Toxic bosses. Gaslighting. Shattered confidence.

If you’ve been there — you’re not alone. And more importantly: you can bounce back stronger.

In this powerful episode, Shobhit Chugh (Intentional Product Manager) sits down with Sarah K. Ramsey — high performance coach and author of Becoming Toxic Person Proof — to unpack how product managers can rebuild after difficult work environments and get back to thriving.

Together, they explore:

• The long-tail impact of toxic workplaces on confidence
• How to spot red flags early in future interviews
• Strategies to rebuild self-trust and regain your voice
• Tools like the “Brag Book” to reframe your narrative
• Why healing means solving better problems — not staying stuck in old ones

Whether you're recovering from a toxic boss or just want to future-proof your career, this conversation is full of clarity, validation, and next steps.

Episode Guide:

00:00 – Introduction
00:21 – Understanding the impact of a toxic boss
00:45 – Meet Sarah K. Ramsey
01:35 – How toxic environments erode confidence
04:16 – Spotting red flags at work
06:15 – Practical steps to rebuild confidence
16:38 – Daily habits that create momentum
18:49 – Re-entering the job search with intention
22:16 – Interview tips for spotting better managers
25:46 – Final thoughts
26:29 – Wrap-up & call to action

Connect with Shobhit https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh/

Connect with Sarah https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-k-ramsey-m-s-n-l-p-0912ba97/

Learn to become Toxic Person Proof here. https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Toxic-Person-Proof-Ramsey/dp/1641845961

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

Join Shobhit Chugh from Intentional Product Manager as he hosts Shub Agarwal, Senior Vice President of AI at US Bank, professor at USC, and author of the new book Successful AI Product Creation: A Framework for Turning Research into Real-World Value, on the Intentional Product Manager Podcast.

In this episode, dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of AI product management — exploring major shifts in AI technology, the unique challenges of deploying AI solutions, and the frameworks that drive real success. Shub shares insights from his new book, including his proven nine-step methodology for bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI research and tangible, impactful products.

Discover key lessons learned from years leading AI initiatives, understand why AI is reshaping the very definition of user experience, and learn what skills future AI product managers will need to thrive.

Episode Highlights:
 00:00 — Introduction to the Podcast
 00:27 — Meet the AI Expert: Shub Agarwal
 01:20 — Major Shifts in AI Product Development
 02:40 — AI as the New UX
 04:15 — How AI Product Management Differs from Traditional Product Management
 07:18 — The Nine-Step Framework for AI Product Creation
 17:08 — Critical Skills for Future AI Product Managers
 21:31 — Lessons from the Frontlines of AI Product Leadership
 25:11 — Final Takeaways and Book Information

Connect with Shobhit on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh/

Connect with Shub on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shub/

Get Shub’s book. https://www.amazon.com/Successful-AI-Product-Creation-Framework/dp/1394337841

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

Join Shobhit Chugh, founder of Intentional Product Manager, in a powerful conversation with BJ Hillabush — a seasoned product leader and career coach — as they break down the most common mistakes product managers make during their job search… and how to avoid them.

From unclear positioning to “silver medal syndrome,” BJ shares practical strategies to help you stand out in a competitive market. You'll learn how to:

• Craft a resume that clearly shows your impact
• Customize your applications without wasting time
• Avoid the “spray and pray” trap
• Network more effectively and authentically
• Prepare for interviews with intention
• Handle rejections with resilience
• Negotiate compensation like a pro
• And most importantly: take full ownership of your job search
  
  

Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Intro
00:22 – Meet BJ Hillabush
00:52 – The most common job search mistakes
01:38 – Why positioning matters more than you think
02:51 – Resume pitfalls and how to avoid them
05:44 – What’s wrong with “spray and pray”
09:19 – A better way to prep for interviews
15:53 – How to actually network effectively
20:18 – Compensation and negotiation tips
26:52 – Owning your job search process
30:46 – Final thoughts

Connect with Shobhit on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh/

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

In this episode of the Intentional Product Manager Podcast, host Shobhit talks with Rahul Nath, Chief Product Officer at Accel, about his unconventional path through the product world—from McKinsey to Google, scaling fintech at Drip Capital, and now driving innovation at the intersection of venture capital and technology.

Rahul shares candid reflections on what it takes to succeed across vastly different environments—consulting, Big Tech, startups, and now VC. You’ll hear how he adapted his product mindset at each stage, the challenges he didn’t expect when leaving Google, and how product leadership can be a force multiplier inside a VC firm.

Whether you're navigating a job transition, exploring startup roles, or thinking long-term about your impact as a product leader, this episode is packed with grounded insights and tactical advice.

Episode Highlights
00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast
00:28 – Meet Rahul Nath: Career Journey
02:13 – Transitioning from Google to Startups
06:53 – Product Leadership in Venture Capital
17:44 – Navigating Job Search in a Tough Market
21:48 – The Future of Product Management
25:32 – Rapid Fire Questions + Conclusion

Tune in for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about product strategy, career growth, and how technology is reshaping venture capital.

Connect with Shobhit on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh/

Connect with Rahul on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulnath18/

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

In this episode of the Intentional Product Manager Podcast, Shobhit sits down with Shishir Narula—seasoned product leader and now a highly respected product coach—to explore the mindset traps that hold PMs back in their job search and career growth.

Shishir shares the pivotal moments that shaped his transition from big tech to coaching, and dives deep into how mental clarity, self-awareness, and intentional action make all the difference—especially in a tough market.

Whether you're burned out from final-round rejections, second-guessing your skills, or wondering what is next, then this is a must listen. 

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Intro to the Podcast
00:26 – Meet Shishir Narula: From Big Tech to Coaching
01:06 – Career-Defining Moments and Shifts
03:06 – Why Mindset is the Game-Changer in PM Careers
05:33 – What Makes a High-Impact PM
06:00 – Growth Mindset: What It Really Means
14:32 – Navigating Mindset During the Job Search
18:50 – Building Confidence That Lasts
20:52 – Dealing with Imposter Syndrome in Product
21:15 – The Mentor's Dilemma: Why Even Top PMs Get Stuck
23:55 – The Traits of Truly Successful Product Managers
32:14 – Visualization & Meditation as Career Tools
34:08 – Confident Networking (Even if You're Introverted)
36:06 – Final Thoughts and Takeaways

🎧 Listen now to learn how to take back control of your job search, rebuild your confidence, and approach your career with intention.

Connect with Shobhit on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh/

Connect with Shishir on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shishir-narula/

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

In this episode of the Intentional Product Manager podcast, Shobhit Chugh sits down with Aindra Misra, Director of Product for Data, AI, and Cloud Platforms at Bill, to explore the world of platform product management.

They break down what makes platform PM different from traditional PM, the importance of horizontal thinking, and why scalability and cross-functional collaboration are critical to success. Aindra offers valuable insights into AI’s role in enterprise tech, the unique challenges platform PMs face, and what engineers need to know when transitioning into product roles.

Packed with real-world examples and actionable advice, this conversation is essential listening for anyone aiming to grow as a product leader.

Episode Highlights: 

00:00 – Introduction
00:22 – What makes platform PM unique
01:58 – Building scalable, foundational systems
03:43 – Driving collaboration across teams
05:05 – Why horizontal thinking matters
05:46 – Real-world examples from Aindra’s work at Bill
13:23 – Navigating common platform PM challenges
17:23 – How AI is reshaping enterprise tech
25:16 – Tips for transitioning from engineering to product
29:48 – Aindra’s career journey and key advice
33:40 – Wrap-up and how to connect

Shobhit Chugh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh/
Aindra Misra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aindra-misra/

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

Job searching can feel overwhelming, but what if you could make every step easier? In this episode, Shobhit from Intentional Product Manager sits down with Aniket Vaidya, a product leader at Atlassian and former Group PM at Google, to break down exactly how to streamline your job search. From building genuine connections that lead to opportunities to positioning yourself as the obvious choice in interviews, Aniket shares practical strategies to eliminate friction in the hiring process—just like a great product manager would.
Discover how to leverage your network effectively, make recruiters your allies, and gain insider knowledge to tailor your approach. Learn why practicing mock interviews, understanding the hiring manager’s mindset, and following up strategically can significantly boost your chances. If you're looking to land a top PM role or level up your career, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you navigate the competitive job market with ease.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Mastering Networking – How to build genuine connections, make it easy for others to help you, and direct you toward the right opportunities.
✅ Cracking the Interview Process – Why deep research, leveraging recruiters, and insider knowledge can be game-changers.
✅ The Power of Mock Interviews – How early feedback can transform your preparation and make interviews feel effortless.
✅ Understanding Hiring Manager Mindsets – Insights from Aniket’s experience reviewing resumes and selecting top candidates.
✅ Post-Interview Best Practices – Why following up, staying connected, and adding value after the interview can give you a competitive edge.

Aniket also shares candid stories from his own career, including how a failed mock interview opened his eyes to what it really takes to succeed. His advice goes beyond generic tips—it's a blueprint for standing out in a competitive job market.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:22 Meet Aniket Vaidya: Product Leader at Atlassian
01:01 Journey to Group Product Manager at Google
01:31 Building Real Identity Infrastructure at Google
02:33 Transitioning to Product Management at Google
03:05 Navigating the Ladder Transfer Process
14:51 Key Projects and Missions at Google
18:43 Transition to Head of Product AI at Atlassian
19:25 Positioning Yourself for AI Roles
26:28 Mindset of Hiring Managers
30:13 Interview Advice for Product Managers
35:56 Conclusion and How to Connect with Aniket

Find out more about Intentional Product Manager and connect with Shobhit on LinkedIn.

Connect with Aniket on LinkedIn.   

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

How Top Executives Land Their Next Big Role

Want to break into executive product leadership or transition into venture capital? This episode is packed with insider strategies from Alex Klein, founder of Nucleus Talent, a leader in executive search and recruiting.

Join Shobhit from Intentional Product Manager as he and Alex break down:

• 🔍 The hidden job market for senior executives—why top roles are rarely posted online
• 🚀 How to position yourself for high-impact leadership roles
• 🤝 Executive hiring strategies—what companies really look for in top-tier product leaders
• 📈 How venture capital hiring is evolving—and why product leaders are making the leap into VC
• 🔑 Networking & career acceleration tips to land your next executive role

Whether you're an experienced product leader, a startup founder, or an aspiring VC, this episode will give you the tools to stand out and move up.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Introduction: Product leadership & executive recruiting
 00:26 – Meet Alex Klein: His journey from TrueSearch to founding Nucleus Talent
 01:04 – The Hidden Job Market: Why top executive roles require a different strategy
 04:11 – Common Job Search Mistakes: How to navigate executive search and avoid costly errors
 06:57 – Executive Search 101: Key differences at the leadership level
 07:56 – Contingency vs. Retained Search: Which is right for you?
 09:27 – Alex’s Early Career & Transition to Executive Search: Lessons from building teams and leading practices
 16:23 – Insights from TrueSearch: The key differences in executive search across industries
 19:12 – Winning Leadership Strategies: How to accelerate your career with the right people and mindset
 23:51 – The Evolution of Venture Capital Hiring: The shift toward technical, entrepreneurial leaders
 27:55 – Breaking into VC: Ideal candidate profiles, networking, and insider tips
 30:11 – How to Leverage Your Network in VC: School connections, prior experience, and social media
 31:50 – Choosing the Right First Company: Why working at world-class startups accelerates success
 35:01 – Fast-Tracking Your Career Through Startups: How high-growth environments propel leaders
 36:38 – Hiring the Best PMs Today: What companies look for in product leaders
 38:17 – How to Become a Top Product Leader: The skills that make a difference
 39:30 – Staying Relevant in Venture Capital: Learning from investors and industry trends
 43:13 – The Role of Scout Programs in VC: How to get exposure to deal-making and advisory networks
 48:19 – Final Thoughts & Connecting with Industry Leaders

🎧 Tune in to learn how to navigate executive hiring, product leadership, and the venture capital world!

Connect with Shobhit Chugh on LinkedIn and find out more about Intentional Product Manager here. 

Connect with Alex Klein on LinkedIn here. 

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

Want to be hired as an AI Product Manager? This might be the most valuable 40 minutes you spend this week!

Join Shobhit from Intentional Product Manager as he sits down with Mahesh Yadav, an AI Product Manager at Google with 17+ years of experience in AI, including roles at Amazon and Meta. Mahesh has worked at the forefront of AI innovation, from building intelligent systems at top tech companies to shaping the future of AI. Mahesh also runs an amazing course teaching product managers about how to use AI responsibly. 

This episode covers:

• How to position yourself so companies come looking for you
• The fundamentals of AI agents and how they power real-world products
• A deep dive into what hiring managers are looking for in AI PMs
• The biggest challenges in AI product development and how to solve them
• How to build responsible AI products while managing risk and compliance
• The technical skills that will set you apart as an AI PM
• How AI is reshaping product management—and what you must do to stay relevant

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast  

00:39 – Meet Mahesh Yadav: AI Specialist at Google – Experience at Google, Amazon, and Meta  

03:06 – Mahesh’s career journey in AI: How he navigated roles at top tech companies  

06:09 – How to get companies to come looking for you: Staying ahead of AI trends and making yourself the talent they seek  

07:40 – AI Agents 101: What they are, how they work, and how they “think”  

09:38 – How to get hired as an AI PM: What hiring managers actually look for  

14:24 – The roadmap to becoming a top AI PM: Key experiences, interview strategies, and storytelling  

19:07 – Understanding evaluations  

20:34 – When AI goes wrong: The hilarious (and frustrating) side of AI failures  

21:36 – Challenges in shipping AI products: Moving from subjective to objective evaluation  

22:30 – The AI Act: What PMs need to know about compliance and accountability  

23:12 – Building responsible AI: Avoiding risks, clear communication, and PMs as the last line of defense  

26:35 – The accountability checklist: What every AI PM must showcase in interviews  

28:32 – How AI is reshaping product management: More technical, more hands-on, more customer trust  

31:28 – The must-have technical skills for AI PMs: System diagrams, model recommendations, and prompt engineering  

33:29 – What’s possible with AI: Selling your ideas to engineers and staying ahead of the competition  

34:52 – Adoption challenges and real-world AI product examples  

36:38 – AI’s impact on major tech companies: Why understanding AI is now non-negotiable  

39:17 – Conclusion & final takeaways  

Connect with Shobhit Chugh on LinkedIn and find out more about Intentional Product Manager here. 

Connect with Mahesh on LinkedIn and find out more about his course on responsible AI. 

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

In this episode of the Intentional Product Manager podcast, Shobhit Chugh sits down with Satyajeet Salgar, Director of Product and UX at Google AI, to explore how product managers can align their careers with their passions and leverage AI to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of product management. Satyajeet shares his journey at Google and offers actionable insights on what it takes to be a top performer at the best companies, build high-performing teams, and create product strategies that drive lasting impact.

Find out more about Intentional Product Management here. Connect with Shobhit Chugh on LinkedIn here. 

Connect with Satyajeet Salgar on LinkedIn

Key Takeaways:

• AI in Product Management: Learn how AI is reshaping the role of product managers by making them more specialized and efficient.
• Mastering Product Intuition: Strong product instincts are essential for success, and trusting your gut when making decisions is key.
• Google Grit: Persistence and resilience are crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving success at scale.
• Building Effective Strategies: Focus on solving real-world problems and aligning strategies to make a long-lasting impact.
• Leading High-Performing Teams: Empowering your team, clear communication, and removing obstacles.

00:00 – Introduction to the Podcast:  Shobhit introduces the episode and welcomes Satyajeet Salgar.

00:20 – Meet Satyajeet Salgar: Product Leader at Google Research: Satyajeet shares his background and experiences leading product teams at Google.

01:06 – Succeeding as a Product Leader at Google: Satyajeet discusses the importance of product intuition and pushing through your ideas is needed to succeed at scale.

02:34 – The Importance of Grit and Determination: Satyajeet talks about how grit helps product leaders navigate challenges and push for meaningful success.

04:35 – Satyajeet’s Journey at Google: A look at Satyajeet’s career trajectory at Google, including his insights on balancing passion with practicality and discovering what excites you in your career.

10:07 – Helping Your Team Succeed: Satyajeet shares how to coach team members, remove roadblocks, and create opportunities for success, while emphasizing empathy for both the product and the team.

11:47 – Finding Happiness in Your Career as You Move Up the Ladder: Advice for PMs as they advance in their careers, including the importance of clear communication with senior leadership and understanding your role at different stages.

12:20 – The Volume of Leadership: The role of product leaders in managing organizational health and motivating teams to work toward shared goals.

13:40 – Managing UX and UX Research: How to communicate effectively with UX teams and define what “good” looks like in terms of user experience.

16:20 – Avoiding Bad Product Strategy: Discussing the pitfalls of rushing product strategies, the importance of insight, and ensuring alignment between the why and the real problem being solved.

19:45 – Winning Strategy Development: Satyajeet offers insights on developing winning strategies, defining success early, and communicating openly with your team.

21:33 – Creating High-Performing Teams: The importance of adapting your leadership style to help different team members succeed and optimize for excellence.

25:00 – AI and the Future of Product Management: How AI is changing the role of product managers.

www.intentionalproductmanager.com