Podcast · Tech & Science

Product Thinking

by Melissa Perri · English · Tech & Science

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 20 min
Latest: 24 Jun 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

24 Jun 2026 · 11 min

Episode 271: The Gap Between AI Adoption and AI Strategy

In this solo episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri shares the results of the State of AI in Product 2026 survey of 309 product leaders, co-published with Product Circle. The tools are everywhere, but the work has not changed. Melissa walks through five findings and what they mean for you. Adoption is nearly universal, yet only a third of leaders say AI is strengthening their operating model. Melissa explains why the bottleneck is still upstream in discovery and decisions, and why AI acts as a multiplier rather than an equalizer, helping mature organizations and exposing the…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E270 · 3 Jun 2026 · 14 min

Episode 270: How Experimentation Becomes Culture

What does it actually take for experimentation to stick inside a product organization? In this compilation episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri brings together three perspectives on the leadership behaviors, portfolio decisions, and iteration loops that separate real experimentation from theater. David Bland, author of Testing Business Ideas, opens with what he has seen go wrong in well-funded companies that treat experimentation as a checkbox. He follows with a story about programs that died when leadership stopped reinforcing them, and the difference between living in a…
E269 · 20 May 2026 · 15 min

Episode 269: Continuous Discovery Habits That Actually Work

Continuous discovery sounds simple and breaks down constantly in practice. In this compilation episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri brings together three perspectives on what it actually takes to build the habit and why slowing down on discovery is still the fastest path to shipping the right thing. Teresa Torres, author of Continuous Discovery Habits, breaks down the structure underneath every method: outcome, opportunity, and solution. Teams doing this right never have to stop and replan. Christina Wodtke, lecturer at Stanford and formerly at Zynga, follows with the…
E268 · 6 May 2026 · 25 min

Episode 268: Rethinking What Done Means in Product Ops

What does it mean for a product to actually be “done”? Not code in production, but customers buying, using, and loving it. In this compilation episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri brings together three product leaders to explore the systems that make whole product launches consistent. Trisha Price, then Chief Product Officer at Pendo, argues for shifting the team's definition of done from "code complete" to "whole product complete." She reframes product marketing as a strategic voice in discovery, not a translation layer at launch, and shares how cadences keep the work…
E267 · 22 Apr 2026 · 20 min

Episode 267: How OKRs Become Outputs Instead of Outcomes

OKRs are one of the most misunderstood frameworks in product. They turn into renamed roadmaps, copy-paste cascades, and measures of output instead of real outcomes. In this Product Thinking Podcast compilation, Melissa Perri brings together four leaders who share what it takes to make OKRs actually work. Hugo Froes, then head of product operations at OLX, shares how splitting OKRs into discovery, build, and outcome types gives teams a more honest way to track progress without losing sight of what needs to ship. Jeff Gothelf and Josh Seiden of Sense & Respond Learning explain why key results…
E261 · 28 Jan 2026 · 20 min

Episode 261: AI Implementation in Regulated and High-Trust Industries

AI is moving quickly from experimentation into real products, but in regulated and high-trust environments the stakes are much higher. In this compilation episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, host Melissa Perri brings together perspectives from multiple product leaders to explore what it really takes to ship AI responsibly when accuracy, trust, and risk management matter. You will hear from Maryam Ashoori, who works at IBM and was involved in building Watsonx. She explains what AI agents actually are, why large language models hallucinate, and how guardrails and human oversight help…
E260 · 10 Dec 2025 · 9 min

Episode 260: Avoiding Common Mistakes in Org Design

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri delves into the intricate world of organizational design for product management teams. She explores how to structure teams effectively around value streams, rather than falling into the trap of organizing by architecture. Melissa emphasizes the critical role of platform teams and the importance of starting with a solid product strategy before diving into organizational design. Melissa sheds light on the necessity for product managers to have a clear roadmap ownership and the challenges of maintaining short layers of control in…
E259 · 3 Dec 2025 · 32 min

Episode 259: Simplifying AI for Global Customer Impact with Srinivasan Raghavan

Srini Raghavan, Chief Product Officer at FreshWorks, joins Melissa Perri to discuss the evolving role of product management in the age of AI. He explores how product managers are transforming into "product builders" with AI as a catalyst for more integrated roles, collapsing traditional processes, and enabling rapid prototyping. Srini dives into the impact of AI on enhancing customer and employee experiences at FreshWorks. He shares insights on how AI agents are handling repetitive tasks, improving satisfaction, and delivering real outcomes through a relentless focus on customer needs.…
E258 · 26 Nov 2025 · 7 min

Episode 258: Treating Internal Tools with Equal Rigor

In this episode, Melissa Perri dives into the intricacies of product management with a focus on both inbound and outbound product management. Whether you're working on internal tools or customer-facing products, the strategic processes involved are crucial and similar across the board. Melissa discusses the importance of having a strategy, discovery, and delivery process in place to maximize the value stream and mitigate risks, regardless of the product's focus. Melissa provides examples of how internal tools, like algorithms for insurance claims or bank teller systems, can significantly…
E257 · 19 Nov 2025 · 38 min

Episode 257: Making Product Launches Work at Scale with Michael Dodsworth

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri is joined by Michael Dodsworth, the founder and CEO of Fanfare. Michael shares his insights on the importance of storytelling in product management and how it can drive product success. He discusses his transition from engineering roles to leading innovative product launches that create immersive experiences and captivate audiences. Through his experiences, Michael emphasizes the significance of aligning strategic goals with customer engagement to elevate product performance. Tune in to explore how Michael's approach to…
E256 · 12 Nov 2025 · 9 min

Episode 256: De-Risking Product Launches Effectively

In this episode, Melissa Perri discusses the common dilemma faced by product managers: whether to prioritize large, high-risk features or focus on delivering smaller, incremental updates. She delves into the considerations that should guide this decision, including the value to users, stakeholder goals, and the need for experimentation and risk management. Melissa shares insights on how to approach these decisions strategically to ensure both customer satisfaction and business success. Are you grappling with how to balance big projects against smaller, faster releases in your product…
E255 · 5 Nov 2025 · 46 min

Episode 255: How Shopify Is Leveraging AI at Scale with Vanessa Lee

Join us in this episode as Melissa Perri sits down with Vanessa Lee, VP of Product at Shopify, to explore the groundbreaking work being done in AI integration and agentic commerce. Vanessa sheds light on Shopify's AI assistant, Sidekick, which aims to revolutionize how merchants manage and grow their businesses. Discover how Shopify is pushing the boundaries of e-commerce with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to empowering entrepreneurs. Through engaging anecdotes and insights, Vanessa shares how Sidekick is not just a tool but a strategic partner for merchants, helping them navigate…
E254 · 29 Oct 2025 · 11 min

Episode 254: Pushing Back on Unsustainable Workloads

Join Melissa Perri in this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast as she tackles the complex issue of managing an overwhelming workload as a product manager. A senior product manager shares their struggle of handling five engineering teams, a task typically assigned to multiple product managers. Melissa offers practical advice on how to communicate with leadership, prioritize effectively, and implement systems to manage scope. If you've ever faced the challenge of balancing broad strategic oversight with detailed management, this episode is a must-listen. Melissa's insights will help you…
E253 · 22 Oct 2025 · 38 min

Episode 253: Intelligent Friction in Digital Banking with Tony Brancato

Tony Brancato, Chief Product Officer at Charlie Financial, joins Melissa Perri on the Product Thinking Podcast to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in developing financial products for older Americans. With a focus on security and user-friendliness, Tony shares how Charlie Financial is reimagining banking for the senior demographic, often overlooked by tech innovations. The conversation reveals insights into building trust with users, the role of intelligent friction in product design, and the importance of understanding user needs in product development. Want to know how to…
E252 · 15 Oct 2025 · 7 min

Episode 252: Understanding Product vs Project Management

In this episode, Melissa Perri dives into the often-confused realms of product management and project management. Many people conflate these roles, but they serve distinct purposes and bring different values to an organization. Melissa unpacks the unique responsibilities and skills required for each role and discusses how they can effectively complement each other to drive product success. Whether you're a seasoned product leader or new to the field, this conversation will provide clarity and actionable insights on how to align these functions within your teams. If you're eager to…
E251 · 8 Oct 2025 · 38 min

Episode 251: From CERN to FemTech Innovation with Magda Armbruster

Dr. Magda Armbruster, Head of Product at Natural Cycles, joins Melissa Perri to discuss her unique journey from physics to product management, and how she leverages her scientific background to innovate in women's health technology. As the first FDA-cleared birth control app, Natural Cycles offers a non-hormonal alternative for women and is expanding into new areas such as perimenopause. Dr. Armbruster delves into the challenges and opportunities of integrating user feedback, scientific data, and regulatory compliance in product development. Explore how Natural Cycles maintains user trust…
E250 · 3 Oct 2025 · 13 min

Episode 250: Building Smart: Clarity Over Perfection

What framework or experience do product managers rely on to determine when a feature is ready for delivery? Product managers should balance clarity and collaboration with developers when determining if a feature is ready for delivery. Key considerations include validating the feature's worth, assessing risk levels, and ensuring specifications provide enough context for developers to start coding without needing every detail defined. Iteration and communication are essential for successful product development, allowing teams to adapt and refine features as they progress. Episode resources:…
E249 · 1 Oct 2025 · 44 min

Episode 249: Moving Beyond Function in Product Management with Nesrine Changuel

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri welcomes Nesrine Changuel, a seasoned product coach, trainer, and author, known for her work at Google, Spotify, and Microsoft. Nesrine shares her journey and insights into creating products that users truly love by focusing on emotional connections and the concept of "Product Delight” - the name of her recently launched book. She discusses how understanding both functional and emotional user motivators is crucial in designing tech products that stand out and are memorable. Throughout the conversation, Nesrine explores the…
E248 · 26 Sep 2025 · 14 min

Episode 248: Escaping the Reactive Trap in Product Teams

How can a product manager handle a backlog of unanswered customer support tickets and enhancement requests while transitioning to a more strategic approach? Addressing a backlog of customer requests requires strategic thinking rather than reactive responses. To manage this, categorize requests into buckets, establish communication rhythms for backlog reviews, and reset stakeholder expectations. Focus on quick wins to build credibility, engage with stakeholders collaboratively, and protect time for strategic discovery. Ultimately, create a framework for product strategy to prioritize feature…
E247 · 24 Sep 2025 · 55 min

Episode 247: Freeing Teams from Operational Overload with John Cutler

In this episode, Melissa Perri is joined by John Cutler to explore the often overlooked yet crucial role of product operations in driving organizational success. They dive into the balancing act between having the right people and the right processes, emphasizing how both are essential in managing complexity and fostering innovation. The conversation takes a deep dive into strategic planning, discussing flexible frameworks and the balance between simplification and nuance. They also touch upon the potential impact of AI in product operations, addressing the opportunities and challenges it…
E246 · 19 Sep 2025 · 7 min

Episode 246: Rethinking the Role of R&D

How can a company successfully integrate an R&D department that primarily works with academia within a product management model that emphasizes engineering, design, and business? The discussion emphasizes the role of R&D in product management, questioning its necessity when engineering teams are empowered. R&D can serve as content or market experts but may become disconnected from customer value if not integrated properly. It's important to align R&D efforts with customer needs and business value, especially considering the size of the company and available resources. Episode resources:…
E245 · 17 Sep 2025 · 37 min

Episode 245: Building Product Thinking in Engineering Teams with Matt Watson

Join Melissa Perri as she sits down with Matt Watson, founder and CEO of Full Scale, to delve into the evolving world of product management and software development. In this insightful conversation, Matt shares his journey from developer to CEO, offering lessons on how to blend engineering expertise with product thinking. Discover how Matt encourages a culture of ownership and courage among teams, and how AI is reshaping the roles of engineers and product managers alike. If you're interested in enhancing your product management skills and understanding the importance of clarity,…
E244 · 12 Sep 2025 · 10 min

Episode 244: Thriving as a Platform Product Manager

What advice can you give for transitioning from end-user product management to platform product management, particularly regarding daily responsibilities and understanding the new role? The podcast discusses the transition to platform product management, emphasizing the importance of understanding internal users and workflows. It advises product managers to learn technical aspects like APIs and DevOps, collaborate with engineering teams, and align platform strategies with commercial goals. The role requires a focus on scalability and internal user experience while maintaining awareness of…
E243 · 10 Sep 2025 · 33 min

Episode 243: Embracing Visual Collaboration in the Age of AI with Elaina O’Mahoney

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Melissa Perri sits down with Elaina O'Mahoney, the Chief Product Officer at Mural, to explore the evolving landscape of product operations, the strategic use of AI, and the essential collaboration between product and go-to-market teams. Elaina shares her insights into how organizations can streamline their product operations and effectively integrate AI to enhance user experience without losing the human touch. She also delves into the dynamics of working with go-to-market teams to ensure products are aligned with market needs from the outset.…
E242 · 5 Sep 2025 · 10 min

Episode 242: Why Context Switching Slows You Down

What advice do you have for a situation where multiple product managers are accessing the same developer team, potentially slowing down delivery? Navigating multiple product managers sharing the same development team can lead to inefficiencies and context switching, which negatively impacts productivity. It's crucial to have dedicated developers for specific areas to improve ownership and accountability. The typical ratio of product managers to developers should be reconsidered, and if the workload is too high, hiring more developers may be necessary. Tracking productivity metrics and…
E241 · 3 Sep 2025 · 38 min

Episode 241: Mastering AI Strategy in Enterprise Teams with Maryam Ashoori

In this episode of the Product Thinking Podcast, Dr. Maryam Ashoori joins Melissa Perri to explore the transformative impact of AI on product management. Maryam shares her insights into how AI is reshaping roles within the industry, particularly the evolving relationship between product managers and engineers. With AI increasingly influencing design processes, she discusses the shift from traditional UI building to prompt definition. The conversation also delves into the distinct capabilities of AI agents compared to generative AI, highlighting their potential for reasoning and task…
E240 · 29 Aug 2025 · 14 min

Episode 240: Mastering Product Craft as a New VP

What advice can a new VP of product, with extensive industry experience but limited product management experience, receive to succeed in their role? Advice for a new VP of product with industry experience but limited product management knowledge includes understanding product management as a craft, learning key concepts and methodologies, and leveraging industry expertise to empathize with customers. It's essential to establish a collaborative environment with product managers, focus on defining problems rather than solutions, and continuously engage with users to inform product strategy.…
E239 · 27 Aug 2025 · 38 min

Episode 239: Navigating the AI Shift at Stack Overflow with Jody Bailey

Jody Bailey, the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Stack Overflow, joins Melissa Perri to discuss the integration of AI and product strategy in one of the world’s largest online communities for technologists. Jody shares insights on how Stack Overflow is navigating the rapid technological advancements and adapting to maintain long-term trust within its community. They delve into the challenges and opportunities AI presents and how it influences product management at Stack Overflow. Curious about how AI is reshaping the product landscape and how Stack Overflow is positioning itself in…
E238 · 22 Aug 2025 · 9 min

Episode 238: Managing Success Beyond the Build

What product management principles can be applied in an enterprise setting where teams implement a purchased SaaS tool rather than building their own? The podcast discusses the role of product management in organizations that implement purchased software rather than building it. Melissa Perri emphasizes that product managers still need to evaluate whether the tools solve the right problems, customize them for their needs, and ensure they align with business goals. She encourages teams to practice good product management principles, regardless of whether they own the tools, and to communicate…
E237 · 20 Aug 2025 · 52 min

Episode 237: Leading Creative Teams with Discipline with Keith Lucas

Keith Lucas, author and former product leader at Roblox, joins Melissa Perri to discuss his new book "Impact," which focuses on building high-performing, innovative teams. Keith shares insights from his experience leading teams at Roblox and explores how visionary leadership and mission-driven strategies can inspire and align teams for success. The conversation delves into creative constraints, the balance between vision and mission, and the continuous improvement necessary for effective leadership. Ready to learn how to lead innovative teams and align them with your organization's mission?…

About Product Thinking

Successful product management isn’t just about training the product managers who work side by side with developers everyday to build better products. It’s about taking a step back, approaching the systems within organizations as a whole, and leveling up product leadership to improve these systems. This is the Product Thinking Podcast, where Melissa Perri will connect with industry leading experts in the product management space, AND answer your most pressing questions about everything product. Join us each week to level up your skillset and invest in yourself as a product leader.

Product Thinking is a English tech & science podcast from Melissa Perri. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Melissa Perri
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 20 min
Latest episode: 24 Jun 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1550800132
Website: productinstitute.com/resources/podcast
Rights: 252726

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