People of Product

We're taking a break to reset and consider different formats and pacing for People of Product. We'll be back in the fall with more amazing episodes about people doing the best work of their lives!  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

In the post-pandemic era, people are burnt out. We’re searching for ways to have better human connection and productivity at work. But those things can only happen in spaces with psychological safety. The challenge is that it takes even MORE intentionality to foster. In this episode, Dr. Tharaka Gunarathne (psychiatrist & consultant with FORM) shares his methods for how to foster high levels of tr...

The job market in tech is volatile. But there are factors within your control to land the gig you’re looking for. In this episode, Sarah Doody - Founder & CEO of Career Strategy Lab - shares advice from years of talking with candidates, hiring managers, and UX teams. Hear what you can do to escape the all-too-common journey of 100 plus failed applications. This is a public episode. If you would li...

Inspiration is everywhere! In the workplace, it can be especially powerful when turned into action. With an abundance of things to latch onto, it’s helpful to know where the best inspiration comes from. In this episode, Dan & George share how to better tune into sources of inspiration and apply the strongest motivations in a meaningful way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss th...

From instant messaging to video conferencing tools, there are scores of new products for highly collaborative teams to sift through. But how do you pick the best for your needs? In this episode, we share the tools we use today at Crema and the potential challenges of using each. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visi...

Jen Choi is Senior Director of Innovation & Impact at the Atlanta Hawks. She leads their first-ever Innovation Lab that doesn’t stop at creating great fan experiences. They’re dreaming beyond with new ways to support and engage the greater community, from public voting booths to sports NFTs. Hear some of the challenges, experiments, and solutions this future-setting incubator is dealing with today...

Building a great product is only half the battle. Strong product marketing helps direct how the product gets to market and tells a compelling story about why people need it now. It’s a unique discipline that sits at the intersection of pure marketing and product, and it’s helping break down silos between the two. Martina Lauchengco from the Silicon Valley Group, and author of “Loved”, is on the sh...

Let’s face it. There’s a natural barrier to communication in remote work. When the luxury of proximity is gone, velocity and trust can dwindle. In this episode, Dan & George break down the different types of isolation, the consequences, and ways to overcome silos. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofp...

Winning experienced candidates out of the small technical talent pool is TOUGH. Increased demand and salary inflation has made hiring a real challenge in the age of digital transformation. In this episode, we share how we've been successful in hiring the most highly sought-after roles on the job market (without a recruiter). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other su...

We’ve all seen the increasing dissatisfaction in the workforce and the “great resignation” take its toll. Today teams have to be constantly assessing the collective “agreements” made about how work gets done or people will check out. Aaron Dignan - founder of The Ready and author of Brave New Work - is back on the show. In this episode, Aaron & George discuss how teams create consensus and clarity...

Beyond their strong technical knowledge, great developers bring “big picture perspective” and get wildly creative. If you can broaden your scope beyond your own discipline, then you can guide your team to make intentional decisions that solve even greater problems during ideation. In this episode, Creative Technologist & “Exploratory Team” member CK Hicks shares how developers provide perspective...

Great designers have a deep focus on understanding the user and getting close to their needs. This is why having an experienced designer involved from the earliest stages of research and ideation is so powerful. In this episode, Product Designer Aubrey Schmidt describes her role in the early innovation space. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get...

Many have gone through “workshops” that are more like glorified business improv sessions. But high-impact facilitated sessions dedicated to unearthing the real problem can help teams get aligned on the best possible solution. In this episode, expert facilitator Justin Mertes describes the outcomes of early-stage tech exploration and the real consequences of jumping into the work without a deep und...

Crema can help make the most meaningful and impactful products when we come in as early as possible to explore all of the possibilities. Before you lay the foundation, you have to make sure you’re headed in the right direction. Hear why our team is deepening our exploratory services this year and what it might mean for your project. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with...

There are a lot of differing opinions on the true significance and future impact of Web 3. Is it all hype? Novelty? Or a true paradigm shift that will change the internet as we know it? In the last episode of this 3-part series, we share why our team is exploring Web 3 and the direction we think things are headed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers o...

In the Web 3 universe, there’s a crazy amount of jargon you need to know. NFTs, DApps, wallets, DAOs, smart contracts, the list goes on. In this episode, we’re going to rapid-fire define a few important terms. This quick rundown is for anyone new to the Web 3 world looking to join the conversation. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to...

Confused by Web 3.0? We were too. The promises of the next iteration of the web are lofty: data de-centralization, transparency, and trust on the web. It won’t happen over night, but the next wave of the internet is coming. In part one of this 3-part podcast series, we’re breaking down the basics. What is web 3.0? What important change is it bringing? This is a public episode. If you would like to...

Eisha Armstrong - CEO & Co-founder of Vecteris - is helping businesses think about how to “productize” their service offerings. Finding a way to effectively serve your clients through a one-to-many model requires a huge shift in mindset. In this episode, George Brooks & Eisha discuss how to gauge whether you have something that can be productized, what it takes to get started, and some common mist...

Making commitments to your team is no small thing. You’re making a promise in the present to hold to a specific, desired end. In this episode, Dan & George talk about the importance of agreement and accountability in work-related commitments.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

There are several different kinds of resources companies have to work with: capital, human, material goods, and time. In this episode, Dan & George discuss the logistics of each and how to be good stewards of all the resources available to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us

Organizations are both constrained and enabled by the people within them. Each person brings a defined set of skills, capabilities, and habits that leaders have the opportunity to build upon. In this episode, Dan & George discuss how to thoughtfully support individuals and their structures in a way that doesn’t diminish growth.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with othe...

We can tell you what collaboration is not.  It is NOT simply calling a meeting or “brainstorm” session with a group of people. It’s a wildly complex relationship between a team of diverse practitioners co-laboring on a creative endeavor together. In this episode, Dan & George analyze the intricacies of great collaboration and the T-shaped awareness required of every collaborator on a thriving team...

Founders tend to over-index on confidence. What if all leaders & entrepreneurs had the humility to seek guidance in their journey?  Matt Thieleman, CEO of Pilea, is on a mission to connect every founder with a coach so they can effectively seek the good for themselves, others, and ultimately the globe. In this episode, Matt & George talk about the mindsets & behaviors of truly great leaders and wh...

Our culture loves the hustle. While periods of intense contribution can be good, there are risks in grinding too hard for too long. In this episode, George & Dan discuss the discipline of rest, striking a healthy work-rest balance, and how to plan for fruitful breaks. Spoiler: Working harder doesn’t always give different or better results. Intervals of rest can too! This is a public episode. If yo...

What does the success of marketing, sales, product teams, and company culture all hinge on? Asking good questions! It sounds simple, but asking the right questions the right way is an art. Marcus Sheridan - international keynote speaker & author of “They Ask, You Answer” - shares the power behind making others feel understood and valued by communicating more effectively. This is a public episode....