In this special episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, leading voices in product ownership and agile transformation: Joe Justice, Richard Seroter, Mark Shead, Sheetal Rajpal, and Jeff Bubolz, share their hard-won lessons from building and scaling products at organizations like Tesla, Google, Amazon, LendingTree, and more. Their experiences span hardware and software, startups and global enterprises, and regulated industries, offering a comprehensive look at what it truly means to be an effective product owner today.

Key Product Ownership Insights:

Joe Justice (Agile Business Institute, ex-Tesla, WikiSpeed)

• Agility as Innovation Engine: Agility is about making change cheaper, faster, and less emotionally taxing. At Tesla, the “Justice Board” (a cascading chain of KPIs) aligns everyone to the mission, empowering any contributor to propose measurable experiments that advance the master plan12.
• Embedded Leadership: Leaders, including product owners, should be deeply involved with teams—removing barriers, modeling commitment, and sharing ownership of outcomes.
• Mob Programming for Ownership: High-performing teams share business context and technical knowledge through practices like mob programming, making the product owner an integral, accessible part of the team rather than a distant decision-maker.

Richard Seroter (Google Cloud)

• The PO as Value Translator: The product owner is not a distant spec-writer but an “intense stakeholder”—embedded with engineers, translating customer needs into actionable stories, and prioritizing with courage and clarity.
• Continuous Feedback & Data-Driven Decisions: Modern product teams thrive on small batch delivery and rapid feedback. Product owners must be adept at interpreting telemetry and customer data to inform priorities and validate outcomes quickly.
• Role Fluidity: In some organizations, the distinction between product owner and product manager blurs, but the core remains: maximizing value by being close to both customers and the delivery team, reducing friction between vision and execution.

Mark Shead (Xeric Corporation)

• Principles Over Labels: True agility is about living agile values and principles, not just adopting practices or titles. Teams and product owners must align decisions to core agile principles, not just mimic successful teams elsewhere.
• Embedded Product Owners: The most effective product owners are those who use the product themselves and are continuously available to the team—answering questions, clarifying needs, and making real-time decisions.
• Backlog as a Living Tool: Product owners must ruthlessly prioritize, avoid bloated backlogs, and focus on delivering customer value, not just accumulating requests or technical debt.

Sheetal Rajpal (Head of Product; ex-Amazon, LendingTree)

• Customer-Centricity & Data: Product owners must “walk in the customer’s shoes,” using data and direct observation to continuously improve user experience and product outcomes.
• Strategic Product Thinking: At Amazon, product leaders own both strategy and execution—articulating a clear vision, defining decision-making tenets, and using the “working backwards” process to align teams around customer-centric outcomes.
• Building Data-Driven Products: Making products data-driven requires clarity on objectives, a deep understanding of data quality, and explicit constraints—especially when leveraging AI or machine learning.

Jeff Bubolz (Organizational Agility Advisor, Co-Founder)

• Focus & Trade-Offs: The essence of product ownership is making tough trade-offs and saying “no” as often as “yes.” A focused, strategic backlog is more valuable than a frantic, overloaded one16.
• Scaling Without Overhead: When scaling, avoid creating layers of product owners and managers that add friction. Instead, form autonomous, cross-functional teams aligned to real products and outcomes.
• The Three Vs: Product owners should set Vision, maximize Value, and Validate outcomes—prioritizing learning and continuous improvement over rigid plans.

Practical Advice for Product Owners

• Be Embedded: The best product owners are part of the team’s daily life, not just attending ceremonies or writing requirements. They are accessible, knowledgeable, and invested in both the product and the people.
• Prioritize Ruthlessly: Every “yes” to a backlog item is a “no” to something else. Product owners must be strategic, focusing on what delivers the most value and aligns with the product vision.
• Align on Principles: Start with shared understanding of agile principles and values, then select practices that support those principles in your context.
• Use Data Effectively: Leverage real-time data and customer feedback to inform decisions, validate outcomes, and iterate quickly.
• Enable Team Autonomy: Empower teams to solve problems, avoid micromanagement, and foster a culture of continuous learning and experimentation.
• Strategic Scaling: When scaling, ensure teams remain cross-functional and outcome-oriented, not siloed by function or weighed down by management layers.

Quotes from the Episode

“Agility is making change cheaper in time and money, and also in emotional willpower—making it less draining or even more fun. That is the game.” — Joe Justice

“A product owner is not an arm’s length participant. You should be pairing with engineers, getting rapid feedback, and translating customer needs into value.” — Richard Seroter

“The most effective product owners I’ve ever worked with were embedded with the team, using the software daily, and always available to help.”
— Mark Shead

“At Amazon, PMs own both strategy and execution—articulating vision, setting decision-making tenets, and working backwards from the customer.” — Sheetal Rajpal

“The essence of product ownership is making tough trade-offs and saying no as often as yes. Focused, strategic backlogs unlock value.” — Jeff Bubolz

In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, host Vivek Khattri is joined by Richard Seroter, Chief Evangelist at Google Cloud and a returning guest, for a candid conversation about the future of product management and AI. 

Richard shares his journey from leading outbound product management teams to driving developer relations at Google, offering an insider’s perspective on Google Cloud’s AI strategy and what it means for product leaders, teams, and organizations.

Richard unpacks how Google’s unique AI stack-from foundational research and custom TPUs to platforms like Vertex and Gemini-powered assistants-is shaping the next generation of products. 

The discussion dives deep into how AI is transforming the role of product managers and product owners, and why adaptability, curiosity, and discipline are more critical than ever.

Key Takeaways

Google’s AI Stack: More Than Hype

• Google’s end-to-end AI stack spans research, custom hardware (TPUs), foundational models (like Gemini), platforms (Vertex), and user-facing tools that power everything from Gmail to code assistants.
• The focus: Make AI widely useful and integrated-not just a novelty.

Product Management in the Age of AI

• AI accelerates landscape analysis, market research, and prototyping-what once took weeks can now happen in minutes.
• Product managers must ruthlessly prioritize, know when to quit, and focus on high-impact opportunities-even at large companies like Google.

Timeless Skills for Modern PMs

• Humility, curiosity, and discipline remain essential. The best PMs lead through influence, not authority, and are relentless about customer empathy.
• “Customer zero” mindset: Use your own product to build insight and credibility.

AI Fluency for Teams

• Becoming “AI first” starts with being “AI ready.” Upskill every team member, from executive assistants to general managers, in foundational AI concepts and tools.
• Build comfort and reduce anxiety by encouraging experimentation and bottom-up idea generation.

Prototyping and Communication

• The days of 50-page specs are fading. Use AI tools to create prototypes, videos, and visual artifacts-even if you don’t code-to communicate ideas and inspire teams.
• Product owners and managers must own the translation from concept to working representation.

Building Trust and Responsible AI

• Avoid the “black box” trap: Understand how LLMs fit into architectures, and design for transparency, real-time updates, and responsible evaluation.
• Regularly test and update systems as models evolve to maintain quality and trust.

Agents and Agent Platforms

• Agents are redefining automation and business processes. Google’s Agent Space and development kits enable low-code/no-code agent creation and orchestration.
• Product leaders should familiarize themselves with agent frameworks to unlock new possibilities for users and businesses.

Lead the Change

• AI isn’t just about productivity-it’s about doing better, more fulfilling work at higher quality and impact.
• Don’t wait for AI to reshape your role. Proactively lead your career and organization through this transformation.

Connect with Richard Seroter:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seroter/

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Richard’s journey and evolving role at Google Cloud
• 02:00 – Google’s AI stack: From research to real-world applications
• 05:00 – Product strategy: Where PMs add value in an AI-driven world
• 10:00 – Prioritization, opportunity cost, and ruthless focus at scale
• 12:00 – Timeless PM skills: Humility, curiosity, and discipline
• 16:00 – AI fluency: Upskilling teams and building readiness
• 20:00 – Prototyping and communication: New tools for product owners
• 24:00 – AI’s impact on engineering productivity and team workflows
• 28:00 – Actionable steps for AI-ready teams: Artifacts, documentation, and collaboration
• 32:00 – Tools, research, and continuous customer feedback at Google
• 35:00 – Misconceptions and best practices in building AI products
• 40:00 – Scoping MVPs and defining requirements for AI-powered features
• 42:00 – Agents and agent platforms: The next frontier in automation
• 46:00 – The future of work: Leading with AI, not just adapting to it
• 48:00 – Closing thoughts: Be the driver of change, not the passenger

In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, we bring together a powerhouse panel of product management leaders: Diego Granados, Richard Seroter, Rajsi Rana, Neha Satya, and Parth Detroja. Each guest shares their unique journey into product management, offering firsthand perspectives from top companies like Microsoft, Oracle, Google, and beyond.

Our conversation explores how backgrounds in healthcare, finance, and data analytics can lead to thriving PM careers, emphasizing that a technical degree is not a prerequisite for success. The guests break down the core skills needed-critical thinking, emotional intelligence, cross-functional collaboration-and provide actionable advice for anyone aspiring to break into or advance within product management.

We also discuss the differences between PM roles at startups versus large enterprises, the evolving relationship between product managers and product owners, and how to lead through influence rather than authority. The episode is packed with practical strategies for interviews, panel preparation, and building daily habits that set PMs apart in a competitive field.

Featured Guests:

• Diego Granados
• Richard Seroter
• Rajsi Rana
• Neha Satya 
• Parth Detroja

Key Takeaways:

• Diverse Backgrounds: Success in product management is possible from non-traditional backgrounds-technical degrees are helpful but not required.
• Foundational Skills: Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and cross-functional teamwork are essential.
• Dealing with Ambiguity: PMs must drive clarity and connect customer needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility.
• Influence Over Authority: Product managers lead through storytelling, data, and consensus-not direct authority.
• Customer Focus: The best PMs relentlessly advocate for the customer at every product stage.
• Role Clarity: The distinction between product manager and product owner varies by company, but both require close collaboration with engineering and stakeholders.
• Interviewing & Preparation: Build rapport with recruiters, use relevant buzzwords, tailor your story, and research your interview panel.
• Continuous Improvement: Treat product management and interviewing as skills to be honed daily-write, practice, and seek feedback.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction: Meet the guests and their journeys  
• 02:00 – Do you need a technical background? Myths debunked  
• 05:00 – What does a product manager really do?  
• 08:00 – Core skills: Ambiguity, cross-functional work, and influence  
• 12:00 – Defining your PM role and career growth  
• 15:00 – Product owner vs. product manager: Real-world perspectives  
• 20:00 – Leading through influence, not authority  
• 24:00 – Building strong partnerships with engineering  
• 26:00 – Interview tips: Recruiter calls and panel strategies  
• 30:00 – Daily habits for PM success and continuous learning  
• 32:00 – Final thoughts: Growth mindset and resilience in the PM journey

In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, hosts Vivek and Pabitra sit down with Brian Golod, an award-winning resume writer, LinkedIn influencer, and career strategist who has helped thousands of professionals land interviews and job offers. 

With over 200,000 followers on LinkedIn and a resume template downloaded over 100,000 times, Brian shares his unique journey from software developer and product owner to becoming a sought-after mentor for senior tech professionals and executives.

Brian unpacks the real reasons job seekers struggle to land interviews, why a resume alone isn’t enough, and how data-driven strategies, networking, and personal branding can transform your job search. He dives deep into resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and interview techniques, offering actionable advice for anyone looking to stand out and secure multiple job offers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Beyond the Resume: Landing interviews requires more than just a well-written resume. Social profiles, networking, and a proactive application strategy are equally important.
• Data-Driven Approach: Build your resume based on current market needs by analyzing multiple job postings for your target role and identifying common keywords and requirements.
• One Story, One Resume: Use a single, well-optimized resume and LinkedIn profile for your target role to avoid red flags and confusion.
• Apply Fast, Apply Smart: Speed matters—apply quickly to new postings and avoid the “easy apply” trap by reaching out directly to hiring managers and recruiters.
• Target the Sweet Spot: Apply for roles where you meet 60–80% of the qualifications to ensure growth and avoid stagnation.
• Interview Mindset: If you’re brought in for an interview, the employer already sees value in you. Focus on building rapport, demonstrating curiosity, and thinking out loud when faced with unknowns.
• Networking That Works: Stand out by engaging meaningfully with content creators and professionals on LinkedIn—give value before asking for help.
• Compensation Strategy: Never disclose your salary expectations early. Let employers make the first offer to maximize your negotiating position.
• Plain Text Wins: Use a simple, plain-text resume format with bullet points—avoid fancy templates that can’t be read by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Leave a Lasting Impression: Success in interviews and networking is about the experience you create for others—be memorable, authentic, and valuable.

Connect with Brian Golod:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangolod/

In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Gross, CEO of AI Workforce Alliance and recognized by Forbes as the highest-paid AI consultant in the market. Ashley shares her remarkable journey from a decade-long career in marketing to becoming a leading AI educator and consultant, specializing in the implementation of AI agents and generative AI in business.

Ashley discusses how her need to balance motherhood with a demanding career led her to explore AI tools, ultimately transforming her workflow and delivering outsized results for her organization. She breaks down the fundamentals of AI and AI agents in plain language, explains the difference between automation and agentic workflows, and highlights how businesses, especially project managers, business analysts, and enterprise leaders can leverage AI agents to drive efficiency, boost collaboration, and solve real business problems.

We explore the cultural and operational challenges of AI adoption in enterprise settings, including data privacy, change management, and the importance of cross-functional enablement. 

Ashley also provides a behind-the-scenes look at her consulting process, from identifying bottlenecks in customer journeys to building and scaling agentic workflows that deliver measurable ROI. She shares practical advice for aspiring professionals looking to future-proof their careers in the age of AI, emphasizing experimentation, continuous learning, and the value of people skills.

Key Takeaways:

• Ashley’s Journey: How a marketer condensed her workweek using AI, leading to a $25M pipeline overachievement in just three months1.
• AI vs. Automation: Understanding the distinction between rule-based automations and autonomous AI agents, and why it matters for business processes1.
• Real-World Impact: How AI agents can autonomously manage project workflows, from transcribing calls to creating actionable tasks in tools like Asana1.
• Enterprise Adoption: Insights into how even risk-averse industries like healthcare and government are embracing AI, and the cultural shifts required for successful implementation1.
• Data Security & Regulation: Best practices for vetting AI vendors, ensuring compliance, and using AI to audit privacy policies1.
• Implementation Blueprint: Ashley’s approach to identifying business problems, piloting agentic workflows, and scaling solutions across organizations with robust documentation and enablement plans1.
• Measuring ROI: A framework for tracking both quantitative and qualitative outcomes during AI pilot projects and organization-wide rollouts1.
• Future of AI Roles: Predictions about emerging roles like “marketing engineer” and the importance of domain expertise and adaptability in the evolving AI landscape1.
• Career Advice: Why curiosity, intentional tool optimization, and people skills are critical for anyone looking to build a resilient career in AI-driven business environments1.

Connect with Ashley:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theashleygross/

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Ashley Gross & her background
02:00 – How Ashley condensed her workweek with AI
05:00 – AI vs. automation: What’s the difference?
10:00 – AI agents in project management: Real-world examples
13:00 – Enterprise adoption: Culture, excitement, and barriers
15:00 – Data privacy, regulation, and vendor selection
18:00 – Ashley’s consulting process: From problem to agentic workflow
21:00 – Case study: Accelerating sales cycles with AI agents
24:00 – Scaling agentic workflows: Documentation & enablement
27:00 – Measuring ROI: Quantitative and qualitative outcomes
29:00 – The future of AI roles and skills
30:00 – Career advice for aspiring AI professionals
32:00 – Ashley’s educational programs and closing thoughts

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with your network!

In this episode, Vivek sat down with Marcelo, a product leader with over 25 years of experience in technology, including key roles at Microsoft and Amazon. Marcelo shares insights on building innovative products, the importance of product vision and strategy, and his PRFAQ framework, a method used at Amazon to align teams, validate ideas, and drive successful product development.

They also discuss how new and aspiring product managers can think strategically, set meaningful OKRs, and develop the right mindset for success.  

Whether you’re a startup founder or part of a large-scale enterprise, this conversation will leave you with actionable takeaways on how to structure your product thinking for impact.

Key Takeaways:
✅ The PRFAQ Framework: Amazon’s structured approach to idea validation and strategic product development.
✅ How writing narratives instead of presentations fosters better decision-making.
✅ The difference between product vision and strategy—and why both are essential.
✅ The role of customer-centric thinking in creating successful products.
✅ How new product managers can quickly ramp up and add value to their teams.
✅ Best practices for setting OKRs and tracking meaningful product metrics.
✅ Marcelo’s personal journey from engineering to product leadership and the lessons he learned along the way.

Connect and learn more about Marcelo Calbucci. 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelocalbucci/

Resources & Links:
📖 Marcelo’s Book on the PRFAQ Framework: https://www.theprfaq.com/
📄 Example PRFAQ Templates: https://www.theprfaq.com/examples
📧 Marcelo’s Website: https://calbucci.com/

In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, we sit down with Norman Rodriguez, a seasoned sales leader who shares his inspiring journey from political campaigns and B2C sales to thriving as an SDR (Sales Development Representative) at Google and eventually founding his own company. 

Norman breaks down the nuances of the SDR role, offering practical advice for anyone looking to transition into high-paying B2B sales positions.

We explore the foundational skills needed to succeed in sales, the differences between B2C and B2B sales, and how resilience, energy, and coachability can set you apart in interviews. He also shares his insights on leveraging tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator, crafting compelling cold emails, and building long-term relationships with clients.

Key Takeaways:

• What is an SDR? Understanding the role and why it’s crucial for businesses.
• B2C vs. B2B Sales: Contrasting high-pressure commission-only roles with salaried SDR positions.
• Norman’s Journey: How he landed an SDR role at Google without a college degree and used grit to succeed.
• Prospecting Basics: Researching ideal client profiles (ICPs) and buyer personas effectively.
• Outreach Techniques: Writing cold emails that stand out and optimizing subject lines for mobile readability.
• Qualifying Leads: Asking the right questions to ensure meetings are valuable for both parties.
• Mindset for Success: Why energy, resilience, and a learner’s mindset are key for landing your first SDR job.

Connect with Norman:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norman-rodriguez/

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Norman & his background
02:00 - What is an SDR? Breaking down the role
05:00 - Transitioning from B2C to B2B sales
10:00 - Norman’s experience as an SDR at Google
15:00 - Prospecting basics: Ideal client profiles & buyer personas
20:00 - Cold emailing tips: Subject lines & mobile optimization
25:00 - Qualifying leads effectively
30:00 - Mindset for success: Energy & coachability in interviews
40:00 - Tools for SDRs: LinkedIn Sales Navigator, LeadIQ, ZoomInfo
50:00 - Final thoughts & Norman’s advice for aspiring SDRs

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with your network!

In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, we sit down with Darian Riley, a former Division I basketball coach turned agile leader, who shares his inspiring journey from the sports world to guiding teams in major organizations. Darian opens up about how his coaching background naturally translated into agile leadership, emphasizing servant leadership, team building, and fostering high-performing, self-organizing teams.

They dive deep into topics like transitioning careers, empowering teams to deliver business value without feeling overwhelmed, and navigating the challenges of scaling agile practices across organizations. Darian also shares his insights on leveraging AI in agile workflows and how Scrum Masters can evolve their roles to contribute to product strategy and organizational innovation.

Key Takeaways:

Darian’s Transition from Coaching Basketball to Agile Leadership: How coaching skills like mentoring and team building naturally transferred to agile practices.

Empowering Teams: Strategies for helping teams focus on business value while avoiding overwhelm.

Upskilling Through Pair Programming: How senior team members can mentor others effectively.

AI in Agile: Practical ways to integrate AI into agile workflows for efficiency and collaboration.

Scrum Master Evolution: Moving beyond facilitation to contribute to product strategy and innovation.

Creating Wins: Small shifts like transitioning from Scrum to Kanban for better team alignment.

Advice for New Agile Leaders: Building relationships through one-on-ones and understanding the technical and human sides of teamwork.

Connect with Darian:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darian-riley-b1915349/

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Darian & his background

02:00 - Transitioning from coaching basketball to agile leadership

05:00 - Empowering teams to focus on business value without overwhelm

10:00 - Pair programming and strategies for upskilling teams

15:00 - Coaching teams on ownership and continuous improvement

20:00 - Leveraging AI in agile workflows for efficiency

25:00 - Aligning with leadership goals as a Scrum Master

30:00 - Evolving the Scrum Master role to influence product strategy

40:00 - Creating wins through small shifts in team practices

50:00 - Final thoughts & Darian’s reflections on his career journey

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with your network!

1. Sid’s transition from aerospace engineering to product management and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.
2. The challenges international students face in the job market and Sid’s strategies for overcoming them.
3. The importance of networking, soft skills, and executive presence in breaking into product roles.
4. How Sid learned to work with software engineers, stakeholders, and executives without a technical coding background.
5. Key takeaways on job hunting, interview prep, and making an impact in the corporate world.

Key Quotes from Sid Sachdeva:

1. “Being proactive is key. You have to start six months before everyone else to get ahead.”
2. “It’s not about how much you know—it’s about how you show up, engage, and collaborate.”
3. “Networking is a numbers game—keep applying, keep connecting, and don’t take rejections personally.”
4. “Product management is like being a mini-CEO—you have to balance engineering, design, and business.”

In this episode, we talk about the steps to getting hired as a Scrum Master or Agile Coach. Adam shares his personal story and gives easy-to-follow advice on how to do well in job interviews.

Main Topics Covered:

1. How to Get Started in Agile Roles: Adam shares how he went from working in finance to becoming a Scrum Master and later an Agile Coach. He explains how he discovered Agile and why it made sense to him.

2. Tips for Scrum Master Interviews: Adam talks about the different stages of job interviews:

First Interview: How to tell your story and connect with the recruiter.

Second Interview: How to prepare for more detailed conversations.

Third Interview: How to understand the team and company culture.

3. Personal Growth as a Way to Stand Out: Adam explains how working on personal growth, like reading self-improvement books, can help you stand out in interviews. He encourages people to talk about their personal growth in job interviews to show they are always learning.

4. Coaching During Interviews: Adam shares how you can add value during interviews by coaching the interviewer. He gives examples of how he explained Agile ideas to interviewers who didn’t fully understand them.

5. Do You Need a College Degree to Be a Scrum Master? Adam answers the common question about whether a college degree is needed to work in Agile. His answer? No, you don’t need a degree. What matters more is your mindset and willingness to learn.

Practical Interview Tips:

Share Your Agile Story: Talk about how you got into Agile and what you’ve learned.

Be Yourself: Show that you’re open to learning and can fit into the company’s culture.

Focus on Personal Growth: Mention books or courses that helped you grow as a person.

Ask Good Questions: Use the interview to learn more about the company and role.

Book Recommendations:

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Leadership Gold by John Maxwell

Key Quotes from the Episode:

“If you talk about personal growth in your interviews, you will stand out from other candidates.” – Adam Miner

“You don’t need a degree to succeed in Agile. It’s more about your mindset and learning.” – Adam Miner