Product Coffee

In this episode of Product Coffee, Kevin sits down with Liz Steblay, a two-time entrepreneur, solopreneur advocate, and founder of PICA (Professional Independent Consultants of America) and the ProCo Agency. Liz shares her insights from over 20 years of consulting experience, including her six keys to solopreneur success, advice on pricing, and strategies to build wealth while doing work you love.

🎙 Topics Covered:

• Overcoming fear, uncertainty, and doubt (the “FUD Monster”).
• The importance of narrowing your niche and being memorable.
• How to grow and nurture your professional network for long-term success.
• Why running your solopreneurship like a business is essential.
• Tips for setting rates, pricing strategies, and transitioning to fixed pricing models.
• Building wealth as a solopreneur through smart tax and financial practices.
• Emerging trends in fractional leadership and productizing services.

📌 Episode Highlights:

• 6 Keys to Solopreneurship: Practical steps to thrive in self-employment.
• Vanquishing FUD: Identify and tame the fears holding you back.
• Be Known and Memorable: Tips for creating a distinct brand and reputation.
• Networking Insights: The power of outreach and building trust over time.
• Wealth-Building Tactics: Tax strategies, retirement planning, and financial management.
• Future Trends: The rise of fractional executives and solopreneur-friendly tools.

💡 Listener Homework:

Try Liz’s “More Of/Less Of” exercise:

1. Draw a circle on a piece of paper.
2. Write “MORE OF” inside the circle and “LESS OF” outside.
3. Jot down tasks and activities over the next week to clarify what energizes or drains you.

📚 Resources & Links:

In this episode of Product Coffee, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Bob Ainsbury, Chief Product Officer at Granicus, for an engaging conversation on trust, team dynamics, and navigating complexity in the GovTech space. Bob shares his journey from software engineer to CPO, leading Granicus through remarkable growth—from a small team of 90 to over 2,200 people globally.

Discover how Bob approaches platform strategies, integrates AI/ML to deliver customer outcomes, and fosters trust within government systems and communities. The discussion dives deep into leadership insights, including empowering teams, managing ADHD in high-stakes roles, and balancing long-term vision with short-term priorities.

If you’re curious about scaling organizations, building trust in products and people, or actionable advice for leaders looking to make an impact, this episode is packed with takeaways for product managers at every level.

Takeaways this week:

• Challenge yourself to simplify and focus: What can you remove from your roadmap or scope to create more impact?

• Reflect as a leader: How can your actions better inspire and empower your team?

Tune in, level up, and discover how to lead with intention and adaptability.

Resources:

This episode is packed with insights from Nick McEvily, who takes us on a journey from his studies in human-centered design to founding and leading multiple startups. 🚀

Nick drops wisdom on how to build customer-focused products, explaining core principles like empathy in design, the Jobs-to-be-Done framework, and how to nail those all-important customer interviews. He also shares stories from his work with Mode Mobile and Relivable, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at both the wins and the lessons learned. 💡

To cap it all off, Nick discusses his current role as a fractional product leader and dishes out practical advice on turning customer insights into actionable strategies. You won’t want to miss his tips on building the right product-market fit muscle or his heartfelt take on balancing fatherhood with leadership. 👨‍👧‍👦

Resources:

Kevin chats with the amazing ✨ Jason Fraser ✨, a well-known author and advisor, about his journey from linguistics to product management. Jason shares leadership tips from his popular book 'Farther, Faster, and Far Less Drama,' co-authored with his wife Janice. He talks about team transformation, creating a software lab for the Air Force, and the importance of feeling safe at work. Jason also covers key ideas from his book like being honest, focusing on results, using team skills, and making lasting decisions. The episode ends with advice on staying well in tough times. If you're into leadership and product management, you'll get great tips from this chat.

Episode Resources:

Kevin Gentry welcomes back David Pereira, who shares insights about his new book Untrapping Product Teams. They delve into David's journey from a software engineer in Brazil to a leadership role in Germany, touching on his experiences and learnings in product management. David discusses the core themes of his book, including facing reality, overcoming dangerous traps, and remaining untrapped. He also shares practical advice on writing, leadership, and team management, offering valuable perspectives for product leaders and managers.

Resources:

This week on Product Coffee ☕️, Kevin chats with guests Leslie Kee and Paul Ballenger about their journey in building businesses like Auctus Security and Ally Assist. They cover military and business leadership, work-life balance, adaptability, and teamwork in high-stress environments. Leslie and Paul share tips on planning, delegation, and work-life balance for new entrepreneurs and product pros.

Resources:

This week on Product Coffee, Kevin Gentry talks with Matt LeMay, a product leader, consultant, and author known for his work with Google, Mailchimp, Spotify, and Bitly. Matt shares his journey from musician and music journalist to product management, highlighting how his communication and team-building skills from his music career translated into tech. They discuss the importance of goal clarity, embracing facilitative roles in product management, and balancing creative work with business needs. Matt also previews his upcoming book on 'Impact First Product Teams,' offering advice on setting high impact, high specificity goals to drive team success. The episode ends with Matt reflecting on the challenges and joys of writing his new book and his broader views on maintaining balance between professional and personal creative projects.

Episode Resources:

Kevin Gentry chats with Phil Hornby, a product leader and coach with over 20 years of experience. Phil shares insights on collaboration, context-driven leadership, and the significance of coaching workshops. He discusses his journey from an engineer to a product manager and leader and provides valuable advice on effective decision-making, team empowerment, and organization design. Phil also reveals details about his upcoming book, tentatively titled 'It Depends,' which focuses on improving product decision-making. The conversation covers practical tips for building better product teams, addressing common challenges in product management, and enhancing leadership techniques to foster high-impact outcomes.

Find out more:

In this episode of Product Coffee, Kevin Gentry sits down with Elliott Poppel, a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background in venture capital, ad tech, and product management. Elliott shares his career trajectory, highlighting pivotal moments from his early days at a VC firm, his leadership role in pivoting App.io to a successful acquisition, to founding his own startups like RobinHealth. He delves into the lessons learned from both successes and failures, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. The discussion also covers his time at Facebook, where he navigated the complexities of working in a large corporate environment and contributed to innovative projects like the Portal device. Elliott offers valuable insights into go-to-market strategies, user research, and the significance of being open to change, providing listeners with actionable advice to elevate their product management careers.

Dive in more:

In this episode of Product Coffee, Kevin Gentry interviews Teresa Cain, an award-winning FinTech product director renowned for pioneering the two-hour design sprint. Teresa discusses her method for condensing the traditional five-day design sprint into a two-hour session, detailing its efficiency and effectiveness. She reflects on her journey, the impact of the pandemic on product development, and the integration of AI tools such as ChatGPT in the sprint process. Teresa also shares insights from her recent attendance at the Women in Product conference and touches on the evolving landscape of UX design in the era of AI and automation. The episode concludes with practical advice for product leaders and highlights Teresa's resources for implementing the two-hour design sprint.

Find Teresa on the interweb:

In this episode of Product Coffee, Gleb Gordeev is on the show to share his journey in product management, from working in Germany to founding his product agency, CodeBusters, in Bali. Gleb discusses the challenges and rewards of building a remote lifestyle business, his approach to product management, leveraging no-code tools for rapid product development, and the importance of customer feedback in the early stages. Additionally, Gleb shares insights on work-life balance and the significance of starting with money-focused projects for aspiring entrepreneurs. The episode wraps up with Gleb's advice to learn about AI in product management and to attempt building a product or gathering sign-ups as a hands-on learning experience.

Dive in more:

In this episode of Product Coffee, Kenan, a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background spanning from traditional Chinese medicine to technology, shares his unconventional journey into the world of startups and product management. Initially starting in the health and wellness space, Kenan co-founded Unified Practice, an EHR tailored for Chinese medicine, driven by personal frustration with existing systems. Now, as the co-founder and CEO of AlignWith, he discusses the challenges of managing product teams and go-to-market strategies, the importance of creativity in product development, and the role of customer support in product teams. Kenan emphasizes the value of preparation, the significance of having complementary skill sets in a founding team, and shares insights on allowing personal interests and professional endeavors to inform each other for better problem-solving and innovation.

In this episode of Product Coffee, we have the privilege of hosting Marty Cagan, a renowned expert in product management. Marty dives into the key ideas from his latest book 'Transformed' and shares invaluable insights with our listeners. Throughout the conversation, Marty explores the significance of case studies, addresses common objections, and delves into the dynamic between empowered product teams and shipping features. He introduces thought-provoking concepts like 'time to money' versus 'time to market' and highlights the critical role of psychological safety and ethical considerations within product teams.

Throughout the episode, Marty underscores the urgent need for companies and individuals in the product space to adapt and adopt best practices from successful product companies in order to remain competitive and relevant. This podcast episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone interested in product management and its transformative power.

Find Marty here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cagan/

Find Kevin here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevingentry/

00:00 Welcome to Product Coffee: Kicking Off with Marty Cagan

00:52 Diving Into 'Transformed': Insights and Feedback

01:41 Addressing Industry Objections and Empowerment

05:37 Global Product Management: Trends and Cultural Insights

11:28 The Role of Product Coaches and SVPG's Approach

14:41 Challenges and Learnings in Product Transformation

18:55 Ethical Considerations in Product Management and AI

25:38 Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Engineering Teams

25:58 The Future of Product Teams and Leadership Dynamics

27:47 Navigating Psychological Safety in Competitive Product Teams

30:35 The Importance of Coaching and Developing Product Leaders

33:08 A Personal Journey: From Engineer to Product Expert

38:32 Addressing Listener Questions on Product Management Challenges

50:09 Final Thoughts and Future Endeavors

This week, we're thrilled to share an awesome chat with Noah Schutte, not just an entrepreneur, but also a software engineer, and technical recruiter. Noah takes us through his vibrant career journey, sharing a wealth of insights into product management, software engineering, and recruitment. He warmly recounts his first steps into entrepreneurship, his exciting transition into software engineering through a bootcamp, and his valuable contributions to Denver's buzzing tech scene. Fun fact - he developed a point of sale system for cannabis dispensaries and worked with a non-custodial cryptocurrency exchange. Noah then dives into how his entrepreneurial spirit sparked the creation of 'Higher Love', a staffing and recruiting firm. He passionately talks about the importance of mentorship, personalized recruiting, and the power of a strong personal brand. He also shares an interview preparation framework he authored, aimed at boosting self-marketing skills and perfectly aligning with what potential employers are looking for. We wrap up the episode with Noah's unique recruitment philosophy all about creating value-driven matches between companies and candidates, underscoring his commitment to nurturing authentic, meaningful career connections. Enjoy!

Timestamps:

00:00 Kicking Off with Product Coffee Podcast

00:26 Introducing Noah: A Journey from Entrepreneur to Tech Guru

04:47 Noah's Entrepreneurial Ventures and Staffing Success

09:59 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Parenthood

12:23 The Transition from Musician to Full-Time Work and Parenthood

15:10 Insights into Software Bootcamp and App Development

19:11 Mastering the Job Market: Interview Prep and LinkedIn Tips

23:34 Mastering the Interview: A Deep Dive

23:48 The Art of Asking Questions During Interviews

24:13 Building Rapport with Hiring Managers

30:50 Crafting Your Personal Brand and Philosophy

36:36 The Importance of Critical Questions

37:50 Concluding Your Interview with Confidence

38:55 Maximizing Interview Success: Strategies and Insights

39:21 Leveraging Interview Preparation for Career Advancement

43:28 Practical Tips for Immediate Application

45:47 Exploring the Value of Personal Branding in Job Searches

47:49 Final Thoughts and Resources

Where to find Noah Schutte:

On this week’s episode of Product Coffee, Kevin and Lou talk about the future impact of generative AI on product management. They delve into how emerging technologies, particularly generative AI, are simplifying coding and potentially strategy formulation, altering the landscape for product managers. The conversation covers the ability of AI to generate code and roadmap strategies, the risks and opportunities this presents, and the fundamental unchanged aspects of product management such as understanding market needs and customer problems. The speakers also share personal anecdotes to illustrate the evolution of technology and its application in real-world scenarios, including real estate development. They conclude by addressing listener feedback and emphasizing the value of curiosity and execution in the product management field.

00:00 Welcome to Product Coffee: Unveiling the Future of Product Management

00:26 Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Product Management

01:54 The Evolution of Building: From Legos to Software

03:32 Navigating the Digital Transformation and Market Competition

05:19 The Unchanged Core of Product Management in a Tech-Driven World

08:28 Harnessing Data and Technology for Real Estate Development

13:09 Balancing Personal Projects and Market Opportunities

07:09 Reflecting on the Journey of Product Management

15:18 Engaging with the Community: Feedback and Questions

18:45 Closing Thoughts: Adapting Product Skills Across Industries

In this episode of the Product Coffee podcast, Lou & Kevin discuss the importance of identifying market opportunities in product management. They emphasize the role of product managers in understanding how their products fit within the market and exploring unique opportunities. The conversation covers the necessity of market analysis, exploring alternatives, and understanding customer pain points. Through examples, including insurance and service industry gaps, the hosts illustrate how engaging with potential customers and comprehensively understanding their needs can reveal valuable market opportunities. They stress the significance of a maker's attitude towards innovation, the need for action over ideation, and the importance of moving from recognizing a market gap to taking tangible steps to address it. The episode encourages listeners to adopt a mindset of abundance and creativity, engage in customer research, and share their ideas to validate and refine them.

00:28 Diving Deep into Market Opportunities and Innovation

02:09 The Entrepreneurial Journey: From Idea to Action

10:33 Embracing the Maker Spirit: The Path to Disruption

23:55 Final Thoughts: Taking the Leap into Market Innovation

In this week’s episode of Product Coffee, Kevin interviews Pieter van Noordennen, a product management leader with a deep focus on AI and machine learning. Pieter shares his journey from journalism to product management, emphasizing his transition into AI-focused roles and solopreneurship. He discusses the differences between generative AI and machine learning, the impact of AI on product management and engineering, and the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in utilizing AI technologies. Pieter also touches on personal aspects, including the influence of parenthood on his career decisions, and introduces 'product.codes', a community for tech-inclined product managers. The episode provides insights into the evolving landscape of AI in product development and management, encouraging listeners to explore AI beyond popular tools like ChatGPT.

Karthik Suresh, founder of Ignition shares his unique journey in the world of technology and product strategy, from his early days on Wall Street to transitioning to the tech world during a recession. He reflects on his experiences at Craft and Facebook, highlighting the different nuances of operating as a Product Manager in startups versus large organisations, and the pivotal role of PMs in leadership. Karthik also discusses the evolution of his AI-powered product management platform, Ignition, and how it is changing the landscape of PM and PMM work along with the stumbling blocks he's encountered along the way.

Special Coupon Code for Product Coffee listeners:

On this episode of Product Coffee, Kevin sits down with recruitment expert, James Jordan gives insights on the product management recruitment scene. He discusses his company, Producto, and his approach to finding the right candidates. He provides helpful advice for product management professionals both looking for jobs and for those wanting to stay competitive in their current positions. Strengthening LinkedIn profiles, staying connected with the community of peers and regular self-assessment are among the key recommendations. James also touches upon trends in the industry such as transitions between roles, shifts in the job market and the importance of networking.

01:00 Understanding Producto: A Recruitment Company

02:40 James Jordan's Journey in Tech Recruitment

05:05 Challenges in Product Management Recruitment

07:04 Understanding Company Needs and Candidate Profiles

10:23 The Importance of Personality and Culture Fit in Recruitment

21:00 Navigating the Current Turbulence in the Tech Industry

26:04 The Current Job Market Vibe

26:33 The Impact on Senior PMs

26:50 The Consequences of Job Market Dynamics

27:10 Breaking Down PM Categories

27:33 The Challenges PMs Face in the Market

28:10 The Importance of Specialization

30:09 The Dilemma of PM Leaders

32:05 The Difference Between Startup and Enterprise PM Work

34:39 The Importance of LinkedIn and Resume Optimization

36:31 The Power of Networking and Relationship Building

41:14 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

Imparting valuable advice for career growth, Michelle Bassett talks about product management over a cup of coffee. The discussion turns to the sunk-cost fallacy, the importance of pivoting when necessary, and how making informed decisions can lead to career advancement. She shares her hands-on experience in marketing and entrepreneurship, while emphasizing the importance of understanding how numbers influence business outcomes. The conversation further delves into the impact of neurodivergence on professional journeys, the transformation of workplaces, and the emerging gig economy. Michelle encourages listeners to understand their business morals and consider the impact of their work on broader societal patterns.

In this episode of Product Coffee, Kevin welcomes Adam Oliver, Founder, and CEO of Crafted, a product development consultancy. Adam shares his product management journey, the challenges of transitioning into a leadership role as a founder, and offers insights on product development, advocating for a lean, iterative approach. He also discusses the importance of balanced teams, stressing the need for product design engagement. As a leader in times of economic uncertainty, Adam recommends a careful approach to spending and decision-making. He envisions AI and ML having an impactful role in product development in the future.

This week on Product Coffee, Kevin & Jake dive into the challenges emerging startups face in balancing product development and innovation. They explore patterns of organizational behavior that can inhibit innovation and stress the importance of continuous customer discovery. The conversation further delves into themes like ideal stages for engaging go-to-market teams, understanding market fit in relation to product stage and the role of product leadership in managing business expectations. The hosts conclude by inviting listener feedback on effective processes and strategies adopted in their organizations.

00:00 Introduction and Role as Interim Head of Product

00:11 Challenges Faced by Emerging Startups

00:40 Discussion on Airbnb and Product Management

01:19 Innovation and Decision Making in Startups

02:04 The Struggle of Companies with Innovation

02:24 The Importance of Portfolio Product Management

04:16 The Role of Market in Product Development

05:22 Understanding the Product Lifecycle

05:57 The Role of Market Understanding in Product Maturity

07:06 The Challenge of Finding the Right Problem to Solve

08:07 The Impact of Over-investment in Go-to-Market Channels

09:14 The Trap of Enterprise Organizations

12:04 The Importance of Continuous Innovation

13:26 The Role of Market Conditions in Product Success

17:46 The Challenge of Competing with Oneself

19:33 Understanding the Changing Needs of Customers

21:57 Perfecting Customer Understanding vs Perfecting the Solution

22:13 Struggles of Balancing Different Phases in Companies

22:27 The Importance of Continuous Discovery Habits

22:40 The Impact of New Processes and Techniques on Understanding Core Fundamentals

23:19 The Role of Process in Differentiating Competing Organizations

23:52 The Importance of Customer Discovery

24:03 The Impact of LLMs on the Content Industry

24:38 The Importance of Understanding the Problem Over Time

25:01 The Role of Customer Interviews and Market Understanding

26:15 The Importance of Broader Market Analysis

26:44 The Role of Culture of Experimentation

27:40 The Importance of Challenging Your Own Ideas and Assumptions

28:11 The Struggles of Day-to-Day Product Team

28:51 The Role of Leadership in Innovation

31:35 The Challenge of Demonstrating Value in Product Discovery

32:11 The Importance of Managing Business Expectations and Priorities

33:42 The Role of Risk in Product Discovery

35:45 The Challenge of Predictability in Product Management

38:14 The Importance of Engaging with Go-to-Market Teams

42:06 The Challenge of Perfecting Your Understanding of Your Customer

In this episode of Product Coffee, Kevin & Lou discuss the complexity of empowering teams to do great work. They reflect on the challenges of team structuring, providing proper context, enabling autonomy, and holding teams accountable. They delve into the realities of no perfect answers, the traps of agile thinking, and the rigors of constantly changing priorities. They also discuss the jokey benefits and pitfalls of reorganizing their teams to maximize efficiency and productivity, including the balancing act of altering team structures while making sure that any change doesn't disrupt performance too much. Finally, they exchange thoughts on autonomy, skill sets, team sizes, and resource allocation – all critical aspects to consider when committing to a certain customer problem.

00:26 Empowering Teams for Great Work

00:48 Challenges in Team Structuring and Accountability

00:59 The Agile Development Approach

01:30 The Pitfalls of Restructuring and Reorganization

01:52 The Traps of Team Organization

02:20 The Reality of Reorganization

02:46 The Impact of Reorganization on Team Autonomy

03:29 The Role of Context in Team Reorganization

04:27 The Necessity of Tactical Reorganization

04:56 The Slow Process of Team Transition

05:32 The Dilemma of Shaping Work to Teams or Teams to Work

05:54 The Importance of Consistency in Team Structure

06:07 The Constant Change in Agile Mindset

06:48 The Challenge of Autonomy and Skill Sets

07:14 The Reevaluation of Team Strategy

07:24 The Philosophy of Team Organization

08:36 The Reality of Team Priorities

08:49 The Theme of Current Reorganization

08:59 The Impact of Layoffs on Company Priorities

10:47 The Policy Changes in Team Structure

15:21 The Challenges of Resource Skill Strategy

21:51 The Role of Product Management in Organizational Changes

24:43 Homework & Final Thoughts

In this special LIVE recording at Denver Startup Week, Lindsey, Jake, Patrick, and Jodi discuss the challenges and best practices of distributed team communication and collaboration in a hybrid work environment. They share their experiences transitioning from fully in-office to fully remote during the pandemic, and now settling into hybrid models. Topics covered include the pros and cons of synchronous vs asynchronous communication, how to facilitate connection and alignment across distributed teams, tools and techniques for improving documentation and knowledge sharing, and measuring team health and morale in a hybrid setting.

In this enlightening episode of Product Coffee, product management leaders Lou, Kevin, and Jake delve into the intricate dance of product discovery and user research. From the vital need for a comprehensive understanding of user problems to the significance of strategic context, our panelists underscore the balance between micro and macro perspectives in product decisions. Unpack insights on the role of continuous validation, the importance of holistic market comprehension, and the leadership dynamics in product discovery. Plus, don't miss out on their invaluable take on customer interactions and data capture. Tune in to glean insights, best practices, and actionable tips for your product journey!

In this episode of Product Coffee, we dive deep into the world of data strategy and how it seamlessly fits into the broader realm of product strategy work. Special guest Allegra Bishop, a seasoned product management leader, enlightens us on the intricate balance between qualitative and quantitative research. From the pivotal role of user research to pitfalls of incoherent data tracking, we journey through the foundations of setting meaningful product metrics. As Bishop aptly puts it, “Without qualitative conversations with users first, companies can't set the right quantitative metrics.” Ready to brew your product expertise with these insights? Pour yourself a cup and join the conversation!

In this episode, we dive deep with Josefina Tous Bercovich from Vinoly, as she walks us through the intricate dance of product development. From understanding the client's idea and conducting market research to navigating technical constraints and continuously testing and iterating ideas, Josefina highlights the importance of striking the right balance. Listen in to gain insights on the value of user research, the necessity of being flexible and adaptable, and why sometimes, following your gut is the best approach to take. Whether you’re a product manager, a developer, or an entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and key takeaways that can help you navigate the challenges of product development.

Dive deep into the world of team offsites with Kevin & Lou as they unpack their immense value in building culture and camaraderie, especially through major company changes. From personal experiences in exotic locations to actionable insights for team leaders, this episode sheds light on why offsites should never be 'business as usual'. Explore how effective offsites can result in actionable plans, serve as indicators of team engagement, and be masterfully organized for maximum impact. Whether you're a leader or a team member, you'll come away with a fresh perspective on how to make offsites a transformative experience.

This week we have Bob Lamendola of Ricoh USA on the show. He talks to Kevin about the company's transition from a product-oriented focus to a customer-centric service model. They explore Ricoh's "co-innovation" approach, involving customers in the development process, and the role of internships in driving innovation. Lamendola emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with discomfort as a catalyst for creativity and growth within the organization. This engaging conversation offers a unique glimpse into modern technology transformation, providing valuable insights for leaders and innovators in the field.

This week we explore the critical roles and relationships between product marketing, product management, and the process of taking a product to market. It emphasizes the importance of a dedicated marketing function, highlights the responsibilities of product managers in handling launches, and discusses a step-by-step approach for product release. Kevin, Jake, and Lou share experiences and strategies that emphasize collaboration, clarity in roles, understanding of the target audience, and continuous refinement in the product launch process. It aims to provide valuable guidance for both enterprise products and sales-driven approaches, focusing on successful product delivery and market presence.

"And it was like, okay, we got Jewel, we got Taylor Swift. We got a couple other people. It was like, this is, there's something here. This is, this is a business. And so that's when we, we decided to make the leap and yeah."
This episode of Product Coffee features Brian Peterson, an innovator and leader in the Colorado product space. Listeners can expect to hear about Brian's diverse and interesting career journey and how he has worked in product for two decades, founding his own startup and holding leadership positions at some of the biggest global music organizations. Brian will bring his experience to life with stories of building a product from nothing, and his insights into the early days of the music industry's disruption. Tune in to hear about Brian's journey and gain valuable advice about product management.

This week, we have Kareem Mayan on the show! Kareem is a seasoned product professional and entrepreneur, and co-founder of Savio. Kevin Gentry and Kareem discuss his journey in product management, his experiences working in big name companies (MYSPACE), his entrepreneurial ventures, and his thoughts on product positioning and planning.

Key Insights:

• Solve your own problems first when starting a venture for a strong foundation & real need.
• MVPs should be built by 2-3 devs, a product hat, & take 2-4 months.
• Leveraging a marketplace can be a powerful acquisition channel, especially for new products.
• Building a brand around an idea is a powerful differentiator in a crowded market.
• Listening to customer feedback & using it to inform product decisions is crucial for creating a product that meets customer needs.

Join us this week as Kevin Gentry and Lou Cirillo discuss coaching and leveling up junior PMs. They explore the transition from APM to PM, developing diverse skills, handling increasing ambiguity, and the connection between team success and leadership success. They review the importance of product competency frameworks and the process of creating a strategic narrative. Gain actionable insights to guide junior PMs and enhance your own product management journey. Don't miss this episode packed with expert advice and practical strategies.

In this episode of Product Coffee, we have Michael Agbar on the show, a product leader at Cledara. Kevin Gentry and Michael discuss the differences between product management in an agency setting versus an in-house setting, the process of product market fit expansion, and the importance of data-driven decision making.

This week, Kate Syuma, Head of Growth Design at Miro is on the show!!! We cover career growth, user onboarding, community-led growth, and challenges in growth design leadership. Kate shares her insights on user segmentation and how asking the right questions during onboarding can provide valuable data for personalizing the user experience. She also mentioned the potential for expanding Miroverse in the future, stating, "It's happening on the background as we speak". 🙌

This week we discuss the over-leveling of Product Managers, its impact on design career paths, and how to identify and address these issues in the workplace.

Here are some of the takeaways from this episode:

1. Over-leveling of PMs can lead to poor expectations and career dissatisfaction
2. Importance of clear roadmaps and strategy for PMs
3. Balancing outcomes and outputs in product management

In this episode of Product Coffee, Kevin & Lou discuss the emergence of AI and its impact on product management. They share their experiences with AI tools like Chat GPT and how it has made their work more efficient and creative. Explore the potential of AI in content creation, user experience enrichment, and even product design. While acknowledging AI's limitations and ethical concerns, they emphasize the importance of product-led growth and the potential disruption it can bring to industries like journalism. How can you leverage technology to enhance your products and user experience? Let us know!

This week we discuss the power of neurodivergence in boosting productivity. Join Kevin as he chats with Holly, a neurodivergent founder, who shares insights and strategies for leveraging her unique brain-wiring to excel in product management. From harnessing hyperfocus to managing dopamine-driven tasks, learn practical tips for maximizing your potential and finding your genius in the fast-paced world of product development. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on embracing neurodiversity and unlocking productivity.

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of navigating ambiguity as a product manager. We talk about how to help product managers develop the skills they need to think critically and make decisions in the face of uncertainty. We also share some tips on coaching product managers to be more comfortable with ambiguity.

Ibrahim Bashir leads Amplitude's analytics product team. With a background in engineering, he transitioned to product roles, working at Amazon on Kindle and Kindle Fire, Twitter on platform strategy, and Box on developer products. Now at Amplitude, he helps build better digital products. Kevin and Ibrahim discuss product leadership in B2B and how PMs can access more proxies for user research and stitch together insights from sales, solution consulting, and professional services. They discuss discovery vs. delivery mode when experimenting. How CSMs are valuable partners for insights. Why achieving product-market fit early is crucial, especially in the SMB space, and why asking the right questions and understanding context helps improve product strategy.