The Gong Story with Eilon Reshef

    In this episode, Eilon Reshef, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Gong, joins Melissa Perri to discuss the transformative power of AI-driven technology in sales and product management.As Gong revolutionizes the sales industry, Eilon shares insights into building tools that empower salespeople and help them succeed. He dives into the challenges of scaling Gong to $100 million in ARR and the crucial role of focusing on end-user value. Eilon delves into how Gong captures and analyzes sales conversations to help teams close deals faster and increase revenue. He also reveals the unique organizational structure at Gong and the importance of design partners in their product development process. Want to discover how to harness AI to improve your sales processes and drive significant growth? Tune in to gain actionable insights from Eilon’s experience at Gong. You’ll hear us talk about: 10:31 - Prioritizing Seller-Centric ValueEilon discusses the importance of emphasizing value for the end user, the salespeople, rather than just delivering organizational value. This approach has been critical to Gong’s success, helping build a product that sales teams love and rely on. 13:50 - Implementing a Customer-Centric StructureLearn about Gong's unique pod structure, where product managers work closely with numerous design partners to receive continuous feedback and refine the product. This approach ensures that customer needs are always at the forefront. 26:54 - Embracing AI in Product ManagementEilon provides advice for product managers on how to integrate AI into their work. He emphasizes the need to practice and understand AI capabilities to effectively incorporate them into product offerings. Episode resources: Eilon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eilonreshef/More about Gong: https://www.gong.io/Work at Gong: https://www.gong.io/careers/Liveblocks: https://liveblocks.io/ Timestamps: 00:00 Coming Up 00:47 Intro 02:51 Dear Melissa 06:34 Eilon’s Intro & Gong's Founding Story 10:31 Empowering Sales & Key Lessons 22:08 Vision for AI & Its Impact on Sales 31:41 Working with Design Partners & Beta Testing 42:03 Reflections on Product Leadership

    44 min

  6. MAR 12

    Episode 214: From Apple to FinTech: Balancing Automation & Customer Trust with David Myszewski

    In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri sits down with David Myszewski, VP of Product at Wealthfront. David shares his transition from working on the groundbreaking iPhone at Apple to leading product innovation in the fintech space. He dives into how Wealthfront's approach to fintech has been shaped by lessons learned at Apple, particularly the power of small, talented teams and high standards. David discusses Wealthfront’s strategy of integrating consumer research and customer support into product development, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs through both qualitative and quantitative data. He also highlights the significance of building a technology infrastructure that supports innovative financial products and services tailored to evolving market needs. Tune in to explore how Wealthfront is redefining fintech with a focus on reducing client costs, enhancing tax efficiency, and fostering better financial behaviors through technology-driven solutions. Want to learn how to leverage tech for financial innovation? Listen to the full conversation with David Myszewski. You'll hear us talk about: 10:33 - The Role of Consumer Technology Experience in FintechDavid explains why consumer technology skills are more valuable than financial knowledge in fintech. He shares how Wealthfront prioritizes creating excellent user experiences over specific domain expertise. 19:28 - Introducing New Financial ProductsDavid outlines Wealthfront’s strategy for evolving and introducing new products over time, focusing on reducing costs, saving taxes, and fostering behavioral change. He discusses the automation of processes to enhance client outcomes. 29:06 - Prioritizing Innovation and Roadmap PlanningMelissa and David discuss the balance between strategic top-down priorities and bottom-up decision-making in setting the product roadmap. David describes how they align business and client needs to drive product innovation. Episode Resources: David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmyszewski/David on X: https://x.com/davewikipediaWealthfront: https://www.wealthfront.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Coming Up 00:56 Introduction 02:48 Dear Melissa 05:28 Career Journey from Apple to Wealthfront 14:09 The Evolution of Wealthfront’s Mission 19:28 Introducing New Financial Products 29:06 Prioritizing Innovation and Roadmap Planning 35:54 Finding Product-Market Fit at Wealthfront 43:08 FinTech’s Future & Advice for Product Leaders

    48 min

  7. MAR 5

    Episode 213: How Vanguard is Modernizing Finance Through Digital Innovation with Marco and Amber

    Join us for an insightful episode where we explore the digital transformation journey at Vanguard with Marco De Freitas, Chief Product Officer for Vanguard's Personal Investor Business, and Amber Brestowski, Chief Product Officer for the Retirement Business. Discover how Vanguard is modernizing client journeys, enhancing products, and building platforms that promise superior investment experiences. Marco and Amber share their strategies for leveraging AI and behavioral science to redefine client interactions, all while maintaining a strong focus on customer outcomes and innovation. Whether you're interested in digital transformation, product management, or financial services innovation, this episode is packed with practical insights that you won't want to miss. Want to learn how Vanguard is leading the charge in transforming financial services? Tune in for the full episode. You'll hear us talk about: 10:32 - Aligning Strategy with Product ExecutionAmber discusses the importance of aligning product strategy with business goals at Vanguard. She emphasizes setting the right incentives and problems for product teams to solve, ensuring they focus on creating superior client experiences that drive competitive advantage. 22:56 - Experimentation in Client ModernizationAmber shares how Vanguard uses a North Star approach with key OKRs to drive outcomes. She outlines strategies for engaging clients and improving retirement readiness through behavioral finance and agile experimentation. 35:05 - Balancing Innovation and OptimizationMarco talks about Vanguard's approach to innovation, stressing the importance of client-centricity and empowering teams to innovate. He explains how a portfolio approach allows for both incremental improvements and moonshot projects, fostering a culture of continuous development. Episode Resources: Amber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-brestowski-019b56ab/Marco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-de-freitas-80416714/Vanguard website: https://investor.vanguard.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 Coming Up 01:05 Intro 09:10 Amber's Career Journey 12:11 Marco’s career journey 18:06 Modernizing Client Experience 22:56 Experimentation in Client Modernization 31:04 Aligning Business Strategy with Product Execution 37:43 Behavioral Science in Digital Experiences 46:50 Tackling Digital-First Transformation Challenges 49:58 Closing reflections

    54 min

  8. FEB 26

    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
See All (219)

4.8
out of 5
142 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa Perri
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    219
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 252726
  • Show Website
    Product Thinking

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada