On today's episode, we decided to switch it up a bit. With the rise in popularity of platforms like Clubhouse and the popularity of AMA (ask me anything) sessions, I decided to start periodically running live podcast episodes with audience involvement. This was the first one, and I call these AMAA sessions (ask me almost) sessions, because we're going to focus on a particular topic. If you want to get involved in the live sessions, head over to Path2Product.io and sign up for free to join the community. But unlike Clubhouse, these are recorded and will be shared on this podcast and the Path2Product youtube channel. Let's jump into the conversation I had with Ryan Seamons, Founder at Groove who formerly worked at Degreed as Director of Product and was one of the first PMs at LinkedIn to work on what we now know as LinkedIn Learning.

Here's what we discussed:

• Ryan's path to Founding Groove and how his stops at LinkedIn, Degreed, and consulting led him there
• The three categories of conversations you should be having with your team
• How to lead up if your manager isn't having these conversations with you
• A fresh new take on the informal 360 review and leveraging that feedback to reflect and improve
• Why these conversations help facilitate cross-functional collaboration and alignment
• Advice on how to get PM experience that resonates with hiring managers, even before you formally get the job
• Ryan's book recommendation, "never split the difference" and the key question of "how can I make this work?"
• The three types of Product culture and what the work/life balance looks like at each
• How important a cover letter is, what it is, and the modern version of it