People of Product
174 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 23 ratingsDigital products power our lives, but they wouldn’t exist without the expertise and passion of real people. This podcast brings together industry experts to have conversations beyond tech, tools, and process. We’re here to talk about the ROI of empowered teams. Listen as we discuss building, leading, equipping, and inspiring product teams to create transformational change within companies. People of Product is hosted by George Brooks & Dan Linhart - the founders of Crema.
peopleofproduct.substack.com
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
145: How Technology is Transforming the Construction Industry (ft. Aaron Henderson)
February 19, 2024 15:24 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBTechnology is changing the way we approach construction - from planning and visualization to project management. In this week's episode, Aaron Henderson of STACK Construction Technologies shares insights from his perspective after having shifted from traditional construction consulting to the tech-driven realm. George and Aaron talk about showcasing some of the exciting aspects of construction to attract new talent, niching down to specialize in specific markets, and picking the right techno...
144: The Number One Role of a Product Manager (ft. Blake Reichenbach)
February 05, 2024 06:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBIn 2024, the core principles of PdM haven’t changed. The number one role of a product manager is getting to the root of how serve your customer better. How do you make them LOVE your product and your business. Innovation is the name of the game, but how can you front new technologies while still creating value for customers? This and more on the episode with guest Blake Reichenbach, a product manager at Hubspot. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscrib...
143: The Intersection of Technology and Playful Learning (ft. Anna Jordan-Douglass)
December 11, 2023 06:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBGeorge Brooks interviews Anna Jordan-Douglass, the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Makefully Studios. Anna shares her profound journey through the realms of technology and creativity. Basked with an innate passion for making learning more interactive and fun, Anna explains the sheer magic of assimilating play with education and shares insights into her collaboration with the Jim Henson Company, and how she gathered experiences that later led to the creation of her very own Makefully St...
142: Transforming the Customer Experience with AI (ft. Lamees Butt)
November 13, 2023 06:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBGeorge Brooks interviews Lamees Butt, the Senior Vice President of Global Alliances and Channels at Zoovu. Lamees shares her passion for improving the customer experience and reducing employee workloads through AI-powered solutions, the importance of focusing on customer value, and reimagining the customer journey to drive growth. They discuss the role of AI in personalizing the buying experience and helping businesses make data-driven decisions. Lamees also highlights the opportunities for ...
141: Mastering Customer-Centric Product Management (ft. Ryan Glasgow)
October 09, 2023 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBGeorge chats with Ryan Glasgow, CEO of Sprig, a seasoned product expert. They discuss the key to successful product development: understanding customer problems. Ryan emphasizes the value of asking the right questions and draws insights from his experience at Weebly, where user feedback revolutionized their mobile app. They also dive into the broader concept of customer-centric product management, exploring the impact of genuine understanding on product-market fit and the significance of unc...
140: Elevating E-Commerce | The Power of User-Centricity (ft. Bryan House)
September 18, 2023 05:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MBGeorge Brooks interviews Bryan House, Chief Experience Officer at Elastic Path. They discuss the world of composable commerce, the synergy between product management and customer success, and the role of user-centricity in e-commerce development. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
139: AI in the Room | How Sembly.ai Listens, Learns, and Transforms Meetings (ft. Artem Koren)
September 05, 2023 05:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBGeorge Brooks interviews Artem Koren, Co-founder of Sembly.ai. Artem shares the journey of creating Sembly, an AI-powered meeting companion. Artem unveils Sembly.ai's unique team structures for different technological components and emphasizes the flexibility required in handling NLP (Natural Language Processing) and AI development. The interview showcases the pivotal role of product managers, who drive innovation, user experience, and customer interaction. Discover how Sembly.ai transforms ...
138: Navigating the Product Launch Maze with Ignition's AI Platform (ft. Karthik Suresh)
August 21, 2023 14:51 - 39 minutes - 26.8 MBGeorge interviews Karthik Suresh, co-founder of Ignition, a platform that unlocks revenue opportunities by aligning product, marketing, and sales teams around new market initiatives. Ignition aims to help companies achieve a solid product-market fit and successful product launches by providing an AI-powered platform that guides users through the entire go-to-market process. Their discussion delves into the challenges of coordinating product launches, the importance of effective messaging an...
137: The Secret Sauce Behind SmartSuite's Triumph (ft. Jon Darbyshire)
August 07, 2023 05:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBJoin George in a conversation with Jon Darbyshire, the visionary founder of SmartSuite as they explore the art of user experience, relentless iteration, and the value of customer feedback in crafting a game-changing work management platform. Throughout the episode, Jon reveals the key principles of effective product design, emphasizing the value of continuous iteration and incorporating customer feedback. Whether you're an entrepreneur, product manager, or design enthusiast, this conversatio...
136: Supercharge Marketing with Generative AI (ft. Jon Ricketts)
July 24, 2023 14:43 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBGeorge Brooks interviews Jon Ricketts, CEO and Co-Founder of a game-changing software platform that is set to transform content creation—Writerly AI powered by Generative AI. Tune in to learn how generative AI is reshaping content creation and marketing automation, and its incredible potential for businesses worldwide. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
135: Designing the Future | Crema's Journey from Product Agency to Consultancy
June 26, 2023 18:32 - 7 minutes - 5.32 MBWe regularly preach to our clients that they ought to be seeking ways in which they should be evolving with the times. The same is true for our company. Crema is officially pivoting our business direction in 2023. In this episode, George explains why now. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
135: Designing the Future | Crema's Journey from Product Agency to Consultancy
June 26, 2023 18:32 - 7 minutes - 7.09 MBWe regularly preach to our clients that they ought to be seeking ways in which they should be evolving with the times. The same is true for our company. Crema is officially pivoting our business direction in 2023. In this episode, George explains why now.
134: How a Design Consultancy Can Help Shape Your Company's Future
June 12, 2023 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBThis week Dan Linhart is joined by Crema's VP of Strategy to explain our new company direction. As we've evolved from a software agency into a design consultancy, we're taking a slightly new approach to our work. Hear how we use design thinking and more holistic strategies to solve highly complex business challenges. And whether you might be a good candidate to partner with a design consultancy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access...
133: Innovation through Collaboration | The Storyblocks Design Team (ft. Justin Wieners)
May 26, 2023 17:22 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
132: Disrupting the Quick Service Restaurant Industry with Technology (ft. Sean Steppe, Hawaiian Bros)
May 15, 2023 05:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBGeorge interviews Sean Steppe, senior manager of Restaurant Systems at Hawaiian Bros Island Grill. Hawaiian Bros is a breakout restaurant that is expanding across the country, using technology to create a better end-user experience, not only for ordering and checkout processes but also in the kitchen and on the backside of their organization. Hawaiian Bros uses technology and data to help make decisions and provide better service to their customers as they scale up. With the freedom to test...
131: Debunking Myths & Misconceptions About AI in the Workplace (ft. Michelle Frost)
May 01, 2023 12:23 - 30 minutes - 21 MBIt's good to recognize what AI is and what it is not. In this episode, George Brooks is joined by Michelle Frost to de-bunk myths & misconceptions about what AI can mean for processes in the workplace. Learn about the necessary steps to train a model, from collecting and preparing data to testing and evaluating the model. Plus, the importance of ML Ops and the impact of using third-party libraries and packages. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribe...
130: Revolutionizing Data Privacy and AI Innovation (ft. Gharib Gharibi)
April 17, 2023 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBGeorge interviews Gharib Gharibi, the Director of Applied Research and Head of AI at TripleBlind, a startup based in Kansas City that has now expanded globally. TripleBlind enables data-driven innovation while preserving privacy, allowing for the training of fair and generalizable models with diverse data from multiple institutions. In this episode, they discuss the need for collaboration between academia, industry, researchers, and policymakers to shape the future of AI and build responsibl...
129: The Opportunities and Challenges of Integrating AI into Your Workforce (ft. Carmel Wynkoop)
April 03, 2023 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBIn this episode of People of Product, George Brooks speaks with Carmel Wynkoop, a partner at Armanino, a Top 25 CPA and consulting firm. Carmel leads the business analytics and automation practice at Armanino, providing data-driven practice improvements and automation for international clients in various industries. They discuss the potential of AI and how organizations can start small to achieve small wins that create momentum toward realizing the full potential of AI, machine learning, an...
128: The Potential of AI for Business
March 20, 2023 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBAI is becoming more complex as it begins to touch multiple facets of our everyday lives -- including business. In this week's episode, George and Dan discuss what AI could mean for the future, from the way we work to the products we create. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
127: Product Team Basics - What's the Purpose of Agile Sprints?
February 27, 2023 06:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBThe bi-weekly Sprint is at the heart of the Agile methodology. In this episode, we discuss why Sprints are structured the way that they are and tips for making them successful. Why is a sprint typically 2 weeks? What are the traditional activities that happen over that period of time? Plus expert tips for how to set clear goals and stay aligned for cross-functional teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, ...
126: Product Team Basics - What are Story Points and Velocity?
February 20, 2023 14:18 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBStop using hour-based estimation for your work. There’s a better way! Whether it's a project as a whole or just a Sprint, Story Points and Velocity are key tools in trying to predict the future and make the most of your team's time and effort. In this episode, Dan & George talk about how Story Points offer a means of estimation that is relative to a particular frame of reference, enabling you to get a more accurate understanding of your true Velocity. This is a public episode. If you would...
125: Product Team Basics - What Are Epics and Stories?
February 13, 2023 15:19 - 29 minutes - 34 MBGeorge and Dan delve into the world of epics, both in literature and in the tech industry. Learn how epics and stories in the digital product world can be deconstructed into smaller, more manageable chunks in order to achieve success. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
124: Do You Actually Need a Product Roadmap?
February 06, 2023 06:00 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBHaving a roadmap is important, even in an Agile environment, because it provides a shared understanding of where a project is headed. In this week's episode, Dan and George discuss the process of creating a roadmap, including the timeline and the stages involved, such as planning, prototyping, and user engagement. They also touch on the benefit of being agile and making adjustments as necessary, while still maintaining the overall direction towards the project's north star. This is a publi...
123: How to Get a New Product Team Aligned
January 30, 2023 06:00 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBThe best products are built by creative individuals working together towards a common goal. However, with the diversity of skillsets, experience levels, and influences present in a team, achieving alignment can be a challenge. George and Dan discuss how to overcome obstacles and maintain a productive and aligned product team in this week's episode of People of Product. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ...
122: How to Start a Custom Software Initiative in Your Company
January 23, 2023 06:08 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBThe idea of starting a custom software initiative within your company is a daunting one. From gathering buy-in from leadership to conducting user interviews, in this week's episode, we'll break down some of the best ways to tackle the overwhelming beginnings of a custom software initiative. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
121: What is a Digital Product?
January 17, 2023 06:00 - 20 minutes - 18.3 MBAfter 100+ episodes and talking with listeners, we realized that one of the biggest challenges is simply getting back to the basics of product work. In this episode, we want to define a term we often use: digital product. What is a digital product, and what is it not? Who creates digital products and why? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
We're taking a short break!
September 06, 2022 13:05 - 1 minute - 1.51 MBWe're taking a break to reset and consider different formats and pacing for People of Product. We'll be back in the fall with more amazing episodes about people doing the best work of their lives! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
120: How to Avoid the Silent Killer of Work (ft. Dr. T)
August 21, 2022 22:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBIn the post-pandemic era, people are burnt out. We’re searching for ways to have better human connection and productivity at work. But those things can only happen in spaces with psychological safety. The challenge is that it takes even MORE intentionality to foster. In this episode, Dr. Tharaka Gunarathne (psychiatrist & consultant with FORM) shares his methods for how to foster high levels of trust at work while avoiding further burnout. This is a public episode. If you would like to disc...
119: How to Finally Land a Job in UX (ft. Sarah Doody)
July 25, 2022 13:17 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBThe job market in tech is volatile. But there are factors within your control to land the gig you’re looking for. In this episode, Sarah Doody - Founder & CEO of Career Strategy Lab - shares advice from years of talking with candidates, hiring managers, and UX teams. Hear what you can do to escape the all-too-common journey of 100 plus failed applications. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduc...
118: Letting Inspiration Take Hold
July 11, 2022 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBInspiration is everywhere! In the workplace, it can be especially powerful when turned into action. With an abundance of things to latch onto, it’s helpful to know where the best inspiration comes from. In this episode, Dan & George share how to better tune into sources of inspiration and apply the strongest motivations in a meaningful way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
117: The 12 Tools Our Tech Company Loves
June 27, 2022 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBFrom instant messaging to video conferencing tools, there are scores of new products for highly collaborative teams to sift through. But how do you pick the best for your needs? In this episode, we share the tools we use today at Crema and the potential challenges of using each. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
116: An Inside Look at Innovation in Sports (ft. Jen Choi)
June 13, 2022 16:15 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MBJen Choi is Senior Director of Innovation & Impact at the Atlanta Hawks. She leads their first-ever Innovation Lab that doesn’t stop at creating great fan experiences. They’re dreaming beyond with new ways to support and engage the greater community, from public voting booths to sports NFTs. Hear some of the challenges, experiments, and solutions this future-setting incubator is dealing with today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get ac...
115: Strategic Marketing of Tech Products (ft. Martina Lauchengco)
May 31, 2022 15:49 - 45 minutes - 30.9 MBBuilding a great product is only half the battle. Strong product marketing helps direct how the product gets to market and tells a compelling story about why people need it now. It’s a unique discipline that sits at the intersection of pure marketing and product, and it’s helping break down silos between the two. Martina Lauchengco from the Silicon Valley Group, and author of “Loved”, is on the show to talk about the fundamentals of product marketing and how to apply them. Martina's book "L...
114: Resisting Virtual Isolation to Boost Velocity
May 16, 2022 05:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBLet’s face it. There’s a natural barrier to communication in remote work. When the luxury of proximity is gone, velocity and trust can dwindle. In this episode, Dan & George break down the different types of isolation, the consequences, and ways to overcome silos. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
113: How to Acquire Top Tech Talent
May 02, 2022 05:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBWinning experienced candidates out of the small technical talent pool is TOUGH. Increased demand and salary inflation has made hiring a real challenge in the age of digital transformation. In this episode, we share how we've been successful in hiring the most highly sought-after roles on the job market (without a recruiter). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
112: Tech Empowering Team Agreements and Consensus (ft. Aaron Dignan)
April 18, 2022 14:15 - 46 minutes - 43 MBWe’ve all seen the increasing dissatisfaction in the workforce and the “great resignation” take its toll. Today teams have to be constantly assessing the collective “agreements” made about how work gets done or people will check out. Aaron Dignan - founder of The Ready and author of Brave New Work - is back on the show. In this episode, Aaron & George discuss how teams create consensus and clarity around their norms and policies and Murmur’s newest digital tool that is facilitating this soci...
111: Developers Thinking like Designers
April 04, 2022 05:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBBeyond their strong technical knowledge, great developers bring “big picture perspective” and get wildly creative. If you can broaden your scope beyond your own discipline, then you can guide your team to make intentional decisions that solve even greater problems during ideation. In this episode, Creative Technologist & “Exploratory Team” member CK Hicks shares how developers provide perspective for both technical feasibility and innovative possibility. This is a public episode. If you wou...
110: A Designer's Role in Early-Stage Innovation
March 21, 2022 05:00 - 36 minutes - 42.1 MBGreat designers have a deep focus on understanding the user and getting close to their needs. This is why having an experienced designer involved from the earliest stages of research and ideation is so powerful. In this episode, Product Designer Aubrey Schmidt describes her role in the early innovation space. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
109: Unpacking the “Ecology of Product” in Workshops
March 07, 2022 06:00 - 52 minutes - 48 MBMany have gone through “workshops” that are more like glorified business improv sessions. But high-impact facilitated sessions dedicated to unearthing the real problem can help teams get aligned on the best possible solution. In this episode, expert facilitator Justin Mertes describes the outcomes of early-stage tech exploration and the real consequences of jumping into the work without a deep understanding of the context. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with oth...
108: Introducing Exploratory Services
February 21, 2022 06:00 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBCrema can help make the most meaningful and impactful products when we come in as early as possible to explore all of the possibilities. Before you lay the foundation, you have to make sure you’re headed in the right direction. Hear why our team is deepening our exploratory services this year and what it might mean for your project. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
107: Web 3.0 | Why You Should Care
February 07, 2022 06:00 - 52 minutes - 47.6 MBThere are a lot of differing opinions on the true significance and future impact of Web 3. Is it all hype? Novelty? Or a true paradigm shift that will change the internet as we know it? In the last episode of this 3-part series, we share why our team is exploring Web 3 and the direction we think things are headed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
106: Web 3.0 | Words to Know
January 24, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 61.6 MBIn the Web 3 universe, there’s a crazy amount of jargon you need to know. NFTs, DApps, wallets, DAOs, smart contracts, the list goes on. In this episode, we’re going to rapid-fire define a few important terms. This quick rundown is for anyone new to the Web 3 world looking to join the conversation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
105: Web 3.0 | What is Web 3.0?
January 10, 2022 06:00 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MBConfused by Web 3.0? We were too. The promises of the next iteration of the web are lofty: data de-centralization, transparency, and trust on the web. It won’t happen over night, but the next wave of the internet is coming. In part one of this 3-part podcast series, we’re breaking down the basics. What is web 3.0? What important change is it bringing? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.sub...
104: Productizing Your Professional Services (ft. Eisha Armstrong)
December 13, 2021 06:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MBEisha Armstrong - CEO & Co-founder of Vecteris - is helping businesses think about how to “productize” their service offerings. Finding a way to effectively serve your clients through a one-to-many model requires a huge shift in mindset. In this episode, George Brooks & Eisha discuss how to gauge whether you have something that can be productized, what it takes to get started, and some common mistakes people make along the way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this wit...
103: Work Commitments
November 29, 2021 06:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MBMaking commitments to your team is no small thing. You’re making a promise in the present to hold to a specific, desired end. In this episode, Dan & George talk about the importance of agreement and accountability in work-related commitments.
103: Accountability to Work Commitments
November 29, 2021 06:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MBMaking commitments to your team is no small thing. You’re making a promise in the present to hold to a specific, desired end. In this episode, Dan & George talk about the importance of agreement and accountability in work-related commitments. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
102: Working With Your Resources
November 15, 2021 06:00 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBThere are several different kinds of resources companies have to work with: capital, human, material goods, and time. In this episode, Dan & George discuss the logistics of each and how to be good stewards of all the resources available to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
101: Thoughtfully Supporting Individual Structure
November 01, 2021 05:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBOrganizations are both constrained and enabled by the people within them. Each person brings a defined set of skills, capabilities, and habits that leaders have the opportunity to build upon. In this episode, Dan & George discuss how to thoughtfully support individuals and their structures in a way that doesn’t diminish growth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit peopleofproduct.substack.com
100: A Magnified Look at the Brilliance of Collaboration
October 18, 2021 05:00 - 41 minutes - 38 MBWe can tell you what collaboration is not. It is NOT simply calling a meeting or “brainstorm” session with a group of people. It’s a wildly complex relationship between a team of diverse practitioners co-laboring on a creative endeavor together. In this episode, Dan & George analyze the intricacies of great collaboration and the T-shaped awareness required of every collaborator on a thriving team. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get acc...
99: Coachable Leaders Build Brighter Futures (ft. Matt Thieleman)
October 04, 2021 05:00 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MBFounders tend to over-index on confidence. What if all leaders & entrepreneurs had the humility to seek guidance in their journey? Matt Thieleman, CEO of Pilea, is on a mission to connect every founder with a coach so they can effectively seek the good for themselves, others, and ultimately the globe. In this episode, Matt & George talk about the mindsets & behaviors of truly great leaders and what it takes to be coachable. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with o...