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The Design Psychologist | Psychology for UX, Product, Service, Instructional, Interior, and Game DesignersTrailer: Welcome to The Design Psychologist PodcastIn this teaser episode, host Thomas Watkins introduces The Design Psychologist—a podcast where human behavior meets design. Thomas shares what inspired him to bridge the gap between psychology and design, outlines what listeners can expect in future episodes, and invites you to explore how design shapes our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Whether you're a designer, psychologist, or curious thinker, this show is your gateway into the minds behind meaningful design.
2025-05-0102 min
Product Led Growth Leaders100 - Celebrating 100 Episodes: Key Insights and Lessons from Product-Led Growth Leaders with 3Leaf's Thomas WatkinsYour host, Thomas Watkins, reflects on the podcast's journey, celebrating its milestone. He shares valuable lessons learned, highlights standout episodes, and acknowledges remarkable entrepreneurs featured on the show. Thomas underscores the podcast's purpose of fostering discussions around product-led growth (PLG) and providing actionable insights for entrepreneurs and product managers. Thomas emphasizes the diversity of expertise among his guests, showcasing their contributions to various aspects of product development, marketing, and sales. Learn more about Thomas's work HERE.Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show...
2025-04-3024 minProduct Led Growth Leaders97 - Innovating User Experience: The Key to Successful B2B Sales with Spryker's Elena LeonovaYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CPO of Spryker, Elena Leonova. Elena shares her journey from a business analyst in Ukraine to a product management executive in the U.S. She discusses the complexities of B2B commerce, especially for high-value products requiring a consultative sales approach. Elena emphasizes the importance of user experience and innovation in product management. She discusses continuous learning and a plan for a follow-up meeting to explore potential collaboration, highlighting the value of networking in the field.Learn more about Elena's work HERE.Connect with Elena on...
2025-04-2223 minProduct Led Growth Leaders96 - Unlocking the Future: How AI is Revolutionizing SaaS for Small Business Owners with PlatypusOS' Matthew WhiteYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of PlatypusOS, Matthew White. Matthew discusses the challenges business founders face in leveraging technology and how his companies aim to solve these issues. Qebot offers a marketplace for online and mobile advertising solutions, while PlatypusOS integrates various SaaS tools into a single, AI-enhanced browser. The conversation highlights the importance of user-friendly technology, the potential of AI to streamline business operations, and the future of browsing with PlatypusOS' innovative, intuitive design.Learn more about Matthew's work HERE.Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn HERE. Think...
2025-04-1723 minProduct Led Growth Leaders95 - The Power of a Clear Value Proposition: Fueling Your Marketing Success with Right Angle's B Randall WillisYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of Right Angle, B Randall Willis. B Randall has a rich background in publishing and media and discusses the evolution of digital marketing and the challenges businesses face today. He emphasizes the importance of a clear value proposition and a running marketing engine, likening content to the fuel that powers it. B Randall advocates for consistent blogging to establish value, improve SEO, and leverage social media. He underscores the need for simplified, effective marketing strategies and collaboration to achieve business success.Learn more about B Randall Willis...
2025-04-1526 minProduct Led Growth Leaders94 - Transforming Trials into Triumphs: Effective Onboarding Strategies for SaaS with Pyne's Roman GeugelinYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Pyne, Roman Geugelin. Roman discusses the challenges of scaling onboarding during rapid growth and advocates for AI-driven solutions to automate and personalize the process. Key topics include understanding user motivations, identifying drop-off points, and the role of design partners in developing effective onboarding strategies. Roman emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and adaptability to enhance user activation and engagement in a PLG context.Learn more about Roman's work HERE.Connect with Roman on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great...
2025-04-1022 minProduct Led Growth Leaders93 - How AI Transforms Customer Understanding in Financial Institutions with Bordo AI's Krunal PatelYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Bordo AI, Krunal Patel. Krunal discusses the challenges financial institutions face in managing vast amounts of data and how Bordo AI leverages artificial intelligence to provide deeper customer insights. He shares the inspiration behind Bordo AI, emphasizing context awareness and transparency in AI. He covers the product development journey, challenges with data quality, future aspirations, and the importance of user experience. Krunal envisions Bordo AI as a leader in customer analytics, aiming to transform financial institutions' understanding and engagement with their customers....
2025-04-0821 minProduct Led Growth Leaders92 - Collaborate or Fail: The Key to Successful Technology Projects in Today's Market with BetterEngineer's Marc BoudriaYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Chief Innovation Officer of BetterEngineer, Marc Boudria. Marc shares his extensive experience in technology innovation, emphasizing the challenges of AI adoption and the importance of understanding user experience. He discusses the need for a pragmatic approach to technology implementation and highlights the significance of assembling the right teams. Marc also addresses the current job market, advocating for a holistic hiring approach that values problem-solving abilities and creativity alongside technical skills. Learn more about Marc's work HERE.Connect with Marc on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd...
2025-04-0326 minProduct Led Growth Leaders91 - Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Digital Marketing for Small Business Owners with Inn8ly's James HipkinYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Founder of Inn8ly, James Hipkin. James highlights common pitfalls in website creation, stressing the importance of a customer-centric approach. He introduces the concept of "pathways" over traditional calls to action and underscores the need for websites to confirm customer needs. The discussion also covers tools for gathering customer insights and the significance of user experience. James emphasizes making digital marketing expertise accessible to smaller businesses, aiming to empower them in the digital landscape.Learn more about James's work HERE.Connect with James on...
2025-04-0126 minProduct Led Growth Leaders90 - Elevating Business Success: Maximizing Efficiency with an Executive Assistant with VEXA Software Solutions' Molly DenhamYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of VEXA Software Solutions, Molly Denham. Molly discusses her transition to the private sector, where she founded VEXA Software Solutions, a company offering virtual executive assistant services. The conversation highlights the crucial role of administrative support for executives, the inefficiencies faced without it, and how Vexa Software enhances productivity through tailored solutions. The episode also touches on the development of administrative software, the role of AI, and the need for recognition and resources for administrative professionals.Learn more about Molly's work HERE.Connect with Molly...
2025-03-2724 minProduct Led Growth Leaders89 - The Future of Connection: Innovating Solutions for Startups and Social Isolation with BetterEngineer and SwingBy's Brooks RhinehartYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the VP of Strategic Accounts at BetterEngineer, and CEO and Founder of SwingBy, Brooks Rhinehart. Brooks discusses his extensive background in operations and strategic consulting, focusing on his work at Better Engineers, which addresses engineering staffing challenges for startups and enterprises. Brooks also explores SwingBy's innovative approach to combating loneliness exacerbated by COVID-19, likened to an "Uber for home companion services." Learn more about Brooks's work HERE and HERE.Connect with Brooks on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE.
2025-03-2519 minProduct Led Growth Leaders88 - Daily Profit Insights: The Game-Changer for Restaurant Financial Management with FobeSoft's Geordy MurphyYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of FobeSoft, Geordy Murphy. Geordy, with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, discusses the common challenges restaurant owners face in understanding and analyzing financial data. FobeSoft addresses these issues by providing real-time profit and loss statements, integrating with point-of-sale systems, and using AI to streamline data entry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and how FobeSoft empowers restaurant owners to make informed decisions and improve profitability.Learn more about Geordy's work HERE.Connect with Geordy on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be...
2025-03-2026 minProduct Led Growth Leaders87 - Bridging the Gap: Addressing Contract Management Challenges with Innovative Technology with Hevi's Paul CulvenorYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Hevi, Paul Culvenor. Paul discusses his mining industry background and the complexities of managing large-scale contracts. He explains how Heavy's AI-driven platform helps users navigate contracts, understand risks, and ensure compliance in real-time. The conversation covers the limitations of existing software, the importance of customer success, and Heavy's goal to become a more user-friendly, plug-and-play system. The episode highlights AI's potential to transform traditional processes and improve project outcomes.Learn more about Paul's work HERE.Connect with Paul on LinkedIn HERE. Think...
2025-03-1825 minProduct Led Growth Leaders86 - Culture Shock: Revolutionizing Your Workplace from Toxic to Thriving with Aptive Index's Jason P. CarrollYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Aptive Index , Jason P. Carroll. Jason shares his journey from a toxic sales job to transforming company cultures, notably at Champion National Security. He emphasizes the importance of core values, hiring practices, and having the right people in leadership roles. The conversation also touches on diagnosing company culture, the impact of remote work, and the significance of aligning team members with the company's mission. Jason's insights offer valuable guidance for leaders aiming to enhance organizational success.Learn more about Jason's work HERE.Connect with J...
2025-03-1324 minProduct Led Growth Leaders85 - The Best Strategies for Engaging Sports Fans Through Innovative Gameplay with Next Play's Sid El SaghirYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Next Play, Sid El Saghir. Sid discusses his transition from big tech to startups and the mission of Next Play to enhance live sports viewing by addressing boredom during game breaks. Initially offering a physical card game, Next Play is now developing digital games. Sid emphasizes understanding customer needs through feedback and leveraging AI in product development. Learn more about Sid's work HERE.Connect with Sid on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. ...
2025-03-1118 minProduct Led Growth Leaders84 - From Automation to Authenticity: The Shift in Customer Service Dynamics with Face2Face's Nick TomicYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Face2Face, Nick Tomic. The discussion focuses on the communication challenges in the SaaS sector and how Nick's product enhances real-time interaction through video calls and screen sharing. Nick shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of human connection amidst automation. He discusses maintaining a lean, innovative team and leveraging technology for efficiency. The episode highlights the need for direct customer engagement and strategic problem-solving, offering valuable insights into building a successful, tech-driven business.Learn more about Nick's work HERE.Connect with Nick...
2025-03-0621 minProduct Led Growth Leaders83 - Mindset Matters: Developing the Right Attitude for Entrepreneurial Success with Andrew Poles Executive Coaching's Andrew PolesYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Andrew Poles Executive Coaching, Andrew Poles. Andrew specializes in helping first-time founders transition from individual contributors to effective leaders. Andrew highlights the unique challenges these founders face, such as managing teams and meeting investor expectations. Andrew emphasizes the importance of bridging skill gaps, the role of community support, and the distinction between coaching and consulting. He also shares insights on the triggers that lead founders to seek help and the significance of both quality and quantity of actions in achieving success.Learn more about...
2025-03-0426 minProduct Led Growth Leaders82 - Innovate or Die: Why Competition is Key to Product Management with Spice Catalyst's David FradinYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President of Spice Catalyst, David Fradin. David discusses the high failure rate of new products and the importance of a well-defined product market strategy. He critiques the "move fast and break things" mentality, advocating for a more deliberate approach. David introduces the SPICE framework and emphasizes understanding customer needs. He also touches on AI's role in product management and offers practical advice for aspiring product managers.Learn more about David's work HERE.Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest...
2025-02-2723 minProduct Led Growth Leaders81 - The Key to Successful Product Management and Strategic Decision-Making with JC LandivarYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Management Leader, Executive/Personal Coach, Facilitator, and Organizational Advisor, JC Landivar. JC shares his unconventional journey into product management, emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs and strategic decision-making. He discusses the evolving landscape of product management, the critical role of user feedback, and the challenges of aligning product strategies with market demands. JC also highlights his coaching techniques, helping clients navigate their product management challenges. The conversation touches on the transformative potential of AI and the need for adaptability in the rapidly changing tech environment.Connect...
2025-02-2528 minProduct Led Growth Leaders80 - Accessibility Revolution: Transforming Technology for All Users with AudioEye's Mike PacielloYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Chief Accessibility Officer of AudioEye, Mike Paciello. Mike shares his journey from technical writing to founding web accessibility companies. The discussion highlights the evolution of web accessibility, emphasizing its importance in user experience (UX). Mike elaborates on the role of AI in enhancing accessibility, automating solutions, and making digital content more inclusive. He underscores the significance of empathy in design and encourages listeners to advocate for inclusive practices in technology.Learn more about Mike's work HERE.Connect with Mike on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd...
2025-02-2024 minProduct Led Growth Leaders79 - The Art of Engaging Customers: How to Build Products That People Actually Want with Buska's Toni Dos SantosYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and Product Manager of Buska, Toni Dos Santos. Toni shares his extensive experience and insights, emphasizing the importance of business acumen in product management. He discusses his newsletter, "The Product Courier," which offers AI tutorials for product teams. Key highlights include the significance of engaging with customers early, the iterative process of achieving PMF, and the potential of AI tools for rapid prototyping. The episode concludes with plans for future collaboration and resource sharing.Learn more about Toni's work HERE.Connect with Toni on LinkedIn...
2025-02-1828 minProduct Led Growth Leaders78 - Mastering the Webinar: Tips and Tools for Maximum Engagement with Engaging Webinars' Jeff BrandeisYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Engaging Webinars, Jeff Brandeis. Jeff discusses the challenges of virtual presentations, especially post-COVID-19, and the common issue of unengaging webinars. He emphasizes the importance of understanding audience needs and creating interactive, educational content rather than sales pitches. Jeff introduces Engage Hub, a software tool that enhances presentations by allowing dynamic content management. He also touches on the role of AI in presentations and the significance of personal connection. Jeff shares success stories of improved engagement rates and offers a free consultation for listeners.Learn more about...
2025-02-1317 minProduct Led Growth Leaders77 - From Code to Capital: Transforming Tech Minds into Business Leaders with Human Interfaces' Vladimir BaranovYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Business Coach for Tech Founders of Human Interfaces, Vladimir Baranov. Vladimir shares his extensive background, from programming trading systems to scaling startups and launching satellites. Vladimir focuses on the challenges faced by founders, particularly in transitioning from engineering to business mindsets. He emphasizes the importance of understanding market needs, direct customer engagement, and strategic decision-making. He also discusses the evolving role of AI in startups and offers practical advice for navigating the complexities of building and scaling tech businesses.Learn more about Vladimir's work HERE.Connect...
2025-02-1122 minProduct Led Growth Leaders76 - From Spam Filters to Sales: Revolutionizing Outreach with AI with Sherlock's Mike CofoneYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Sherlock, Mike Cofone. Mike shares his career journey from aspiring Olympian to data-driven sales expert. Mike covers challenges in email deliverability, transitioning to alternative communication methods, and leveraging AI in sales. Mike emphasizes the importance of direct outreach, gathering customer feedback, and integrating sales, marketing, and product teams. He advocates for a balanced approach combining technology with human interaction to enhance sales strategies and drive revenue growth.Learn more about Mike's work HERE.Connect with Mike on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be...
2025-02-0625 minProduct Led Growth Leaders75 - Collaborate to Innovate: Aligning Strategy and Design for Product Success with Basic Arts' Alex SmithYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of Basic Arts, Alex Smith. Alex discusses his transition from marketing to strategy, emphasizing the need to make strategic principles accessible to all founders. He highlights common misconceptions, such as the belief that a superior product guarantees success, and stresses the importance of finding a unique market position. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in business and the challenges of integrating strategic work into design processes. Learn more about Alex's work HERE.Connect with Alex on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd...
2025-02-0419 minProduct Led Growth Leaders74 - The Role of AI and IoT in Shaping the Future of Field Service Management with Simpro Software's Gary SpecterYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Simpro Software, Gary Specter. Gary, with over 25 years of experience, shares insights into the complexities of the field service industry and how SaaS can address these challenges. Gary explores the role of automation, AI, and IoT in transforming field services from reactive to proactive maintenance. The conversation also touches on the importance of adaptability and technology integration.Learn more about Gary's work HERE.Connect with Gary on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. ...
2025-01-2821 minProduct Led Growth Leaders73 - Navigating Startup Challenges: Insights on Effective Development and Staffing with FastCTO's Igor BelagorudskyYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President of FastCTO, Igor Belagorudsky. Igor shares his extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of clear communication between founders and developers. He discusses common pitfalls, such as misaligned expectations and costly mistakes, and advocates for early investment in design and planning. Igor also highlights the benefits of seeking guidance from experienced advisors like Fast CTO to navigate complexities and avoid wasting resources. The episode offers practical advice for building successful startups.Learn more about Igor's work HERE.Connect with Igor on LinkedIn HERE. ...
2025-01-2125 minProduct Led Growth Leaders72 - Finish Strong: Unlocking the Power of Completion in Startups with Memory My Way's Bill BouldenYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Interim CTO of Memory My Way, Bill Boulden. Bill emphasizes the importance of a "completionist" mindset, focusing on core functionalities to bring products to market efficiently. He discusses the challenges startup founders face, including limited budgets and the necessity of generating revenue. Bill also highlights the evolving roles in the tech industry, advocating for a broad skill set.Learn more about Bill's work HERE and HERE.Connect with Bill on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Learn...
2025-01-1429 minProduct Led Growth Leaders71 - Mastering the Art of Startup Growth: Insights on MVPs, Funding, and Investor Relationships with Tactical Business Partners' Charles BergYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Owner and Principal Consultant of Tactical Business Partners, Charles Berg. Charles shares insights on early-stage product development, funding challenges, and the importance of a clear business model. He emphasizes the need for a minimum viable product (MVP) and the value of adaptability and focus. He covers the evolution of technology, the impact of AI, and the personal commitment required from founders. Charles advises on genuine AI implementation and effective communication within teams, offering practical strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs.Learn more about Charles' work HERE.Connect with Charles on...
2025-01-0723 minProduct Led Growth Leaders70 - The Future of Venture Capital: Smaller Investments for Greater Impact in SaaS with Heartee Foods' Robert ImbeaultYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CPO of Heartee Foods, Robert Imbeault. Robert shares his extensive experience in the SaaS industry, emphasizing the importance of user experience (UX) in product development. He discusses the origin of Ascend, focusing on simplifying compliance processes for supply chains. The conversation also covers the balance between sales and product development, insights into the venture capital landscape, and advice for entrepreneurs. Robert underscores the value of building products that genuinely solve user problems.Learn more about Robert's work HERE.Connect with Robert on LinkedIn HERE. ...
2024-12-3122 minProduct Led Growth Leaders69 - Navigating the Future of Product Development: The Role of User Stories and AI Integration with Planorama Lab's Matt GenoveseYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Planorama Lab, Matt Genovese. Matt shares his expertise in software engineering, product leadership, and technology, focusing on AI and IoT. Matt discusses the evolving landscape of SaaS applications, emphasizing the importance of clear requirements for development teams and addressing specific user problems. Matt highlights the potential of AI in automating requirements gathering and enhancing user experience. He introduces Planorama's tool, Sinfonia, which aids in capturing and managing product scope. .Learn more about Matt's work HERE.Connect with Matt on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be...
2024-12-2427 minProduct Led Growth Leaders68 - The Art of Balancing Immediate Sales with Product Quality in Startups with enäks' David PopYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of enäks, David Pop. David emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach that includes market research, consumer behavior analysis, and strategic marketing execution. He highlights the importance of balancing short-term wins with long-term goals and stresses the critical role of product quality. David also covers common challenges faced by startups, the value of collaboration, and future trends in marketing intelligence, particularly the impact of AI.Learn more about David's work HERE.Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on t...
2024-12-1723 minProduct Led Growth Leaders67 - Embracing Change: How AI and Adaptability Shape the Future of Business with Dream Vacations' Nick MornardYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Owner of Dream Vacations, Nick Mornard. Nick shares his insights on the critical role of mindset in leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's "why" to overcome challenges. He discusses common pitfalls for entrepreneurs, such as prioritization struggles, and highlights the value of mentorship. The episode also explores the impact of AI on business and the diverse backgrounds of entrepreneurs entering the SaaS space. Nick's personal journey and professional experiences offer valuable guidance for aspiring leaders.Learn more about Nick's work HERE.Connect with Nick on LinkedIn HERE.
2024-12-1024 minProduct Led Growth Leaders66 - The Power of Diversity: Why Different Perspectives Fuel Innovation with Strawberry Innovation's Jules StricklandYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President of Strawberry Innovation, Jules Strickland. Julie, a mechanical engineer with experience at NASA and Northrop Grumman, shares her journey as a non-traditional student and discusses innovation and leadership in high-stakes industries like aerospace. She emphasizes the complexities of patents versus trade secrets, the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, and provides insights from her book, aimed at guiding innovators and leaders in navigating corporate landscapes effectively.Learn more about Jules's work HERE.Connect with Jules on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest...
2024-12-0328 minProduct Led Growth Leaders65 - Understanding Customer Needs: The Key to Successful AI Integration and Product Development with Product Pursuits' Natasha GorodetskyYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Product Pursuits, Natasha Gorodetsky. Natasha shares her extensive background in product management, including roles at SAP and her current focus on helping early-stage and venture-backed startups develop impactful products. She covers the challenges of integrating AI into product development, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs before adopting AI solutions. Natasha also highlights common pitfalls in AI integration, the critical role of effective onboarding processes, and her approach to consultancy, including community engagement and mentorship.Connect with Natasha on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be...
2024-11-2620 minProduct Led Growth Leaders64 - Transforming Digital Communication: Insights on Future of Email Management with NewMail AI's Yohann AbittanYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of NewMail AI, Yohann Abittan. Yohann shares insights into making AI safer and more trustworthy. He delves into the challenges of email overload and how NewMail AI aims to address this issue by using AI to prioritize and manage emails effectively. The host facilitates the discussion, exploring Yohann's professional background and NewMail AI's innovative solutions.Learn more about Yohann's work HERE.Connect with Yohann on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Learn more about...
2024-11-1922 minProduct Led Growth Leaders63 - Building Trust in a Digital World: The Essential Guide to Internet Security for Professional Services with Simple Salt's Dylan EvansYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Workstream Owner of Simple Salt, Dylan Evans. Dylan clarifies the misconceptions between internet crime and internet security, emphasizing that many perceived cyber threats involve traditional crime tactics rather than sophisticated hacking. He critiques outdated security measures and stresses the importance of understanding real risks. Dylan discusses his work with high-trust professional services, offering a mix of free content, consulting, and software products to help businesses mitigate security risks. Learn more about Dylan's work HERE.Connect with Dylan on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest...
2024-11-1225 minProduct Led Growth Leaders62 - Transforming Content Creation: How to Align with User Intent in a Changing Digital World with Otterly's Klaus-M. SchremserYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Otterly, Klaus-M. Schremser. Klaus shares his journey through the tech industry, highlighting his roles in startups like Wiki Docs and User Snap. Klaus delves into the effectiveness of TikTok as a B2B traction channel and the evolving landscape of SEO due to AI and large language models (LLMs). Klaus introduces Otterly, his current venture, which helps businesses adapt to these changes by understanding user intent and optimizing content strategies. Learn more about Klaus-M's work HERE.Connect with Klaus-M on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd...
2024-11-0724 minProduct Led Growth Leaders61 - Demos That Dazzle: Transforming Product Presentations into Engaging Experiences with Navattic's Natalie MarcotullioYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Head of Growth and Operations at Navattic, Natalie Marcotullio. Natalie highlights the challenges founders face in showcasing their products effectively, particularly during the early stages. She emphasizes the importance of creating interactive demos to help potential customers understand the product better. Natalie introduces Nevada, a tool that allows users to create interactive demos without coding skills, and discusses the company's shift towards a self-serve model, enabling users to engage with the product independently.Learn more about Natalie's work HERE.Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn HERE. Think...
2024-11-0519 minProduct Led Growth Leaders60 - Innovate, Educate, Elevate: Transforming Youth Through Technology with Next Gen Tech 360's Robyn MusslerYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and President of Next Gen Tech 360, Robyn Mussler. Robyn discusses her career and her initiative, Next Gen Tech 360. This award-winning platform aims to equip high school students with essential skills in technology and business. The conversation highlights Robyn's efforts to bridge the gap between education and industry, her unique consultancy model, and the importance of user experience in technology development. Robyn's passion for empowering youth and fostering future tech leaders is evident throughout the episode.Learn more about Robyn's work HERE.Connect with Robyn on LinkedIn HERE.
2024-10-3121 minProduct Led Growth Leaders59 - Building High-Performing Teams: The Key to Startup Success with Adam Weber Coaching's Adam WeberYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Executive Coach of Adam Weber Coaching, Adam Weber. Adam shares his journey and insights from his experience in high-growth startups, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, psychological safety, and personal growth for effective leadership. Adam covers the emotional challenges faced by founders, the evolution of HR towards a more strategic role, and the impact of generational values on workplace culture. Adam also highlights the significance of clarity in expectations and the benefits and challenges of remote work, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach to leadership and innovation.Learn more about Adam's...
2024-10-2922 minProduct Led Growth Leaders58 - Adapting to Short Attention Spans: The Key to Effective Knowledge Management with Workday Ninja's Alane BoydYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Workday Ninja, Alane Boyd. Alane shares her professional journey, emphasizing her experiences in strategic marketing and leadership roles, including her time as president and chief product officer at Go Fan Base. She delves into the challenges of sales and product development in today's market, the importance of customer feedback, and the evolving role of AI. Alane highlights Arvo's mission to create engaging knowledge management systems and offers practical advice for businesses aiming to balance immediate needs with long-term vision.Learn more about Alane's work HERE.Connect...
2024-10-2423 minProduct Led Growth Leaders57 - Unlocking Startup Success: The Power of Problem-Centric Messaging with Startup Hypeman's Rajiv NathanYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and Chief Pitch Artist of Startup Hypeman, Rajiv Nathan. Rajiv delves into the challenges tech startups face in effectively communicating their value propositions and go-to-market strategies. Rajiv emphasizes the importance of crafting clear and compelling pitches to attract investors and customers. He discusses common pitfalls in startup messaging, the significance of understanding core problems, and his structured approach to refining pitches. The episode also touches on Rajiv's creative project, an album blending hip-hop with entrepreneurial themes, aimed at inspiring and energizing startups.Learn more about Rajiv's work HERE.
2024-10-2229 minProduct Led Growth Leaders56 - Breaking the Innovation Mold: Empowering Every Employee to Contribute with IdeaScale's Nick JainYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of IdeaScale, Nick Jain. Nick discusses large organizations and the innovation challenges that they face and how IdeaScale's platform addresses these by democratizing idea generation. Nick emphasizes the importance of tapping into the collective intelligence of all employees, not just executives, to foster innovation. He explains how IdeaScale allows users to submit, vote on, and refine ideas, creating a meritocracy. The episode also highlights the significance of leadership mindset, product-led growth strategies, and maintaining a culture of innovation for organizational success.Learn more about Nick's work HERE....
2024-10-1722 minProduct Led Growth Leaders55 - Trusting the Machine: The Importance of Transparency in AI Applications with LinkedIn's Praveen GujarYour host, Thomas Watkins, speaks to the Director of Product at LinkedIn, Praveen Gujar. Praveen is an experienced product manager who has worked for top tech firms like Huawei, AWS, Twitter, and currently, LinkedIn. They explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in product development and user experience. Praveen highlights AI's long-standing presence in systems and its recent rise to prominence with generative AI models. The discussion covers AI integration stages, value creation, cost considerations, and the importance of transparency. Praveen also predicts future trends, including single-person companies and evolving job functions, emphasizing the need for...
2024-10-1524 minProduct Led Growth Leaders54 - Mastering Local SEO: Essential Tips for Multi-Location Brands to Thrive Online with PinMeTo's Daniel MelkerssonYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and Board Member of PinMeTo, Daniel Melkersson. PinMeTo is a company aiding multi-location brands in managing their local SEO and online presence. Daniel shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of failure and learning from his diverse background in music, sports, and digital development. He discusses the challenges that large brands face in maintaining consistent local information and how PinMeTo's centralized platform addresses these issues. Daniel covers user experience, leadership in SaaS, and the significance of customer feedback in product development.Learn more about Daniel's work HERE....
2024-10-1022 minProduct Led Growth Leaders53 - Designing Your Way to Success: The Art of Product-Led Growth with RKS Design's Ravi SawhneyYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Founder of RKS Design, Ravi Sawhney. Ravi shares his extensive experience in product development and market validation, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer needs. He discusses the process of validating ideas, the role of design in enhancing user experience, and the concept of product-led growth. Ravi recounts notable projects, including a touchscreen interface at Xerox and a redesigned can opener, illustrating how thoughtful design can drive user satisfaction and market success. He encourages continuous learning and collaboration in the design and startup ecosystems.Learn more about Ravi's work...
2024-10-0822 minProduct Led Growth Leaders52 - Building Better Support: The Role of User Feedback in AI Development with Inkeep's Nick GomezYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Inkeep, Nick Gomez. Nick shares his journey from co-founding a machine learning company at MIT to leading Innkeep, which focuses on enhancing user experience through AI-powered chatbots. These chatbots help users navigate complex documentation efficiently. Nick covers the importance of user experience, quality assurance, and the innovative potential of AI in SaaS products. Nick emphasizes the need for high-quality support solutions and the role of continuous improvement in product development.Learn more about Nick's work HERE.Connect with Nick on LinkedIn HERE. ...
2024-10-0328 minProduct Led Growth Leaders51 - AI and Product Development: What Every Founder Needs to Know with Jamaila HolderYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Leader turned Coach and Advisor, Jamaila Holder. Jamila shares her extensive experience in product management and her current role in advising early-stage tech founders. The discussion covers the importance of founder education, user research, and the differences between corporate environments and startups. Jamila emphasizes the need for understanding user needs, the strategic implementation of AI, and the qualities investors look for in founders. Her insights provide valuable guidance for early-stage founders navigating product development and securing investment.Learn more about Jamaila's work HERE.Connect with Jamaila on...
2024-10-0130 minProduct Led Growth Leaders50 - The Anatomy of Effective Product Teams: Building Success from Within with David PereiraYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Coach, Author, and Keynote Speaker, David Pereira. David shares his expertise in product management in startups and scale-ups. He highlights common pitfalls, such as relying on opinions over evidence and the need for structured processes. David emphasizes fostering a culture of learning and experimentation, validating product ideas, and the importance of product teams. He introduces the "Opportunity Solution Tree" and advises on transitioning to modern product management. David concludes with practical advice for startup founders and invites listeners to explore his book, "Untapped Product Teams."Learn more about David's...
2024-09-2628 minProduct Led Growth Leaders49 - Mastering the Art of Data-Driven Personalization in Product Development with Summit Labs' Brian ChildressYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Fractional CTO and Principal Technical Advisor of Summit Labs, Brian Childress. Brian explores the principles of product-led growth (PLG) for startups and scale-ups, emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs and leveraging data. Brian highlights the role of personalization in enhancing user experiences and discusses the integration of AI to streamline workflows. Brian covers the significance of team collaboration and effective communication, particularly through visual aids. Brian shares methodologies for testing and validating product features, stressing the need for data-driven decisions and meaningful AI applications.Learn more about Brian's work...
2024-09-2422 minProduct Led Growth Leaders48 - Navigating Ambiguity: Essential Skills for Aspiring Industrial Product Managers with GLG's Moises NavaYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Senior Advisor of Innovation, Product, and Market Strategy at GLG's, Moises Nava. Moises shares insights on the evolution of product management, emphasizing its roots in physical product development and its integration with digital advancements. He discusses the importance of understanding physical and digital aspects, stages of innovation, and cross-functional collaboration. Highlighting examples like Zipline's use of AI in drone deliveries, Moises underscores the need for adaptability and continuous learning in navigating the complexities of product management in heavy industries.Learn more about Moises's work HERE.Connect with Moises...
2024-09-1924 minProduct Led Growth Leaders47 - Innovating with AI: How to Stay Ahead in a Rapidly Changing Landscape with Mike TodascoYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Visiting Fellow at the James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence at SDSU, AI Writer and Advisor, Mike Todasco. Mike's journey from finance to innovation, his patent experiences, and the role of AI in business. Mike shares insights on the monetization of generative AI, its future trends, and the importance of understanding customer needs. The conversation also touches on AI's limitations, security concerns, and Mike's involvement with Snickerdoodle, a blockchain-based advertising company.Learn more about Mike's work HERE.Connect with Mike on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd...
2024-09-1727 minProduct Led Growth Leaders46 - The Myth of Perfect Research: Why Customer Conversations Matter More with Harvard Innovation Labs' Rob SnyderYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Harvard Innovation Labs, Rob Snyder. Rob shares his experiences, highlighting the challenges faced after raising venture capital and the importance of understanding customer needs. He warns against relying too heavily on theoretical advice and the pitfalls of "larping" in startups. Emphasizing early customer interactions, Rob advocates for real-world feedback over abstract research. Learn more about Rob's work HERE.Connect with Rob on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf...
2024-09-1223 minProduct Led Growth Leaders45 - The Art of Intentional Design: Creating Products That Resonate with Users with Penlo Parc's Alexandra CandelasYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Penlo Parc, Alexandra Candelas. Alexandra shares her extensive experience in visual design, innovative technology, and user experience (UX). She covers the importance of differentiation in product design, the role of user experience, and the challenges of being a first mover versus a second mover in the market. Alexandra emphasizes intentionality and attention to detail in creating successful products, drawing from her work with Kodak and early online banking technologies. The episode offers valuable insights into navigating today's competitive landscape.Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn HERE. Think...
2024-09-1027 minProduct Led Growth Leaders44 - The Importance of Resilience and Community in Startup Success with Strongroom Solutions' Justin NelsonYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder of Strongroom Solutions, Justin Nelson. Justin discusses his early career as a consultant, founding Strongroom Solutions, and its eventual acquisition by AvidXchange. He shares insights on the challenges of starting a business, product management, and customer success metrics. Justin introduces his current venture, Menlo Park, an incubator aimed at supporting first-time software entrepreneurs. Learn more about Justin's work HERE.Connect with Justin on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf...
2024-09-0524 minProduct Led Growth Leaders43 - Securing the Future: Why Cybersecurity Should Be a Top Priority for Tech Founders with Cycore Secure's Kevin BaronaYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Founder of Cycore Secure, Kevin Barona. Kevin shares his journey from working as a legislative aide to becoming a cybersecurity expert. He emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity compliance for early-stage tech companies, discussing frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA. Kevin highlights startups' challenges in achieving compliance and advises them to integrate security measures early to build client trust. The episode underscores the need for proactive security practices to secure contracts and maintain credibility in the tech industry.Learn more about Kevin's work HERE.Connect with...
2024-09-0324 minProduct Led Growth Leaders42 - Empowering Small Businesses Through Innovative Platforms with Jugl's Arun Prasad JaganathanYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CTO of Jugl, Arun Prasad Jaganathan. Arun Prasad discusses the operational challenges small businesses face and how Jugl provides a comprehensive solution. Arun Prasad shares insights on Jugl's user engagement strategies, data analysis, and the importance of a seamless onboarding process. He also highlights the significance of transparency and effective communication within a SaaS product team. The episode concludes with a discussion of potential collaborations to enhance Jugl's UX design, emphasizing the platform's role in empowering small businesses.Learn more about Arun Prasad's work HERE.Connect...
2024-08-2924 minProduct Led Growth Leaders41 - Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in Heavy Industries Through Technology with First Mode's Alex BertramYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Growth Leader at First Mode, Alex Bertram. Alex discusses the application of technology in heavy industries, focusing on safety, cost, volume, and sustainability. Alex emphasizes the importance of meticulous testing and implementation of new technologies in harsh environments to avoid catastrophic failures. He also explores the role of effective communication, using storytelling and visual aids, to convey the benefits of new technologies to both business leaders and frontline workers. Alex highlights the complexities and opportunities in integrating technology within heavy industries.Learn more about Alex's work HERE.Connect...
2024-08-2721 minProduct Led Growth Leaders40 - Bridging the Tech Gap: How AI Can Transform Traditional Industries with Ahmed KhanYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CTO, Sr. Manager, Lead, and Mobile Architect, Ahmed Khan. Ahmed discusses the evolving landscape of AI, particularly generative AI, and its impact on startups. He highlights the diverse perceptions of AI, the technological advancements that have enabled generative AI, and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The conversation delves into building AI models, the critical role of data, and the distinction between AI and traditional software development. Ahmed also emphasizes the importance of bridging the knowledge gap between technologists and industry experts.Learn more about Ahmed's work HERE....
2024-08-2239 minProduct Led Growth Leaders39 - Sound Therapy: The Future of Mental Health and Personal Development with Steve ArdireYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the AI Startup Advisor, Steve Ardire. Steve discusses his work with Omega Human, a startup using neuromodulation through sound frequencies for personal growth and spiritual development. He explains the challenges of identifying successful startups, the importance of clinical validation, and the potential of software as a medical device. Steve highlights Omega Human's personalized audio experiences and their impact on mental health and wellness, emphasizing the transformative potential of their innovative approach.Learn more about Steve's work HERE.Connect with Steve on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a...
2024-08-2027 minProduct Led Growth Leaders38 - Personalization at Scale: Using AI to Enhance Sales Engagement with xiQ's Usman SheikhYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of xiQ, Usman Sheikh. xiQ is an AI-powered platform for B2B sales and marketing. Usman explains how xiQ integrates AI with behavioral science and psychology to create personalized sales communications. The platform leverages data about individuals and companies to help salespeople craft tailored emails and call scripts. Usman discusses the company's innovative culture, team structure, and product-led growth strategy. Usman emphasizes the transformative potential of their technology and encourages listeners to try out xiQ to enhance their sales effectiveness.Learn more about Usman's work HERE.
2024-08-1522 minProduct Led Growth Leaders37 - Accessibility Revolution: Transforming Products for Everyone with Meryl EvansYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO, Professional Speaker, Trainer, Global Accessibility Consultant, and Digital Marketing Consultant, Meryl Evans. Meryl is a deaf influencer and educator. She discusses the significance of accessibility and inclusive marketing. Meryl, who uses a cochlear implant and captions, shares her expertise on how businesses can enhance their products and marketing strategies to be more inclusive. She emphasizes the importance of understanding diverse abilities, the business benefits of accessibility, and the need for a cultural shift toward inclusivity. The discussion also covers success stories, the value of hiring people with disabilities, and the role...
2024-08-1330 minProduct Led Growth Leaders36 - The Best Strategies for Converting Free Users into Paying Customer with inLinks' Dixon JonesYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of inLinks, Dixon Jones. Dixon discusses his professional journey, the evolution of InLinks, and the strategic use of the freemium model in SaaS. Dixon explains InLinks' entity-based SEO approach, which focuses on understanding the context of terms rather than just keywords. He discusses how InLinks helps users improve internal linking and SEO through a knowledge graph. Dixon also highlights the importance of user feedback in refining products and adapting sales strategies to meet diverse customer needs.Learn more about Dixon's work HERE.Connect with Dixon on LinkedIn...
2024-08-0825 minProduct Led Growth Leaders35 - Franchising 2.0: How AI is Revolutionizing Franchise Development with Sales Chatz' David Stein and Kylon GustinYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Co-Founder of Sales Chatz, David Stein, and the CTO and Co-Founder of Sales Chatz, Kylon Gustin. David and Kylon discuss their innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital marketing for franchise brands. They explore the unique challenges of franchise marketing, emphasizing the importance of franchise development and recruitment. Sales Chatz's AI-driven platform, iAds, enhances targeting efficiency and ROI for franchisors and franchisees. The episode concludes with plans for future collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to leveraging technology for growth and innovation in the franchising industry.Learn more...
2024-08-0624 minProduct Led Growth Leaders34 - Transformational Roadmaps: Your Guide to Effective Product Development with Product Blocks' Piotr KacalaYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CTO at Displate, Product Coach, and Product Leader of Product Blocks, Piotr Kacala. Piotr Kacala is a seasoned web development and software engineering expert. Piotr, formerly the CTO of a European marketplace for metal posters, now advises tech companies and champion teams to apologize. Piotr centers on creating effective product engineering teams, viewing them as profit centers, and fostering cultural and strategic changes for innovation. Piotr shares insights on agile practices, strategic involvement, and the importance of internal capabilities. Learn more about Piotr's work HERE.Connect with Piotr...
2024-08-0522 minProduct Led Growth Leaders33 - Unlocking Restaurant Success: The Power of Data in Pricing and Promotions with JUICER's Ashwin KamlaniYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO of JUICER, Ashwin Kamlani. Ashwin discusses his background in e-commerce and the challenges the restaurant industry faces in adopting technology. He explains how JUICER helps restaurants with data-driven solutions to optimize pricing and profitability. Ashwin covers the impact of COVID-19 on this sector, the complexities of digital channels, and JUICER's competitive intelligence tools. Ashwin also shares JUICER's future plans, including offering free competitive intelligence solutions to support smaller restaurants in their digital transformation.Learn more about Ashwin's work HERE.Connect with Ashwin on LinkedIn HERE.
2024-08-0124 minProduct Led Growth Leaders32 - Revolutionizing Payments: Changing the Game for Software Companies with Tilled's Caleb AveryYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Tilled, Caleb Avery. Caleb shares his extensive background in financial services and the journey that led to founding Tilled, a company that helps SaaS businesses monetize credit card transactions. The discussion covers the challenges vertical software companies face in payment processing and how Tilled's innovative solutions streamline this process. Caleb highlights the importance of customer feedback, the potential of "tap to phone" technology, and Tilled's strategy of white-labeling their platform to expand reach.Learn more about Caleb's work HERE.Connect with Caleb on LinkedIn...
2024-07-3025 minProduct Led Growth Leaders31 - Leveraging Venture-Driven Growth and Removing Barriers to Scale with Apollo 21's Danny NathanYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Apollo 21, Danny Nathan. Danny shares insights on fostering innovation within organizations, emphasizing the need for dedicated resources and a collaborative culture. He discusses Apollo 21's approach, which combines product design, venture building, and management consulting to help companies overcome barriers to innovation. Key themes include the importance of C-suite buy-in, avoiding "innovation theater," and navigating economic challenges. Danny also highlights the role of emerging technologies like AI and the necessity of aligning incentives between service providers and clients.Learn more about Danny's work HERE....
2024-07-2533 minProduct Led Growth Leaders30 - The Power of Agile: Transforming Product Management and Technical Support with DISA Global Solutions' Sharlene CooperYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Sr. Director of Products at DISA Global Solutions, Sharlene Cooper. Sharlene discusses her journey into product management, emphasizing the importance of agile methodologies and building strong teams. She shares insights on transitioning to agile practices, overcoming initial resistance, and fostering a collaborative culture. Sharlene also highlights the significance of continuous learning, certifications, and empowering women in technology. Learn more about Sharlene's work HERE.Connect with Sharlene on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on the show? Apply HERE. Learn more about Thomas's...
2024-07-2334 minProduct Led Growth Leaders29 - Navigating the Evolving Dynamics of Digital Marketing with Kalicube's Jason BarnardYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Founder of Kalicube, Jason Barnard. Jason discusses the evolving landscape of digital marketing, and provides a wealth of insights into the importance of productizing services, understanding Google's algorithms, and the strategic approaches necessary for effective digital marketing. Jason emphasized a significant shift in Google's algorithms from "strings to things." This change means that Google is moving away from merely matching keywords (strings) to understanding the actual entities (things) those keywords represent. This evolution has profound implications for search engine optimization Learn more about Jason's work HERE.
2024-07-1826 minProduct Led Growth Leaders28 - The Ultimate Guide to Navigating the Shift from Sales-Led to Product-Led Growth with Dealfront's Vincent JongYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the VP of Product of Dealfront, Vincent Jong. Vincent emphasized the importance of a fundamental mindset shift when moving from a sales-led approach to a product-led approach. In a sales-led company, product usage data often exists but is not integrated into the go-to-market strategy. In contrast, a product-led approach places product usage data at the core of decision-making processes.To integrate product usage data, ensure that it's not siloed but actively used to inform marketing, sales, and product development strategies. Adopting a customer-centric approach involves shifting the focus from pushing sales...
2024-07-1623 minProduct Led Growth Leaders27 - The Spiritual Journey of Entrepreneurship: Finding Purpose Beyond Financial Success with Simplero's Calvin CorreliYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Simplero, Calvin Correli. Calvin shares insights on the intersection of spirituality and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of aligning business with one's life purpose. He discusses his journey from a software developer to creating an integrated platform for courses and coaching, driven by a spiritual realization. Calvin highlights the significance of intimacy and avoiding burnout in business. He also touches on the evolution of spiritual awareness in entrepreneurship and the need for community and connection.Learn more about Calvin's work HERE.Connect with Calvin on...
2024-07-1128 minProduct Led Growth Leaders26 - Unleashing the Power of Data and Design: Strategies for Sustainable Growth with Prefect Technologies' Sarah BedellYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Director of Growth Marketing at Prefect Technologies, Sarah Bedell. Perfect Technologies is a workflow orchestration tool designed to help technical teams manage their code more efficiently. Sarah highlights the importance of open-source products in the developer tooling space, noting that open-source can significantly enhance product adoption and community engagement.A growth team's primary goal is to drive product signups and generate leads for sales. Sarah emphasizes the importance of data in achieving these goals efficiently. Growth teams must leverage data to inform their strategies and decisions, involving close collaboration with...
2024-07-0928 minProduct Led Growth Leaders25 - Revolutionizing Clinical Trials: Harnessing the Power of AI with TrialKey's Saurabh JainYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Executive Chairman of TrialKey, Saurabh Jain. Saurabh Jain's career trajectory is a testament to the power of diverse experiences. Starting as a software engineer, he founded a tech startup that he later sold to Telstra, Australia's equivalent of AT&T. His journey took an unexpected turn into sales, where he spent a decade before returning to the technical side of his career. This blend of technical and market-facing roles uniquely positioned him to bridge the gap between product development and sales.Learn more about Saurabh's work HERE.Connect...
2024-07-0426 minProduct Led Growth Leaders24 - Navigating the Complexities of Finding the Right Outsourcing Partners with Outforce's Sean LanguedocYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder and CEO of Outforce, Sean Languedoc. Sean, an experienced entrepreneur and sales CEO, shared his deep understanding of outsourcing, the critical nature of product-market fit, and the nuances of different service providers. Outsourcing can be both beneficial and challenging for many companies. While it offers cost savings and access to specialized skills, it also presents its own set of difficulties.One major issue is the lack of time. Companies often rush into outsourcing without thoroughly vetting potential service providers, leading to suboptimal partnerships and project delays. Another problem is...
2024-07-0224 minProduct Led Growth Leaders23 - Understanding the Job to Be Done: A Key to Successful Product-Led Growth with Winning by Design's Dave BoyceYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Executive Chairperson of Winning by Design, Dave Boyce. Dave highlights the rapid evolution of the PLG landscape. Despite its significant impact on the industry, there is still a considerable gap in understanding and documentation of PLG strategies. This gap presents an opportunity for companies to gain a competitive edge by adopting and mastering PLG principles.PLG helps reduce the escalating costs of acquiring and retaining revenue by automating and streamlining processes traditionally handled by humans. By focusing on the user experience, PLG fosters a deeper connection with customers, leading to...
2024-06-2626 minProduct Led Growth Leaders22 - Revolutionizing Sales and Product Awareness: A Startup's Path to Success with Gartner's David YockelsonYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Distinguished VP of Gartner, David Yockelson. David defines PLG as a strategy that emphasizes the product as the primary driver of customer acquisition, expansion, and retention. However, he clarifies that PLG is not solely about self-serve models. Instead, it often involves a hybrid approach that integrates product-led tactics with traditional sales and marketing efforts, especially in B2B contexts where deals are larger and audiences more complex.Learn more about David's work HERE.Connect with David on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a great guest on...
2024-06-2523 minProduct Led Growth Leaders21 - Exploring the Reliability and Flexibility of Ad Tracking Solutions with CPV One's Julia DraghiciYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Co-Founder and CEO of CPV One, Julia Draghici. Julia's companies, CPV One and CPV Labs are ad-tracking platforms designed for performance marketers. These platforms help users track, optimize, and test their marketing campaigns, providing a comprehensive view of their marketing efforts. CPV Labs is a self-hosted solution where users need a server hosting provider to install the software, while CPV One is a cloud-hosted solution where the hosting is managed by the company, offering the same tracking capabilities but with added convenience.Julia's insights into product-led growth and the development...
2024-06-1824 minProduct Led Growth Leaders20 - Unleashing the Power of Product-Led Growth in B2B Enterprises with Zuora's Dana YobstYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Head of Growth of Zuora, Dana Yobst. Dana emphasizes that the growth department is a unique entity that sits at the intersection of product, marketing, and sales. This department is crucial for driving a go-to-market motion that effectively combines these three groups. Product Management focuses on understanding the market and customers to build successful trials and products. Marketing generates leads and creates awareness about the product. Sales converts leads into paying customers.Dana elaborates on the various growth motions in the B2B space, ranging from self-service product-led growth to...
2024-06-1126 minProduct Led Growth Leaders19 - Mastering the Mindset: Empowering Product Managers and Product Owners through Deep Thinking and Credibility with Jason DadahYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Fractional CPO, Automation Champion in AI enablement, and Product-led Growth, Jason Dadah. Jason brings a unique perspective to the table, having served as a chief product officer at Gate List, a mortgage AI company, and as a product owner at various companies. His journey through the startup landscape and his focus on SMB growth strategy has equipped him with invaluable knowledge.Jason emphasized that taking the time to thoroughly contemplate the company, product, and industry is essential for building credibility and trust with your team, stakeholders, and customers. He shared...
2024-06-0422 minProduct Led Growth Leaders18 - Unveiling the Power of Product Ops: A Deep Dive into Enhancing Product Management with HCSS' Tiffany MurphreeYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Operation Manager of HCSS, Tiffany Murphree. Product Ops, or Product Operations, is a term that's gaining traction, yet it's defined differently across various organizations. At its core, Product Ops serves the product management department, aiming to streamline efficiency and enhance communication among teams. Tiffany emphasized the importance of focusing on people, processes, and tools—the three key pillars of Product Ops—with a particular emphasis on the human element.Learn more about Tiffany's work HERE.Connect with Tiffany on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be a grea...
2024-05-2825 minProduct Led Growth Leaders17 - Designing for Impact: Unleashing the Potential of Product-Led Growth with Alison OstendorfYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Design, Usability, and DesignOps Consultant and Co-chair of Women In Product, Houston, Alison Ostendorf. Alison peeled back the layers of Product-Led Growth (PLG) and its transformative impact on the tech industry. Alison brings a fresh perspective from the design world, challenging the status quo of sales-led strategies.Alison candidly shares her initial skepticism about PLG, stemming from her commitment to crafting products that captivate users on their own merit. She draws a compelling parallel between PLG and human-centered design, underscoring the necessity of creating products that users find inherently...
2024-05-2121 minProduct Led Growth Leaders16 - The Evolution of Startup Funding: Navigating Trends and Challenges with Foundersuite's Nathan BeckordYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO of Foundersuite, Nathan Beckord. Venture capital is not a game of chance; it's a strategic decision-making process guided by a VC's thesis. This thesis is the bedrock of their investment choices, influenced by industry trends, personal expertise, and market predictions. Nathan shed light on the importance of aligning your startup with a VC's thesis to increase your chances of securing funding. He emphasized that demonstrating traction, customer acquisition, and solid unit economics are key to proving your startup's worth to potential investors.Learn more about Nathan's work HERE.
2024-05-1421 minProduct Led Growth Leaders15 - The Most Affordable and Effective Psychometric Assessments for Hiring and Development with TRG International's Rick YvanovichYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the CEO and Founder of TRG International, Rick Yvanovich. Rick's journey is nothing short of remarkable. He discussed his experiences from the early days of computing, a time when technology was in its nascent stages, to the current era dominated by cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS). His story is a testament to the transformative power of technology and the foresight needed to stay ahead of the curve.Learn more about Rick's work HERE and HERE.Connect with Rick on LinkedIn HERE. Think you'd be...
2024-05-0733 minProduct Led Growth Leaders14 - Navigating the Dynamics of Change Management in Driving Organizational Change with SAP's S V Prasad GandhikotaYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Compliance Ambassador and Senior Business Advisor of SAP, S V Prasad Gandhikota. Prasad's professional odyssey began in 1995 after graduating with a technology degree from Bombay University, India. His early career was rooted in supply chain management and manufacturing, which laid a solid foundation for his subsequent MBA in marketing and information technology. With an industry-leading SAP certification, Prasad transitioned into SAP consulting, where he has been instrumental in advising companies on their digital and business transformation journeys.Learn more about Prasad's work HERE.Connect with Prasad on LinkedIn...
2024-04-3030 minProduct Led Growth Leaders13 - Exploring the Importance of Incorporating Accountability into the Digital Space with The Authenticity Alliance's Wes KussmaulYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President of The Authenticity Alliance, Wes Kussmaul. In 1981, long before the term "social media" entered our lexicon, Delphi Corporation began an ambitious project to create a digital encyclopedia. Wes Kussmaul recounted the company's fascinating evolution from a knowledge repository to a social media platform, complete with bulletin boards, email, and chatrooms. Delphi's strategic partnerships with computer hobbyist magazines and its competition with industry giants like CompuServe and Reader's Digest were instrumental in its success.Wes took us on a journey back to a time when graphics were limited by modem...
2024-04-2330 minProduct Led Growth Leaders12 - Understanding the Power of Neuromarketing in Product Design with RemotelyMe's Bill ReedYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Board Director of RemotelyMe, Bill Reed. Bill broke down marketing into three distinct areas: demand generation, product marketing, and strategic marketing. Demand generation encompasses social media, advertising, email marketing, and SEO, all aimed at creating awareness and attention. Product marketing, on the other hand, focuses on understanding market needs, and competition, and ensuring the right messaging. Strategic marketing, often at the executive level, involves long-term planning and direction for the company.For a product to achieve success, it's crucial for marketing to play an integral role in its development. Bill...
2024-04-1622 minProduct Led Growth Leaders11 - Exploring the Impact of Hyper-Focused Product Management with Product Houston's Wade PinderYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of Product Houston, Wade Pinder. Wade's path into product management is a testament to his dedication to the Houston community. He shared the unique challenges and solutions that the city presents, highlighting the differences in product management methodologies. But what stood out was the emphasis on storytelling in product management—a skill that can make or break a product's success.Wade shared his belief in experience-led growth, noting that even century-old companies in Houston share a common thread—the user or customer experience. He gave a relatable example of tras...
2024-04-0930 minProduct Led Growth Leaders10 - Innovating Webinars: Exploring the Evolution of Product and Design Collaboration with Hubilo's Shailesh HegdeYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the VP of Product and Design of Hubilo, Shailesh Hegde. Shailesh's story is particularly inspiring. Starting with an engineering degree, Shailesh cut his teeth in the software testing realm, working for giants like Siemens and Nokia. Shailesh's pursuit of growth led him to a master's degree in the US and a stint at a startup that was later acquired by Cisco. It was during this time that Shailesh discovered his passion for product management.The transition from a testing role to product management wasn't a walk in the park. Shailesh embarked...
2024-04-0221 minProduct Led Growth Leaders9 - Exploring the Evolving Landscape of E-commerce and AI in Strategy and Design with Kendra Scott's Brad PowerYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Senior Director of Digital Product and User Experience of Kendra Scott, Brad Power. Brad's journey into the realm of product management is a testament to the power of customer-centric thinking. His career began in a call center, where he honed his skills in customer retention. This experience laid the foundation for his marketing roles and eventually led him to the intersection of technology, customer needs, and business goals. As a director of digital product at Kendra Scott, Brad now leverages his background in technology, UX, and product management to drive the company's...
2024-03-2621 minProduct Led Growth Leaders8 - Unlocking the Power of Data: A Game-Changer for Understanding Customer Behavior with Funnelytics' Mikael DiaYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Founder of Funnelytics, Mikael Dia. Mikael's journey with Funnelytics started when he was running a marketing agency. He identified a clear market need for a tool that visualizes marketing strategies and data while tracking the intricate paths customers navigate across various online platforms. This led to the inception of Funnelytics, a software designed to map out traffic sources, pages, and conversions, providing a detailed view of the customer journey.Mikael emphasized the importance of visualization in understanding customer behavior. Funnelytics sets itself apart as an analytics tool that seamlessly integrates...
2024-03-1927 minProduct Led Growth Leaders7 - The Casino Conundrum: Navigating Innovation and Regulation with Caesars Sportsbook & Casino's Thomas PalaioYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Operations Lead of iGaming of Caesars Sportsbook & Casino, Thomas Palaio. Thomas's career trajectory is a testament to the evolution of a tech professional. Starting with hands-on roles such as help desk support, he quickly moved into the realm of DevOps and cloud technologies at a time when continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) were just gaining momentum. His passion for solving complex problems and creating value for both customers and businesses led him to the product space. The satisfaction derived from the feedback loop of identifying and resolving issues is...
2024-03-1222 minProduct Led Growth Leaders6 - Understanding the Problem Space: Key to Successful Product Development with Applied Systems' Vijay RengarajanYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Director of Product Management of Applied Systems, Vijay Rengarajan. Vijay's journey began in programming and evolved through a business analyst role at Tata Consultancy Services. His experience in the insurance domain laid the foundation for his customer-centric approach. In 2016, he transitioned to product management, where he could apply his skills to both new product development (0 to 1) and scaling existing products (1 to n).The first step in product development is recognizing a genuine need. Vijay shared an example of creating a network management system for insurance agencies, where no existing product...
2024-03-0523 minProduct Led Growth Leaders5 - Unleashing the Power of Heart-Centric Branding: A Paradigm Shift for Businesses with Viim's Steph HilferYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Owner and Creative Director of Viim, Steph Hilfer. Steph spoke on what heart-centric branding truly means. It's an approach that goes beyond the transactional aspects of business and focuses on creating a genuine connection with consumers. Heart-centric branding is about tapping into the authentic core of a brand and sharing that truth with the world. It's not just about selling a product or service; it's about resonating with customers on a deeper level, through shared values and beliefs.When asked for an example, Steph highlighted industries where trust is non-negotiable...
2024-02-2021 minProduct Led Growth Leaders4 - The Significance of Empowering Product Owners and Proactive Stakeholder Communication with Slalom's Charles JessupYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product Management Consultant of Slalom, Charles Jessup. Charles' entry into product management was somewhat serendipitous, beginning with his work in building digital products for an oil and gas company. His career trajectory took an exciting turn when he transitioned to product coaching and consulting at Slalom, guiding new product teams to understand the multifaceted role of a product manager.One of Charles's notable projects involved a pharmaceutical company's transition from a project-based to a product-based approach. He detailed the challenges of empowering product owners to make decisions that create value...
2024-02-1318 minProduct Led Growth Leaders3 - Navigating the Challenges of Digital Transformation in Product Management with Justin HunterYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the Product and Technology leader, Justin Hunter. Justin's story is a testament to the fluid nature of career paths. Initially setting his sights on events management, he found himself drawn to the structure and impact of infrastructure and project management. His transition was not just a change in job titles but a fundamental shift in mindset. Justin emphasized that to thrive in product management, one must adopt a product mindset. This involves aligning vision, setting clear priorities, and fostering a deep understanding of the end-user.Justin referenced a pivotal book that...
2024-01-3019 minProduct Led Growth Leaders2 - The Importance of Developing Products Aligned with User Feedback with EPS Optic(s)' Ryan WeissYour host, Thomas Watkins, talks with the President of EPS Optic(s), Ryan Weiss. Ryan's product is a testament to the powerful synergy between people and process. He shared the foundational vision of his SaaS solution, which is to seamlessly integrate these two elements. The goal? To create a platform that not only functions efficiently but also aligns with the users' needs.Transitioning from a mere concept to a scalable product is no small feat. Ryan candidly discussed the initial hurdles they faced, emphasizing the need to simplify the user experience. It's a common pitfall for SaaS...
2024-01-0920 minProduct Led Growth Leaders1 - Unleashing the Power of Innovation: Insights from Product Led Growth Leaders with 3Leaf's Thomas WatkinsIn the inaugural episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence interviews the show's host and creator, Thomas Watkins. Thomas, a UX practitioner, plans to share insights from product leaders and encourage innovative thinking. Josh and Thomas invite listeners to subscribe, share, and even apply to be guests on the show. He also shares his experience working with diverse clients, from large industry players to startups, across sectors like video gaming, crypto, NFT, and industrial verticals. Learn more about Thomas's work at 3Leaf HERE. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn...
2023-12-0511 min
Awkward Silences#91 - Design Psychology with Thomas Watkins of 3LeafWhat is design psychology? Thomas Watkins of 3Leaf compares it to ergonomics—both fields aim to make products feel as comfortable as possible for their users. Where ergonomics is concerned with things like the shape of your office chair’s back or the height of its armrests, design psychology is all about making software experiences more intuitive and reducing cognitive load.This week on the podcast, Thomas chatted with Erin and JH about the similarities and differences between design psychology and UX research, risks and need-to-knows for psychologists transitioning into business research, the power of mental models, and...
2022-04-2030 min