The Product Pivot: Real conversations with product people.

He has a spreadsheet. 350+ contacts and still emails 30–40 of them every couple months.It didn't land him a PM job. What it did was keep him in motion long enough to take the advice that actually worked: stop waiting for the title.Kartikeya Shah is now Project Manager II at RozieAI, where he's been handed a product to manage about a year into a job he took instead of holding out for a full PM role.We get into the two questions he asked at the end of every networking call, why he stopped only reaching out to PMs, and what to do when the books and frameworks don't fit your actual reality.If you're trying to pivot into product right now, don't skip this one. Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

She'd been doing the job for nine years before she found out it had a name.⁠Riëtte Verster ⁠spent the first chapter of her career as a "publisher" at Pearson in South Africa, running Scrum, leading a national reading program in 5 languages, doing all the work of product management without ever calling it that. Then she moved to Canada and discovered her job had a title.Now she's a Senior PM at Liferaft, building AI into a threat-intelligence platform for analysts and investigators, a customer base that is, by training, deeply suspicious of black boxes.Riëtte and Santi (her current Liferaft colleague) get into what actually changes when AI lands on your roadmap, why "shower ideas" are killing your simplification work, and the kind of customer who needs AI to not feel like AI.Plus: the red flag every PM should watch for in themselves.Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

A company fired its entire product team because nobody could explain what they did.Three months later, they called every one of them back.Steve Johnson has been coaching product teams for 30 years, started as a programmer, stumbled into sales, got pulled into product management by a VP who watched him train salespeople and said "that's not your job." And is the founder of Product Growth Leaders.A few things he gets into:Why "product engineer" might be the wrong answer to the AI question. What he thinks product management is actually about, and why he'd rename the role entirely. The specific bad habit that sinks more PMs than any skill gap.Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

Most PM careers don't go in a straight line. Christina Aragon's went through civil engineering, software, sales, and a seven-month job search before she landed her first associate PM role.In this episode, Christina gets honest about what that non-linear path actually taught her, and why it might make her better at the job than someone who went straight in. We dig into what the associate PM role really looks (they're rarer than you think), how her engineering and sales background helps her speak both languages, and why imposter syndrome doesn't care how experienced you are.If you're pivoting into product or wondering whether your background counts, this one's for you.Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

We brought Heidi Ram back, and she came with receipts.Heidi is the Practice Lead of The Product Recruiter and has spent 25 years placing product leaders across North America. She's seen every version of this market: the boom years, the layoffs, the slow rebuilds. And right now, she's watching a lot of talented product people make the same avoidable mistakes.This episode picks up where Part 1 left off, and it gets specific fast. Heidi introduces a concept she's coined called candidate mode, and breaks down what it actually looks like when product people fail to enter it. She talks about the PM who's technically sharp but can't talk to a customer, the candidate who's been interviewing for months without ever doing real discovery on the roles they're pursuing, and the senior leader still hunting for a team to scale in a market that's gone flat.Then she goes deep on resumes - and this part alone is worth the listen. If you're job searching, sitting on a dusty resume, or just starting to feel the market shift beneath you, this one's worth a listen. Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

The best PMs don't wait for perfect conditions. They build anyway.In Season 3's opener, Meagan and Santi get honest about the past year — gestational diabetes, a toddler, a day job, and somehow still shipping Prodfolio and recording a full podcast season before maternity leave.This episode covers how they ran discovery, why they think low pressure ships more than urgency, and what building a side project actually does for your PM career.But mostly it's proof that "not the right time" is never really the reason.Welcome to Season 3.Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

Everyone’s hyping AI like it’s a magic trick.Aaron Kesler sees it differently — it’s just really good at boring stuff.Now VP of Product at RozieAI, Aaron’s focused on solving the unglamorous problems that make real business impact. But his path to product didn’t start in a boardroom.In college, he built a startup that got acquired. Then he realized he hated coding but loved talking to customers, so he walked away from tech completely and started working at Starbucks.That’s where he learned the skill every great PM needs: listening.That same curiosity pulled him back into tech, through SnapLogic’s biggest launches, and into leading product at RozieAI, proving that the best PMs chase problems worth solving.We cover:→ Why AI should be boring (and why that’s a good thing)→ The difference between having AI and creating real value→ How PMs can use AI to bridge creative and technical gaps→ Why you should claim a job title once you’re already doing the workThis one’s sharp, honest, and packed with lessons for anyone building in AI or trying to break into product.Aaron’s Links:🔗 LinkedIn📖 Newsletter: “Become an AI Product Manager” on LinkedInSupport the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

Some pivots don’t start with a master plan, they start with saying yes and figuring it out along the way.In this episode, Eduardo (Eddie) Rosenfeld, VP of Applied AI at Lavender 💜🔮, shares how studying philosophy and writing comedy scripts in L.A. somehow led to product ops at one of the fastest-moving AI startups in sales tech.We talk about:→ Why curiosity and grit matter more than credentials→ The art of “doing whatever it takes” in scrappy startup roles→ How to handle feedback without losing your fire→ Knowing when to use bandaids vs. surgery in product decisions→ Building product through empathy, not egoEddie’s story is a love letter to the generalists — the ones who fill gaps no one asked them to, learn tools overnight, and somehow turn chaos into progress.Listen in for a reminder that product isn’t about titles or frameworks, it’s about curiosity, feedback, and the nerve to keep building when things get messy.Eduardo’s Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardorosenfeld/Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

Not every career pivot starts with a master plan. Sometimes it starts with curiosity or even a lemonade stand.In this episode, Nikhil Punjabi (PM at Dash Social) shares how working with founders at an incubator sparked his shift into product management, and why small experiments can teach the biggest product lessons.We cover:→ The power of transferable skills when moving into product→ Why “done” is often better than “perfect”→ How to avoid building a plane when your customer just needs a bicycle→ Why empathy, humility, and experimentation matter more than shiny metricsWhat we loved most: Nikhil’s reminder that product management isn’t about titles, it’s about listening deeply, solving real problems, and being brave enough to try new things.If you’re pivoting into product, or navigating the messy middle of your PM career, hit Subscribe for real stories and honest lessons. Drop your takeaways for Nikhil in the comments — we’ll jump in to continue the conversation.Nikhil’s Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhil-punjabi/Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

Santi and Meagan sit down with Heidi Ram, a seasoned product recruiter, to uncover what hiring managers really look for in product candidates. Heidi breaks down:Why storytelling sets great PMs apartHow to optimize LinkedIn and resumes to stand outThe truth about career pivots and internal movesWhy understanding your impact (and your “why”) mattersIf you’re job seeking, pivoting into product, or just want to sharpen your career story, this episode is for you.If you’re pivoting into product, or levelling up where you are, hit Subscribe for honest stories and actionable insights.Connect with Heidi Ramhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiram/Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

When’s the right time to hire Product Ops?In this episode of The Product Pivot, hosts Santi and Meagan sit down with Graham Reed, Head of Product Operations at Helios, to unpack the rise of Product Ops and what it really means for growing teams.Graham shares how he “fell into” the role after a decade in product management and why he’s built product ops functions from scratch at multiple companies. We also dig into the messy middle between scrappy and established teams, and why Product Ops is more about change management and influence than tools or processes.You’ll take away:The magic number of employees that signals it’s time to hire Product Ops.Why starting as a team of one works, and how to make it sustainable.The real difference between PMs vs. Product Ops.The critical soft skills that matter more than experience (empathy, listening, influence).How to pivot into Product Ops by spotting and solving problems in your current org.If you’ve ever wondered when (or why) to invest in Product Ops, or how to break into the role yourself, this one’s for you.Graham’s Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamreed/If you’re pivoting into product, or levelling up where you are, hit Subscribe for honest stories and actionable playbooks. Drop your questions for Graham in the comments and we’ll tackle them in a follow-up.Hosts’ Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-glenn/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiana-brace/Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

Join hosts Santi and Meagan as they dive into the world of product management with Gabor. Discover Gabor's unique journey from a programmer to a product manager, his experiences with major tech companies, and his insights on the evolving role of AI in product management. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of breaking into the tech industry and the importance of continuous learning and adaptation.Key Highlights:Gabor's transition from programming to product management. The evolution of product management roles over the years. The impact of AI on product management and its future implications. Gabor's personal journey and motivation in the tech industry. Tips for aspiring product managers and the importance of interview preparation.If you’re pivoting into product, or levelling up where you are, hit Subscribe for honest stories and actionable insights.Gabor’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayergabor/Gabor’s interview ready test: https://test.bigupgrade.com/Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

We’re back with Season 2 of The Product Pivot and this time, it’s bigger than just product management.This kickoff episode is part reflection, part roadmap. We look back at what worked in Season 1, what surprised us, and where we’re going next. From PM career pivots to deeper dives into leadership, operations, and scaling impact, this season will bring even more real stories and actionable lessons.You’ll learn:• What we took away from candid conversations• How “product pivots” extend beyond career moves - to strategy, ops, and culture• The new themes we’ll explore in Season 2 (and why they matter right now)• How to join the conversation and shape what’s aheadHosts’ Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meagan-glenn/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/santiana-brace/ Prodfolio Waitlist: https://waitlist.prodfolio.io/Prodfolio LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prodfoliohq/about/If you’ve been with us since Season 1, thank you for being part of this journey. And if you’re just joining - welcome. Hit Subscribe and grow with us as we explore the messy, inspiring world of pivots together.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Season One Recap 01:57 Insights from Season One Guests 04:50 Celebrating Podcast Success and Community Impact 07:18 New Projects: Prodfolio and Its Purpose 09:55 Navigating Career Changes and New Roles 12:48 Teasers for Season Two Guests and Topics 15:07 Advice from the Community: Product Tips 23:31 Understanding Team Dynamics and Customer Perspective 23:57 Advice for Aspiring Product Managers 25:27 The Importance of Iteration in Product Development 27:09 Mindset vs. Experience in Product Management 31:10 Empathy in Product Management 34:17 Looking Ahead to Season ThreeSupport the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

In this episode of The Product Pivot, we chat with Trevor Acy—a fractional product manager and coach—about his journey from marketing into product, how he broke in without the title, and what real product thinking looks like inside companies.We also dig into:What founders and early-stage teams get wrong when scalingWhy unscalable work is often the smartest workHow Trevor built his fractional practiceTrevor’s mission to grow Mississippi’s tech ecosystemIf you’re exploring fractional work, thinking about a pivot, or building in the early stages—this one’s for you.Connect with Trevor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevoracy/Like, subscribe, and drop a comment if there’s a topic you want us to cover!Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Trevor Acy’s Pivot from Marketing to Product03:00 – Early Exposure to Product Principles13:00 – From Full-Time to Fractional: Trevor’s Transition17:00 – Common Pitfalls in Product-Less Organizations20:00 – Common Mistakes Early-Stage Startups Make24:00 – Why Companies Are Turning to Fractional PMs29:00 – Finding Clients & Building a Fractional Practice37:00 – Building the Mississippi Tech Ecosystem45:00 – Where to Find TrevorSupport the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

Olympia Bardis, Product Manager at CNBC, joins us to share how she made an unexpected pivot from journalism into product management. From managing content at Fox News to building investment tools for retail users, Olympia’s story is a masterclass in self-advocacy, transferable skills, and building confidence through rejection.We dive into:How Olympia transitioned from journalism to productAdvocating for yourself at workThe underrated power of storytelling in productRejection as redirectionThe future of generalist vs. specialist PMsWhether you’re looking to pivot into product or just want a good laugh and some thoughtful insights, this episode delivers.👉 Connect with Olympia:   / olympiabardis  🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring PM stories and actionable advice!Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Olympia’s background: from journalism to product04:20 – Advocating for yourself and breaking into product08:10 – Confidence, imposter syndrome, and the power of belief13:20 – Transferable skills from journalism and storytelling17:00 – Rejection, redirection, and taking a strategic break21:00 – Olympia’s 3-month pivot plan: what to focus on25:00 – Building in public and giving product feedback online28:00 – The generalist vs. specialist PM debate33:10 – Controversial food opinions: pineapple, olives, and potatoes35:00 – Final thoughtsSupport the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

In this episode of The Product Pivot, we sit down with Brody Clemmer, Lead Product Manager at Little Otter, to discuss the future of product management and how the role is evolving.We cover:• How Brody landed in product without a degree• The biggest misconceptions about product management• Why living in the problem space is the key to success• The real difference between PMs at startups vs. large enterprises• If product management will still exist in 10 years and what might replace itOh, and we also settle one of the most controversial food debates of all time: Is a hot dog a sandwich? 🌭😂Connect with Brody: LinkedIn 👉 Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what topics you'd love to hear next!Timestamps: 📌 [00:00] Welcome & Introducing Brody Clemmer📌 [02:00] The Role of Curiosity in Product Management📌 [04:00] Brody’s Path to PM 📌 [10:00] Lessons from Startups vs. Big Companies📌 [19:00] Breaking Into Product: 92 Job Applications Later📌 [26:00] Why Product Managers Must Stay in the Problem Space📌 [31:00] Will Product Management Exist in 10 Years?📌 [40:00] The Future of PM: Evolution or Extinction?📌 [47:00] The Most Important Question: Is a Hot Dog a Sandwich? 🌭Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

In this episode of The Product Pivot, Santi and Meagan sit down with Varsh, a Senior Product Manager at Microsoft, to discuss her journey from solutions engineering to building Gen AI products like Copilot.She debunks myths about breaking into big tech, shares actionable advice for aspiring PMs, and highlights the power of transferable skills.Whether you're looking to pivot into product management or grow your career, this episode is full of insights, strategies, and real-world advice to help you navigate the job market and stand out as a PM.Key insights include:Myths vs. reality – What it really takes to break into big techVarsh’s journey – How she transitioned into product managementThe impact of AI on PM roles and the future of AI-driven product buildingNetworking & LinkedIn strategies for job seekersEssential resources to help you land a PM roleResources Mentioned:Cracking the PM Interview by Jackie Bavaro & Gayle Laakmann McDowell – Amazon LinkConnect with Varshine: LinkedInListen now and don’t forget to follow for more product management insights!Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Meet Varshine02:00 – How Varshine Pivoted into Product Management06:00 – Myths About Breaking Into Big Tech12:00 – The Role of AI in Product Management20:00 – Dealing with Rejection & Career Growth24:00 – Advice for Aspiring Product Managers35:00 – Networking & Building a PM Brand41:00 – Fun Q&A & Closing ThoughtsSupport the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

From Marketing to Product Management – Tyler Johnson, Product Manager at Nectar, shares how he made the leap from customer and product marketing into a PM role. In this episode of The Product Pivot, hosts Santi and Meagan sit down with Tyler to discuss: How his marketing background helped his transition Why customer obsession is crucial for product managers Challenges he faced as a first-time PM The importance of cross-functional collaboration How to build strong relationships with engineers Actionable advice for aspiring product managers  Whether you're pivoting into product management or want to sharpen your skills, this episode is packed with insights and career tips!  Connect with our guest and hosts: Tyler Johnson: LinkedInSanti: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Meagan: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Subscribe for more PM career stories & insights!  Timestamps: 00:00 – Introductions 01:05 – Tyler’s Journey from Marketing to Product Management 04:15 – Transferable Skills & Customer Obsession 15:30 – Overcoming Challenges as a First-Time PM 22:40 – Advice for Aspiring Product Managers 31:00 – Building Strong Relationships with Engineers 35:00 – Fun Questions & Closing ThoughtsSupport the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

Welcome to another episode of The Product Pivot! In this episode, hosts Santi and Meagan share their personal journeys pivoting from customer support to product management. They also answer the lingering question: how did The Product Pivot get started?  What you'll learn in this episode:Meagan’s transition from customer success to founding PM at a startup Santi’s unique journey from retail management to SaaS product managementThe importance of mentorship and how it shaped their careers The power of data in decision-making as a PM How The Product Pivot podcast was bornWhether you're pivoting into product management, searching for your first PM role, or just love hearing about career transitions, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and real talk.Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what topics you'd love to hear next!Follow us:Santi: ⁠LinkedIn⁠Meagan: ⁠LinkedIn⁠Support the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

In this episode, co-hosts Santi and Meagan chat with Rachel, a Product Manager at Liferaft, about her unique journey from private investigator to PM.They dive into the power of transferable skills, breaking into product without prior experience, and overcoming challenges like perfectionism and learning on the fly.Plus, Rachel shares insights on the "Product Management is Dead" debate and some fun, unexpected facts - including her controversial food opinion! Follow us:Santi: ⁠LinkedIn⁠Meagan: ⁠LinkedIn⁠Rachel: ⁠LinkedInSupport the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

In this episode, hosts Santi and Meagan sit down with Brandon Green, a Staff Product Manager at Buffer, to explore his unconventional journey from music school to tech and how he navigated the world of product management.Brandon shares pivotal moments in his career, the challenges he faced, and how adaptability has shaped his success in different work environments. He also discusses the role of creativity in product management, offers insights into today’s job market for PMs, and emphasizes the importance of self-reflection for career growth.From the evolving nature of product management to practical advice for aspiring PMs, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in for a dynamic and insightful conversation on what it takes to thrive in product today!Connect with our guest and hosts:Brandon Green: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Santi: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Meagan: ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Timestamps:00:00 – Introductions01:07 – Brandon’s Journey into Product Management05:20 – The Creative Side of Product Management10:23 – Challenges & Surprises in Product Management17:05 – Advice for Aspiring Product Managers24:34 – Reflecting on the Future of Product Management28:20 – Personal Interests & Fun Questions31:19 – ConclusionSupport the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/

Welcome to The Product Pivot Podcast!Join hosts Meagan Glenn and Santiana Brace as they explore the world of product management. Whether you're looking to break into the field or level up your career, you're in the right place. In this intro episode, we share our mission to inspire and equip aspiring product managers, career changers, and anyone curious about the product space.We’ll dive deep into the highs, lows, and unexpected twists of the PM journey with real stories from people who’ve successfully made the pivot.This podcast isn’t just about listening; it’s about starting a conversation. Subscribe, tune in, and let’s get talking!Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:25 - What is 'The Product Pivot' Podcast?00:30 - What to Expect from the PodcastSupport the showConnect with Santiana: Santiana's LinkedIn Connect with Meagan: Meagan's LinkedInCheckout Prodfolio: https://prodfolio.io/