In this episode of The Intentional Product Manager Podcast, host Shobhit Chugh sits down with Sachin Kotwani, a Head of Product at Google, to uncover what it truly takes to secure top-tier roles at world-class companies. Sachin shares his incredible journey, transitioning from Spain to Google, and offers actionable advice for aspiring product leaders. Together, they delve into the skills, mindset, and strategies essential for climbing the career ladder and standing out in competitive roles.

Key Topics Covered:

00:00 Introduction to Career Advancement

00:18 Meet Sachin: From Spain to Google

01:24 Transitioning into Product Management

03:24 Building & Launching Products at Google

03:50 Working at Google: Insider Insights

04:47 Breaking into Google: Sachin’s Journey

10:00 What Changes As You Rise in Seniority

11:13 How to Stand Out for a Group PM Role: Problem-solving, intellectual horsepower, showcasing strengths, and using data effectively

14:27 Taking Your Career to the Next Level: Bold Moves for Success

16:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Visit Intentional Product Manager to explore more from Shobhit Chugh and connect with him on https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh

Learn more about Sachin Kotwani and connect with him on https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachinkotwani

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

Join Shobhit from Intentional Product Manager in a deep dive discussion with Jason Knight, a seasoned product management consultant, coach, and podcaster. In this episode of the Intentional Product Manager podcast, Jason shares his extensive journey from a corporate lifer to running his own business and hosting the One Knight in Product podcast.

Learn about the challenges and benefits of fractional product management, the impact of AI on the product management landscape, and insights into building a successful product management career. Don't miss out on practical advice for standing out in your job search and maximizing your career impact.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:38 Jason Knight's Career Journey

03:44 Starting the One Night in Product Podcast

05:41 Challenges Facing Companies: Scaling up without losing efficiency, communicating value during growth, strategic growth, value proposition and what to focus on.

10:00 Why Companies Need Product People: selling value as a product manager.

11:23 Fractional Product Management: When would a company bring on a fractional product leader? How to engage and afford the support the company needs, getting to the right conversation and ensuring you are doing the work that will make the most impact

16:45 Biggest challenges during Fractional Product Management: making an impact as quickly as possible, finding patterns within companies to create confidence and deliver impact, communicating value and humility as a fractional product manager.

21:06 The Importance of Getting Things Done: When everyone is saying the same thing it might be worth listening to.

21:37 Standing Out In Your Product Management Career: The importance of end to end product work, demonstrating value to leadership, making data driven recommendations, when to stand your ground and when to back off, using evidence to move forward.

24:47 Building Credibility as a Product Manager: How much does positioning yourself as an expert help you get the next best role? Is it a resume or LinkedIn? Thought leadership? What can bring you joy as well as build your career? 

26:36 Resume Visibility: If your story doesn’t stand out on your resume then you won’t get the interview. Selling yourself on your resume. How to impress the hiring manager? 

27:36 The Role of AI in Product Management: Using AI to make your life as a product person easier. Why product managers can’t be replaced by AI.

30:50 What Jason Fears About AI: Enhancing thinking vs replacing thinking, the danger of offloading full responsibility to AI.

35:00 Practical Uses of AI: The best way to approach a problem, using AI as a second set of eyes. 

37:54 Future of Product Management Careers: Moving forward faster, Utilizing AI, Building bridges and embracing the business part of your role, Being seen as a business partner, not just a product person.

40:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Learn more about Shobhit Chugh at intentionalproductmanager.com and connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh/

Learn more about Jason Knight and connect with him on https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-knight/

Check out the One Knight In Product podcast here. 

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

AI is top of mind for product managers. Everyone knows AI will change our lives forever, we just aren’t sure how. 

In this enlightening episode, Shobit from Intentional Product Manager engages in a deep discussion with Nikhil, an AI Product Manager at Meta, about advancing a career in product management with a focus on AI and ML. Nikhil shares his extensive journey from beginning as a management consultant at Deloitte, through his MBA at Yale, to his AI product roles at Adobe and Meta. He offers valuable insights on transitioning into AI product management, the evolving role of AI in various industries, and practical advice for product managers aiming to future-proof their careers. Nikhil also discusses the significance of using AI for personal and professional productivity and provides tips on navigating career transitions with a multi-step approach. Additionally, he highlights his podcast, 'The Art and Science of AI,' as a resource for those looking to delve deeper into the world of AI.

00:00 Meeting our AI expert

00:26 Nikhil's Journey into AI Product Management

03:28 First glimpse into how AI will change the world

08:59 Transitioning work experience to transition into AI

13:47 Advice for Aspiring AI Product Managers

14:00 Future-proofing your career with AI

22:42 More on the amazing podcast "The Art and Science of AI."

Learn more about Shobhit Chugh at intentionalproductmanager.com and connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh/

Learn more about Nikhil Maddirala at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilmaddirala/

Listen to his podcast on Apple or YouTube.

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

Join Shobhit Chugh from Intentional Product Manager with special guests Bruce McCarthy and Melissa Appel, co-authors of Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders. This episode offers actionable insights to help you manage stakeholders, build trust, and navigate decision-making cultures. Plus, discover the surprising benefits of "mining for conflict."

Key Takeaways

• 00:00 Meet the authors: Bruce McCarthy and Melissa Appel
• 00:44 The Story Behind the Book: How Aligned was born
• 01:08 Challenges in stakeholder management: When to say “yes” and “no”
• 03:28 Building rapport: Why understanding stakeholders is as crucial as understanding customers
• 05:04 The importance of organizational fit: Identifying hidden roadblocks to career growth
• 08:15 Communicating effectively: Strengthening relationships between product and sales
• 11:00 Positioning yourself for promotions and identifying influential "power players"
• 13:13 Learning from others: Gaining diverse perspectives to craft well-rounded strategies
• 15:00 Building comfortable, meaningful relationships
• 15:58 Practicing empathy: Reflecting stakeholder language for clarity and connection
• 17:00 Turning difficult relationships around: Finding common ground and bridging divides
• 19:45 Earning a seat at the executive table: Building and maintaining executive relationships
• 21:00 Mastering “the meeting before the meeting”: Setting up for success
• 22:48 Decision-making cultures: Identifying decision-makers and distinguishing alignment vs. agreement
• 26:30 Mining for conflict: Using strategic disagreement to foster psychological safety and alignment
• 33:37 Trends in product leadership: Balancing empathy with founder-driven dynamics
• 35:12 Hiring insights: Attracting top talent in competitive markets
• 37:13 Where to find more about the book and authors
• 38:22 Closing thoughts

Discover how to deepen relationships, boost your organizational impact, and drive success for your product and company.

Learn more about Shobhit Chugh at intentionalproductmanager.com and connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh/

Learn more about Bruce McCarthy at Product Culture or connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucemccarthy/ 

Learn more about Melissa Appel at Product Culture or connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/melappel/

Get Bruce and Melissa’s book “Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders”

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

Curious about what it’s like to work at Google and manage teams that impact millions?

In this episode, host Shobhit Chugh sits down with Kanad Das, who shares his incredible journey from Microsoft to Google. Kanad provides an insider’s perspective on leading teams and driving impact at one of the most powerful tech companies in the world.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Navigating Complex Organizations: How to master strategies for thriving and making an impact in large, multifaceted companies.
• Interviewing at Top Tech Firms: Insights into the importance of behavioral interview preparation and how to stand out among tough competition.
• Staying Ahead in AI: Must-know resources and tips to keep your skills current and future-ready.
• Crafting Your Narrative: The art of creating a personal story that demonstrates depth, trust, and certainty, setting you apart as the ideal candidate.

Why You Should Listen: If your career vision includes working at a tech giant or enhancing your product management skills, this episode is packed with practical insights and actionable advice from someone who’s been there and succeeded. Kanad’s strategies can help you turn interviews into job offers and chart a course for long-term career success.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:19 Guest Introduction: Kanad Das

00:35 Kanad's Career Journey

01:19 Transition to Google

03:13 Role and Responsibilities at Google

05:44 Challenges and Learnings

10:44 Building and Leading Teams

16:42 Technical Skills and AI

22:29 Interview Tips for Google

27:13 Conclusion and Contact Information

Learn more about Shobhit Chugh at intentionalproductmanager.com and connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh/

Learn more about Kanad Das at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanaddas/ 

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

Join Shobhit Chugh and special guest Aakash Gupta for a transformative conversation on maximizing productivity and strengthening relationships. This event will provide you with actionable insights on:  

• AI’s Impact on Product Management Careers: Discover how AI can help you save time and streamline your workflow.
• Outsourcing with Confidence: Learn the art of delegation and find out how to identify reliable partners who deliver results.
• Top Product Leaders’ Salaries: Get a sneak peek of what the best in the field are earning.
• Positioning for AI Roles: Unlock strategies to build relevant experience and stand out in the competitive AI landscape.
• Leveraged Networking: Master techniques to build connections that drive financial growth.
• Hidden Roles: Explore why the highest-paying product positions are often off the radar—and how to find them.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:26 Aakash's Early Career and First Product Management Role
06:35 Transition to Growth Management and Core Product Leadership
11:42 Balancing Player-Coach Roles and Delegation Strategies
17:23 The Journey to Becoming a Content Creator
21:11 Monetizing Content and Expanding Influence
25:35 Writing Process and Content Strategy
27:28 Collaborative Efforts in Job Search
27:49 AI's Role in Content Creation
29:18 Insights from Product Leadership Job Search
33:48 The Importance of Recruiter Relationships
38:31 AI in Product Management
40:54 Leveraging AI for Efficiency and Innovation
41:52 Pathways to AI Product Management Roles
47:25 Conclusion and Further Resources

This discussion will equip you with tools to save time, create valuable opportunities, and achieve long-term financial rewards.

Learn more about Shobhit Chugh at intentionalproductmanager.com and connect on https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh/

Explore Aakash Gupta’s work at aakashg.com and connect with him on https://www.linkedin.com/in/aagupta/

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

Join Shobhit Chugh and special guest Will Lowrey as they reveal powerful strategies to stand out in your product management career by mastering your narrative and cultivating a positive team culture. Together, they unpack essential skills to set yourself apart, including:

• The Power of Storytelling: Learn how to communicate so that people listen and remember.
• Overcoming Self-Doubt in Job Searches: Discover how projecting confidence can increase your chances of landing the role you want.
• Navigating Job Searches in Startups vs. Big Companies: Get tailored strategies for building relevant experience and standing out in today's competitive tech landscape.
• Building Team Culture: Understand how to foster an environment that brings out the best in everyone.
• Focusing on Business Outcomes: Acquire techniques for creating connections that drive impactful, revenue-generating results.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:17 Meet Will Lowrey: Career Journey
01:03 Path to Product Management
02:19 Pre-Product Management Background
06:00 Significant Career Moments
08:54 Early Lessons in Product Management
12:37 Mid-Career Insights: Storytelling
16:04 Building Teams and Culture
19:56 Becoming a Coach: Motivation and Inspiration
23:03 Discovering the Path to Teaching and Coaching
23:53 Focusing on Intentional Job Search
24:49 Crafting a Compelling Narrative for Interviews
26:51 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Job Search
29:13 Differences in Job Search: Startups vs. Big Companies
32:44 Importance of Business Outcomes in Product Management
35:52 The Joy of Coaching Product Managers
41:16 Tips for Product Managers in the Job Market
44:31 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

This conversation will equip you with the tools to become a confident communicator, inspiring leader, and strategic thinker—helping you carve a career path that maximizes both income and impact.

Connect with Shobhit at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shobhitchugh/
Connect with Will Lowrey at https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamlowrey/

www.intentionalproductmanager.com

Join Shobhit Chugh and special guest Ravi Mehta for an in-depth conversation on the most pressing topics shaping the future of product management. Gain insights on:

• AI’s Impact on Product Management Careers: How advancements in AI will redefine roles and open new opportunities.
• Building Job Security through Personal Fulfillment: Why prioritizing purpose in your work can be a game-changer for career stability in 2024.
• Delivering Business Value in 2025: What creating meaningful, measurable impact will look like.
• Creating Opportunities Beyond Your Experience: The secret strategy that will open doors and fast-track your success.
• Accelerating Career Growth Beyond the Average Pace: Practical steps to move your career forward at an extraordinary rate.
• Building a Career Path that Chooses You: How to position yourself as a top candidate for the opportunities you want.
• Navigating a Non-Linear Career Ladder: Tips for success when career growth doesn’t follow a traditional path.
• Mastering Product Politics: Why managing internal dynamics is more important than ever! 

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:18 Meet Ravi Mehta: Career Highlights

01:13 Ravi's Accidental Entry into Product Management

02:31 Early Career at Microsoft and Xbox

07:54 Transition to TripAdvisor

08:28 Key Learnings and Challenges at TripAdvisor

14:32 Moving to Meta: Understanding Gen Z

18:20 Joining Tinder: Building for the Future

22:01 Career Insights and Market Observations

24:50 Balancing Builder Skills and Political Aspects in Product Management

25:47 The Importance of Hands-On Work for PMs

27:24 AI's Impact on Product Management

32:18 Navigating Career Paths in an AI-Driven World

37:26 Technical Fluency and AI in Product Development

44:20 Defining Success and Specialization in Product Management

47:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This conversation will equip you with strategies to lead confidently, adapt to the modern product management market, and achieve long-term career fulfillment. Don’t miss this unique chance to learn from two product management experts!

Find out more about Shobhit at https://www.intentionalproductmanager.com/

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

Find out more about Ravi at https://www.ravi-mehta.com/.

Connect with Ravi on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravimehta/

www.intentionalproductmanager.com