Product Unfiltered

In this episode of Product Unfiltered, we sit down with Elliott Poppel, CEO & Founder of General Collaboration, to explore his journey from a business major to a successful entrepreneur and product manager. Elliott shares his unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of working in both startups and large corporations, offering invaluable advice for aspiring product managers and entrepreneurs. Join us as Elliott discusses: - His transition from venture capital to leading app.io as its CEO - The importance of adaptability, communication skills, and product understanding in early-stage startups - Strategies for breaking into the product management field, including the value of roles like Chief of Staff - His experiences at Facebook, including lessons learned during the transition to remote work - The balance between top-down strategy and bottom-up creativity in product teams - Recommendations for educational resources like Reforge and Lenny’s List - His thoughts on the future of work and product management in tech This episode is packed with practical advice, productivity hacks, and personal anecdotes that will inspire and inform anyone interested in the dynamic field of product management. Don't miss out on Elliott's insights and wisdom! 🔔 Subscribe to Product Unfiltered and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more episodes featuring top industry leaders and innovators!

In this episode of the Product Unfiltered podcast, we sit down with Cody Hosterman, Senior Director of Product Management at Pure Storage. Cody shares his incredible journey from on-premises infrastructure to spearheading Pure Storage's cloud business. 🚀 🔑 Key Takeaways: Cody’s career path from EMC to Pure Storage and his transition to cloud product management. The evolution of the industry from private to hybrid and multicloud solutions. Challenges faced in expanding Pure Storage’s cloud market presence. Insights into the shift from capital expenditures (capex) to operational expenditures (opex) and the subscription model in B2B sectors. Balancing customer requests with product development and maintaining agility. The role of customer feedback in product management and gaining domain expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned product manager or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Don’t miss out on learning from one of the best in the industry!

Join us as we dive into an enlightening conversation with Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia, Founder and CEO of Product School. Carlos shares his inspiring journey from studying computer science in Spain and business in the US to founding a global community of over 2 million product management professionals. Discover the challenges he faced, the evolution of the product management field, and his invaluable advice for aspiring product managers and startup founders. Don't miss this episode packed with insights from one of the leading voices in product management!

In this episode of Product Unfiltered, join us as we delve into product management and design with two industry experts: Harshika Jain, a Senior Product Designer at McKinsey, and Nitul Shah, a Staff Product Manager at Walmart. Harshika shares her journey from industrial design to product design, discussing the challenges of collaborating with engineering teams and the ethical considerations of generative AI technologies. Nitul provides insights into Walmart's data sensitivity classification framework and the implementation of JNI products for supply chain operations efficiency. Together, they explore the potential impact of AI tools on product management roles and the importance of human judgment in decision-making processes. Tune in to gain valuable insights into product management and design from Harshika and Nitul! Blog: https://www.pmunfiltered.com/post/concept-to-creation-exploring-product-design-and-management-with-harshika-jain-and-nitul-shah

In this episode of Product Unfiltered, Rakesh shares invaluable insights from his journey, spanning from business consulting to leading product management initiatives at one of the world's leading financial institutions. Key Takeaways: - Career Transition: Rakesh discusses his transition from business consulting to product management, highlighting the transferable skills and challenges encountered along the way. - Skills for Success: Learn about the essential skills and qualities needed to excel in product management, including stakeholder management, technical proficiency, and critical thinking. - Fintech Insights: Gain insights into the fintech industry and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents for product managers. - Building Products: Discover Rakesh's approach to building and managing products at JP Morgan Chase, including the development process, user acceptance testing, and product delivery. - Career Advice: Rakesh shares valuable advice for aspiring product managers, including the importance of domain expertise, continuous learning, and embracing ownership and responsibility.

Join us on Product Unfiltered as we delve into the dynamic world of Product Management Interviews with Astika Gupta, a seasoned professional who transitioned from software engineering to becoming a Senior Product Manager at eBay. In this insightful episode, Astika shares her personal journey, experiences, and key strategies for success in product management interviews. 00:00:00 Astika's Journey: From Software Engineer to Senior Product Manager Astika takes us through her career evolution, sharing her experiences at Meta, Google, Microsoft, and eBay. Learn how she successfully navigated interviews with tech giants and the invaluable lessons she gained. 00:05:00 Decoding PM Interviews: Insights from Various Companies Explore the nuances of product management interviews with insights from Astika's discussions with product managers from different companies. Understand why showcasing skills beyond product leadership is crucial in today's competitive landscape. 00:10:00 Individual Impact in Product Management Interviews Discover the importance of highlighting your individual impact during interviews. Astika emphasizes the signals that interviewers look for, including product vision, building from scratch, scaling products, creating roadmaps, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. 00:15:00 The Interview Process Unveiled: Product Sense, Metrics, and Behavior Astika breaks down the product management interview process into three segments: product sense, product metrics, and behavioral questions. Gain a deeper understanding of what interviewers seek in each segment and how to prepare effectively. 00:20:00 Focus on Thought Process and Alignment with Company Goals Learn the art of confidently making assumptions, aligning metrics with overall goals, and asking clarifying questions during the interview. Understand why interviewers prioritize understanding the thought process, customer segmentation, pain points, and alignment with company mission and business goals. 00:25:00 Seeking Clarification and Mentorship in Interview Preparation Astika shares her insights on seeking clarification during interviews, emphasizing the value of mentorship, and the importance of quality over quantity in mock interviews. 00:30:00 Developing a Personalized Framework for Interview Success Discover the significance of developing a personalized framework for interview success. Astika discusses the controversial 'golden number' of interview practices and offers advice on effective preparation. 00:35:00 Personal Stories and Subjective Observation in Interviews Explore the importance of personal stories and subjective observation in product management interviews. Understand how to stand out by bringing a unique perspective to your answers. 00:40:00 Crafting Concise Behavioral Questions Learn the art of crafting accurate and concise behavioral questions during interviews. Astika provides tips on creating a structured response with a headline, situation, action, and result. Don't miss this episode for a comprehensive guide to excelling in product management interviews. Whether you're an aspiring product manager or looking to level up your interview skills, Astika's insights are invaluable. Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more engaging content from Product Unfiltered!"

Join us as we dive into the dynamic world of product management and the ever-evolving networking industry with Yogesh Paliwal, Director of Product at Cisco Wireless. In this enlightening episode, Yogesh shares his incredible journey from a software developer to a product leader, providing valuable insights and experiences. Discover how the networking industry has transformed over the past two decades, adapting to the rise of mobile devices and cloud computing. Yogesh delves into the challenges product managers face in the B2B space, highlighting the need for adaptability, user-centric thinking, and innovative problem-solving. Explore Cisco's unique culture and its impact on product development. Learn about the qualities Yogesh values in early-stage product managers and his approach to hiring top talent. Yogesh also discusses the importance of optimizing choices for learning and achieving your career vision. Hear his perspective on industry trends, including the impact of artificial intelligence, subscription-based business models, and the future of networking solutions. Join us in this deep-dive conversation with Yogesh Paliwal, a tech leader shaping the future of networking and product management. Subscribe now to stay updated on our insightful episodes!"

In this episode of Product Unfiltered, we had the privilege of hosting Bijan, the founder of PM Exercises and the mind behind Product Monkey. With over a decade of experience in product management, Bijan shared invaluable insights on "How to Crack PM Interviews." Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in product management, these tips are invaluable for your career growth. Key Takeaways: The Evolution of PM Exercises and Product Monkey: Bijan's journey from a personal project to platforms helping product managers practice and gain clarity in project scopes. Standing Out in the Pre-Interview Phase: Tips on showcasing your skills, aligning with company goals, and emphasizing domain expertise. The Role of Practice in Interview Preparation: The importance of practice, balancing "Siloed" preparation with mock interviews, and adapting frameworks to specific questions. Navigating the Interview Process: Strategies for virtual and in-person interviews, understanding startup vs. large company interviews, and preparing for cross-functional evaluations. The Interview Process in Detail: A breakdown of typical interview stages and how companies like Google assess candidates. Post-Interview Considerations: Asking insightful questions, sending thank-you notes, and tips on salary negotiations. Salary Negotiations and Handling Differences: Approaches to collaborative salary discussions and handling differences professionally. A Final Piece of Advice: Engaging with products to gain experience and determine your fit in the product management field. Bijan's expertise offers a comprehensive roadmap for success in product management interviews. Don't miss this episode and stay tuned for more captivating discussions on Product Unfiltered. Subscribe, like, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest insights and interviews in the world of product management.

Join us for an inspiring episode of Product Unfiltered as we delve into the remarkable career journey of Jennifer Liu, a seasoned product executive with over two decades of experience. From her early days as an Associate Product Manager (APM) to reaching the pinnacle as a Senior Director at Google, Jennifer's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. 🚀 In this episode, Jennifer shares invaluable insights and hard-earned wisdom, touching upon her experiences in product management, navigating the tech industry, and the critical lessons she's learned along the way. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Discover Jennifer's perspective on the interview process, where she draws intriguing parallels to dating, and learn how to spot those crucial red and yellow flags. Gain insights into the significance of flexibility and adaptability in one's career, especially during the early stages. Understand the pivotal role of considering both technology and people when developing a product, and how this awareness can lead to successful outcomes. Explore the challenges faced by today's product managers and why it's essential not to blindly follow tools and frameworks. Dive into Jennifer's experiences in both large tech companies like Google and startups, and the decision-making process that led her to these diverse environments. Learn about the importance of trust within a team and how resilience plays a crucial role in overcoming career obstacles. Explore the concepts of mentorship and coaching, and how they can shape your career growth and personal development. Gain valuable insights into maintaining a balanced perspective, staying grounded during challenging times, and the importance of having a strong support system. Jennifer Liu's journey from APM to Senior Director at Google is a testament to the power of determination and the pursuit of continuous learning. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone embarking on or advancing in their product management career. Tune in now and embark on a transformative journey with Jennifer Liu, only on Product Unfiltered! 🔗 For more episodes and exclusive content, visit: www.pmunfiltered.com. 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated with our latest episodes!

Welcome to another insightful episode of Product Unfiltered! In this captivating session, we have the privilege of hosting Sudha Iyer, a distinguished Principal Product Manager at Commvault. With over 15 years of experience, Sudha's journey from entrepreneurship to cloud computing to product management is an incredible tale of innovation and adaptation. Join us as Sudha shares her remarkable insights on a range of topics, including transitioning from running her own chai business to becoming a powerhouse in product management. Discover the transformative shift to cloud computing, where Sudha unravels the challenges, benefits, and future of this technology. Delve into the world of market research, product-market fit, and the delicate art of effective communication in product management. Learn about Sudha's perspective on risk-taking, decision-making, and building a thick skin to thrive in the dynamic field of tech. Sudha's experiences as an entrepreneur and a product leader at Commvault offer a unique blend of wisdom and inspiration for both aspiring and seasoned product managers. As she emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, diverse experiences, and collaboration, get ready to absorb valuable lessons that can drive your success in the ever-evolving landscape of product management. Tune in to gain invaluable insights and broaden your horizons with Sudha Iyer's expertise, only on Product Unfiltered!"

Welcome to Product Unfiltered! In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Satyajeet Salgar, Director of Product Management at YouTube. With an impressive background in developing innovative products and a wealth of experience in the tech industry, Satyajeet brings valuable insights to the table. Join us as Satyajeet shares his journey from startups to Google, his experiences in building YouTube Live, and the challenges he faced along the way. He delves into the changing landscape of product management, emphasizing the significance of product culture, making informed decisions, and aligning career goals with company stages. Discover the future of product management with the rise of AI and its impact on tools, product adaptation, and opportunities. Satyajeet also shares the best advice he has received as a product manager and the resources he follows to stay updated in this fast-paced industry. Whether you're an aspiring product manager or a seasoned pro, this episode promises to be a goldmine of insights and wisdom to excel in the dynamic world of product management. Don't miss out on this engaging conversation with Satyajeet Salgar! https://www.pmunfiltered.com/post/aligning-goals-nurturing-growth-for-a-product-career-satyajeet-salgar

In this exciting episode of Product Unfiltered, we had the pleasure of hosting Ruturaj, a Senior Product Manager at Lucid Software. Join us as we delve into the world of visual collaboration and discover Lucid Software's vision for revolutionizing the way knowledge workers collaborate. Here's a summary of the insightful discussion: Ruturaj takes us on a journey through Lucid Software's mission and the industry they operate in. Lucid Software, known for its flagship product Lucidchart, aims to bring visual reasoning and collaboration to the forefront of software building. With a suite of products including Lucidspark and Lucidscale, they empower teams to collaborate seamlessly and effectively. Our conversation with Ruturaj uncovers key takeaways: Embracing Visual Collaboration: Discover the importance of visual collaboration in a changing work environment and how it enables teams to align goals and progress efficiently, without the need for endless meetings. Lucid Software's Competitive Edge: Explore how Lucid Software differentiates itself in the visual collaboration tools market and their suite of specialized products catering to diverse collaboration scenarios. Universal Canvas Concept: Understand the value of a universal canvas, seamlessly integrating Lucid Software's suite of products, and enhancing users' workflow through intuitive and integrated solutions. Ruturaj's Journey and Insights: Gain valuable insights from Ruturaj's transition from a full-stack developer to a product manager, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills in design thinking, data literacy, and business acumen. Balancing User Needs and Business Requirements: Learn about the significance of deeply understanding user requirements, applying design thinking, involving customers throughout the product development lifecycle, and achieving successful outcomes. Join us for this engaging episode as we explore Lucid Software's vision and Ruturaj's expertise in driving innovation in the visual collaboration space. Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain insights from a seasoned product management professional. Watch now and stay tuned for more exciting episodes of Product Unfiltered, where we bring you inspiring conversations with top product management leaders.

Welcome to Product Unfiltered! In this episode, we dive into the captivating world of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) product management with our special guest, Patrice Hall, Director of Product at Dopple. Join us as Patrice shares her insights on navigating a career in product management, specifically in the emerging AR/VR space. Discover how VR and 3D technology are revolutionizing the e-commerce industry, providing customers with more engaging and personalized experiences. Patrice discusses the importance of primary research, gathering user feedback, and overcoming the unique challenges of developing products in the 3D and AR domains. Learn how to educate customers on the potential of AR/VR, drive success, and measure impact in this rapidly evolving field. Gain valuable advice on transitioning into the AR/VR space, recommended resources for staying updated on product management trends, and the essential skills needed to excel as an AR/VR product manager. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring product manager, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of product management in AR/VR. Join us on this exciting journey as we explore the limitless possibilities of AR/VR product management. Don't miss out—subscribe now and stay tuned for more thought-provoking episodes on Product Unfiltered! Full Episode: https://www.pmunfiltered.com/post/future-of-product-management-ar-vr-patrice-hall-director-dopple#ProductManagement #ARVR #VirtualReality #AugmentedReality #TechIndustry #Ecommerce #ProductUnfiltered

In this episode of Product Unfiltered, we had the privilege of hosting Shraddha Patil, Director of Product Management at Palo Alto Networks, a renowned cybersecurity company. Shraddha shared her journey into product management and cybersecurity, offering valuable insights into the ever-evolving field. Shraddha emphasized the importance of staying up to date with the latest security challenges and trends while building resilient products. She discussed the challenges of understanding customer problems and the use of frameworks in product management. Furthermore, she highlighted the critical need for cybersecurity talent and the importance of educating children and minorities about the field. During the episode, Shraddha also provided practical advice and shared her experiences in the cybersecurity industry. She stressed the significance of reading security blogs, listening to podcasts, and learning from industry experts to stay aware of emerging threats. Shraddha encouraged aspiring professionals to specialize in a specific domain and continuously build knowledge before exploring other areas. Additionally, Shraddha shared her journey of building the first product—a governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) tool for Salesforce. She emphasized the importance of understanding customer pain points, solving one problem at a time, and involving customers in the development journey to receive early feedback. The conversation delved into the use of frameworks in product management, the challenges of understanding customer problems, and the excitement and fulfillment of working in the cybersecurity industry. Shraddha also discussed the role of certifications in the field and provided insights into the scarcity of cybersecurity talent and the need for educational programs to address this gap. Overall, this episode provided a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for those interested in product management and cybersecurity. Shraddha's expertise and unique perspective shed light on the intricacies of the field and offered valuable guidance for building resilient products in the cybersecurity domain. https://www.pmunfiltered.com/post/cybersecurity-podcast-shraddha-patil-director-palo-alto-networks

In this exciting episode of Product Unfiltered, we are joined by Martina, a Partner at Silicon Valley Product Group, as she shares her invaluable insights on product management and marketing. Martina's extensive experience and expertise have contributed to the success of renowned products like Microsoft Office, making her a sought-after authority in the industry. During the episode, Martina delves into the importance of focusing on value rather than just features when creating and marketing products. She recounts her experience with Microsoft Office and how shifting the messaging to highlight the value it brings to users played a crucial role in its immense success. Martina also discusses the challenges faced in product marketing and provides practical strategies to overcome them, emphasizing the significance of collaboration, communication, and execution. Moreover, Martina explores the evolving landscape of product management, touching on topics such as the role of generative AI, the impact of diversity in technical teams, and the value of failure as a learning opportunity. Her thought-provoking insights and practical advice make this episode a must-watch for aspiring and seasoned product managers alike. Tune in to this episode of Product Unfiltered to gain valuable knowledge from Martina's extensive experience and gain insights that will enhance your product management skills. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's leading experts. https://www.pmunfiltered.com/post/driving-success-through-value-centric-product-marketing-martina-lauchengco

In this episode, Christian shares his insights on product management, innovation, and building a strong product culture. Here's a summary of the key points discussed: 1️⃣ Product Management as Problem Solving: Christian compares product managers to doctors, highlighting their role as problem solvers. He emphasizes the importance of a customer-centric product operating model and the need to avoid assumptions while conducting risk analysis. 2️⃣ Building a Strong Product Culture: The conversation dives into the characteristics of a strong product culture, including a focus on learning, experimentation, and collaboration. Christian explains how leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a healthy product culture and empowering teams to drive innovation. 3️⃣ Leveraging Expertise and Problem-Solving: Christian stresses the significance of recognizing expertise within teams and giving them the autonomy to solve problems. Providing context and measurable goals helps align efforts and drive product success. 4️⃣ The Future of AI and Product Management: The episode explores the impact of AI on different industries and its role in product management. Christian shares his insights on how AI can enhance problem-solving and efficiency but emphasizes that it won't replace human jobs entirely. If you're interested in product management, innovation, and building a strong product culture, this episode is a must-watch! Gain valuable insights from Christian's extensive experience and expertise. https://www.pmunfiltered.com/post/building-strong-product-cultures-christian-idiodi

In this insightful conversation, Akhilesh shares his experiences and expertise in product management, offering valuable insights and tips for aspiring product managers. Here are the key takeaways from the episode: 1️⃣ The art of saying "no" as a product manager and the importance of prioritization. 2️⃣ Customer-focused problem-solving and the application of first principles. 3️⃣ Optimizing choices and prioritizing value for customers and stakeholders. 4️⃣ Balancing tools and communication skills in effective product management. 5️⃣ Understanding the product culture and aligning strategic initiatives with product initiatives. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Akhilesh's wealth of knowledge and experience in the tech industry. Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel now and gain valuable insights to enhance your product management skills. Subscribe to Product Unfiltered for more engaging conversations with industry experts and stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in product management. #ProductManagement #Prioritization #CustomerFocus #CommunicationSkills #ProductCulture #ProductUnfiltered #eBay #TechIndustry

In this episode of Product Unfiltered, we had the pleasure of talking with Seema Bansal, a seasoned product manager at Microsoft Teams. Seema shared her insights on the importance of being a team maker rather than a gatekeeper in product management, the role of data-driven insights and frameworks in decision-making, and the valuable skills that the discipline of product management teaches. Seema's technical background in computer science engineering helped her establish credibility with engineering counterparts while discussing product features. She discussed her team's approach to addressing the challenges faced during the pandemic and shared her key learnings from working in a dynamic environment at Microsoft Teams. Join us in this fascinating conversation with Seema, as we explore the future of product management and the valuable skills it teaches for entrepreneurship. If you're interested in learning more about product management and the insights of a seasoned product manager, this episode is a must-watch. Check it our now: https://www.pmunfiltered.com/post/developing-a-t-personality-seema-bansal-pm-at-microsoft

In this episode of Product Unfiltered, we had the pleasure of hosting Vidya Srinivasan, a Principal Product Manager Lead at Meta. With over 10 years of experience in product, technical and leadership roles across consumer, small business, and enterprise segments, Vidya has led successful product initiatives at Microsoft and Facebook. Vidya shared her insights with Product Unfiltered on the importance of clarity in product management, understanding different product roles, and prioritizing user mental health and well-being over engagement and revenue. In this video, we summarize the key takeaways from Vidya's session. One of the critical takeaways is the importance of creating clarity in product management. This helps the team understand the problem, the trade-offs in making decisions, and why the team is the right one to solve it. Having a technical background is also essential to be a great PM, as it helps in understanding how to build amazing products. Vidya emphasizes the importance of prioritizing user mental health and well-being over engagement and revenue. Safety and well-being are critical components of a user's experience, and it's crucial to consider them when building products. Furthermore, setting short-term and long-term goals, prioritizing and stack ranking, and effective communication are critical in product management. It's also important to do postmortems and retrospectives after major product launches to understand what worked well and what needs improvement. Vidya also shares some valuable resources she follows to stay updated in the product management space, such as newsletters and podcasts. Lastly, she shares the qualities that early-stage product managers should possess, such as being inquisitive and taking the initiative. Vidya's insights provide valuable guidance for anyone interested in pursuing a career in product management. Product managers need to prioritize clarity, understand different product roles, prioritize user well-being, and communicate effectively to succeed. Effective mentorship and keeping up to date with the latest trends and best practices are also critical to success in this field. Don't miss out on this insightful session! Podcast Link: https://www.pmunfiltered.com/post/building-multi-dimensional-careers-vidya-srinivasan-meta

Anne, a principal product manager at Workday, shared her insights on the challenges and opportunities in the HR industry and how technology is shaping its future. She discussed the importance of people analytics in helping HR teams make informed decisions through augmented analytics and how Workday's People Analytics works as a search engine through all of the people data companies have. Anne also highlighted the challenges of data privacy and the importance of understanding AI and machine learning concepts. She emphasized the value of partnering with engineers and focusing on user experience and expectations rather than the technology's details. Anne discussed how they gather feedback from different channels and prioritize features based on criteria such as customer retention, satisfaction, and scalability. Lastly, she talked about the future of People Analytics tools and how they will incorporate new categories of AI. https://www.pmunfiltered.com/post/pm-strategies-for-hr-tech-anne-paul-nedelca