Behind The Product

SEP has been building software products for over 30 years, but data as a dedicated practice is newer. In this episode, Zac Darnell sits down with SEP's Director of Data, Jason LaJeunesse, and Solution Architect Jason Dossett to unpack how SEP thinks about data: what it is, why it matters now more than ever, and what companies get wrong when trying to move fast on AI without the right foundation underneath it.

The conversation moves from definitions (what "data as a product" actually means versus the operational databases most software shops have always built) to the real-world patterns SEP has seen work (and fail) inside energy, aerospace, and other complex organizations.

We dig into how modern data platforms have shifted from a single analyst's concern to a strategic business asset, why the rise of agentic AI has made governance non-negotiable, and what an incremental goal-oriented approach to data strategy actually looks like in practice. The Jasons also make the case that the biggest gap inside most organizations isn't technology. It's enablement.

Takeaways from this episode:

• Data as a service isn't about operational databases powering apps. It's about centralized, strategic platforms with downstream use cases across the business
• Analytics engineering applies software engineering disciplines (version control, DevOps, automated documentation) to data work, and it's a natural fit for SEP's background
• LLMs don't have your business context. Without good data grounding, governance, and role-based access controls, agentic systems can't operate safely
• The "big bang" approach to governance almost always fails. Start goal-oriented, slice vertically, and let governance mature incrementally
• Many organizations are missing an enablement layer, someone who bridges the platform team and the people trying to use it
• Platform engineering is becoming a more critical discipline as AI commoditizes work below the platform level

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to [email protected] to share your feedback on this show.

You can find more information about this podcast at sep.com/podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, host Zac Darnell and co-host Raman Ohri sit down with The Purdue Data Mine's, Executive Director, Mark Daniel Ward and COO, Katie Sanders. Mark and Katie walk us through how they’ve built a program where students from every major, not just data science, tackle real data problems for industry partners, and why that intentional cross-disciplinary design is exactly the point.

We dig into what it means to build a data-ready workforce at scale, how the explosion of AI has reshaped project demand (53 of 92 active projects now involve AI), and what companies actually get out of partnering with The Data Mine. From getting backlogged projects off the shelf to building a recruiting pipeline with early-career talent that’s already been road-tested on their real problems, along with what they're seeing from their industry partners.

Takeaways

• The Data Mine’s model is built on real-world work, not simulated problems; students are solving the same issues that industry partners face today.
• Cross-disciplinary teams produce stronger outcomes because different majors bring different lenses to the same data problem.
• Companies engage The Data Mine for two distinct reasons: recruiting pipeline and getting internal projects done.
• AI has rapidly reshaped project scope, over half of active engagements now include an AI component, up significantly from just a few years ago.
• Students are early enough in their careers that they aren’t locked into habits, making them unusually open to adopting new tools and approaches.
• The program is a low-friction entry point to a deeper university research relationship, some engagements evolve into sponsored research agreements.

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to [email protected] to share your feedback on this show.

You can find more information about this podcast at sep.com/podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Behind the Product, host Zac Darnell and co-host Raman Ohri sit down with Karen Hyman, VP of Data Governance at Rolls-Royce. Karen shares her journey from software engineer to leading data governance across a highly regulated, global enterprise and what it really means to balance compliance with innovation at scale. We dig into the nuances of managing data across multiple business units and international regulatory frameworks, and explore how AI is quietly reshaping the conversation around data quality and governance. This episode also kicks off a new series on the show focused on data and we think it's a great one to start with.

Takeaways:

1. Data governance is not merely a barrier; it should facilitate compliance while fostering innovation.
2. Karen Hyman's journey from software engineer to VP of Data Governance illustrates the importance of foundational technical knowledge.
3. Effective data governance requires a nuanced understanding of compliance across various global regulations and standards.
4. The integration of legacy systems into modern data governance strategies presents unique challenges for organizations like Rolls-Royce.
5. To successfully transition into data governance, professionals must cultivate a comprehensive understanding of data processes and compliance requirements.
6. AI advancements underscore the necessity for high-quality data, emphasizing that data governance frameworks must continuously evolve.

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to [email protected] to share your feedback on this show.

You can find more information about this podcast at sep.com/podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Behind the Product, host Zac Darnell and co-host Lauren Lecoffre sit down with Sentry's Director of Engineering, Indragie Karunaratne. He shares how Sentry transformed from error monitoring into a multi-product observability platform. We discuss the hard-won lessons of product expansion, balancing AI experimentation with focused execution, and maintaining developer experience across 100+ platforms. Our conversation was a wonderfully candid and real discussion on what it can look like to navigate challenges teams face in these areas.

1. Multi-product strategy needs a clear rubric
2. Protect capacity for long-term bets
3. Multi-product expansion multiplies SDK complexity
4. Session Replay eliminates debugging guesswork
5. Fair Source balances openness with business protection

In this episode of Behind the Product, host Zac Darnell and co-host Raman Ohri sit down with AI strategist Angie Carel for a refreshingly candid conversation about the human side of AI adoption. From why skipping AI literacy is a guaranteed misstep, to how “corporate recess” can spark innovation. Angie brings clarity, empathy, and a touch of urgency to a rapidly evolving space. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just dipping your toes into the AI space, this one’s packed with insight and inspiration.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. AI Literacy is Non-Negotiable: Organizations fail when they skip foundational education. Without a baseline understanding, fear and misuse take hold.
2. Adoption Starts with Play: Introducing “corporate recess” gives employees a low-risk space to experiment, share, and discover meaningful use cases.
3. Experience Still Matters: Great outputs from GenAI come when real-world knowledge meets strong prompting—tools don’t replace wisdom.

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to [email protected] to share your feedback on this show.

You can find more information about this podcast at sep.com/podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Behind the Product, Zac Darnell is joined by Yana Welinder, co-founder and CEO of Kraftful, an AI-powered toolkit for product teams. Together they explore how AI is transforming product management—from turning user feedback into actionable insights to evolving the very role of the product manager. Yana also shares her views on trust, regulation, and what it takes to stay ahead in a fast-moving AI landscape.

Key Takeaways:

1. AI as a Collaborator, Not a Replacement -Kraftful leverages AI to analyze user feedback and generate PRDs and user stories—giving product teams a head start while preserving human creativity and oversight.
2. Evolving Role of the PM -As AI automates tasks like project management, tomorrow’s product managers will become product builders—more strategic, hands-on, and deeply integrated into the creative process.
3. Building Trust in AI Tools -Transparency and control are essential. Kraftful emphasizes user trust by making AI decisions visible and editable—letting humans stay in the loop and in control.

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to [email protected] to share your feedback on this show.

You can find more information about this podcast at sep.com/podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening!

Timestamps:

• 02:51 - The Role of AI in Product Development
• 15:50 - The Evolution of Kraftful: From Concept to Launch
• 18:51 - Navigating AI Regulations and User Trust
• 29:51 - The Evolution of Product Management in the Age of AI
• 34:12 - Navigating Change in Product Management

We thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite 'things' from 2024 as a way to reflect on the year and share things we've been learning. Pod regular Chris Shinkle and host Zac Darnell share our favorite products, thought-leaders, habits, and advice from 2024.

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to [email protected] to share your feedback on this show.

You can find more information about this podcast at sep.com/podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of Behind the Product, host Zac Darnell talks with Satya Ganni, CEO of Userflow and Beamer, about the evolving landscape of user-centric product design and its implications for product management.

Key Points from this episode:

• User-Centric Product Experience: Satya emphasizes the importance of measuring "time to value" for first-time users and "time to outcome" for repeat users. He argues that a product should enable users to achieve their goals efficiently, minimizing the need for human intervention in support and customer service.
• Macroeconomic Trends and Product Development: The conversation delves into how macroeconomic factors and the pandemic have influenced the rise of user-centric experiences. Satya notes that products must cater to a global audience, requiring teams to prioritize compelling user experiences that can operate independently across diverse geographies.
• Strategies for Scaling: Satya outlines a strategic approach for product teams looking to scale, which includes identifying their current development stage, clarifying strategy and resource needs, and hiring experienced individuals who can guide them through the scaling process. This structured approach is vital for building effective systems that support growth.

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to [email protected] to share your feedback on this show.

You can find more information about this podcast at sep.com/podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of "Behind the Product," we sit down with Ryan Locke and Natasha Jensen-Matta from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to explore how this unique quasi-government organization is driving economic growth in Indiana. From supporting early-stage startups to attracting international businesses, the IEDC plays a pivotal role in the state's business ecosystem. Ryan and Natasha share insights on how they leverage public resources to spur private investment, bridge market gaps, and support entrepreneurs across Indiana. Whether you're in a startup, BigCo, or investment firm; understanding this ecosystem could help you move your innovation forward.

A few key moments:

1. The role of IEDC in Economic Development
2. The support for Diverse Business Models
3. Public-Private Collaboration and Market Adaptation

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to [email protected] to share your feedback on this show.

You can find more information about this podcast at sep.com/podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening!

We welcomed CEO, Doug True and CTO, Cameron Piercefield with FORUM Credit Union. FORUM has a long history of embracing technology to better serve its members, from being an early online banking pioneer to developing in-house software solutions. Their member-centric approach and cooperative philosophy have been key drivers, involving members in the design process and sharing innovations with other credit unions. Through partnerships, FORUM continues to enhance its offerings to best serve their members. In this episode we discuss many aspects of FORUM's journey with a few key points:

1. FORUM Credit Union was an early adopter of online banking, offering it in the mid-1990s via floppy disks and modems.
2. They developed their own online banking platform in-house after their initial vendor went bankrupt, leveraging their experience building a loan origination system.
3. FORUM took a member-centric approach, involving members in the design process through storyboarding sessions and pilot groups.
4. They embraced a cooperative philosophy, sharing their lending software with other credit unions to improve the product.
5. They successfully migrated from a 40+ year old system over a three year long project.

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to [email protected] to share your feedback on this show.

You can find more information about this podcast at sep.com/podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for listening!