Convergence.fm

In this episode, Ashok Sivanand sits down with Aakash Gupta, a former VP of Product at Apollo.io and now the author of the popular newsletter, Product Growth. Aakash shares his journey from being a computer science enthusiast to working at Apollo.io and eventually venturing out on his own. His insights on pricing strategies and the problems facing startups in our current economy are invaluable. Aakash and Ashok also discuss how layoffs in the tech industry have made product jobs harder to get and what you can do in your interview to break through and land your dream job. We also get to learn about his his amazing newsletter, Product Growth and upcoming book, which are geared toward helping product managers and startup founders succeed.

Inside the episode...

• Aakash Gupta's early interest in computer science and transition to product management. • The growth strategies that propelled Apollo.io's success. •

The importance of a strong freemium model and viral word-of-mouth growth.

• Insights into the free-to-paid conversion and user activation.

• Aakash's newsletter and book, aimed at helping product managers and startup founders.

• The evolution of product management roles and navigating career transitions.

• The benefits and challenges of targeting different customer segments (SMB vs. enterprise).

Mentioned in this episode...

1. Apollo.io - A product known for its data services, which acts as a comprehensive database for sales and marketing teams. Apollo offers a robust freemium model and focuses on a viral word-of-mouth growth strategy .
2. ZoomInfo - An incumbent in the data services space, competing directly with Apollo.io by integrating with large enterprise CRMs to provide extensive contact data .
3. Product Growth Newsletter - A paid newsletter by Aakash Gupta that delivers in-depth research on product management topics, aimed primarily at startup founders and product managers.
4. The Ultimate Guide to Getting a PM Job - Aakash Gupta's book designed as a comprehensive guide for aspiring product managers, which is updated regularly to provide the most current insights and strategies.
5. ChatPRD by Claire Vo - A SaaS product designed to help product managers advance in their careers, which has inspired Aakash to develop similar tools.
6. Superpeer and Exponent - Platforms offering interview coaching services, particularly for product management roles, featuring experienced PMs from top tech companies .
7. Sony A6400 Camera - A product praised by Aakash for its value and the learning curve associated with its advanced features .
8. La Sportiva Solution Comp Climbing Shoes - High-end climbing shoes that significantly improved Aakash's climbing performance.
9. Find Aakash on YouTube @growproduct

Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes to get updated on the other crucial conversations that we'll post on YouTube at youtube.com/@ConvergenceFMPodcast

Learn something? Give us a 5 star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.

Follow the Pod Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/

X: https://twitter.com/podconvergence

Instagram: @podconvergence

In this episode, Ashok Sivanand sits down with Kenneth Auchenberg to explore the intricacies of creating exceptional developer experiences. Kenneth shares his extensive knowledge on designing and delivering tools that developers love, drawing from his work at industry giants like Microsoft and Stripe. They dive into the distinctions between infrastructure and platform companies, and the roles of developer experience (DevEx) versus developer relations (DevRel).

Ashok and Kenneth also discuss the future of platforms, especially in the context of AI and generative AI, and how these technologies are transforming product development. Kenneth offers practical insights on using abstraction ladders to balance power and complexity in developer tools and emphasizes the importance of strong DevEx teams in driving product adoption and retention.

Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge.

Inside the episode...

• Kenneth Auchenberg's background and experience at Microsoft and Stripe

• The importance of empathy in developer experiences

• Differences between infrastructure and platform companies

• Distinctions between developer experience (DevEx) and developer relations (DevRel)

• Advanced techniques for creating delightful developer experiences

• Using abstraction ladders to manage complexity in developer tools

• The future of platforms with AI and generative AI

• Practical examples of platform primitives and their applications

• The role of DevEx teams in product adoption and retention

Mentioned in the episode...

Devin, the 1st AI software engineer

Socket.dev: Analyze your security with LLMs

Dosu.dev: an AI teammate that lives in your GitHub repo

Product or Service that gave him Surprise/Delight: Leica Cameras

Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes to get updated on the other crucial conversations that we'll post on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast

Learn something? Give us a 5 star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.

Follow the Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/

X: https://twitter.com/podconvergence

Instagram: @podconvergence

In this episode, Ashok Sivanand talks with Kenneth Auchenberg whose history with Microsoft and Stripe taught him a lot about building exceptional developer experiences. Kenneth shares his journey discusses the core principles that drive successful developer-centric products. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between infrastructure and platform companies, highlighting that true platforms generate compounded economic value and foster thriving ecosystems. Kenneth also discusses the transition from single-product offerings to comprehensive platforms, stressing the strategic necessity of relinquishing control in certain areas to enable broader ecosystem participation.

Kenneth shares practical strategies for measuring and enhancing developer experience. He outlines the key metrics of adoption, satisfaction, and revenue, and explains how they inform the development process. Learn why community building and the role of developer relations in creating products that not only meet but exceed user expectations are critcially important to platform success.

Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge.

Inside the episode...

• Defining Platforms and Infrastructure: Kenneth breaks down the differences between platform and infrastructure companies, emphasizing the importance of compounding economic value and ecosystem building.
• https://stratechery.com/2018/the-bill-gates-line/
• Journey from Single Product to Platform: Insights into how companies can transition from single products to multi-product platforms, and the strategic importance of giving up control.
• Lessons from Microsoft: Kenneth shares his experiences at Microsoft, highlighting the pivot to open source and the focus on platform thinking.
• Developer Experience at Stripe: How Stripe built a culture of craftsmanship and surprisingly great experiences, and the importance of catering to the discerning developer.
• Measuring Developer Experience: The three key metrics—adoption, satisfaction, and revenue—that help gauge the success of developer tools and platforms.
• Engaging with Developers: The role of user testing, friction logs, and direct feedback in refining developer products.
• Tips for Early-Stage Startups: Strategies for recruiting customers and building developer tools without an extensive internal or external network.
• Developer Relations and Community Building: Kenneth's advice on leveraging social media and community events to engage with developers and gather valuable feedback.

Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes to get updated on the other crucial conversations that we'll post on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast

Learn something? Give us a 5 star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.

Follow the Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/

X: https://twitter.com/podconvergence

Instagram: @podconvergence

Erica Sands, the Senior Director of Product Management at Sagent, joins us to discuss her nearly two-decade journey in the mortgage industry and her transition into fintech. Erica shares how her extensive experience and education in business administration and finance have equipped her to lead Sagent in developing the industry's first cloud-based mortgage servicing system. We delve into her passion for automating processes to solve challenging problems and her dedication to her team's success.

Erica shares her experiences and challenges in the financial services sector, providing a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in product management, financial services, and digital transformation. The conversation covers the differences between loan origination and servicing, the benefits of microservices architecture, and the complexities of regulatory compliance in the industry. Erica also delves into her personal career transition into product management and offers advice for those looking to follow a similar path.

Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge.

Inside the episode…

• Erica's transition from the mortgage industry to fintech and a focus on product management and development.
• The critical role of domain expertise and a solution-oriented mindset in successfully moving into product management.
• The development of the first cloud-based mortgage servicing system
• The importance of automating end-to-end processes in the lending industry
• How Erica's education in business administration and finance drives her work
• Future trends in mortgage servicing and fintech

Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes to get updated on the other crucial conversations that we'll post on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast Learn something? Give us a 5 star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.

Follow the Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podconvergence

Instagram: @podconvergence

In this episode of the Convergence Podcast, host Ashok Sivanand engages in a fascinating discussion with Deepika Yerragunta, the Head of eCommerce Platform Products at PepsiCo. Deepika brings her extensive experience from leading product teams at tech giants like Amazon and Intel to her current role at PepsiCo, where she drives innovation and product strategy.

Ashok and Deepika talk about how a culture of customer obsession and a product mindset lead to both customer and stakeholder delight that drive business growth and outcomes even when your peers aren't necessarily experienced technologists. Deepika shares her journey into product management, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between business and technical needs. She discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in transitioning from technology-centric companies to a technology-enabled role within a traditional industry like consumer packaged goods (CPG). The conversation highlights the significance of a culture of customer obsession, the strategic implementation of OKRs, and how these frameworks contribute to business growth and stakeholder satisfaction. They also discuss some of their "OKRs theatrics" pet peeves and the box checking exercise that it can sometimes be.

Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge.

Referenced in the episode:

Influence Course by Cade Massey

Inside the episode:

• Introduction to Deepika Yerragunta's background and career path

• Transitioning from tech giants to a technology-enabled role at PepsiCo

• Building a culture of customer obsession and product-centric thinking

• Strategic implementation and challenges of OKRs in traditional industries

• The role of product managers in driving business and technical alignment

• Insights into prioritization and resource allocation in product development

• Balancing strategic vision with tactical execution in product management

• Lessons from Amazon's innovation culture and applying them at PepsiCo

Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast

Learn something? Give us a 5-star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.

Follow the Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/

X: https://twitter.com/podconvergence

Instagram: @podconvergence

Ashok is on the ground at one of the most forward thinking product development conferences in the entire country, Agile and Beyond in Detroit, Michigan. He speaks with a range of presenters and experts on topics from OKRs and product measurement to the importance of object-oriented UX in building balanced product teams. The conversations delve into how these principles can help teams communicate better, streamline their processes, and innovate more effectively. The episode also features discussions on the risks of dogmatic Agile practices versus the benefits of a more spiritual, flexible approach. Additionally, Ashok and guests explore the impact of AI on product development, sharing insights on where AI can add value and where it may fall short.

Inside the episode…

• Insights from Agile and Beyond conference speakers on OKRs and product measurement

• The role of object-oriented UX in creating a common language for teams

• The dangers of Agile dogma and the benefits of a more "spiritual" approach

• AI's evolving role in product development and where it truly adds value

• Innovation frameworks for driving success in both professional and personal contexts

• Real-world examples of AI in action, from history to current generative AI applications

• A unique parody segment with "wrong answers only" from a conference guest. Can you guess which one?

Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes to get updated on the other crucial conversations that we'll post on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast

Learn something? Give us a 5 star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.

Follow the Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/

X: https://twitter.com/podconvergence

Instagram: @podconvergence

In this episode of the Convergence Podcast, we continue our series on the 9 critical conversations every product team needs to have but often forget. Joining Ashok once again is Bailey O'Shea, the head of product at Integral. Bailey brings her extensive experience in human-centered design and lean product management to delve deeper into these pivotal discussions. Together, they explore how to ensure your team knows not just why you're undertaking a project, but how you'll achieve success.

Bailey and Ashok focus on the second crucial conversation: "How will we win?" They discuss the importance of setting clear indicators of success, identifying key metrics, and aligning team efforts with business goals. This episode is packed with actionable insights and practical tips for fostering communication and collaboration within your product team.

Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge.

Inside the episode...

• Revisiting the 9 critical conversations with Bailey O'Shea

• Importance of understanding and communicating the "how" of winning

• Setting and measuring key success metrics

• Aligning product goals with business objectives

• Practical tips for facilitating crucial team discussions

• Real-world examples and insights from Bailey's experience at Integral

• Strategies for maintaining agility and speed in product development

• Engaging the entire team in the conversation about success

Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes to get updated on the other crucial conversations that we'll post on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast

Learn something? Give us a 5 star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.

Follow the Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/

X: https://twitter.com/podconvergence

Instagram: @podconvergence

In this episode of The Convergence Podcast, host Ashok Sivanand is joined once again by Ben Foster, Co-Founder of Prodify and co-author of "Build What Matters." This is the second part of their two-part conversation, focusing on the intricacies of product management and innovation, particularly in hardware. They delve into Ben's experience at Whoop, a fitness wearable company where he served as Chief Product Officer. The discussion highlights the complexities of managing separate teams for hardware, firmware, and software, and how these teams must work cohesively to deliver a unified product experience. Ben also shares insights into Whoop's unique subscription model for hardware, emphasizing the gamble on product quality and customer retention that such a model entails.

The episode also touches on the broader implications of hardware and software integration, especially in the context of IoT and AI advancements. Ben discusses the importance of understanding and catering to different customer personas, from elite athletes to health-conscious individuals, and how this understanding can drive product development and market expansion. The conversation underscores the necessity of having a clear product vision and strategy to align teams and make informed decisions. Ben's practical advice and real-world examples provide valuable lessons for aspiring Chief Product Officers and product teams aiming to navigate the challenges of innovation and market fit.

Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge.

Inside the episode...

• The role of product teams to create customer value that can be extracted to create business value

• How data can be dangerous without a strong vision

• Stories from Whoop

• Investments flowing into hardware

• Subscriptions and hardware subscriptions

• Delighting your customers even when you have very different customer segments using the same product

Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes to get updated on the other crucial conversations that we'll post on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast

Learn something? Give us a 5 star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.

Follow the Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/

X: https://twitter.com/podconvergence

Instagram: @podconvergence

In this compelling episode of the Convergence podcast, we're talking product strategy with Ben, a seasoned expert creating product roadmaps that lead to customer delight. Ben's journey in the product domain is as diverse as it is fascinating, having started in the early 2000s at eBay under the mentorship of Marty Kagan. He's also a co-founder of Prodify, a company that helps companies become product-driven and a co-author of the influential book "Build What Matters".

Ben gave us so many great insights that we decided to break the episode into two parts.

In Part 1, host Ashok Sivanand and Ben explore a wide range of topics crucial for any product leader. From crafting robust product roadmaps and communicating visionary strategies, to the nuances of hiring and managing product teams, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Ben also shares personal anecdotes and lessons from his experiences, especially intriguing stories from his time at the wearable company Whoop, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of managing product strategies in a dynamic market environment.

Inside this episode...

• How to drive alignment and insightful conversations with stakeholders that allow a roadmap to emerge
• How to communicate a roadmap
• Should you be concerned about cannibalizing your own products?
• The role of product teams to create customer value that can be extracted to create business value
• How data can be dangerous without a strong vision
• What to look for on a resume that signals "take a chance on this person"
• What tools Ben uses to scale up someone's business acumen quickly

Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes to get updated on the other crucial conversations that we'll post on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast

Learn something? Give us a 5 star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.

Follow the Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/

X: https://twitter.com/podconvergence

Instagram: @podconvergence

Discover the pivotal role of strategic conversations in shaping successful product teams in our latest episode of the Convergence podcast, featuring Integral's Director of Product Management Bailey O'Shea. In part one of our series "9 Conversations You Forget to Have With Your Product Team," we explore the crucial discussion of the "why" behind your product initiatives. This episode unpacks how a clear understanding of business strategy and goals can significantly influence the success of product development and team alignment.

Unlock the full potential of your product team with Integral's player coaches, experts in lean, human-centered design. Visit integral.io/convergence for a free Product Success Lab workshop to gain clarity and confidence in tackling any product design or engineering challenge.

Inside the episode...

• Understanding the Importance of 'Why': How aligning your team's efforts with the business strategy can lead to greater productivity and product success.
• Facilitating Strategic Conversations: Techniques for ensuring all team members—from engineers to stakeholders—are on the same page regarding business goals.
• Impact of Vision on Product Development: Real-world examples of how a well-articulated vision can transform team motivation and output.
• Exercises to Elicit the 'Why': Practical activities like the press release exercise to help teams internalize and articulate the project's purpose.
• Documenting and Communicating Vision: The significance of maintaining accessible, clear documentation to keep the team aligned, especially when onboarding new members.

Subscribe to the Convergence podcast wherever you get podcasts including video episodes to get updated on the other crucial conversations that we'll post on YouTube at youtube.com/@convergencefmpodcast

Learn something? Give us a 5 star review and like the podcast on YouTube. It's how we grow.

Follow the Pod

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/convergence-podcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/podconvergence

Instagram: @podconvergence