The Estee Show - Product Management Business Insights

This podcast episode features an in-depth interview with Alex, a former product manager at Google, now running a business that helps experienced product managers advance their careers. Alex discusses the benefits and challenges of working in product management within the tech industry, emphasizing the value of having top tech company names on one's resume for career opportunities and compensation. He also touches on the cognitive dissonance experienced by product managers, the interviewing process, strategies for job seekers, and the role's requirements at large tech companies. Furthermore, Alex shares personal stories, including starting his YouTube channel and the impact of his advice on others. The conversation also covers topics like strategic ambiguity in tech companies, the importance of organizational and communication skills, and insights into succeeding in product management roles.

Bio: Alex Rechevskiy was a Group PM at Google and has built and run products and product teams of all sizes. He has also coached and mentored hundreds of PMs at all stages of their careers and helped many clients land product roles at top tech companies. Alex writes on LinkedIn, makes videos on YouTube and runs a group coaching program called the Product Career Accelerator for serious tech professionals who want to grow their career and compensation.

Links:

• Product Career Accelerator: group coaching program for getting into your next product role and growing your product skills & career (https://www.alexrechevskiy.com/pca)
• LinkedIn for daily product management tips (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrechevskiy/)
• YouTube for practical and instructional videos (https://www.youtube.com/@AlexRechevskiy)

00:00 Welcome to the SD Show: A Deep Dive into Product Management 00:27 The Unmatched Benefits of Working in Top Tech 04:39 Alex's Journey: From Google to Guiding Product Managers 04:58 The Realities of Breaking into Product Management Today 05:54 The Genesis of a YouTube Channel for Product Managers 11:02 The Interview Process vs. The Reality of the Job 13:50 Navigating the Complexities of Top Tech Companies 15:47 The Strategic Ambiguity of Monopolistic Tech Giants 19:19 The Culture of Respect at Google 20:09 The Impact of Google's Innovations on Humanity 20:46 The Challenge of Innovation and Risk at Google 23:01 Navigating the Job Market in Big Tech 24:33 Mastering the Job Application Process 31:12 The Interview Process: Strategies for Success 35:58 Preparing for a Product Management Role 38:14 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Final Thoughts

A Journey from Radio to Product Management and the Essence of Product Thinking The script features an engaging conversation between the host and Brody Clemmer, a former radio host turned product manager, who shares his unique career path from working in radio to eventually finding a passion for product management and mental health. Brody discusses the accidental nature of many peoples' entry into product management, his own experience transitioning through various roles, and the importance of 'product thinking' across all organizational functions. He emphasizes that product thinking focuses on understanding and solving user problems, distinguishing it from product management which requires execution. Further, Brody shares how he implements product thinking in his current role at Koa Health through initiatives like 'product class,' aiming to foster a culture of problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration. The conversation also touches on mentorship versus coaching, the dynamics of therapy and mental health, and concludes with Brody sharing insights on personal fulfillment and career choices. 00:00 Welcome to the Show: Brody Clemmer's Unique Journey 01:38 From Radio Host to Product Management: A Career Evolution 02:34 Introducing Product Thinking: Beyond Traditional Management 03:37 Product Thinking vs. Product Management: A Deep Dive 09:30 Implementing Product Thinking in Organizations 15:41 The Impact of Product Thinking on Company Culture 19:20 Mentorship vs. Coaching: Brody's Approach to Personal Development 22:53 Therapy, Mental Health, and Product Thinking 29:26 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Reflections Tools discussed in episode: Vistaly for consolidating and mapping user feedback https://www.vistaly.com/ Bio:

Brody Clemmer lives in Philadelphia with his fiancé and their son - and is a generalist at heart. For work, he is currently the Lead Product Manager at Koa Health where he was the first US based Product hire, and is focused on the scalability and delivery of Koa's products, ranging from mental health education to global clinical networks that support employers, payors, and multinational organizations in delivering mental health care for their members. Brody started his career out of high school, after making the decision to not go to university, first working in Radio, then TV Production, then landing at Apple for five years before starting his own business with a guy he met on Twitter. After selling the business at a personal loss, he found himself as the first product hire for a few "unsexy" companies in unknown industries like Executive Search, Leadership Consulting, corporate Sales Training, and finally making his way into Healthtech startups.

Product Management in Founder-Led Startups with David Lifson: From Startup to Scale In this episode, David Lifson shares his extensive experience in product management across different stages of company growth, including startups and major companies like Amazon and Etsy. Lifson discusses the challenges of being the first head of product for a first-time founder, emphasizing the importance of knowing what you're getting into and how it can be both a career-defining opportunity and a rollercoaster ride. He gives insights on founders' common traits, the pressures of early-stage startups, and the shift needed once a company reaches product-market fit. Lifson also touches on his journey from Amazon to Etsy, and founding his own company, providing valuable lessons on leadership, decision-making, product strategy, and the dynamics of working with founders. The conversation delves into practical advice for those considering head of product roles at startups, including setting realistic expectations, choosing battles, and understanding the real job you're being hired for. 00:00 Welcome to the SD Show: A Candid Chat with David Lifson 00:07 Navigating the Product Management Journey: Insights from Amazon to Etsy 01:26 The Harsh Realities of Being the First Head of Product 02:07 Traits of First-Time Founders: A Product Manager's Perspective 04:16 From Big Tech to Startup Life: David Lifson's Career Shift 06:52 The Founder's Imagination vs. Reality: Navigating Startup Challenges 08:11 Identifying Red Flags in Founding Stories 09:29 The Misconception of Product Market Fit 11:36 The Complex Dynamics of Founder Decisions and Team Impact 18:37 Evaluating Founders and the Importance of Trust 20:34 Reflecting on Success and Failure in Startups 23:10 Discovering Pregnancy Through Tech 23:44 The Value of Failure in Founding Teams 24:22 Debunking the 'Data-Driven' Myth 25:36 The Misuse of Data and A/B Testing 27:47 Navigating NPS and Ethical Dilemmas 31:16 The Role of a Founder in Product Strategy 34:39 Strategic Execution vs. Blind Action 37:48 Navigating Early Stage Product Leadership 39:55 Choosing Your Battles Wisely 42:54 Ethical Lines and Cultural Health 47:45 Working with Founders: A Multi-Layered Challenge

David Lifson's Bio: David Lifson has led high performing teams at startups, public, and private equity backed companies, delivering high impact outcomes through clear vision, validated product strategy, and collaborative culture. He's gone 0 -> 1 multiple times, as well as led teams supporting $350M in revenue. His experience leading teams spans 15 years, including four as CEO/GM and eight as Head of Product & Engineering. Dave has a bachelors and masters degree in Computer Science from Cornell University, and is based in Austin, TX.

From Cult to Code: Michael's Journey of Curiosity and Adaptation In this episode of the Estee Show, the host welcomes Michael, a multifaceted individual with a background ranging from growing up in a cult-like fundamentalist religious organization to becoming a chef and later transitioning into a successful technology engineer and chief engineering architect. Michael discusses his early life in a small mountain community, his experiences with being different from his peers, and how being isolated within a strict religious setting led him to develop a keen sense of curiosity and a drive for self-learning. Despite the challenges, his journey through various career paths, from culinary arts to technology, underscores the importance of adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the lifelong pursuit of learning. Michael also touches on his approach to parenting and education, highlighting the significance of hands-on learning and instilling values of hard work and sustainability in his children. Throughout the conversation, Michael's story exemplifies how overcoming adversity and embracing change can lead to personal growth and professional success. 00:00 Welcome to the Estee Show: A Deep Dive into Unique Backgrounds 03:51 Exploring the Cult Background and Its Impact 05:22 Childhood in a Cult: Daily Life and Restrictions 10:10 The Journey from Cult Life to Culinary Arts 21:01 Becoming a Minister While Pursuing Personal Interests 22:34 Transitioning from Culinary Arts to Engineering and Technology 27:19 Decoding the Best BBQ Styles Across America 27:41 The Unconventional Path to Culinary Expertise 28:37 From Culinary Arts to Tech Innovator: A Career Pivot 29:20 Navigating Challenges and Finding Love 30:10 The Birth of a Tech Entrepreneur 35:40 Crafting a Unique Leadership Style in Tech 36:54 The Power of Mentorship in Personal and Professional Growth 40:44 Embracing a Self-Sufficient Lifestyle and Homeschooling 47:31 The Importance of Curiosity and Adaptability in Team Building 52:49 Reflections on Adversity, Career Changes, and Personal Growth

Navigating Podcast Creation In this episode, Francisca is invited to lead, a veteran podcast host known for addressing hot topics in the Jewish Orthodox world. During their conversation, they momentarily experience an earthquake, which adds an unexpected twist. Francisca shares insights into the challenges of podcasting, including a discussion on uncovering and dealing with sensitive topics such as abuse within the community. She emphasizes the importance of journalism in bringing these stories to light. Additionally, Francisca provides a deep dive into the nuances of creating a podcast, from the initial idea to the execution, highlighting the technical and content-related obstacles she faced. She also reflects on the value of authenticity and having meaningful conversations on her podcast, which sometimes include difficult subjects that resonate deeply with her and her audience. The episode also explores the dynamics of podcasting in the business and entrepreneurial spheres, underscoring the significance of consistency, engaging content, and the technical aspects of podcast production. 00:00 Welcome to the Show: A Unique Podcasting Journey Begins 01:42 An Unexpected Interruption: Surviving an Earthquake Live! 02:09 Diving Deep into Podcasting: Stories That Matter 02:54 The Birth of a Podcast: From Idea to Reality 03:10 Exploring Untold Stories in the Business World 04:45 The Power of Conversation: Insights and Reflections 04:50 The Technical Side of Podcasting: Learning from Mistakes 06:18 Why People Listen: The Three Reasons 08:19 The Impact of Podcasting: Personal Growth and Cultural Change 13:05 Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Podcast Episode 14:35 The Art of Podcast Editing: Learning from the Best 14:55 Reflections on Podcasting Styles and Preferences 16:09 Mentorship and Growth: Elevating the Podcasting Game 16:53 Unlocking the Secrets of Podcast Consistency 17:32 The Art of Organic Conversations in Podcasting 18:59 Navigating the Challenges of Podcast Guest Dynamics 21:36 Exploring the Intricacies of Podcast Content and Editing 26:20 The Journey of a Podcast from Concept to Launch 30:01 Reflecting on the Impact and Future of Podcasting

A bit about Franciska: Franciska (Freydie) Kosman, a Jewish Orthodox art-preneur and CEO and founder of Kay Productions. Her journey began as a singer and composer, evolving into an international artist with over 80 released songs. For over seven years, she has hosted the Franciska Show, a weekly podcast addressing crucial stories and Jewish community issues. Through Kay Productions, she assists others in launching and flourishing their podcasts, contributing to their success. Franciska lives in a burb outside of Philadelphia with her husband and three daughters. Franciska's music: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7i4w1FT5ZTVhLOS78ME1xH?si=wDIQsTorTPa7Bo9dpHlnYQ&pi=u-mHQqxnycTKKB

Franciska's podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MLys3C3XhhR7uDTJa7eer?si=-dn2pYiMRTK7RbHJfdGOsQ

Navigating the Realities of Product Management This podcast episode dives into the complexities and challenges of product management, particularly in environments far removed from the idealized 'product-led' approach advocated by thought leaders like Marty Kagan. The episode discusses the controversy around current product management practices, emphasizing the difficulties PMs encounter when trying to implement change within their organizations. Ben shares his perspective and experiences, outlining the challenges of transitioning a company from being output-oriented to outcome-oriented, highlighting the risks and personal consequences PMs face in such endeavors. The conversation also covers strategies for PMs in 'feature factory' settings and the importance of aligning job performance evaluations with the realities of the work environment. Through this discussion, the podcast sheds light on the contrasts between the aspirational aspects of product leadership and the on-the-ground realities for PMs, offering insights and advice for navigating these challenging terrains. 00:00 Welcome & Introduction to the Product Management Controversy 02:34 The Heart of the Controversy: Product-Led vs. Feature Factories 04:28 Ben's Perspective: The Realities of Implementing Change 05:27 The Reaction to Ben's Post and the Broader Implications 11:23 Navigating the Feature Factory: A Telehealth Case Study 14:03 Strategies for Product Managers in Challenging Environments 17:52 The Art of Influence and Navigating Corporate Dynamics 25:22 Reflecting on Agency and the Role of Product Managers 27:21 The Ephemeral Nature of CEO Priorities 27:58 The Discrepancy Between PMs and Executive Satisfaction 28:56 Outcome vs. Output: The PM Dilemma 30:28 Navigating the Feature Factory: A PM's Guide 31:24 Empowerment and Rewards: The Key to PM Success 35:25 The Reality of Product Management in Different Environments 40:34 Supra Insider: A Community for Product Leaders 41:06 Identifying the Right Company Culture for PMs 46:23 The Challenge of Changing Company Culture 47:39 Final Thoughts: Navigating Product Management

Ben's Bio: Ben Erez is an experienced product leader specializing in 0 to 1. He scaled startups, drove significant revenue at Facebook, and most recently led product and design at Continuum, a marketplace for fractional executive talent. He's currently advising and consulting early stage founders on product management.

Ben's Podcast: Supra Insider - Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6TMmn1S1ATCD4U4brZowMI

In this engaging conversation, the guest Sam, a LinkedIn influencer and ghostwriter for B2B on LinkedIn, unpacks the dynamics between remote, hybrid, and in-person work environments, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Sam advocates for the benefits of remote work for both employees and employers, highlighting improved productivity, satisfaction, and access to global talent pools. He discusses the potential resistance from companies towards remote work and the inevitable cultural shift towards more flexible work arrangements. Sam also delves into the rise of solopreneurs and the impact of AI on the workforce, urging individuals and businesses to adapt and embrace technological advancements for enhanced productivity and innovation. The conversation touches on personal branding, the power of being opinionated, and the importance of adapting to constant change in the 21st century. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction: The World of LinkedIn Influence 03:00 The Great Remote Work Debate: Insights and Statistics 04:32 The Benefits of Remote Work: A Deep Dive 07:25 The Future of Work: Embracing Remote and Hybrid Models 13:44 Leveraging AI: Opportunities for Individuals and Businesses 19:41 The Art of Ghostwriting on LinkedIn: Making an Impact 22:48 Embracing Change in the 21st Century: A Closing Note Relevant Links:

• Article from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/remote-work-statistics/

• Perplexity AI tool https://www.perplexity.ai/

• Descript https://www.descript.com/

• Midjourney https://www.midjourney.com/home

This episode features a conversation with Arven Sheinin discussing the evolution and intricacies of artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (Gen AI).

Together, we explore the differences between AI and Gen AI, using examples to illustrate how these technologies impact daily life, from Google searches to chatbot interactions. The script also delves into the challenges of bias in AI models, the process of training these models, and the nuances of model improvement.

Additionally, the episode touches on practical applications of AI in professional and personal contexts, offering insights on effective prompt writing and the potential fears and opportunities that AI presents for the future workforce. The conversation aims to demystify AI and Gen AI, showing how they have become integrated into our daily lives while highlighting the importance of understanding and engaging with these technologies.

00:00 Opening Greetings and AI Discussion Kickoff

02:13 Understanding AI: From Basics to Generative AI

03:37 Personal Anecdotes and the Evolution of AI in Daily Life

04:57 Exploring the Challenges and Controversies of Generative AI

06:21 Deep Dive into AI Training, Bias, and Ethical Considerations

10:51 The Future of AI: Training, Corrections, and Societal Impact

18:40 AI's Sense of Humor and Practical Applications in Daily Life

25:06 Concluding Thoughts on AI's Role and Future

The Tech Layoffs Tide: Insights and Predictions with Gabby Hayes This episode delves into the landscape of tech layoffs post-COVID, highlighting the shift from rapid growth during the pandemic to the increase in layoffs across the tech industry. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of how tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta experienced massive growth followed by a significant number of layoffs in 2024, with projections indicating a continuing trend. Guest Gabby, with a background in healthcare operations and product management, shares her insights on the overlooked human element in the industry's fast-paced environment. She raises concerns about the impact of layoffs on employee morale and the industry at large, noting the psychological toll on those who remain and those who are laid off. The conversation touches on various factors contributing to layoffs, including the strategic use of layoffs as a loophole to refocus company objectives, the role of AI and technology in replacing roles traditionally held by humans, and the adverse effects of continuous layoffs on product quality and team morale. Interviews and examples highlight the need for a shift in leadership mentality and strategy, aiming for sustainable growth and valuing human resources in the tech industry. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 01:52 The Impact of COVID-19 on Tech Industry 02:33 The Rise of Layoffs in Tech 03:30 Guest Introduction and Background 03:59 The Human Impact of Layoffs 27:21 The Role of AI in Layoffs 32:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Predictions

This episode explores the crucial role fathers play in families, with guest David Maywald sharing his personal experiences and observations. David argues that fathers are vital for children's well-being and societal good, yet societal pressures and lack of support often hinder their involvement. He challenges traditional gender roles and advocates for a shift towards valuing family time and offering flexibility for both mothers and fathers. The discussion touches on challenges faced by fathers, negative societal expectations, and the long-term benefits of prioritizing family over career.

About David:

David Maywald is a father to two children (son and daughter). He lives with his wife in Canberra, the national capital of Australia. David currently serves as a Non-Executive Director for five organisations, including Chair of a public company and board member of registered charities in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. He worked in the Investment Management sector for two decades as a Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager, for JP Morgan and Credit Suisse as well as for a successful start-up called RARE Infrastructure. David is a passionate advocate for the issues that impact upon men and boys.

Key points:

• Importance of father involvement for children and society.
• Societal pressures pushing men towards career advancement over family.
• Lack of support and resources for fathers, impacting their engagement in family life.
• David's perspective on prioritizing family over materialistic values and career focus.
• Importance of ongoing flexibility and support for both parents.

Books mentioned:

• The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind by Melissa S Kearny
• The Case Against The Sexual Revolution by Louise Perry
• The Life of Dad. The Making of the Modern Father by Dr. Anna Machin