In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, host Vivek Khattri is joined by Richard Seroter, Chief Evangelist at Google Cloud and a returning guest, for a candid conversation about the future of product management and AI. 

Richard shares his journey from leading outbound product management teams to driving developer relations at Google, offering an insider’s perspective on Google Cloud’s AI strategy and what it means for product leaders, teams, and organizations.

Richard unpacks how Google’s unique AI stack-from foundational research and custom TPUs to platforms like Vertex and Gemini-powered assistants-is shaping the next generation of products. 

The discussion dives deep into how AI is transforming the role of product managers and product owners, and why adaptability, curiosity, and discipline are more critical than ever.

Key Takeaways

Google’s AI Stack: More Than Hype

• Google’s end-to-end AI stack spans research, custom hardware (TPUs), foundational models (like Gemini), platforms (Vertex), and user-facing tools that power everything from Gmail to code assistants.
• The focus: Make AI widely useful and integrated-not just a novelty.

Product Management in the Age of AI

• AI accelerates landscape analysis, market research, and prototyping-what once took weeks can now happen in minutes.
• Product managers must ruthlessly prioritize, know when to quit, and focus on high-impact opportunities-even at large companies like Google.

Timeless Skills for Modern PMs

• Humility, curiosity, and discipline remain essential. The best PMs lead through influence, not authority, and are relentless about customer empathy.
• “Customer zero” mindset: Use your own product to build insight and credibility.

AI Fluency for Teams

• Becoming “AI first” starts with being “AI ready.” Upskill every team member, from executive assistants to general managers, in foundational AI concepts and tools.
• Build comfort and reduce anxiety by encouraging experimentation and bottom-up idea generation.

Prototyping and Communication

• The days of 50-page specs are fading. Use AI tools to create prototypes, videos, and visual artifacts-even if you don’t code-to communicate ideas and inspire teams.
• Product owners and managers must own the translation from concept to working representation.

Building Trust and Responsible AI

• Avoid the “black box” trap: Understand how LLMs fit into architectures, and design for transparency, real-time updates, and responsible evaluation.
• Regularly test and update systems as models evolve to maintain quality and trust.

Agents and Agent Platforms

• Agents are redefining automation and business processes. Google’s Agent Space and development kits enable low-code/no-code agent creation and orchestration.
• Product leaders should familiarize themselves with agent frameworks to unlock new possibilities for users and businesses.

Lead the Change

• AI isn’t just about productivity-it’s about doing better, more fulfilling work at higher quality and impact.
• Don’t wait for AI to reshape your role. Proactively lead your career and organization through this transformation.

Connect with Richard Seroter:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seroter/

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Richard’s journey and evolving role at Google Cloud
• 02:00 – Google’s AI stack: From research to real-world applications
• 05:00 – Product strategy: Where PMs add value in an AI-driven world
• 10:00 – Prioritization, opportunity cost, and ruthless focus at scale
• 12:00 – Timeless PM skills: Humility, curiosity, and discipline
• 16:00 – AI fluency: Upskilling teams and building readiness
• 20:00 – Prototyping and communication: New tools for product owners
• 24:00 – AI’s impact on engineering productivity and team workflows
• 28:00 – Actionable steps for AI-ready teams: Artifacts, documentation, and collaboration
• 32:00 – Tools, research, and continuous customer feedback at Google
• 35:00 – Misconceptions and best practices in building AI products
• 40:00 – Scoping MVPs and defining requirements for AI-powered features
• 42:00 – Agents and agent platforms: The next frontier in automation
• 46:00 – The future of work: Leading with AI, not just adapting to it
• 48:00 – Closing thoughts: Be the driver of change, not the passenger