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 www.peopleofproduct.us

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

The dangerous gap between “like” and “buy”It’s safe to say that Mark’s career has given him a well-rounded perspective. He’s built products, sold products, serviced products, and advised on products in the cybersecurity space. This 360-degree view has made one tough, but important truth obvious:“People can say that they like what you do, but that’s very, very different than them getting out of their pocketbook and spending money on it. That is two different scenarios, completely different scenarios.”This is how it goes in many social or professional settings - people are nice. They will be supportive, offer suggestions, say that it’s great and never buy. Mark learned to find design partners who would be brutally honest about budget, replacement vs. net-new spend, and whether they’d actually pull the trigger.120 CISOs in six monthsWhen building Secure Blueprint, Mark didn’t send out async surveys or run a few user interviews. He talked to 120 CISOs over a 6-month period. It’s worth noting that in these conversations, he wasn’t asking about UI preferences, he was mapping their operational reality:Budget cycles and how they allocate CapEx vs. OpExHow they report progress to boardsHow products fit into maturity assessment processesThe goal is to understand if your product would be integrated into daily workflows or become a “once a month nice-to-have.” The former gets adopted. The latter gets churned.The vaporware marketWith 10,000+ cybersecurity products in the market, Mark sees a bit of an ugly pattern. There’s quite a bit of ‘buzzword bingo’ and empty promises make it nearly impossible for customers to identify real innovation.“You can have to wade through all of the vaporware. And when you sort of peel it back, there’s nothing there. Literally, like there’s nothing there. Or what they claim is literally not accurate.”Everyone is slapping “AI-powered” or “cloud-native” on their pitch decks. CISOs wade through pitch after pitch, and even 25-year industry veterans like Mark get confused by the marketing fodder.Simplicity could be your competitive advantageCISOs speak one language to their technical teams and another to the board. If they can’t translate your value prop up the chain for budget approval, your product dies.“The more you simplify things, the more you can amplify things. If you overcomplicate things because it’s a tech sell, then as soon as the technical seller goes up for budget, you lose translation.”Proximity to customers creates velocityMark has led both massive teams and small ones. His current approach at Evolve favors small, senior teams — not because small is necessarily better, but because proximity to customers creates speed.“The more layers you have, the further away they are to the customer and the farther away they are to the purpose.”When developers see client data in real-time and make decisions based on what’s happening right in front of them, they don’t wait for tickets. They solve problems.TL;DR: Build at the intersectionCybersecurity products succeed when they balance technical depth, business viability, and operational reality. Stay close to customers, simplify ruthlessly, and know the difference between someone thinking something is interesting vs. handing you a credit card.hnical depth, business viability, and operational reality. Stay close to customers, simplify ruthlessly, and know the difference between "that's interesting" and "here's my credit card." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

What if fear isn’t the enemy of growth, but a compass pointing toward where you ought to go next? Aaron Nordyke, Head of Product at Drypowder, has built his career by leaning into discomfort rather than avoiding it. From engineering leadership to his first product role at a pre-seed startup, Aaron shares how emotions signal professional values, why balanced teams outperform individual expertise, and how trust is built through daily consistency rather than grand gestures. This is a testament for product leaders who see fear as information rather than an obstacle in the way.Fear as a kind of north starMost people run from fear, but Aaron Nordyke has learned to follow it. He’s learned, especially over the last couple of years, that emotions are our friends. They’re trying to tell us something, trying to tell us what we value.When his former boss offered him a product role despite having very little product experience, Aaron’s first instinct was panic. But he’s developed a different relationship with that discomfort: “I would use that fear to guide me toward learning as much as possible. I would grab what people consider the industry standard books, and I would pour through them and practice them.”This isn’t about being fearless! It’s about being fear-informed. For product leaders constantly facing the unknown, Aaron suggests looking for the opportunity to turn the anxiety into action. It isn’t always easy or natural, but it’s a positive and necessary response.The art of seeing and lifting othersDrawing from Carl Jung’s concept of the “King Archetype,” Aaron has developed a leadership philosophy centered on recognition rather than being recognized. “King energy is not about being seen. It’s about seeing others. You get out there specifically to see others, to see excellence, and to honor that excellence and lift it up.”This translates into specific practices, like monthly skip-level meetings where you could tell you group things that are impressing you, that certain people are doing. The goal is providing encouragement: “If you tell somebody that what you’re doing is what I want you to continue doing. That is constructive feedback that gives them certainty they are on the right path.”Aaron believes that this approach addresses a universal truth: Where everyone is a beginner, everyone is a little bit scared. By creating space for people to feel safe in their uncertainty, he’s seen teams consistently flourish across different technical domains.Trust as your only currencyIn the high-stakes world of startups, Aaron abides by Reid Hoffman’s definition of trust: “consistency over time.” This isn’t about grand gestures, rather, it’s about daily deposits. Every single time that you meet that expectation, a trust deposit is made. “You’re putting a marble in the jar,” referencing Brené Brown’s marble jar concept.For early-stage companies like Drypowder, this patience can feel counterintuitive. “Unfortunately, we’re not very patient when we’re trying to fundraise and get our early customers.” But Aaron understands the math: “You can’t withdraw from something that they don’t know.” In other words, you have to make trust deposits before you can ask for customer feedback, team commitment, or investor confidence.The compound effect is powerful. When you’ve built that consistency, you can expect that it will be done again. In a world where everyone can create products, trust becomes the ultimate differentiator.TLDR; Fear isn’t your enemy! It’s your compass for professional growth. Build teams around complementary strengths, not individual perfection. Create certainty for others by consistently recognizing their excellence. And remember: trust is built through daily consistency, not grand gestures. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Even the sharpest product managers can fall into the “project manager” trap. Jason Houseworth, CPO at OpenLane, believes it’s happening in the industry more than PMs care to admit. In this episode, hear Jason’s view on why people tend to get caught up in managing activities instead of creating value. We cover using AI as a collaboration partner (instead of a tool), thinking like an entrepreneur in an enterprise environment, and getting uncomfortably close to the user. A killer combo to create value for your business.Lean fully into the “value creator” mindsetJason doesn't love the title "product manager" - and he’s got good reason. He's seen too many people fall into the trap of simply managing activities. It’s ironically one of the primary reasons PMs like differentiating themselves from project managers. But how well are we doing this as an industry?“I don't want people to be a manager. I prefer just the term value creator, because that's what I expect people to pursue. I want you to create the fastest path to the most value. And what that means is you have to understand the user need you're solving for, and ultimately the value that you're creating for them.”Activity does not equal benefit or value. As Jason reminds us, product managers can get endorphins by going down the checklist, but that does not mean that what you're actually doing is creating value for the end user.2 traps that inhibit product excellence* Letting others interpret your data - Whether it's qualitative feedback from users or quantitative insights from analytics, Jason believes product people need to get their hands dirty. "You need to be the one who is exploring the data and really pulling the thread in Domo or Mixpanel... You have to be there. You have to get your hands dirty."* Using AI as just a tool - The mistake isn't using AI, it's thinking of it as just another tool. Really unlocking AI comes from thinking about it the same way you would a teammate or a collaboration partner.Innovation = Proximity + SpeedJason thinks of innovation as being relatively simple.“If you take the people who are solving the need and you get 'em as close to the customer as possible, and then you shorten the iterations... then that, to me is really how you innovate. Because you're staying really close. You're listening and you're releasing a lot."Even in enterprise environments, Jason advocates thinking like an entrepreneur. "I strongly believe that even if you're working for a large enterprise, you've gotta think like an entrepreneur. You've gotta think small."Building psychological safetyDrawing from Google's Project Aristotle research, George & Jason talk about how the perfect teams aren’t what you'd necessarily expect."Do you think that the perfect team had the smartest people? No. And was it the overachievers? No. It was the people who were really good at reading into other people.”This goes back to building psychological safety - environments where people trust each other enough to take risks and speak up regardless of hierarchy. In an environment where people trust one another, guess what happens? You feel like you can take risks. You can raise a challenge, talk about what is or isn't gonna work, and why.What's exciting about the futureJason's most excited about the democratization of prototyping through AI. His 21-year-old son built an entire platform in six hours using AI tools, got feedback from a Reddit community, and had paying customers within weeks. Gen Z and those that follow have been born into an age with miraculous technologies, and some are seizing the opportunity to do some neat things."To see somebody who understands how to build software, but to then be able to create something that solved a need so quickly and get feedback on it and know the parts that it's just kind of a tool that people aren't interested in... To be able to iterate like that in days because of generative AI. That's really exciting."People of Product is brought to you by Crema - a design & technology consultancy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Description: Most companies jump straight to AI use cases, whereas Dan Williamson at Ryan Companies US, Inc. started with education first. Rather than chasing the bells and whistles or sexy use cases, his team focused on helping people rethink their roles and understand how this tech will change their work.Dan explains why he looks for willing business partners instead of fighting resistance, how rockstar superintendents became his best AI evangelists, and what happens when you prioritize eliminating the bane of most people's day over shiny objects.Education over bells and whistlesDan's approach to AI implementation at Ryan Companies flips the typical playbook. Instead of leading with sexy use cases, his team made an unexpected choice."One of the biggest things we did from a strategic standpoint related to AI wasn't all the bells and whistles - which use cases are you going after, what's the sexy thing you're doing right now? It was honestly communicating and educating with our company, giving them the right education, giving them a foundational understanding in order for them to rethink about their roles and rethink about how this technology will change their work. Because it ultimately will."A three-module curriculum that he proved worksWorking with the University of Minnesota, Dan built a practical education framework:* Hour-long fundamentals: "Give them semantics to talk about the words, to understand and read an article better. Remove that fog, the unknown unknowns."* 90-minute hands-on: "I have this suspicion that no one takes the time for themselves unless you tell them to do it. If I were to give them an enterprise chatbot license and say 'go take 90 minutes and tinker,' they're not going to protect that time. So we protect that time for them."* Design thinking workshop: "We've given individuals a new toolset and new language to think about innovation, but we haven't taught them how to innovate and change."Finding willing partners, not fighting resistanceDan's change management philosophy is refreshingly honest: "I truly look for partners in the business who are willing to come on that journey. There are areas where there's been resistance, and that's just maybe not where we started. That doesn't mean we won't get there, but we're trying to prioritize the partners at Ryan who are really willing to go on the journey with us."His approach involves getting on job sites: "We've tried to engage and empathize with our business partners as much as possible—getting on the job site, having them tell us their problems, listening really intently and coming at those problems with a different perspective."The best ambassadors aren't who you think"The best sellers of those ideas in domains where I'm not the expert—if I have our rockstar superintendents going out and selling the use cases we have, that's going to be a huge win. I hope it's them finding the value and driving that narrative more than I am."TLDR: Start with people, not technologyDan's approach proves that successful AI transformation requires treating it as a human challenge first, technical challenge second. Key lessons:* Education beats evangelism - Build foundational understanding before pushing use cases* Find willing partners - Work with early adopters rather than fighting resistance* Create internal champions - Your best evangelists are domain experts, not tech teams* Protect learning time - People won't make time for AI exploration unless you structure it.People of Product is brought to you by Crema - a design & technology consultancy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Description: Designers are coding, engineers are writing specs, and product managers are prototyping with tools that didn't exist 3 months ago. Julia Kanter, Senior Director of Product at Zillow, has watched her team's roles become more pixelated as the tectonic plates beneath the product landscape keep shifting. She explains why the need for product sense has become more acute when everyone can do a bit of everything. And why approaching this moment with curiosity, agency, and humility might be the smartest move of all.The new reality of product teamsJulia's perspective comes from leading AI and experience teams at Zillow, where she's witnessed firsthand how rapidly evolving tools are reshaping what it means to build products. The traditional boundaries between roles are blurring in ways that require teams to develop new patterns of collaboration."I think across tech it's clear that our roles are becoming more pixelated," Julia explains. "An engineer can be product minded or spin up their own spec, and a designer can code. That is great, but it does require practice in how to do that day to day and redefining your way of working with your partners."When everyone can prototype, what happens?The democratization of building tools has created unprecedented opportunities for rapid experimentation. Julia describes building a prototype at 40,000 feet during a flight, responding to feedback she'd received from real estate agents earlier that day. This kind of immediate iteration would have been impossible just a few years ago.But this accessibility comes with a caveat. While anyone can create a demo or proof of concept, getting something to production quality remains a significant challenge. The gap between "it works in the demo" and "it works reliably for thousands of users" is where product sense becomes crucial.The 3 work postures that still matter* Asking good questions - Good judgment starts with good questions! Stay curious.* Exercising judgment - When you can spin up a deep research report in a matter of minutes, discernment becomes imperative. What can be trusted? What should you use? What should you ignore entirely?* Taking agency - The tools are there, but they require someone willing to dive in without waiting for permission. High agency product people are experimenting, learning, and iterating faster than they ever have.2026 predictionsJulia predicts 2025 will be "the year of messy AI tech" where everyone is piloting and experimenting, with 2026 being when things start falling into place. This mirrors the pattern we saw with multimodal AI exploration in 2023 and broader implementation in 2024.For product teams, this means the current period is about building muscle memory around new tools and workflows rather than expecting immediate perfection.This is the worst that AI tools will ever be!TLDR; Having product sense is the differentiatorWhen everyone has access to powerful building tools, the ability to know what to build becomes the key differentiator. Product sense - that combination of customer empathy, business understanding, and strategic thinking - becomes more acute when the barriers to creating are lower.The message is clear! Embrace the fluidity, be ready to develop new collaborative processes, and remember that all the tools in the world can't replace good judgment about what customers actually want.People of Product is brought to you by Crema - a design & technology consultancy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Prioritization is one of the hardest parts of product management — and most teams are getting it wrong. They’re chasing the loudest voices instead of real impact. They’re getting distracted by shiny objects like AI.They fail to solve incongruencies between various areas of their organizations before executing.Mark Vanderweide, Chief Product & Technology Officer at Bungii, has seen this play out across startups, enterprise organizations, and M&A deals. In this episode, he breaks down how great product leaders fight the noise, focus on real value, and align teams before things spiral out of control. Additional topics include:* the difference between buyers and users and why it matters* key takeaways from Mark’s experience in product management in different company sizes* how to navigate the challenge of aligning newly acquired teams and leadership* managing competing interests from sales, ops, engineering, and leadership* AI hype vs. practical use cases* what separates high-performing product teams from dysfunctional onesPeople of Product is brought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Data vs. gut instinct. What really drives the best product decisions?Nate Juraschek, Head of Product at Telarus, has spent 20+ years navigating the highs and lows of product leadership—from Sprint and H&R Block to fast-moving startups. Along the way, he’s learned one truth: data is only as good as the story you tell with it.Topics covered in this episode include: * How to use data as a guide when following gut instincts * Why curiosity is the secret weapon of great product leaders* The most powerful (and underrated) analytics tools to start using today* How a background in filmmaking prepared Nate for the world of building digital products* How AI is changing the way we track, analyze, and act on product dataWhether you’re in product, UX, or tech leadership, this conversation is rich in insights to help you make more confident decisions.Watch the full episode on YouTube This episode is brought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Pat McLoughlin is the Director of Product at MoneyLion and former founder and CEO of Digs, a fintech platform for residential real estate. Digs provides tools that help renters save for their first home and homeowners maximize wealth while working with real estate agents and mortgage lenders.In this episode, Pat tells the story of how Digs came to be, and how he pivoted from pursuing architecture as a career to following a new interest in real estate, fintech, and educating first-time homebuyers when they needed it most.He takes us through the challenges and successes of scaling, fundraising, and eventually exiting through an acquisition.Additional topics:* Transitioning to a for-profit model* Building the Digs team* Navigating COVID and fundraising uncertainty* Team dynamics and scaling* Joining MoneyLion and building influence in a new organizationJoin the conversation! 👇🏼What unexpected skills or experiences from your past have shaped the way you approach challenges today, and how might hidden lessons from your own journey fuel future innovation?People of Product is brought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Alicia Lopez, Chief Innovation Officer at Flatiron Corp, is an innovation enthusiast with a rich background in civil engineering and over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. Originally from Spain, Alicia has worked globally—from India to the Middle East—bringing a holistic approach to innovation.In this week’s episode, Alicia shares her insights on building a culture of innovation, aligning it with company goals, and emphasizing the strategic importance of fostering collaboration across departments. Topics covered:* defining innovation in the workplace* fostering a culture of innovation* AI and digital twins* challenges and future of innovation* the role of change management in innovation This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Tannis Liviniuk is the Digital Advancement Executive at Zachry Group and has a background in industrial construction, working on an array of different projects from greenfield and brownfield to shutdowns, freeze-ups, and fire rebuilds.In this week’s episode, we dive into the challenges of user adoption of new tools, the importance of understanding the end user, and the ethical questions surrounding AI. Other topics covered include:* the role of AI in data management* the ethics of AI and technology resistance* effective engagement with tech companies* building strong relationships in tech This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Tyler Campbell is the owner of Storybuilder Creative and co-host of the Construction Brothers podcast. His background in steel detailing coupled with experience creating videos in the commercial construction industry grants Tyler with unique insights into areas where construction tech falls short and how it can be improved. Topics include: * Challenges with technology adoption* The importance of proximity * Generational shifts in the industry* Technologists in the fieldBrought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Dustin Burns is the VP of Technology at McCownGordon Construction. His approach to technology impacts corporate culture, creating higher associate engagement and productivity. Dustin believes technology is useless if it doesn’t help people, and that construction is the most important industry in the world. In this week’s episode, he breaks down how new tech solutions are transforming the AEC industry — from preventing rework and reducing safety risk to changing the way the next generation views trade careers.Topics covered in this episode include:* the shifting perspective of working a trade* the role of technology in client experiences * safety and efficiency in construction * looking outside of the AEC industry for construction tech solutions Brought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

What does it take to build the future environments that support where we live, work, and play? Eveart Foster is the Integrations Subject Matter Expert at Autodesk and has had a unique opportunity throughout his career to see the entire life cycle of the built world experience, from engineering and design to pre-construction planning. This week Eveart takes us through the role of data maturity in the architecture, engineering, and construction world. Other topics covered include:* the importance of holistic thinking* AI and automation potential in construction* creativity and AI toolsJoin the conversation 👇🏼How do you see data maturity, AI, and automation shaping the future environments where we live, work, and play? What challenges or opportunities will these technologies bring to the architecture, engineering, and construction industries?Brought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

The path to product management can be an unconventional one. This week, Jessica Dubin shares her story of transitioning from the education sector, where she graduated from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, to becoming Chief Product Officer at Remesh, an AI-focused research platform. Along the way, she observed how context influences how we work, serve our users, and develop products.In this episode, we’ll discuss:* navigating leadership and organizational challenges* balancing transparency and focus* understanding what motivates teams * setting up new employees for success by gathering context for them* customer context and user engagement* the importance of retrospectives Join the conversation 👇🏼 Jessica’s path from education to product management shows how diverse experiences can shape leadership. What unconventional career shift or unique background have you encountered in your own journey, and how has it influenced the way you work or lead? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

We all want our teams to be agile, but when is agile too agile? This week I’m joined by Hannah Clark, editor at TheProductManager.com and host of The Product Manager Podcast. Hannah shares insights from startup project managers at various levels who navigate challenges like “shiny object syndrome,” lack of collaboration while working remotely, and other issues that arise in rapidly scaling startups.Topics covered include:* the disconnect between product development and people management* balancing innovation with stability* the cost of switching directions* balancing trust and change in leadership + shiny object syndrome* empowering teams and maintaining momentum* navigating psychological safety and feedback* the value of the “complainer” in teams* intentionality in remote work * the future of work culture Join the conversation 👇🏼How do you ensure your team stays focused on long-term goals without stifling the innovative spirit that drives startups forward? Share your experiences with balancing agility and stability in fast-paced environments.Brought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Currently serving as President of Diode Ventures, the infrastructure development arm of Black & Veatch, Brad Hardin has worked as a LEED-accredited architect, construction manager, and technology leader in a national and international capacity with a focus on business development/procurement, technology strategy, and growth. Join me in this week’s conversation with Brad as we discuss the crucial role of infrastructure development for the future of artificial intelligence and how to integrate advanced technology effectively and sustainably while highlighting the significance of a strong, collaborative team and a culture of continuous learning.Topics covered in this episode include:* the challenges of archaic systems* benefits of prefabrication and automation in construction* the fascinating possibilities of quantum computing * community engagement and public perception* the role of humans in a tech-driven world Join the conversation 👇🏼What antiquated legacy systems do you notice in your professional or personal life that need to be updated? Are they updates technology can achieve, or are they better left for humans to handle?Brought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Imagine the job site of the future, where autonomous drones are moving material across the worksite and earth is being moved by vehicles being operated by people across the world, all driven by AI. These are a few of the things we get to talk about this week on the podcast with Jeff Danley. Jeff Danley, is the Director of Innovation at Burns & McDonnell, and he has over 20 years of experience driving innovation at the intersection of technology and business. He’s been at the forefront of technological evolution, from the early days of the internet to the transformative impact of mobile devices, and now he leads the charge in leveraging AI to redefine industry standards. The topics we cover in this episode include: * the future of construction sites driven by AI * autonomous drones* the importance of connectivity* the challenges of integrating new tech into a traditionally laggard industry* building a “digital fabric” to connect people, equipment, and materials* enhancing safety on job sites using AI Join the conversation 👇🏼What issues involving safety, efficiency, and connectivity have you encountered in your professional environment that could be remedied by AI? Brought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Join me in a conversation with Eric Whobrey, VP of Innovation at ARCO Construction, as we explore the parallels between the design-build process in technology and construction and how Eric navigates the tension between making sure that the organization is rowing in the same direction while also giving permission to experiment, innovate, and maybe even stretch the rules a little bit every once in a while.In this episode, we’ll talk about:* challenges and opportunities in balancing organizational efficiency with the need for innovation* the importance of solving 'gray area' challenges* the role of AI and robotics in construction* training, communication, and empathy in innovation* overcoming adoption and scalability challengesJoin the conversation! 👇🏼What are some ways that organizations can encourage growth and innovation while maintaining consistent deliverables for our clients?Where to find Eric: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwhobrey/Brought to you by Crema - Get the most out of your existing product teams.00:00 Introduction to the Intersection of Technology and Construction01:20 Meet Eric Whobrey: VP of Innovation at Arco01:58 Exploring Gray Areas and Innovation Challenges04:48 The Role of AI and Robotics in Construction10:18 Design-Build Collaboration and Agile Methodologies20:05 Operational Challenges and Data Management29:57 Adoption and Change Management in Construction35:37 Looking Ahead: The Future of Construction Innovation38:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Construction leaders, this one is for you! This week on the podcast, we hear how J.E. Dunn Construction is piloting cutting-edge technology within their 100-year-old organization. They acknowledged that legacy and tradition are important, but so is future casting. Mark Stocks, VP and Director of Enterprise Architecture and his team are successfully balancing practicality and genuine innovation in an industry where it’s tough to do. In Q3 of 2024, Mark’s team is focusing on clean data and the ‘big three’ — AI, ML, and citizen development — to drive growth and efficiency. Hear how this major general contractor is adopting Microsoft’s CoPilot for meeting summaries and form-building, integrating Autodesk for project management, and utilizing low-code/no-code platforms to streamline business processes. Where to find Mark: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markstocks/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

People of Product is back from a hiatus! In this brief episode, we'll fill you in on what to expect from the next season. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Technology 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 technologies when each project is unique. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

In 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 subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

George 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 Studios. With a strong team that shares a similar vision of fostering creativity and enhancing learning, Makefully Studios has emerged as a vibrant platform for crafting playful learning environments for children. Tune in to delve deeper into the insightful world of creative learning and Anna's impactful work in the field. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

George 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 B2B organizations to transform their processes and create better digital experiences. Tune in to gain insights into the future of AI and how it can revolutionize business operations and customer satisfaction. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

George 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 unconventional team structures and early "aha!" moments. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

George 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 www.peopleofproduct.us

George 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 meetings with its AI teammate, revolutionizing the way we collaborate. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

George 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 and positioning, and how Ignition's AI technology assists in creating standardized go-to-market plans.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Join 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 conversation sheds light on the power of user experience in shaping a successful product. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

George 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 www.peopleofproduct.us

We 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 www.peopleofproduct.us

This 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 to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

George 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 and try new things, they are breaking and refocusing to use tech to push the brand forward in the restaurant space.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

It'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 subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

George 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 responsible and fair AI. You'll also hear about the challenges faced by customers and prospects in understanding and embracing the full potential of AI and the importance of #usability in AI tools. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

In 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, and robotic process automation (RPA). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

AI 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 www.peopleofproduct.us

The 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, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Stop 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 like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

George 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 www.peopleofproduct.us

Having 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 public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

The 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 www.peopleofproduct.us

The 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 www.peopleofproduct.us

After 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 www.peopleofproduct.us