Most product teams claim to be user-centric.

But very few actually talk to users.

Instead, they rely on assumptions, opinions, and internal debates — what I call user guessing.

In this episode of Product बकर (Season 4), we break down how you can do practical, scrappy user research — even if you don’t have a research team, budget, or fancy tools.

Because user research isn’t about big studies or perfect processes.

It’s about reducing uncertainty with real evidence.

Through examples like Dropbox’s early validation, and practices from companies like Notion, Duolingo, and Figma, we explore how the best product teams stay close to their users — consistently and intentionally.

You’ll learn how to:

• Run quick, effective user interviews without overcomplicating it
• Use data to understand what users do, not just what they say
• Observe real user behavior to uncover hidden friction
• Avoid common mistakes like leading questions and over-indexing on feedback

If you’ve ever felt blocked because you don’t have “proper research setup,” this episode will change your approach.

Because great product decisions don’t come from dashboards alone.

They come from conversations, curiosity, and continuous learning.

And if you haven’t spoken to a user recently — you might just be building in the dark.

Most product failures aren’t execution problems — they’re framing problems.

Teams spend months building, iterating, and polishing…

only to realize they were solving the wrong problem all along.

In this episode of Product बकर (Season 4), we dive into one of the most underrated skills in product management — problem framing.

Through stories like Ford’s Edsel failure and the early days of Instagram, we explore why clarity of the problem matters more than speed of execution.

Because when the problem is wrong, even perfect execution won’t save you.

You’ll learn how to:

• Move from vague ideas to clearly defined problems
• Understand the context, constraints, and real impact of a problem
• Use frameworks like How Might We (HMW), Jobs To Be Done (JTBD), and the 5 Whys
• Identify whether you’re building something meaningful — or just tinkering

We also break down how companies like Google and Stripe approach problem framing in practice, and why great teams spend time getting the problem right before they build.

If you’ve ever shipped something that didn’t land the way you expected — this episode will change how you think.

Because the difference between builders and tinkerers isn’t effort.

It’s clarity.

And once you frame the problem right — the solution almost writes itself.

Every product starts with an idea.

But not every idea deserves to be built.

In this episode of Product बकर (Season 4), we break down why discovery is the most critical — and most ignored — phase of product development.

Most teams rush into execution.

Roadmaps get filled.

Features get shipped.

But without proper discovery, you’re not building products — you’re shipping assumptions.

Through real-world examples like Airbnb’s scrappy beginnings, and practices from companies like Spotify and Atlassian, we explore product discovery, zero-to-one thinking, MVPs, user research, validation, and product strategy.

You’ll learn:

• Why falling in love with the problem matters more than the idea
• How poor discovery leads to wasted features and product debt
• The difference between busy work vs validated progress
• Practical ways to start doing better discovery this week

If you’ve ever worked on something that looked right but failed, this episode will hit home.

Because real product work doesn’t start with execution.

It starts when you stop guessing.

After 30 episodes exploring AI and product management, it’s time to reflect and look ahead.

In this final episode of the AI season on Product Bakar, Rishikesh Kankal — seasoned Product Manager — shares the five most important lessons every PM should carry into the age of AI.

You’ll learn:

• Why value matters more than technology

• How trust becomes the real currency of AI products

• Why data is the strongest competitive moat

• How the PM role is evolving in an AI-first world

• What it takes to stay relevant in the future

If you’ve followed this season — or are just joining — this episode ties everything together with practical, future-ready insights.

📩 Looking for a Product Manager to build your digital product?

Get in touch: [email protected]

As AI becomes central to every product and team, the role of the Product Manager is evolving.

In this episode of Product Bakar, Rishikesh Kankal — seasoned Product Manager — explains why PMs are becoming “AI Orchestrators” and what it takes to lead products where humans and machines work together.

You’ll learn:

• Why traditional PM skills are no longer enough

• What it means to orchestrate humans, data, and AI systems

• How trust, ethics, and governance fit into modern product leadership

• The key skills PMs need to stay indispensable

If you’re a Product Manager preparing for the next phase of your career, this episode will help you understand and embrace the shift.

📩 Looking for a Product Manager to build your digital product?

Get in touch: [email protected]

AI is changing not just what we build — but how we work.

In this episode of Product Bakar, Rishikesh Kankal — seasoned Product Manager — explores how AI is reshaping jobs, team structures, and collaboration in the modern workplace.

You’ll learn:

• Why jobs will evolve instead of disappearing

• How AI is transforming team dynamics and productivity

• What new roles are emerging in AI-driven organizations

• How collaboration is shifting toward decision-making and leadership

If you’re navigating work and product leadership in an AI-first world, this episode will help you prepare for what’s ahead.

📩 Looking for a Product Manager to build your digital product?

Get in touch: [email protected]

In an AI-first world, features are easy to copy — real competitive advantage is not.

In this episode of Product Bakar, Rishikesh Kankal — seasoned Product Manager — breaks down how product leaders can build strong, defensible moats when everyone has access to the same AI tools.

You’ll learn:

• Why traditional product moats no longer work

• How data, workflows, and trust create lasting advantage

• The role of network effects in AI-powered products

• A practical playbook for PMs building long-term strategy

If you’re building AI-driven products, this episode will help you think beyond features and focus on sustainable differentiation.

📩 Looking for a Product Manager to build your digital product?

Get in touch: [email protected]

As AI agents begin to research, decide, and transact on our behalf, the rules of product strategy are changing.

In this episode of Product Bakar, Rishikesh Kankal — seasoned Product Manager — explores what an agent-first economy means for digital products and how PMs must adapt their role to stay relevant.

You’ll learn:

• What an agent-first economy really looks like

• How product discovery and differentiation will change

• Why “agent experience” will matter alongside user experience

• The evolving role of PMs as translators, strategists, and trust-builders

If you’re thinking about the future of product management in an AI-driven world, this episode will help you prepare for what’s next.

📩 Looking for a Product Manager to build your digital product?

Get in touch: [email protected]

Will AI replace Product Managers — or redefine the role?

In this episode of Product Bakar, Rishikesh Kankal — seasoned Product Manager — takes a practical, no-hype look at how AI is changing product management, what parts of the job are getting automated, and where human PMs remain irreplaceable.

You’ll learn:

• Which PM tasks AI can already handle

• What AI still can’t do — strategy, leadership, and ethics

• How the PM role is evolving in an AI-first world

• How to stay relevant and future-proof your career

If you’re a Product Manager wondering how AI will impact your role, this episode offers clarity, confidence, and direction.

📩 Looking for a Product Manager to build your digital product?

Get in touch: [email protected]

Not every AI product succeeds — and some of the biggest failures offer the most valuable lessons.

In this episode of Product Bakar, Rishikesh Kankal — seasoned Product Manager — explores why many AI products fail, from chasing hype to poor data and lack of user trust.

You’ll learn:

• Why building AI without a real problem leads to failure

• How bad data can break even the best models

• Why user trust is critical for adoption

• What PMs can do to avoid common AI pitfalls

If you’re building AI-powered products, this episode will help you make smarter, more responsible product decisions.

📩 Looking for a Product Manager to build your digital product?

Get in touch: [email protected]