The product industry is constantly evolving, and navigating silos—both across departments and between leadership levels—can make career growth feel like a challenge. Without alignment, collaboration suffers, progress stalls, and figuring out how to advance becomes even harder. In this special panel episode, host Hannah Clark is joined by Melika Hope (Director of Product Management at Spotify) and Ken Romano (VP of Product at Stacker) to discuss what product leaders truly value in 2025. They dive...
Mar 04, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Starting a new job is tough—but stepping into an executive role is a whole different challenge. With high stakes, unrealistic expectations, and all eyes on you, how do you navigate this transition successfully? In this episode, Hannah talks with Yue Zhao, executive coach and founder of The Uncommon Executive, about the realities of executive life, adapting to new dynamics, and essential steps beyond the typical 90-day plan. Resources from this episode: Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter...
Feb 25, 2025•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast The times are changing, and AI is driving a major shift in how we approach product and leadership. It’s exciting, unpredictable, and inevitable—but how do we navigate this change? Hannah Clark sits down with Greg Petroff, a design thought leader and seasoned executive, to discuss the tools, organizational shifts, and strategies that leaders need to adopt in this fast-paced era. Tune in to hear Greg’s insights on adapting to change and staying ahead in the AI-driven world. Resources from this epi...
Feb 19, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Not to get all "check your privileges" on you, but if your organization has an in-house research team, or works with a research firm, or even has just one UXR on staff, you gotta count yourself lucky. According to the 2024 State of Research Report by User Interviews, for every one dedicated researcher, there are five PWDRs—that stands for 'people who do research'. So by my math, that means that there's a 1 in 6 chance that one of those PWDRs is you. So if you do identify...
Feb 11, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Whether you prefer the term data-driven, or data-informed, or data-dazzled, it doesn't matter—today's tech cannot survive without high quality data sets AND the tools to use them effectively. But we also can't afford to think about data as the responsibility of just one or two departments in the organization—instead, we need to be going into 2025 with a mindset of data democratization. In other words, our business is our customers, so what our customers are saying should be everyo...
Feb 04, 2025•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the age of remote work, product teams can take a lot of forms, and are no longer limited to the talent pool of a specific geographic area. That means many of us are working closely every day with colleagues in completely different time zones, while also building products for customers around the world. And while the ability to connect, collaborate, and sell internationally offers a wealth of opportunities, it also comes with a whole world of intricacies and challenges. My guest today is Craig...
Jan 28, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Accessibility often sits uncomfortably on the fringes of roadmap discussions. Many organizations prioritize features with the biggest impact, sidelining those that benefit a smaller percentage of users. Yet, the dialogue on accessibility is not just about inclusion but also intersects with business ethics and market expansion. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Prerna Ramachandra—Principal Product Manager at Yahoo—to delve into the business case for accessibility and effective strategies...
Jan 21, 2025•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Burning out isn't a matter of 'if' as much as a matter of 'when'. According to Mind the Product, over 80 percent of product managers report experiencing burnout during their careers — and I reckon that number is pretty conservative. As high achievers, we're prone to pushing our limits beyond the breaking point when it comes to our careers. But even though just about everyone goes through it, burnout can still feel horribly isolating. It can trick us into thinking we...
Jan 14, 2025•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast As we wrap up an extraordinary year, join us in reflecting on the highlights of The Product Manager Podcast in 2024. This milestone year included engaging conversations, insightful guests, and a growing audience that recently hit 100,000 downloads. In this special year-end edition, host Hannah Clark and producer Becca Banyard share behind-the-scenes stories of the podcast's success. With gratitude, they revisit episodes that shaped the show's journey and impacted its listeners. Resourc...
Dec 31, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast If we were to rank the top paradigm shifts in product in the last 10 years, I'd reckon AI and product-led growth would sit at the top of that list. Both concepts really come down to amplifying efficiency, doing more with less. But the real cheat code is bringing them together and using the time saving power of LLMs to enhance your PLG strategy. In a recent panel event, How to Use AI to Supercharge Product-Led Growth, we brought together three awesome PLG experts — Ramli John, the founder of...
Dec 17, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast My guest today is Tal Raviv, the genius behind the popular course entitled "Build Your Personal PM Productivity System & AI Copilot", which is a pretty fancy name. And it's also a pretty big deal for someone who previously described himself as an AI skeptic. But for Tal, the game changer was figuring out why so many PMs struggle to extract the full value out of their LLM tools and uncovering the tactics that actually have the power to transform your productivity. And yes, we w...
Dec 11, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. I think that old chestnut really sums up the product onboarding to adoption pipeline; just because a user has found your product doesn't mean they'll end up paying for it. I get it; it's frustrating when new users seem to arrive at your product, take a sniff, and gallop off into the sunset. But we're not here to commiserate about runaway users, we're here to zoom out on this kooky little...
Dec 03, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Pricing is a perennial hot topic. How much value should you provide for free, and at what point should users need to convert into paying customers? How much should you charge, and how often? In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Cem Kansu—Head of Product at Duolingo—to explore how Duolingo has navigated challenges in monetization, expansion into new markets, and the integration of cutting-edge technology. Resources from this episode: Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter Check out thi...
Nov 26, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Product management is a field that often emphasizes the importance of frameworks. These tools provide a structured approach to the many tasks PMs face daily. However, reliance on frameworks can sometimes inadvertently stifle innovation and critical thinking. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Avrum Laurie—CPO at Felix Health—to explore the double-edged nature of frameworks in product management. Resources from this episode: Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter Check out this episo...
Nov 19, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast In an era marked by rapid technological change and economic uncertainty, the tech industry once seen as a paragon of stability is now grappling with significant upheaval. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Victoria Ku—ex-Airbnb and former Head of Product & Design at Highnote—to explore the shifting paradigms in the tech industry post-pandemic, the prevailing economic difficulties, and the widespread influence of AI on our professional landscape. Resources from this episode: Subscribe...
Nov 13, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast In an era where AI is transforming industries at a rapid pace, product roles infused with AI capabilities are among the most sought-after in tech. If you're looking to break into this sphere or enhance your existing skills, understanding the journey and strategies of those leading the charge can be incredibly beneficial. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Lorilyn McCue—AI Product Manager at Superhuman—to share her insights on navigating the evolving landscape of AI product managemen...
Nov 05, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the ever-evolving world of technology and product management, leaders are continually seeking the tools and skillsets that will set them apart. One of the most underrated yet essential competencies is emotional intelligence (EI), a trait that can significantly influence team dynamics, decision-making, and leadership effectiveness. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Robert Ta—Chief Product Architect for Dayforce—to delve into the power of emotional intelligence in leadership and its pr...
Oct 29, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the fast-paced world of product design, balancing technological advancements with empathy is more critical than ever. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Koji Pereira—VP of Design & Research at Sigma Computing—to offer a unique perspective on this delicate balance. Drawing from his rich career at tech giants like Google, Lyft, and Twitter, Koji underscores the transformative power of empathy in product design and leadership. Resources from this episode: Subscribe to The Product Man...
Oct 22, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Many professionals in the tech industry begin their journey in the dynamic world of startups, learning to thrive in fast-paced environments and wearing many hats. However, as career paths evolve, some find themselves curious about the opportunities and unique culture of larger tech companies. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Melika Hope—Director of Product Management at Spotify—to explore the intricacies of transitioning from startups to Big Tech. Resources from this episode: Subscribe...
Oct 15, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the world of product management, the popular adage "People don't leave bad jobs, they leave bad managers" resonates all too well. As leaders, it’s crucial to prioritize the human connection and support that teams need to foster a thriving work environment. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Nancy Chu—PM Coach—to discuss how compassion plays a vital role in effective leadership and team dynamics, particularly in the tech industry. Resources from this episode: Check out t...
Oct 08, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Product adoption can sometimes feel as elusive as catching lightning in a bottle. There are myriad reasons why users might resist adopting new products, from the fear of change to the comfort of established routines. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by George Brooks—Founder and CEO of Crema—to explore these challenges and draw out actionable insights for product leaders. Resources from this episode: Check out this episode's sponsor Sprig Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter Co...
Oct 01, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming various industries, developing expertise in AI product management is becoming indispensable for today's software product managers. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Praveen Gujar—Director of Product at LinkedIn—to share his valuable perspectives on the critical skills needed for AI PMs, the growing demand for AI expertise, and the pivotal role of data hygiene and ethics in AI development. Resources from this episode: C...
Sep 24, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the ever-evolving landscape of product management, growth hacking has become a pivotal challenge for organizations aiming to scale their products effectively. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Samantha Hepler—Principal Product Manager at Procore Technologies—to delve into the intricacies of sustainable growth strategies. Resources from this episode: Check out this episode's sponsor Sprig Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter Connect with Samantha on LinkedIn Check out Proc...
Sep 19, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's data-driven landscape, organizations often find themselves drowning in a sea of data, yet struggling to glean actionable insights from it. Many companies are eager to label themselves as data-centric, but the reality is that not everyone is equally adept at interpreting and utilizing data effectively. Often, insights are fragmented, and the analytics presented do not provide the full picture needed for informed decision-making. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Mo Hallab...
Sep 10, 2024•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Navigating the world of salary negotiations can be daunting, but mastering this essential skill can significantly impact your career growth. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Josh Doody—Salary Negotiation Coach for High Earners—to share strategies that can help job seekers potentially secure thousands of dollars more in compensation, and adapt these techniques to future negotiations throughout their careers. Resources from this episode: Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter Connec...
Aug 27, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast You've probably come across the statement that product managers are, in a sense, the CEOs of their products. While opinions on this can vary, one thing is for certain: being a PM equips you with a range of invaluable skills that can someday make you an excellent CEO. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Dani Grant—Co-founder & CEO of Jam.dev—to share her incredible journey from a product manager to a successful founder. Resources from this episode: Subscribe to The Product Manager...
Aug 13, 2024•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’ve all experienced it: the frustration of a poorly designed product or service. But what sets apart the truly exceptional user experiences from the merely satisfactory ones? In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Jared Spool—Maker of Awesomeness at Center Centre—to delve into the nuances of UX design, exploring the gap between meeting expectations and creating genuine delight. Resources from this episode: Subscribe to The Product Manager newsletter Connect with Jared on LinkedIn Check out...
Jul 30, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Can understanding users' real-life experiences transform your product development strategy? In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Kevin Gentry—Principal Product Manager at Hilton Grand Vacations, & Co-founder and Host of the Product Coffee Podcast—to unveil his well-honed playbook for sourcing user insights, rooted in the principles of "The Mom Test."
Jul 23, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the rapidly evolving field of product management, the blend of qualitative and quantitative research is essential for making informed decisions. The challenge, however, lies in how to effectively combine these two approaches to paint an accurate picture of user needs and behaviors. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Laura Klein—Principal at Users Know—to talk about the intersection of these research methods and how product teams can best leverage them to build successful products....
Jul 16, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the fast-paced world of Agile organizations, experimentation is the lifeblood of innovation and progress. However, the reality is that not all experiments yield positive outcomes. In this episode, Hannah Clark is joined by Manuel Da Costa—Founder of Effective Experiments—to shed light on the phenomenon known as the product-process gap and discuss ways organizations can foster better experimentation practices.
Jul 09, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
