Creating Quality Products: A Candid Conversation with Toma on Design and Product Management In this episode, Estee converses with Toma, the first designer guest on the show, about the integral relationship between design and product management. They reflect on how they connected through a humorously truthful LinkedIn post that Toma put up about the dilution of design quality during product development. The discussion delves into the challenges of aligning different stakeholders' priorities, the importance of shared values in achieving extraordinary outcomes, and the pitfalls of compromising on quality for fast metrics. Toma talks about the significance of maintaining high-quality standards and the impact of values-driven decision-making in organizations like Apple and Microsoft. The conversation also touches on the detrimental effects of MVP culture and how true product management focuses on creating excellent products rather than just checking boxes. The episode concludes with a lightning round exploring Toma's views on design podcasts, his admiration for Steve Jobs, and key takeaways for product managers to prioritize quality and fight for the product. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:24 The Designer's LinkedIn Post 02:44 The Importance of Aligned Values 04:54 Design in Tech Companies 08:34 Quality vs. Metrics 10:20 The MVP Debate 19:22 Top-Down Quality Culture 22:22 The Power of Value-Driven Decisions 23:13 The Problem with Compromising Quality 24:10 Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Culture 25:18 The Importance of Using Your Own Products 26:40 The Role of Product Managers vs. Project Managers 31:06 Creating a Strong Product-Design Partnership 33:59 Evaluating Quality in Popular Apps 37:45 Lightning Round: Insights and Inspirations About Toma: Toma’s journey to becoming a designer was unexpected. Originally from Australia, he studied law and business before life took a turn in 2006, leading him to Italy. There, he moved his first pixel and wrote his first line of code. Since then, Toma has brought his design expertise to tech companies across multiple continents, focusing on product and organizational strategy and design. Now based in Amsterdam, he is a Design Director at the European hospitality unicorn MEWS, where his teams spearhead the creation of outstanding guest experiences. Link to the image that inspired this episode: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7188806639368462337-QDrv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop  

Leveraging AI in Product Management with Rachel: Insights Beyond the Basics Rachel, an experienced AI product manager, shares her journey from electrical engineering to working at esteemed companies like Microsoft, Facebook, and Instagram. She discusses her career transition, the rise of AI, and the essential paper 'Attention Is All You Need.' Rachel dives deep into practical applications of AI for product managers, emphasizing productivity, personalization, and real-world examples like Spotify and e-commerce. She also explores the future of product management and engineering roles amidst AI advancements, providing valuable insights and advice for professionals in the field. Referenced in the episode:  1. Article about Shein: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-data-science-artificial-intelligence-helped-shein-keep/ 2. Air Canada forced to honor refund policy invented by AI chatbot: https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/air-canada-ai-chatbot-9170822/ 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:04 Rachel's Career Journey 01:21 Impact of AI in Product Management 01:49 Deep Dive into LLMs and AI Technologies 06:26 AI for Productivity and Personal Use 18:21 AI in Professional Settings 31:33 Future of Product Management and AI 35:48 Personal Insights and Hobbies 38:57 Final Thoughts and Farewell Rachel's Bio:  Rachel started her path to product management as an Engineer in the semiconductors industry. Prior to that, she was a Digital Marketing and Product Specialist at Fiverr, where she was one of the first members of the team to focus on marketing and product research. As a strategy consultant at BCG, she focused on private equity and operations. Rachel joined YouNow as a Product Manager where she focused on broadcaster experience and internal tools, and joined DataDog to lead monitors and alerting product. Rachel holds an MBA from Columbia and a BSC in Electrical Engineering from Tel Aviv University.

Decoding Corporate Jargon and Navigating Workplace Dynamics  In this episode, David Lifson returns to discuss the complexities and humor found in corporate jargon. The conversation covers the differences between real-world language and corporate speak, the creation of in-groups and out-groups through jargon, and the challenges faced by non-native English speakers. The hosts analyze popular corporate phrases and their hidden meanings, sharing their own experiences and observations. They also delve into the toxicity of certain workplace cultures, the impact of poor management, and offer insights on how to identify healthy work environments. This engaging discussion provides both comedic relief and valuable advice for navigating corporate communication and dynamics. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome  00:12 Corporate Speak vs. Real World Language 01:23 Types of Corporate Jargon 02:09 Cultural Implications of Jargon 02:30 Literal Interpretations and Misunderstandings 03:59 Common Corporate Phrases and Their Meanings 04:28 Disagree and Commit 07:04 Digital Transformation and AI 15:40 Executives and Accountability 17:41 Breaking the Cycle of Toxic Work Environments 18:14 Red Flags in Job Offers 18:55 Defining Yourself Beyond Your Resume 19:41 Learning from Career Setbacks 21:29 The Reality of Startup Culture 22:42 Recognizing Toxic Job Descriptions 25:36 Effective Feedback in the Workplace 30:15 Understanding Communication Styles 34:54 The Problem with Bad Managers 35:17 Conclusion and Farewell   Bio: David Lifson has led high performing teams at startups, public, and private equity backed companies, delivering high impact outcomes through clear vision, validated product strategy, and collaborative culture. He’s gone 0 -> 1 multiple times, as well as led teams supporting $350M in revenue. His experience leading teams spans 15 years, including four as CEO/GM and eight as Head of Product & Engineering. Dave has a bachelors and masters degree in Computer Science from Cornell University, and is based in Austin, TX.   See former episode with David here: https://theesteeshow.com/episodes/episode-24#spotify  

The episode covers Ali Sipher's experience taking a 7-month career break. She discusses the importance of setting clear goals for the break, such as self-discovery and exploring new directions. Financial planning for 1.5-2x the intended break duration is recommended to avoid undue pressure. The initial months involved decompressing from the fast-paced work mindset and pursuing personal interests like getting certified as a phlebotomist. A major realization was how much time actually exists in a day without the constant urgency of work. The break allowed Ali to rediscover her core identity beyond her job and gain clarity on her values and interests. She advises taking at least 6 months for a true mental reset, and beginning the re-entry process 1-2 months before the intended return date. Overall, an intentional career break can provide invaluable self-awareness and perspective. Planning for a Career Break Set clear goals for the break - e.g. self-discovery, exploring new interests Financially plan for 1.5-2x the intended duration of the break Determine responsibilities to hand off or cover during the break Embracing the Break Allow time to truly disconnect and decompress initially Pursue personal interests, projects, certifications Expect a mindset shift - days feel longer, less urgency Rediscover your identity beyond work Lessons from the Break You have more time than you think for what's truly important Savor the mental break from constant urgency Gain self-awareness about your core values and interests Decide if/when you want to re-enter the workforce Re-Entering the Workforce Start considering re-entry 1-2 months before intended return Don't wait until burnout to take a career break Plan for a bit more break time than you think you'll need Expect to miss using your brain for problem-solving eventually Key Takeaways Career breaks allow valuable self-discovery and mindset shifts Proper planning (financial, responsibilities, duration) is crucial Be open to the break taking you in an unanticipated direction Decide when you're ready to re-engage based on your goals   Ali Sipher: Ali Sipher is an accomplished product leader who loves complicated and unglamorous problem spaces (think: supply chain, healthcare, accounting). She’s delivered innovative products, unlocked new revenue streams, and optimized operations in leadership roles at Parsley Health, Walmart, and multiple startups. After taking a six-month career break, Ali started working as a product management consultant. This helped her realize how much she loves owning the day-to-day product work.  Ali is actively looking for her next full-time role solving complicated and unglamorous problems. Interested in connecting? Reach out: [email protected]

  The Boiling Crisis at Boeing: Unpacking Five Years of Turbulence   In this episode, Kathryn and Estee dive into the ongoing crises and challenges confronting Boeing and the airline aviation industry. From crashes, the tragic suicide of a whistleblower to damning congressional hearings, Kathryn, an expert journalist with extensive industry experience, provides a detailed timeline and analysis of the pivotal events since January 2024. The conversation explores multiple Boeing aircraft incidents, including doors flying off mid-flight and wheels falling off upon takeoff, and scrutinizes the cultural and management issues that have plagued Boeing for years, emphasizing the shift from engineering excellence to profit obsession. Kathryn highlights the importance of public pressure on Boeing to enact meaningful changes, advocates for a complete overhaul of Boeing’s management, and urges passengers to vocalize their concerns to legislators and consumer organization.   Bio: Kathryn B. Creedy is a veteran aviation journalist and author who has covered every facet of commercial and business aviation.  Kathryn has written for Forbes Online and is the author of Time Flies – The History of SkyWest Airlines. Her byline has appeared in Smithsonian’s Air & Space Magazine and top aviation publications such as Air Transport World, Aviation Week and Space Technology, Flightglobal, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and Airline Business. In addition, she has written for BBC Capital, CNN Travel, The Los Angeles Times, AFAR.com.  Series of incidents: Door flies off Alaska Airlines 737 Max (January 2024) Wheel falls off United Airlines aircraft (March 2024) Whistleblower John Barnett dies by suicide (March 2024) Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun announces retirement (March 2024) Concerns: Potential for more technical issues with Boeing aircraft Shift in Boeing's culture from safety-first to profit-driven Lack of transparency from Boeing regarding safety concerns Effectiveness of FAA oversight Historical Context: 1997 Merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas - potential cultural clash 2003 FAA recommendation on 787 Dreamliner battery casing ignored by Boeing (later implemented after incidents) 2018 & 2019 Lion Air & Ethiopian Airlines crashes involving 737 Max - questionable design choices and lack of pilot training on new system (MCAS) Blaming the victims (pilots) for the 737 Max crashes Current Investigations: Department of Justice (DOJ) considering criminal charges against Boeing for the 737 Max crashes FAA investigating Boeing's manufacturing practices Congressional hearings examining Boeing's safety culture Uncertain Future: Impact of investigations on Boeing's leadership and practices Need for stronger FAA oversight and passenger confidence    

In this episode of The Estee Show, Itamar Gilad, a former product manager at Google, Microsoft, and IBM, discusses his experiences and insights from his career. Focusing on his new book, 'Evidence Guided, Creating High-Impact Products in the Face of Uncertainty' he introduces the concept of 'evidence-guided' product management, contrasting it with traditional methods that rely heavily on intuition and fixed roadmaps. He emphasizes the importance of gathering and following evidence to make informed decisions, and addresses how his frameworks, including the GIST model and confidence meter, provide practical applications for prioritizing and validating ideas. Through anecdotes and historical examples from industry giants like Apple and Amazon, Gilad elaborates on the role of humility, testing, and iterative development in successful product management. He also shares his thoughts on organizational resistance to change and strategies to foster a more evidence-based, innovative culture. A must-listen for anyone interested in modern product management practices. Itamar's Bio: Itamar is a coach, author and speaker specializing in evidence-guided product management and product strategy. For over two decades he held senior product management and engineering roles at Google, Microsoft and a number of startups. At Google Itamar worked at YouTube and led parts of Gmail. Itamar is the author of the book Evidence-Guided: Creating High-Impact Products in the Face of Uncertainty. He also publishes a popular product management newsletter and is the creator of a number of product management methodologies including GIST Framework and The confidence meter. Itamar is based in Barcelona, Spain. You can find more information on his website: https://itamargilad.com/ 00:00 - Introduction and background on Itamar Gilad, author of "Evidence Guided Product Management" 02:20 - Definition of "fake door test" for measuring user interest02:50 - Definition of ICE/RICE prioritization frameworks 03:15 - Definition of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) 04:00 - Gilad's journey from being a product manager to writing his book 07:40 - Discussing the GIST framework (Goals, Ideas, Steps, Tasks) 10:20 - The importance of humility and not having all the answers as a product manager 12:15 - Examples of successful product launches at Google using evidence-guided approach 15:40 - Proper use of ICE/RICE frameworks and avoiding common pitfalls 19:20 - The role of experimentation and testing ideas before fully building them 22:30 - Leadership's role in embracing ambiguity and disciplined product development    

This podcast episode features an in-depth interview with Alex, a former product manager at Google, now running a business that helps experienced product managers advance their careers. Alex discusses the benefits and challenges of working in product management within the tech industry, emphasizing the value of having top tech company names on one's resume for career opportunities and compensation. He also touches on the cognitive dissonance experienced by product managers, the interviewing process, strategies for job seekers, and the role's requirements at large tech companies. Furthermore, Alex shares personal stories, including starting his YouTube channel and the impact of his advice on others. The conversation also covers topics like strategic ambiguity in tech companies, the importance of organizational and communication skills, and insights into succeeding in product management roles. Bio: Alex Rechevskiy was a Group PM at Google and has built and run products and product teams of all sizes. He has also coached and mentored hundreds of PMs at all stages of their careers and helped many clients land product roles at top tech companies. Alex writes on LinkedIn, makes videos on YouTube and runs a group coaching program called the Product Career Accelerator for serious tech professionals who want to grow their career and compensation. Links:  Product Career Accelerator: group coaching program for getting into your next product role and growing your product skills & career (https://www.alexrechevskiy.com/pca) LinkedIn for daily product management tips (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrechevskiy/) YouTube for practical and instructional videos (https://www.youtube.com/@AlexRechevskiy) 00:00 Welcome to the SD Show: A Deep Dive into Product Management 00:27 The Unmatched Benefits of Working in Top Tech 04:39 Alex's Journey: From Google to Guiding Product Managers 04:58 The Realities of Breaking into Product Management Today 05:54 The Genesis of a YouTube Channel for Product Managers 11:02 The Interview Process vs. The Reality of the Job 13:50 Navigating the Complexities of Top Tech Companies 15:47 The Strategic Ambiguity of Monopolistic Tech Giants 19:19 The Culture of Respect at Google 20:09 The Impact of Google's Innovations on Humanity 20:46 The Challenge of Innovation and Risk at Google 23:01 Navigating the Job Market in Big Tech 24:33 Mastering the Job Application Process 31:12 The Interview Process: Strategies for Success 35:58 Preparing for a Product Management Role 38:14 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Final Thoughts

A Journey from Radio to Product Management and the Essence of Product Thinking   The script features an engaging conversation between the host and Brody Clemmer, a former radio host turned product manager, who shares his unique career path from working in radio to eventually finding a passion for product management and mental health. Brody discusses the accidental nature of many peoples' entry into product management, his own experience transitioning through various roles, and the importance of 'product thinking' across all organizational functions. He emphasizes that product thinking focuses on understanding and solving user problems, distinguishing it from product management which requires execution. Further, Brody shares how he implements product thinking in his current role at Koa Health through initiatives like 'product class,' aiming to foster a culture of problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration. The conversation also touches on mentorship versus coaching, the dynamics of therapy and mental health, and concludes with Brody sharing insights on personal fulfillment and career choices.   00:00 Welcome to the Show: Brody Clemmer's Unique Journey 01:38 From Radio Host to Product Management: A Career Evolution 02:34 Introducing Product Thinking: Beyond Traditional Management 03:37 Product Thinking vs. Product Management: A Deep Dive 09:30 Implementing Product Thinking in Organizations 15:41 The Impact of Product Thinking on Company Culture 19:20 Mentorship vs. Coaching: Brody's Approach to Personal Development 22:53 Therapy, Mental Health, and Product Thinking 29:26 Lightning Round: Personal Insights and Reflections   Tools discussed in episode: Vistaly for consolidating and mapping user feedback https://www.vistaly.com/   Bio:  Brody Clemmer lives in Philadelphia with his fiancé and their son - and is a generalist at heart. For work, he is currently the Lead Product Manager at Koa Health where he was the first US based Product hire, and is focused on the scalability and delivery of Koa’s products, ranging from mental health education to global clinical networks that support employers, payors, and multinational organizations in delivering mental health care for their members. Brody started his career out of high school, after making the decision to not go to university, first working in Radio, then TV Production, then landing at Apple for five years before starting his own business with a guy he met on Twitter. After selling the business at a personal  loss, he found himself as the first product hire for a few “unsexy” companies in unknown industries like Executive Search, Leadership Consulting, corporate Sales Training, and finally making his way into Healthtech startups. 

Product Management in Founder-Led Startups with David Lifson: From Startup to Scale   In this episode, David Lifson shares his extensive experience in product management across different stages of company growth, including startups and major companies like Amazon and Etsy. Lifson discusses the challenges of being the first head of product for a first-time founder, emphasizing the importance of knowing what you're getting into and how it can be both a career-defining opportunity and a rollercoaster ride. He gives insights on founders' common traits, the pressures of early-stage startups, and the shift needed once a company reaches product-market fit. Lifson also touches on his journey from Amazon to Etsy, and founding his own company, providing valuable lessons on leadership, decision-making, product strategy, and the dynamics of working with founders. The conversation delves into practical advice for those considering head of product roles at startups, including setting realistic expectations, choosing battles, and understanding the real job you're being hired for.   00:00 Welcome to the SD Show: A Candid Chat with David Lifson 00:07 Navigating the Product Management Journey: Insights from Amazon to Etsy 01:26 The Harsh Realities of Being the First Head of Product 02:07 Traits of First-Time Founders: A Product Manager's Perspective 04:16 From Big Tech to Startup Life: David Lifson's Career Shift 06:52 The Founder's Imagination vs. Reality: Navigating Startup Challenges 08:11 Identifying Red Flags in Founding Stories 09:29 The Misconception of Product Market Fit 11:36 The Complex Dynamics of Founder Decisions and Team Impact 18:37 Evaluating Founders and the Importance of Trust 20:34 Reflecting on Success and Failure in Startups 23:10 Discovering Pregnancy Through Tech 23:44 The Value of Failure in Founding Teams 24:22 Debunking the 'Data-Driven' Myth 25:36 The Misuse of Data and A/B Testing 27:47 Navigating NPS and Ethical Dilemmas 31:16 The Role of a Founder in Product Strategy 34:39 Strategic Execution vs. Blind Action 37:48 Navigating Early Stage Product Leadership 39:55 Choosing Your Battles Wisely 42:54 Ethical Lines and Cultural Health 47:45 Working with Founders: A Multi-Layered Challenge     David Lifson's Bio: David Lifson has led high performing teams at startups, public, and private equity backed companies, delivering high impact outcomes through clear vision, validated product strategy, and collaborative culture. He’s gone 0 -> 1 multiple times, as well as led teams supporting $350M in revenue. His experience leading teams spans 15 years, including four as CEO/GM and eight as Head of Product & Engineering. Dave has a bachelors and masters degree in Computer Science from Cornell University, and is based in Austin, TX.

From Cult to Code: Michael's Journey of Curiosity and Adaptation   In this episode of the Estee Show, the host welcomes Michael, a multifaceted individual with a background ranging from growing up in a cult-like fundamentalist religious organization to becoming a chef and later transitioning into a successful technology engineer and chief engineering architect. Michael discusses his early life in a small mountain community, his experiences with being different from his peers, and how being isolated within a strict religious setting led him to develop a keen sense of curiosity and a drive for self-learning. Despite the challenges, his journey through various career paths, from culinary arts to technology, underscores the importance of adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the lifelong pursuit of learning. Michael also touches on his approach to parenting and education, highlighting the significance of hands-on learning and instilling values of hard work and sustainability in his children.   Throughout the conversation, Michael's story exemplifies how overcoming adversity and embracing change can lead to personal growth and professional success.   00:00 Welcome to the Estee Show: A Deep Dive into Unique Backgrounds 03:51 Exploring the Cult Background and Its Impact 05:22 Childhood in a Cult: Daily Life and Restrictions 10:10 The Journey from Cult Life to Culinary Arts 21:01 Becoming a Minister While Pursuing Personal Interests 22:34 Transitioning from Culinary Arts to Engineering and Technology 27:19 Decoding the Best BBQ Styles Across America 27:41 The Unconventional Path to Culinary Expertise 28:37 From Culinary Arts to Tech Innovator: A Career Pivot 29:20 Navigating Challenges and Finding Love 30:10 The Birth of a Tech Entrepreneur 35:40 Crafting a Unique Leadership Style in Tech 36:54 The Power of Mentorship in Personal and Professional Growth 40:44 Embracing a Self-Sufficient Lifestyle and Homeschooling 47:31 The Importance of Curiosity and Adaptability in Team Building 52:49 Reflections on Adversity, Career Changes, and Personal Growth