The Product Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia interviews Ilan Frank, Chief Product Officer at Checkr, the leading background check company serving over 100,000 customers.

Checkr has revolutionized the background check industry, processing 85% of checks in 15 minutes or less, compared to the industry standard of 1 to 3 days. This remarkable efficiency is achieved through the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

With $679 million in funding and a $5 billion valuation, Checkr serves major companies like Uber, Warby Parker, and Instacart. Ilan is spearheading the core business while driving product expansion into larger enterprises and new markets.

In this episode, we'll explore Ilan's extensive experience in building SaaS products for large enterprises, including his work at successful companies like Slack, Airtable, and Grammarly. We'll discuss the challenges and strategies involved in transitioning from SMB to enterprise success.

What you'll learn:
- Ilan's journey to becoming CPO at Checkr and his insights on the background check industry's digital transformation.
- The challenges and strategies involved in creating enterprise-ready products and organizations.
- How to balance user delight with complex enterprise client needs.
- The future of background check technology, including AI-powered innovations and international expansion.

Key Takeaways:
- Enterprise Readiness: Ilan emphasizes the importance of both product and organizational readiness when transitioning to serve enterprise clients.
- Product Management Approach: Ilan shares his "Three Buckets" strategy for prioritizing features: metrics movers, customer asks, and delighters.
- Data-Driven Innovation: Ilan highlights the use of AI and machine learning to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, revolutionizing the background check industry.
- Enterprise Product Development: Ilan discusses the importance of understanding both the "chooser" and the "user" in enterprise software, and how to create value for both.

Social Links:
- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here
- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here
- Join Product School's free events here
- Find out more about Product School here

Credits:
Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Ilan Frank

In this episode, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia interviews Dave Bottoms, General Manager and Vice President of Product at Upwork.

Upwork is the world's largest global talent marketplace, connecting millions of businesses with independent professionals and agencies worldwide. With freelancers from all over the world, over 800,000 active clients, Upwork has become a cornerstone of the gig economy, valued at over $2 billion.

Dave leads product strategy and development for Upwork's marketplace, overseeing the implementation of AI technologies and balancing core business growth with emerging initiatives. His diverse background includes roles at tech giants like Meta, Dropbox, and Yahoo, where he led the homepage redesign project under Marissa Mayer's tenure.

In this episode, we'll explore Upwork's journey through the remote work revolution, the integration of AI in freelance marketplaces, and the future of work. We'll discuss how Upwork is leveraging technology to enhance both client and freelancer experiences, including the implementation of their AI agent "Uma" and innovative monetization strategies.

What you'll learn:
- Dave's transition from journalism to product leadership and his insights on Upwork's growth in the evolving landscape of remote work.
- The challenges and strategies involved in managing a two-sided marketplace at scale.
- How Upwork is using AI to improve matchmaking and productivity for both clients and freelancers.
- The potential future of work, including the rise of AI-assisted solopreneurs.

Key Takeaways👇:
- Marketplace Dynamics: Dave emphasizes the importance of creating value for both freelancers and clients to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
- AI Integration: Upwork is leveraging AI to enhance user experiences, from improved matchmaking to productivity tools for freelancers.
- Innovation in Work Models: Dave shares his vision of a future where AI and freelance talent enable individuals to build significant businesses without traditional employment structures.

Social Links:
- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here
- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here
- Join Product School's free events here
- Find out more about Product School here

Credits:
Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Dave Bottoms

In this episode, Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia interviews Drew Lesicko, Vice President of Product and Technology at SoulCycle.
SoulCycle, founded in 2006, is a pioneer in boutique fitness known for its passionate customer community. The company has successfully blended physical and digital experiences, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when it launched its At-Home Bike.
Drew oversees the full digital journey of SoulCycle customers and all technology platforms for the company. He joined SoulCycle in 2018 and played a crucial role in launching the At-Home Bike at the beginning of the pandemic, which helped sustain the business when physical studios had to close.

 What you'll learn:

• Drew's approach to balancing physical and digital experiences in fitness.
• SoulCycle's adaptation during the pandemic, the strategy for blending physical and digital experiences, and the future of connected fitness technology. 
• How SoulCycle has built such a strong customer community and how they're using data and AI to personalize each rider's fitness journey.
• The future of connected fitness technology and SoulCycle's positioning in this evolving landscape.

Key Takeaways👇:

• Blending Physical and Digital: Drew emphasizes the importance of making digital experiences additive to the in-studio experience, rather than replacing it.
• Data-Driven Personalization: He highlights how SoulCycle uses data on instructor styles, music, and user preferences to create hyper-personalized recommendations for riders.
• Adapting Business Models: Drew shares insights on how SoulCycle evolved its business model, including the introduction of subscription plans and the At-Home Bike.
• Customer Retention Strategies: He discusses the importance of the first five rides in customer retention and how SoulCycle focuses on guiding new riders through this crucial period.
• AI in Fitness: Drew outlines how SoulCycle is leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences, from personalized class recommendations to improved customer service.

Social Links:
- Follow our Podcast on Tik Tok here
- Follow Product School on LinkedIn here
- Join Product School's free events here
- Find out more about Product School here

Credits:
Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Drew Lesicko

Discover the art of interviewing for B2B product management roles in this insightful episode with John Kennedy, AWS Head of Product. With over two decades of tech experience, Kennedy breaks down the multifaceted role of a product manager, sharing strategies to excel in interviews. Learn the power of impactful storytelling, research, and self-awareness to stand out as a candidate.

Get the FREE Product Book and check out our curated list of Product Management resources here.

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your Product Management career? In this episode, we'll explore the importance of Emotional Intelligence in navigating the complexities of this field with Ashok Bania, SVP of Product & Growth at SoundCloud. Discover how EQ can elevate your skills.

Get the FREE Product Book and check out our curated list of Product Management resources here.

Discover the secrets to success in Product Management with Bhavini Syal, former VP of Product Engineering at Cruise, as she unveils the foundational principles that drive Product Manager excellence. Learn the art of purposeful leadership, teamwork, and decision-making to propel your career to new heights.

Get the FREE Product Book and check out our curated list of Product Management resources here.

Buckle up for a fascinating trip into the future of Product with Carlos González De Villaumbrosia, Founder & CEO of Product School. In this episode, he paints a vivid picture of the evolving Product landscape, highlighting key changes and emerging trends. Explore the growing influence of CPO roles, the undeniable value of exceptional user experiences, the synergy of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the importance of cultivating talent for a prosperous journey ahead. Prepare yourself for invaluable insights that will empower you to thrive in the ever-shifting Product industry.

Get the FREE Product Book and check out our curated list of Product Management resources here.

Dive into an insightful episode, "Panel on Leveraging Data Analytics for Effective Product Management," with a panel of industry leaders. Moderated by Nicole Breskin, VP of Product at Disney, this discussion features Collin Crowell, Abbie Kouzmanoff, and Ryan Glasgow. Discover data challenges, redefine success metrics, explore AI applications and more. Tune in for enriching conversations and practical strategies that will resonate with aspiring and current Product Managers alike.

Get the FREE Product Book and check out our curated list of Product Management resources here.

Step into empowerment with Sneha Narahalli, VP of Product & UX at Sephora,  as she takes us on a journey of practical insights for women leaders in Product Management. From navigating challenges to driving success, this episode is a roadmap to excel in the dynamic world of product.

Get the FREE Product Book and check out our curated list of Product Management resources here.

In this episode, delve into the magic of collaboration between product management and product marketing with Jameelah Calhoun, VP of Product Marketing at Eventbrite. Discover how they work hand in hand to solve customer problems and fine-tune products for the market. With real-world examples like Eventbrite's marketing tool subscription, which experienced a staggering 10x growth, learn more about the collaborative framework that propels this dynamic partnership forward.

Get the FREE Product Book and check out our curated list of Product Management resources here.