I recently spent some time with PJ Linarducci, the Chief Product Officer at Thumbtack. We spoke on a recent episode of the ProductPJ's impressive career, covering various roles in product management, including significant time at Meta, where he developed a keen understanding of what it takes to drive impactful product strategies. His insights are particularly relevant for those looking to innovate within established industries.

During our conversation, PJ shared his unconventional journey into product management, highlighting his initial reluctance and how he eventually embraced the role as a powerful avenue for influence and change. He discussed the unique challenges he faced transitioning from a large organization to leading product at Thumbtack, where he could leverage his experience to reshape the company's approach to home services—a sector he describes as being stuck in the 1990s.

PJ elaborated on the shift in Thumbtack’s value proposition, moving from merely connecting consumers with service professionals to empowering homeowners with the knowledge and tools to manage their home projects effectively. This ambitious strategy required not just innovative product development, but also a cultural shift within the organization, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and user-centric thinking.

Whether you’re a product leader, aspiring manager, or simply interested in how technology can transform traditional industries, you won't want to miss this enlightening conversation!

In this episode of the Product Thinking podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with BJ Boyle, the Chief Product Officer at PointClickCare. BJ brings over two decades of experience in health tech, having honed his expertise at leading companies like Cerner and now PointClickCare. His deep understanding of the healthcare landscape and commitment to user-centric product management make his insights invaluable for anyone in the industry.

During our conversation, BJ shared his journey into product management, emphasizing the importance of truly understanding the needs of end users—whether that’s nurses, doctors, or administrators. He highlighted the unique challenges of product management in the healthcare sector, where regulatory requirements and user experience must be balanced with innovation and growth. BJ's approach focuses on fostering strong relationships within the executive team to ensure that product strategies align with organizational goals and market needs.

If you’re intrigued by the intersections of healthcare, product management, and technology, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Read on as we explore BJ’s hard-won expertise on transforming health tech products, the significance of cross-functional collaboration, and how to leverage customer feedback to drive innovation.

Whether you’re a product leader or simply interested in the future of health tech, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

In this episode of the Product Thinking podcast, I had the opportunity to sit down with Vishal Kapoor, the Senior Vice President of Product Management at Affirm. Vishal has a wealth of experience in leading fintech product strategies and scaling high-growth teams, having previously held leadership roles at innovative companies like Dropbox and Microsoft. His insights into navigating the complex intersection of technology, finance, and compliance are invaluable for anyone looking to succeed in the fintech world.

During our conversation, Vishal shared his perspective on the unique challenges of product management in fintech, where balancing customer-centric innovation with regulatory requirements is key. He emphasized the importance of building products that are not only scalable but also designed to meet the evolving demands of consumers while maintaining the highest compliance standards. For Vishal, successful product leadership comes from creating a collaborative environment that fosters both creativity and accountability, allowing teams to push boundaries while staying grounded in the realities of the financial industry.

If you're passionate about the intersection of fintech and product management, or if you're curious about how to balance innovation with compliance, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Join us as Vishal Kapoor takes us behind the scenes of product leadership at Affirm and shares his vision for driving fintech forward.

In this episode of the Product Thinking podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Robin Daniels, the Chief Business and Product Officer at Zensai. Robin has an impressive career, having held leadership positions at some of the most notable tech companies, including Salesforce, LinkedIn, and Box. His journey into product management and marketing is both inspiring and insightful, showcasing how a deep-rooted passion for technology can lead to impactful leadership in the industry.

Robin shared his thoughts on the increasingly interconnected nature of product, sales, and marketing in today's organizations. He highlighted the critical importance of having leaders who can bridge these domains to create a cohesive go-to-market strategy. His belief is that understanding technology and its implications is essential for product leaders, especially in an era where customer expectations are rapidly evolving.

Robin is a really supportive leader and has a lot of thoughts about building a community atmosphere in the workplace with regular check-ins across the team. He also discussed the outdated nature of annual performance reviews and how the modern workforce desires more frequent feedback and support. Robin advocates for a shift toward a more continuous performance management model, where managers provide regular insights and guidance to help employees navigate their growth trajectories. This approach not only enhances accountability but also creates a culture of learning and development.

If you're interested in how to build a culture that prioritizes connection and personal growth in a remote environment or want to learn about innovative practices that can bring joy to your team, this episode is a treasure trove of actionable insights. Join us as we dive into the future of work with Robin Daniels, and discover how to empower your team to thrive.