In this episode of the Product Artisan podcast, host Rajesh engages in a conversational deep dive with seasoned product leader Prasanna Veeraswamy. With extensive experience building B2B and B2C product portfolios, Prasanna has led cross-functional product teams globally and has been featured on CNN Traveler. The discussion spans Prasanna's early engineering career at Microsoft, transition to product leadership in the travel domain with roles at Hotel Quickly, Cleartrip, KK day, GoPro, and JoinMyTrip, and current advisory roles in product strategy. Topics covered include the influence of travel on product management, the evolution of travel products in response to customer needs and market shifts, leveraging general AI for innovation, managing cross-functional teams, and the unique challenges and opportunities in the travel industry amidst global events like COVID-19 and the rise of AI-powered platforms. Prasanna also shares insights on building effective product teams, embracing generative AI as a productivity tool, and the future of travel products.

Follow Prasanna here- https://www.linkedin.com/in/prasanna-veeraswamy-82671a3/

Follow Rajesh here- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rchandran/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:58 Career Journey and Transition into Product Management

03:12 Building Products in the Travel Industry

03:38 The Impact of International Experience on Product Management

09:43 The Role of Data in Product Development

13:01 The Influence of Airbnb and COVID-19 on the Travel Industry

16:33 The Future of Travel Products and Industry Trends

19:39 The Saturated Market of Flights and Hotels

19:54 The Dream of Travel and Customer Journey

20:30 The Role of Technology in Enhancing Travel Experience

20:51 The Impact of Conversational AI in Travel Planning

21:32 The Influence of Gen AI in Reshaping Travel Landscape

21:52 The Role of Chatbots in Travel Platforms

22:47 The Threat of Gen AI to Travel Companies

26:47 The Role of Product Teams in Utilizing Gen AI

29:03 The Importance of Cross-Functional Teams in Product Success

33:25 The Debate on T-Shape vs V-Shape Skills

35:58 Closing Remarks and Contact Information