Shows
People of Product143: The Intersection of Technology and Playful Learning (ft. Anna Jordan-Douglass)George Brooks interviews Anna Jordan-Douglass, the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Makefully Studios. Anna shares her profound journey through the realms of technology and creativity. Basked with an innate passion for making learning more interactive and fun, Anna explains the sheer magic of assimilating play with education and shares insights into her collaboration with the Jim Henson Company, and how she gathered experiences that later led to the creation of her very own Makefully Studios. With a strong team that shares a similar vision of fostering creativity and enhancing learning, Makefully Studios has emerged as a vibrant platform...2023-12-1152 min
People of Product142: Transforming the Customer Experience with AI (ft. Lamees Butt)George Brooks interviews Lamees Butt, the Senior Vice President of Global Alliances and Channels at Zoovu. Lamees shares her passion for improving the customer experience and reducing employee workloads through AI-powered solutions, the importance of focusing on customer value, and reimagining the customer journey to drive growth. They discuss the role of AI in personalizing the buying experience and helping businesses make data-driven decisions. Lamees also highlights the opportunities for B2B organizations to transform their processes and create better digital experiences. Tune in to gain insights into the future of AI and how it can revolutionize business operations...2023-11-1343 min
People of Product140: Elevating E-Commerce | The Power of User-Centricity (ft. Bryan House)George Brooks interviews Bryan House, Chief Experience Officer at Elastic Path. They discuss the world of composable commerce, the synergy between product management and customer success, and the role of user-centricity in e-commerce development. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2023-09-1840 min
People of Product139: AI in the Room | How Sembly.ai Listens, Learns, and Transforms Meetings (ft. Artem Koren)George Brooks interviews Artem Koren, Co-founder of Sembly.ai. Artem shares the journey of creating Sembly, an AI-powered meeting companion. Artem unveils Sembly.ai's unique team structures for different technological components and emphasizes the flexibility required in handling NLP (Natural Language Processing) and AI development. The interview showcases the pivotal role of product managers, who drive innovation, user experience, and customer interaction. Discover how Sembly.ai transforms meetings with its AI teammate, revolutionizing the way we collaborate. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to...2023-09-0546 min
People of Product137: The Secret Sauce Behind SmartSuite's Triumph (ft. Jon Darbyshire)Join George in a conversation with Jon Darbyshire, the visionary founder of SmartSuite as they explore the art of user experience, relentless iteration, and the value of customer feedback in crafting a game-changing work management platform. Throughout the episode, Jon reveals the key principles of effective product design, emphasizing the value of continuous iteration and incorporating customer feedback. Whether you're an entrepreneur, product manager, or design enthusiast, this conversation sheds light on the power of user experience in shaping a successful product. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other...2023-08-0741 min
People of Product136: Supercharge Marketing with Generative AI (ft. Jon Ricketts)George Brooks interviews Jon Ricketts, CEO and Co-Founder of a game-changing software platform that is set to transform content creation—Writerly AI powered by Generative AI. Tune in to learn how generative AI is reshaping content creation and marketing automation, and its incredible potential for businesses worldwide. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2023-07-2447 min
People of Product135: Designing the Future | Crema's Journey from Product Agency to ConsultancyWe regularly preach to our clients that they ought to be seeking ways in which they should be evolving with the times. The same is true for our company. Crema is officially pivoting our business direction in 2023. In this episode, George explains why now. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2023-06-2607 min
People of Product132: Disrupting the Quick Service Restaurant Industry with Technology (ft. Sean Steppe, Hawaiian Bros)George interviews Sean Steppe, senior manager of Restaurant Systems at Hawaiian Bros Island Grill.Hawaiian Bros is a breakout restaurant that is expanding across the country, using technology to create a better end-user experience, not only for ordering and checkout processes but also in the kitchen and on the backside of their organization. Hawaiian Bros uses technology and data to help make decisions and provide better service to their customers as they scale up. With the freedom to test and try new things, they are breaking and refocusing to use tech to push the brand forward in...2023-05-1527 min
People of Product131: Debunking Myths & Misconceptions About AI in the Workplace (ft. Michelle Frost)It's good to recognize what AI is and what it is not. In this episode, George Brooks is joined by Michelle Frost to de-bunk myths & misconceptions about what AI can mean for processes in the workplace. Learn about the necessary steps to train a model, from collecting and preparing data to testing and evaluating the model. Plus, the importance of ML Ops and the impact of using third-party libraries and packages. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2023-05-0130 min
People of Product130: Revolutionizing Data Privacy and AI Innovation (ft. Gharib Gharibi)George interviews Gharib Gharibi, the Director of Applied Research and Head of AI at TripleBlind, a startup based in Kansas City that has now expanded globally. TripleBlind enables data-driven innovation while preserving privacy, allowing for the training of fair and generalizable models with diverse data from multiple institutions. In this episode, they discuss the need for collaboration between academia, industry, researchers, and policymakers to shape the future of AI and build responsible and fair AI. You'll also hear about the challenges faced by customers and prospects in understanding and embracing the full potential of AI and the importance of...2023-04-1732 min
People of Product129: The Opportunities and Challenges of Integrating AI into Your Workforce (ft. Carmel Wynkoop)In this episode of People of Product, George Brooks speaks with Carmel Wynkoop, a partner at Armanino, a Top 25 CPA and consulting firm. Carmel leads the business analytics and automation practice at Armanino, providing data-driven practice improvements and automation for international clients in various industries.They discuss the potential of AI and how organizations can start small to achieve small wins that create momentum toward realizing the full potential of AI, machine learning, and robotic process automation (RPA). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or...2023-04-0331 min
People of Product128: The Potential of AI for BusinessAI is becoming more complex as it begins to touch multiple facets of our everyday lives -- including business. In this week's episode, George and Dan discuss what AI could mean for the future, from the way we work to the products we create. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2023-03-2042 min
People of Product126: Product Team Basics - What are Story Points and Velocity?Stop using hour-based estimation for your work. There’s a better way! Whether it's a project as a whole or just a Sprint, Story Points and Velocity are key tools in trying to predict the future and make the most of your team's time and effort. In this episode, Dan & George talk about how Story Points offer a means of estimation that is relative to a particular frame of reference, enabling you to get a more accurate understanding of your true Velocity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other sub...2023-02-2035 min
People of Product125: Product Team Basics - What Are Epics and Stories?George and Dan delve into the world of epics, both in literature and in the tech industry. Learn how epics and stories in the digital product world can be deconstructed into smaller, more manageable chunks in order to achieve success. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2023-02-1329 min
People of Product124: Do You Actually Need a Product Roadmap?Having a roadmap is important, even in an Agile environment, because it provides a shared understanding of where a project is headed. In this week's episode, Dan and George discuss the process of creating a roadmap, including the timeline and the stages involved, such as planning, prototyping, and user engagement. They also touch on the benefit of being agile and making adjustments as necessary, while still maintaining the overall direction towards the project's north star. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, v...2023-02-0628 min
People of Product123: How to Get a New Product Team AlignedThe best products are built by creative individuals working together towards a common goal. However, with the diversity of skillsets, experience levels, and influences present in a team, achieving alignment can be a challenge. George and Dan discuss how to overcome obstacles and maintain a productive and aligned product team in this week's episode of People of Product. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2023-01-3028 min
People of Product118: Letting Inspiration Take HoldInspiration 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 this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2022-07-1132 min
People of Product114: Resisting Virtual Isolation to Boost VelocityLet’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.peopleofproduct.us2022-05-1649 min
People of Product112: Tech Empowering Team Agreements and Consensus (ft. Aaron Dignan)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 around their norms and policies and Murmur’s newest digital tool that is facilitating this sociocratic work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this...2022-04-1846 min
People of Product104: Productizing Your Professional Services (ft. Eisha Armstrong)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 mistakes people make along the way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-12-1333 min
People of Product103: Accountability to Work CommitmentsMaking 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.us2021-11-2928 min
People of Product102: Working With Your ResourcesThere 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.us2021-11-1550 min
People of Product101: Thoughtfully Supporting Individual StructureOrganizations 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 other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-11-0145 min
People of Product100: A Magnified Look at the Brilliance of CollaborationWe 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. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-10-1841 min
People of Product99: Coachable Leaders Build Brighter Futures (ft. Matt Thieleman)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 what it takes to be coachable. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-10-0443 min
People of Product98: Planning for Gainful Rest from WorkOur 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 you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-09-2051 min
People of Product96: Purpose as a StructureWhether you realize it or not, your team has put semi-permanent “structures” into place that concretely shape the way your team gets work done. They don’t change often, but they provide necessary form around the work that’s being done. Company purpose is a crucial structure that helps define everything your company does. In this episode, George & Dan discuss purpose as a structure and how it should influence your company as it grows. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopl...2021-08-2347 min
People of Product95: Thinking Laterally & Continuously Discovering (ft. Teresa Torres)In this episode, George Brooks is joined by Teresa Torres - speaker, coach, and author of Continuous Discovery Habits. This conversation is a full analysis of ideation. Knowing that your work on digital products is never really done, learn how to effectively collaborate in a way that continually brings fantastic new options to the table. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-08-0958 min
People of Product94: Owning Your ContributionsContribution for everyone on a product team looks different. It’s ultimately about bringing your full self & unique skillset to the table to bring about specific results. In this episode, George & Dan discuss the structure as well as the true value of contribution. Understanding what your individual contribution means to the success of the greater team will help your team better thrive. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-07-2638 min
People of Product92: Marketing Teams Switching to Agile (ft. Andrea Fryrear)The future of marketing is agile. This past year, the number of firms that went agile surpassed the 50% mark. In this episode, George Brooks is joined by Andrea D. Fryrear, co-founder of AgileSherpas, to discuss how agile has found its place in the marketing world, and how organizations can prepare for the shift. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-06-2841 min
People of Product90: Why Crema Exists (It’s Not Just to Build Apps)People are realizing that the future of work is to be a technology organization. Everywhere teams are considering whether or not they should own their software to address their specific needs. In this episode, George Brooks & Dan Linhart break down the opportunities & challenges of building custom tech and how Crema steps in to bring product ideas to life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-06-0746 min
People of Product89: Prioritize Your Relevancy ft. Elvin TurnerDoes your organization look the same today as it did two years ago? You’re likely stalling in “zombie mode” because you’re de-prioritizing innovation. Elvin Turner is an innovation advisor & best-selling author on a mission to elevate organizations to “unicorn status” by placing learning at the center of all. In this episode, George Brooks & Elvin cover where leaders have to start in their journey towards innovation, the mentalities that hinder growth, and how to scale the practice of learning across an organization. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscri...2021-06-0147 min
People of Product88: A Healthy Dose of Humor for Workplace Interactions ft. Andrew TarvinIt’s not a coincidence that some of the most successful leaders are funny. Balanced humor in a professional setting is how you build trust and have a significant impact. Andrew Tarvin is the Founder & CEO of Humor That Works, a well-traveled comedian, and keynote speaker. In this week’s episode, George & Andrew talk about the cross-section of humor and the workplace and tips for how to infuse comedy into your organization to work more efficiently. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episo...2021-05-2444 min
People of Product87: Reaching Alignment at Scale ft. Kai HaleyKai Haley is head of UX Methods and Research at Google. She leads a highly unique internal program that systematizes UX practices across many groups within the monolithic organization. In this episode, George Brooks & Kai discuss methods for creating alignment across product lines, the challenge of creating a shared language, and how to best manage alignment as a distributed team. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-05-1752 min
People of Product86: Being A Good Steward of AccessKnowledge is power - and to gather more knowledge you have to gain access to different conversations and experiences throughout your life and career. It’s about tuning yourself into the opportunities that present themselves or just taking advantage of the access you already have. In this week’s episode, George & Dan talk about how to empower yourself and others to collect insight and open up access to conversations within your organization. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-05-1045 min
People of Product85: Product Roadmap Best Practices ft. C. Todd LombardoC. Todd Lombardo, Author, Consultant, and VP of Product & Experience at Openly, joins George for a conversation around product roadmaps, implementing change within your organization, and the dangers of building features that never get used. Hear how he got started as an author and the learnings he’s gleaned throughout the process. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-05-0342 min
People of Product83: A Day in the Life of a Product Designer ft. Pamela PortoDirector of Design Pamela Porto sits down with Dan and George to share how her craft team created design principles tied to a mindset rather than a specific product, how keeping on client work in her new leadership role helps her empathize with her team, and how she plans to incorporate more user research into the design workflow going forward. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-04-1929 min
People of Product77: Placing Humans Back at the Center of DesignMariah Hay is the VP of Product for Help Scout. She’s continually working & innovating towards including human perspective in all steps of the product design process. What does it look like for a team to practice human-centered design? What are some of the challenges of this kind of work? George Brooks and Mariah sit down to discuss how we can be getting closer to people to create products that will help them thrive. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www...2021-03-0836 min
People of Product76: How to Become “Forever Employable” (ft. Jeff Gothelf)Corporate loyalty is dead! Now is the time to make your stake in the ground and build a foundation of experience and work that will carry you through any future career you wish to pursue. In this episode, Jeff Gothelf unpacks the ideas from his newest book, “Forever Employable” and explains how to reverse the flow of opportunity so that employers are chasing YOU.People of Product is hosted by George Brooks and Dan Linhart.The show is edited by Larissa McCarty.Brought to you by Crema.Crema is a digital prod...2021-03-0134 min
People of Product75: How Trying New Things Can Help Your CareerThe greatest entrepreneurs, innovators, & product people are the ones who are seeking to try more things. Continuously gathering experiences or trying a hand at new skills is what gives you perspective & allows you to move forward. In this episode, Dan & George discuss the life-long pursuit of “tasting new things” and how it will impact the work you’re doing today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-02-2234 min
People of Product73: What Radical Feedback Looks Like in PracticeMost would agree that an environment with candid, kind, & consistent feedback is ideal. But how do you get there as an organization? In this episode, Dan and George describe what it takes from leadership to promote a safe and healthy space for feedback. Plus, practical tips for how to give and receive feedback better. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-02-0844 min
People of Product72: Embracing a Culture of Radical FeedbackFeedback is tough. Both from the giving and receiving end. However, when done in an appropriate & actionable way across an organization, something magic happens! Feedback becomes easier and extreme growth takes place. Listen as Dan & George make the case for fostering an environment of radical feedback. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2021-02-0126 min
People of Product71: Designing Organization Charts that Give Purpose & StructureLet’s talk about everyone’s favorite business artifact: org charts! It’s simple documentation at face value that provides the necessary structure for support. But there are many benefits to org charts beyond just that. In this episode, George & Dan explain the unique structure of the matrix management model plus how org charts enable companies to retain and enhance culture, scale profitably, and deliver great work.People of Product is hosted by George Brooks and Dan Linhart.The show is edited by Larissa McCarty.Brought to you by Crema.Crema is a d...2021-01-2556 min
People of Product68: How a Product Becomes CornerstoneImplementing any new tool within an organization takes time and will likely cause some friction - even the great ones! In this episode, Tyler Hilker and Justin Mertes discuss what factors prompt organizations to adopt new products despite the hurdles, the characteristics of those powerful products, plus recommendations for navigating the change. People of Product is hosted by George Brooks and Dan Linhart.The show is edited by Larissa McCarty.Brought to you by Crema.Crema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded s...2021-01-0449 min
People of Product67: How to Make Transformation Work (Even for Enterprises) ft. Barry O'ReillyBusiness advisor and author Barry O’Reilly joins George this week to discuss why ‘copy and paste’ transformation doesn’t work, why being able to rapidly test a hypothesis and ask good questions is imperative to business success, and how to align your team around the deeper issues. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-12-1445 min
People of Product65: Apple’s Olive Branch and the Twitter Rant that Started the WarWhy has Apple suddenly lowered its commission rate for small businesses on the Apple Store? And why have they faced so much heat from hey.com and the European Commission this year? We explore these questions and more in the latest episode of People of Product. People of Product is hosted by George Brooks and Dan Linhart.The show is edited by Larissa McCarty.Brought to you by Crema.Crema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers a...2020-11-3026 min
People of Product64: The Grey Space Between Principles & ValuesValues & principles - companies love to boast about them! But what does it mean to put these into practice? Is there a real difference between the two? In this episode, George and Dan talk over the nuance of principles vs. values and make a case on the importance of defining these foundational concepts in your organization.People of Product is hosted by George Brooks and Dan Linhart.The show is edited by Larissa McCarty.Brought to you by Crema.Crema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top...2020-11-2344 min
People of Product63: LiDAR Technology is Adding New Depth to InnovationLiDAR technology in the new iPhone 12 is paving the way for a whole new world of innovation. George and Dan sit down with CK Hicks, a Lead Architect at Crema and emerging tech guru, to discuss what LiDAR technology is, how it’s being used with the new iPhone, and the larger implications of this depth perception capability. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-11-1628 min
People of ProductRevisiting 45: No Lone Genius (ft. Richard Banfield)Dan and George sit down with Richard Banfield, VP of Design Transformation at InVision. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-10-2655 min
People of ProductRevisiting 32: How Humble-Confidence Brings the Best out of Your Teams"Humble Confidence" - contradiction, or culture saver? Dan and George explain how humble confidence can bring out the best in your teams.Follow us on Instagram: @Option5PodcastTweet at us: @cremalabOption 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster.Find Crema on the web at https://www.crema.usFind us on YouTube at https://ww...2020-10-1940 min
People of ProductRevisiting 25: Continuous Learning (Fixed vs Growth Mindset)Dan and George return to the mics to discuss the next phase of the Option Five podcast & philosophize about the way humans in product teams learn best.Follow us on Instagram: @Option5PodcastTweet at us: @cremalabOption 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster.Find Crema on the web at https://www.crema.usFind u...2020-10-1249 min
People of ProductRevisiting 05: Product Teams VS Craft TeamsIn this week's episode, George and Dan discuss how size affects level of structure, how to prevent team members from getting siloed within a product team, why customized professional development is the most effective, and more.Follow us on Instagram: @Option5PodcastTweet at us: @cremalabOption 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster.Find Crema on the...2020-10-0542 min
People of Product60: Looking Back and Moving ForwardGeorge and Dan trot down memory lane in our latest episode, reflecting on their favorite Option Five podcast moments. From interviews with renowned authors to discussions around learning frameworks, the podcast has been a springboard for some pretty amazing ideas. Sixty episodes down and we’re just getting started… Follow us on Instagram: @Option5PodcastTweet at us: @cremalabOption 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simpl...2020-09-2850 min
People of Product59: The Practice of UnlearningOver the past 7 months, we’ve been forced to unlearn what we assumed was the only way to work and live. At this time, many of us have created new & better habits to adapt to our new situations.Think… what if you kept searching for routines to replace so that you could continue to grow? In this week’s episode, George & Dan discuss how to hone in the skill of “unlearning.” Look within and decide if you possess the humility it takes to let go of practices that might have worked in the past but aren’t beneficial f...2020-09-2136 min
People of Product58: Tapping Into CuriosityOn a scale of 1-10, how curious of a person are you? In this episode, George & Dan unpack the real value of curiosity on an individual and team-wide level, backed by research from Harvard’s 3-part series, “Why Curiosity Matters.” Hear some of the life-changing advantages of curiosity and how to foster a more naturally curious environment at work. Follow us on Instagram: @Option5PodcastTweet at us: @cremalabOption 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startup...2020-09-1445 min
People of Product57: Minimizing Innovation Risks with the 2-3-4 Method (ft. Brian Ardinger)So many enterprises want to innovate but don’t know how to balance monetary and time allocation between their existing business model and riskier ventures. George interviews Brian Ardinger, Director of Innovation at Nelnet, to learn his formula for starting small and validating innovation ideas with the 2-3-4 method. You won’t want to miss this one!Follow us on Instagram: @Option5PodcastTweet at us: @cremalabOption 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our...2020-09-0720 min
People of Product55: Digital GenerosityThe sole purpose of building tech isn’t to make us more efficient or profitable, it’s to make our work and lives better. In this episode, George and Dan discuss how creating software can serve as a generous act towards employees or customers. Hear why organizations are investing in tech to create space for re-skilling and repurposing of creativity.Follow us on Instagram: @Option5PodcastTweet at us: @cremalabOption 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funde...2020-08-2425 min
People of Product54: How to Grow Your Craft Team Through Summits - A Product Manager's Perspective (ft. Tucker Sauer-Pivonka)Imagine the alignment you could achieve by giving your Craft Teams an entire day to dive deep into high-priority topics and build their relationships with one another. George and Dan chat with Crema’s Director of Product Management, Tucker Sauer-Pivonka, about the PdM Summits he’s put on this year and the planning process that went into them. Tweet at us: @cremalabOption 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simpli...2020-08-1734 min
People of Product53: The Third Way (ft. Aaron Dignan)What would happen if organizations made the radical decision to remove bureaucracy? In this week’s episode, George talks with Aaron Dignan (founder of The Ready and author of Brave New Work) about how to challenge institutionalized thoughts to work in a more adaptive and human way. Get ready to move towards doing “the best work of your life.”Follow us on Instagram: @Option5PodcastTweet at us: @cremalabOption 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startu...2020-08-1033 min
People of Product52: Building an 'A' Team for Your Product (ft. Dan Olsen)Dan Olsen and George Brooks talk product teams and principles in our latest episode. They delve into the importance of having an 'A team', how shared knowledge can resolve conflict, and the dangers of silos.Follow us on Instagram: @Option5PodcastTweet at us: @cremalabOption 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster.Find Crema on the web...2020-08-0354 min
People of Product51: A Consultative Sales Process (ft. Nate Olson)George and Dan have Crema’s Director of Sales, Nate Olsen, on the show to discuss how to build relationships, educate, and offer the most viable solutions through a consultative sales process. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to b...2020-07-2744 min
People of Product50: Creating and Maintaining Internal Innovation InitiativesGeorge and Dan discuss Venture Lab, an internal innovation initiative that gives Crema employees the time and resources to build real products in the hopes of providing value to the world and generating revenue for the company. Hear what our process looks like and the challenges you may come up against when launching something similar at your organization. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to di...2020-07-2023 min
People of Product49: Make Space for Innovation (80/20 Model)Dan and George explain Lab Fridays at Crema and the importance of carving time and space for innovation. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-07-1337 min
People of Product48: Understand Your Calling to Lead with Purpose (feat. FORM)This week, Dan and George sit down with Mark Harland and Matt Johnson from FORM, a product and consulting studio located in the UK. Together, they talk through how they help leaders better understand their purpose and strategize how to meet their organizational goals. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If y...2020-07-0654 min
People of Product47: Naming the Ideal (Principles to Embody)This week George and Dan lay out what “the ideal” looks like for teams striving to collaborate in a frictionless way. They’ll discuss a handful of the key principles for the following: postures, disciplines, and structures. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other s...2020-06-2947 min
People of Product46: The Nitty-Gritty of Product Team ProblemsGeorge and Dan sit down to discuss the nitty-gritty of product team problems. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-06-2246 min
People of Product45: No Lone Genius (ft. Richard Banfield)Dan and George sit down with Richard Banfield, VP of Design Transformation at InVision. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-06-1551 min
People of Product44: Managing a Product Team - People and Processes Come FirstGeorge and Dan sit down with Product Manager Alison Renfro to discuss the postures, disciplines, and structures that help her manage a product team. Between a thirst for learning, intentional scrum ceremonies, and unbiased empathy, Alison ensures people & processes come first. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to...2020-06-0836 min
People of Product43: Leading With Your Green Hat OnDan and George sit down with Rob LaFeve to discuss his perspective of leadership from his role as Lead Architect at Crema. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-06-0140 min
People of Product42: The Small but Mighty TeamGeorge and Dan are joined by Alexa, the Growth Team Lead at Crema, to discuss the various roles within the Growth Team and how they are indeed a small but mighty team. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to...2020-05-2632 min
People of Product41: How a Coach Can Transform the Way Teams Work TogetherGeorge and Dan sit down with Justin, a coach at Crema, to discuss the various ways that Coaches can improve a team's ability to work together. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.u2020-05-1845 min
People of Product40: How COVID-19 is Affecting Tech IndustriesGeorge and Dan discuss how the pandemic is affecting various companies in the tech industry. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-05-1141 min
People of Product39: The Tools That Have Helped Us Thrive While Working RemoteGeorge and Dan share our favorite tools that have helped us thrive while working remote. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-05-0455 min
People of Product38: Managing Disciplines, Structures, and Postures as a DeveloperGeorge and Dan sit with Gabi Dombrowski to discuss how she manages her disciplines, structures, and postures as a Developer at Crema. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-04-2738 min
People of Product37: A Behind-the-Scenes Chat with Dan and GeorgeDan and George provide a behind-the-scenes look at some of the things going on inside Crema. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-04-2048 min
People of Product36: Shifting Perspectives and Taking Inventory During COVID-19George and Dan discuss the importance of shifting perspectives and taking inventory during COVID-19 Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-04-1348 min
People of Product35: Risk vs Reward During COVID-19In this week's episode, Dan and George discuss the concept of risk versus reward during this COVID-19 pandemic. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-04-0645 min
People of Product33: Keeping Values of Love and Generosity Alive in Your CompanyDan and George discuss the importance of keeping the values of love and generosity alive in your company during tough times. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-03-2324 min
People of Product32: How Humble-Confidence Brings the Best out of Your Teams"Humble Confidence" - contradiction, or culture saver? Dan and George explain how humble confidence can bring out the best in your teams. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-03-1137 min
People of Product30: How Disciplines Lead to LearningGeorge and Dan discuss how various disciplines lead to better learning. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-03-0245 min
People of Product29: The Power of RetrospectivesIn this week's episode, George and Dan are joined by Tyler Hilker, Crema's Director of Strategy and Design, to discuss the importance of retrospectives. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-02-2439 min
People of Product28: Positive Postures in Cross-Disciplined TeamsDan and George dive into postures, disciplines, and procedures for learning. Get your own Team Feelings chart: https://mcusercontent.com/6d58d143fc92a0731f5559531/files/251d5da6-1e1e-4454-86f1-d676ff618559/How_You_Feel_Crema.pdf Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you...2020-02-1743 min
People of Product27: Innovation Happens in Learning LoopsIn today's episode, Dan and George discuss how innovation takes place in learning loops. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-02-1032 min
People of Product26: Unpacking a Process for LearningDan and George unpack a process for learning that includes paying attention, collecting, making decisions, and experimenting. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2020-02-0336 min
People of Product25: Continuous Learning (Fixed vs. Growth Mindset)Dan and George return to the mics to discuss the next phase of the Option Five podcast & philosophize about the way humans in product teams learn best. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pe...2020-01-2746 min
People of Product18: Vitamins VS Painkillers - Tackling User Pain Points (ft. Rodrigo Davies)From working in an Agile format to eliminating "service organizations" and learning how to prioritize user pain points, George and Rodrigo discuss how data is changing the world of transportation, and how product teams at Strava and its subsidiary, Metro, are organized. Connect with Rodrigo:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodrigodavies/ Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the righ...2019-11-1833 min
People of Product13: Utilizing Customer Feedback in a Product Team (ft. Braeden Scheer)George and Braeden discuss the importance of utilizing customer feedback in a product team, as well as some of the challenges one might face when scaling an organization. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pe...2019-10-0734 min
People of Product12: Solutions VS Deliverables with Cross-Disciplinary Teams (ft. Jeff Gothelf)George and Jeff discuss the importance of generating evidence in support of small, cross-disciplinary teams to move your company in the right direction. Plus, the rewards of creating a culture based around learning, not just deliverables. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to...2019-09-3042 min
People of Product10: Best Practices for Growing a Product Team - Attract, Hire, RetainGeorge and Dan discuss the best practices of growing your own Product Team, including finding the right talent, perfecting your hiring process, and retaining your talent. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.u2019-06-0341 min
People of Product09: How to Multiply Your Product Teams - Lessons From Liz WisemanDan and George discuss the book 'Multipliers' by Liz Wiseman, explain the how the book helps cultivate leadership at Crema, and point out some of their favorite parts in the book. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to b...2019-05-201h 00
People of Product08: Align the Product Team, Align the CompanyDan and George go over some best practices of keeping a company aligned through quarterly updates. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2019-05-0627 min
People of Product07: We Need More Creative Leaders (ft. Todd Henry)In this week's episode, George invites Todd Henry, author of Herding Tigers, The Accidental Creative, Die Empty, and Louder than Words to talk about how to nurture creative leadership in life and work. Connect with Todd Henry:https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddhenry1 Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a...2019-04-2951 min
People of Product06: Distributed Product TeamsIn this week's episode, Dan and George discuss how remote and distributed teams work at Crema and share 9 best practices. Option 5 is brought to you by CremaCrema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2019-04-2235 min
People of ProductThe Team Speaks: Achieving Alignment as a Product StrategistIn this week's episode, Dan and George interview Landon Young and pick his brain about how he helps create alignment within a team as a product strategist at Crema. Connect with Landon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/landonyoung/ Option 5 is brought to you by Crema.Crema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If yo...2019-04-1522 min
People of Product05: Product Teams VS Craft TeamsIn this week's episode, George and Dan discuss how size affects level of structure, how to prevent team members from getting siloed within a product team, why customized professional development is the most effective, and more. Crema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.p...2019-04-0836 min
People of Product04: Product Team Culture KillersIn this episode, Dan and George discuss Dan's recent trip to D.C. and dive into the main factors that can destroy a product team, including egos and a lack of transparency. Crema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2019-04-0143 min
People of Product03: Alignment and Decisions in a Product TeamIn this episode, Dan and George discuss what alignment means, why it's important, and how to achieve alignment in a product team. Option 5 is brought to you by Crema.Crema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2019-03-2547 min
People of Product02: The People of a Product TeamIn this episode, Dan and George answer the question, "How are product teams structured?" and explain how each member's role plays into the creation of the perfect product team. Option 5 is brought to you by Crema.Crema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, v...2019-03-1834 min
People of Product01: Our Pivot to Product (Crema's Origin Story)In this episode, Dan and George discuss how they decided on the title of the Option Five podcast and give the origin story of Crema. Option 5 is brought to you by Crema.Crema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.peopleofproduct.us2019-03-1128 min
People of Product00: Coming Soon -- Option Five PodcastThis episode is a trailer for our new podcast, Option Five. Join Dan Linhart and George Brooks as they engage in hearty conversation around the future of the Option Five podcast. Option 5 is brought to you by Crema.Crema is a digital product agency that works with partners from top innovative brands to funded startups. Our team of creative thinkers and doers simplify the complex to discover the right solutions faster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to b...2019-03-0408 min