Productside Stories

Product transformations don’t fail because of bad tools—they fail because of ignored people. In this episode, transformation expert Joeri Devisch joins Productside CEO Rina Alexin to break down what real change leadership looks like. They talk through the difference between change and transformation, why words matter more than you think, and how to avoid top-down change that fizzles out. 

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode 

What separates transformation from “just change.” 

Joeri breaks down how to spot real transformation—and why project-to-product shifts are often misunderstood from the start. 

Why most transformation efforts fail. 

From overused buzzwords to under-communicated strategy, Joeri explains where teams get stuck and how to fix it. 

How to lead change from the inside. 

Hear how T-shaped product managers and early adopters can carry change forward, even in the most complex orgs.

Why Listen to This Episode? 

In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: 

• A fresh lens on product transformations (and why most don’t stick) 

• A better understanding of how to create buy-in across your org 

• Tactics to simplify change through pilots and internal storytelling 

• Insight into the overlap between product management and transformation leadership 

Whether you’re mid-change or just getting started, this one’s a must-listen. 

Related Resources 

Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: 

• Productside Resource Library 

• More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes 

• Explore Productside Courses 

What do you do when you inherit a product that’s already failed—twice? If you’re Orly Stern, you take full ownership, break down what went wrong, and rebuild it the right way. 

In this episode of Trailblazing Women in Product, Orly—now General Manager of Business Applications at Payoneer—shares how she turned a struggling product into a success, navigated leadership at a global scale, and made bold career moves that paid off. 

From stepping into product leadership with zero PM experience to managing diverse teams across cultures, Orly’s insights will challenge you to rethink leadership, product ownership, and career growth. 

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode 

How to Rescue a Failing Product 

Why some products fail repeatedly and what you can do differently. 

Leading Global Teams Across Time Zones & Cultures 

The real challenges of scaling a team internationally (and how to solve them). 

Career Growth in Product Leadership 

The bold moves that got Orly from product manager to general manager. 

Why Listen to This Episode? 

In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: 

• Learn how to take full ownership of your product—no matter the challenges. 

• Get real-world leadership strategies from someone who’s managed teams across multiple markets. 

• Practical tips on hiring, team dynamics, and giving (and receiving) feedback effectively. 

• Hear Orly’s personal take on making career-defining moves in product management. 

Orly’s journey proves that sometimes, all it takes is one bold move to change the course of your career. 

Related Resources 

Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: 

• Productside Resource Library 

• More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes 

• Explore Productside Courses 

Scaling a product isn’t just about selling more—it’s about refining product-market fit, unlocking the right growth levers, and making sure your go-to-market strategy actually aligns with what your customers need. In this episode of Productside Stories, Rachel Owens, product executive and growth expert, shares how she’s helped SaaS products scale from $1M to $10M in a year. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, build strong GTM alignment, and refine your product strategy for sustainable success. 

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode 

Refining Product-Market Fit for Sustainable Growth 

Many companies hit a revenue plateau because they misunderstand their real market fit. Rachel breaks down how to refine product-market fit by deeply understanding user pain points, use cases, and adjacent markets—without chasing the wrong opportunities. 

How Product and GTM Teams Can Actually Work Together 

Scaling isn’t just about the product—it’s about ensuring sales, marketing, and product are in sync. Rachel shares actionable strategies for strengthening cross-functional collaboration so growth efforts don’t stall. 

The AI Hype Trap: When to Actually Use AI in Your Product 

Many teams are under pressure to integrate AI into their products—but not every problem needs an AI-driven solution. Rachel explains how to evaluate when AI is truly adding value versus when it’s just a distraction. 

Why Listen to This Episode? 

In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: 

• A framework for refining product-market fit without unnecessary pivots. 

• Strategies to align product, sales, and marketing for real go-to-market success. 

• A decision-making process for when AI should (and shouldn’t) be part of your growth strategy. 

• Lessons from Rachel’s experience scaling SaaS businesses from $1M to $10M ARR. 

  
  

Scaling is about strategic focus. Don’t mistake it for throwing more features at the wall. Don’t miss Rachel’s insights. 

Related Resources 

Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: 

• Productside Resource Library 

• More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes 

• Explore Productside Courses 

What’s the difference between being a product manager at an agency vs. in-house? 

In this episode of Productside Stories, host Rina Alexin sits down with Anne Veit, Head of Product Strategy at Razorfish, to dive deep into how agency product management works, how to navigate rapid innovation, and why problem-solving skills matter more than industry expertise. 

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to manage products on behalf of multiple clients, this episode is a must-listen. 

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode 

Key topic #1 

Product Acceleration Teams: How Razorfish builds cross-functional teams that rapidly innovate and execute at speed. 

Key topic #2 

The Agency vs. In-House Product Manager Experience: The unique challenges and advantages of leading product in a client-driven environment. 

Key topic #3 

AI & Product Innovation: How agencies help companies cut through AI hype and find real business value. 

Why Listen to This Episode? 

In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: 

• Learn how to thrive in an agency product role – Managing multiple stakeholders and moving fast without breaking things. 

• Get insights on cross-functional collaboration – How blending data, design, and tech accelerates innovation. 

• Discover the secrets of product acceleration teams – The agency approach to shipping fast, learning faster, and keeping clients ahead of the curve. 

• Understand AI’s real role in product management – Why “AI everywhere” isn’t always the right answer, and how to separate hype from strategy. 

  
  

If you’re in product—whether agency or in-house—this episode will challenge how you think about strategy, execution, and innovation. 

Related Resources 

Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: 

• Productside Resource Library 

• More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes 

• Explore Productside Courses 

Stepping into product leadership means balancing strategic vision, customer focus, and emerging tech. In this episode of Productside Stories, Neha Bansal, Head of Product at Meta Ads Manager Reporting, joins Nicole Tieche to discuss her career, the high-speed role of AI in advertising, and how PMs can stay ahead of industry shifts. 

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode 

Key topic #1 

From Consulting to Product Leadership – Neha shares how a customer-first mindset led her from consulting to product management at companies like Google and Meta. 

Key topic #2 

AI’s Impact on Advertising – How AI is transforming ad targeting, fraud detection, and campaign performance for small businesses and enterprise brands alike. 

Key topic #3 

Thriving as a Product Leader – Why adaptability, data fluency, and domain expertise are the future of product management—and how PMs can develop these critical skills. 

Why Listen to This Episode? 

In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: 

• Insider insights on AI-driven advertising and how it impacts businesses 

• Practical advice on developing leadership skills in product management 

• Strategies for balancing customer needs with data-driven decision-making 

• A roadmap for upskilling and future-proofing your product career 

  
  

Neha’s journey from data analytics to leading product at Meta Ads Manager Reporting is packed with takeaways for aspiring and experienced product managers alike. 

Related Resources 

Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: 

• Productside Resource Library 

• More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes 

• Explore Productside Courses 

In this episode, Rina Alexin chats with Brian Fugere, a product veteran who’s led M&A strategies at symplr and beyond. They dive into the good, bad, and downright shocking sides of acquisitions—covering why some deals fail, how to avoid due diligence pitfalls, and tips for making cultural integration actually work. Whether you’ve been through M&A chaos or are bracing for your first, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom. 

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode 

Key topic #1 

The Real Reasons Companies Do M&A: Growth shortcuts, customer acquisition plays, and competitive pressures that drive deal-making. 

Key topic #2 

Why Product Leaders Need a Seat at the M&A Table: How skipping PMs during due diligence leads to expensive surprises post-acquisition. 

Key topic #3 

Cultural Integration—The Silent Deal Killer: Proven tactics to avoid brain drain and create a unified product team post-acquisition. 

Why Listen to This Episode? 

In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: 

• Battle-tested advice on navigating M&A as a product leader 

• Red flags to watch for during due diligence 

• Tips on retaining top talent during acquisitions 

• Strategies to unify product processes post-M&A 

If you’re a product leader facing a potential acquisition—or just want to be prepared—this episode is a must-listen. 

Related Resources 

Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: 

• Productside Resource Library 

• More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes 

• Explore Productside Courses 

Meet Ravi Ramsaran, Chief Product Officer at Nextria, who’s built a reputation for turning bold ideas into tangible products. In this episode, he and host Rina Alexin explore uniting teams around a product vision, leveraging deep customer insights, and staying resilient through market shifts. Hear how Ravi fosters a culture of curiosity to deliver winning outcomes time and again. 

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode 

Key topic #1 

Ravi’s foundational approach to building trust and alignment among cross-functional teams, ensuring every stakeholder—from UX to engineering—owns the product vision and stays laser-focused on delivering real value. 

Key topic #2 

The “structured curiosity” framework Nextria uses to explore emerging opportunities, from cutting-edge AI features to refining legacy systems, and how it accelerates discovery without derailing ongoing priorities. 

Key topic #3 

Strategies for staying nimble when the market throws you curveballs, including data-driven pivots and transparent communication that galvanizes teams instead of causing chaos. 

Why Listen to This Episode? 

In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: 

• Real-world tips on leading product teams through changing markets 

• A blueprint for harnessing curiosity as a competitive advantage 

• Methods for balancing bold experimentation with disciplined execution 

• Insights on building a trust-centered culture that drives innovation 

Discover how one CPO’s obsession with customer needs shapes every product decision. 

Related Resources 

Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: 

• Productside Resource Library 

• More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes 

• Explore Productside Courses 

In this episode of Productside Stories, Sahara Muradi, VP of Product Management at Office Space Software, shares her journey from consulting to leading product teams across major industries like hospitality, sports, and workplace planning. 

She discusses the biggest challenges product managers face today, including prioritization, stakeholder alignment, and balancing business outcomes with user needs. If you’re looking to elevate your career in product management, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. 

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode 

Key topic #1 

How Sahara transitioned from consulting to product leadership – Lessons from her early career that shaped her approach to product management. 

Key topic #2 

The art of ruthless prioritization – How to balance competing demands from stakeholders, customers, and business goals. 

Key topic #3 

How to build credibility and influence in product leadership – The mindset shifts needed to lead cross-functional teams and drive impact. 

Why Listen to This Episode? 

In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: 

• Learn how to navigate a career transition into product leadership. 

• Discover frameworks for making smarter prioritization decisions. 

• Understand how to use stakeholder alignment to drive better product outcomes. 

• Get practical career advice for women in product leadership. 

This episode is a gem for product managers who want to refine their approach to leadership in the discipline. 

Related Resources 

Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: 

• Productside Resource Library 

• More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes 

• Explore Productside Courses 

What does it take to build a product from nothing? 

Scott Jones, VP of Product at Realeyes, shares his journey from analyst to product leader, the mindset shifts required to navigate ambiguity, and how to validate ideas in real time. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome in a leadership role or wanted a seat at the table for big product decisions, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode 

The Art and Science of Product Leadership 

Scott explains how his background in film, music, and economics shaped his approach to product management, and why creativity and structure go hand in hand when building products from scratch. 

Managing Uncertainty: The Zero to One Playbook 

From handling imposter syndrome to validating ideas quickly, Scott shares how he builds confidence while leading new product initiatives – without waiting for perfect information. 

Experimentation, Sales, and the Power of Storytelling 

Why every product manager needs to be closer to sales, and how storytelling and strategic validation drive better decision-making in early-stage product development. 

Why Listen to This Episode? 

In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: 

• A blueprint for navigating ambiguity – how to make decisions even when you don’t have all the answers. 

• Lessons in leadership – how Scott transitioned from individual contributor to leading product and strategy at an AI company. 

• Tips on experimentation and validation – how to gather the right signals before committing resources. 

• A behind-the-scenes look at AI-powered identity verification – Scott’s latest work at Realize and how it’s transforming fraud prevention. 

If you’re a product manager who wants to skill up your leadership game and own your decisions confidently, this episode is for you. 

Related Resources 

Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: 

• Productside Resource Library 

• More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes 

• Explore Productside Courses 

In this episode of Productside Stories, Rina Alexin sitsdown with Elena Leonova, CPO at Spryker, to dive into the challenges of managing platform products. Elena shares her journey from business analyst to product leader, breaks down the complexities of platform management, and reveals how to make strategic decisions that move the needle. If you’re tackling platform products or scaling B2B solutions, this episode delivers practical insights you can put to work right away.

Key Topics Discussed in This Episode

Key topic #1

Navigating Platform Complexity

Learn how platform products differ from traditional offeringsand the critical considerations for success.

Key topic #2

Effective Decision-Making in Product Management

Discover Elena’s approach to prioritization and stakeholderalignment to create real business impact.

Key topic #3

Career Growth in Product Management

Get inspired by Elena’s unconventional career path and heradvice for aspiring product leaders.

Why Listen to This Episode?

In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain:

A deeper understanding of platform product challenges and how to tackle them. Practical frameworks for making strategic product decisions with multiple stakeholders. Leadership insights from a CPO who’s scaled product teams globally. Tips on how to position yourself for success in your PM career.

This is your opportunity to learn from one ofthe top voices in product management and keynote speaker for an 800+ audience.

Related Resources

Check out these additional tools and resourcesto add to your PM belt:

Productside Resource Library

More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes

Explore Productside Courses