The Seed Stage - formerly "the June Podcast"

🎙️ Join us for an enlightening conversation with Yasi Baiani, former head of software product and experience at Fitbit, as we explore the intersection of product innovation and personal growth in the tech industry.

With a diverse background spanning Fitbit, Cleo, and Teladoc, Yasi shares profound insights and strategies from his expansive career.

👉 In this episode, we discuss:

• The significance of integrating customer feedback into product development
• Strategic decision-making in product launches and acquisitions
• Harnessing data and technology to enhance user engagement and health outcomes
• The challenges and triumphs of leading through mergers and acquisitions
• Personal growth and risk-taking in a fast-evolving industry

...and more! 🎁

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🔗 Where to find Yasi:

🎙️Tune into a captivating episode of The Seed Stage, featuring Shyvee Shi, a prominent product lead at LinkedIn and an avid content creator. Hosted by Enzo, CEO at June, this episode dives deep into the synergy between content creation, personal branding, and product management in the tech landscape.

With Shyvee's rich background spanning strategy, technology, and mentorship, coupled with her recent co-authorship of "Reimagine: Building Products with Generative AI" listeners are in for a wealth of insights.

👉 In this discussion, we uncover:

• Strategies for aligning personal content creation with professional growth, without conflicts of interest.
• The role of generative AI in evolving product strategy, development, and the broader impacts on the product management profession.
• Practical advice on productivity, setting boundaries, and prioritizing tasks for maximum efficiency and personal satisfaction.
• The concept of 'growth loops' in personal and professional development, enhancing visibility and opportunities in one's career.
• Shyvee's personal journey from content creation to product leadership, and how it shapes her views on innovation and technology.

...and more!

Join us as Shyvee shares her experiences and tips on navigating the dynamic world of tech, AI, and personal development, offering listeners actionable insights to apply in their own careers and personal growth trajectories.

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🔗 Where to find Shyvee:

🎙️ Step into the world of product management with Marty Cagan, renowned author and co-founder of the Silicon Valley Product Group, as we uncover the secrets to building exceptional products and transforming company cultures. Drawing from decades of experience at top tech companies and startups, Marty shares invaluable insights and practical advice on product strategy, leadership, and organizational transformation. 👉 In this episode, we explore: 1. What he thinks of Product Management pre-PMF 2. Why he doesn’t recommend hiring a PM at all at Seed stage 3. Why startups need product Leaders, not PMs 4. Why 1st product hires should figure out Go-To-Market & Pricing too ...and much more! Tune in for a deep dive into the world of product management and discover the principles and practices that can elevate your products and propel your career forward.

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🔗 Where to find Marty:

🎙️ Tune in to an enlightening episode with Vinay Hiremath, CTO and co-founder of Loom, on "The Seed Stage" podcast.

Dive deep into the world of SaaS growth, user-generated content, and the evolution of video communication platforms with host Enzo and co-host Christoph Janz, Managing Partner at Point Nine.

With his rich background in engineering and innovation at Loom, Vinay opens up about the challenges and triumphs of scaling a product that revolutionizes how we communicate at work.

👉 In this episode, we discuss:

• The significance of user-generated content in driving product adoption and innovation

• The journey of Loom from inception to becoming a vital tool in the async work era, including its acquisition by Atlassian
• Insights into decision-making processes and the importance of balancing product horizontal expansion with specialization
• Leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance product features and user experience
• Navigating the technical challenges of scaling a video platform, from infrastructure to AI integration
• Practical advice for founders on monetization, verticalization, and embracing technical challenges
• and more!

Join us as Vinay shares invaluable lessons from Loom's journey, providing actionable insights for entrepreneurs and product leaders aiming to make an impact in the tech world.

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🔗 Where to find Vinay

Join us for a thought-provoking dialogue with Bob Moesta, co-creator of the Jobs to be Done Theory, as we venture deep into the realms of innovation, learning, and consumer understanding.

With an enriching background from his collaborations with industry giants and his own entrepreneurial journey, Bob unpacks invaluable insights and experiences.

👉 In this episode, we uncover:

1. The essence of Jobs to be Done Theory in understanding customer needs
2. The art of learning and adapting through iterative processes-
3. The impact of mentors and the evolution of mentor-mentee relationships
4. The integration of aesthetics with functionality in product development
5. Strategies for uncovering and addressing unmet consumer needs
6. Navigating the balance between outsourcing and personal involvement in critical life aspects and more!

Dive into this episode to grasp the intricacies of creating products that truly resonate with users and discover the power of deep, empathetic insights in driving innovation.

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🔗 Where to find Bob

Tune in for an engaging discussion with Olivier, the VP of Growth at PhotoRoom, as we explore the realms of product growth, experimentation, and strategic decision-making in the fast-paced world of SaaS and B2C products.

Bringing a wealth of knowledge from his experiences at PhotoRoom and previously at Molotov, Olivier divulges practical insights and actionable strategies that have propelled PhotoRoom to over 100 million installs.

🎙️ Embark on a captivating dialogue with Melissa Perri, a seasoned product management expert and co-author of "Escaping the Build Trap." Join us as we navigate through the intricacies of product management, organizational dynamics, and the evolving landscape of the tech industry.

🚀 Drawing on her extensive experience and insights, Melissa unravels crucial aspects of effective product management, providing valuable lessons for both seasoned professionals and those venturing into the dynamic world of product development.

👉 In this enlightening conversation, we explore:

• Striking the balance between customer needs and innovative solutions
• Navigating the complex web of organizational dynamics in product management
• Unveiling the myths and realities of visionary product management
• The impact of human interactions on shaping successful products
• Evaluating success in product management: Balancing outcomes and outputs
• Building essential skills for product management at different career stages
• The rise of product ops and its pivotal role in supporting product management

🔍 Dive deep into the realm of product management with Melissa Perri, gaining profound insights and practical wisdom that can reshape your approach to product development. Don't miss this opportunity to glean from her wealth of knowledge and expertise!

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🔗 Where to find Melissa

🎙️ Embark on a compelling conversation with Crystal Wijaya, seasoned product manager and analytics expert, as we navigate the intricacies of data-driven decision-making and product management in the dynamic tech landscape.

Drawing from her extensive background in the tech industry, including roles at major companies and startups, Crystal offers a treasure trove of insights and practical advice for aspiring product managers and analytics enthusiasts.

👉 In this enlightening discussion, we cover:

• The evolution of data analytics in startups and its pivotal role
• Crystal's unique approach to using industry benchmarks strategically
• The delicate balance between qualitative and quantitative data
• Overcoming common analytics pitfalls in early-stage companies
• Navigating the nuances of product management and data science
• Crystal's philosophy on event tracking and understanding user behaviors
• The importance of qualitative data as evidence in decision-making
• Lessons from Crystal's experiences at the intersection of data and product management

Tune in to gain valuable perspectives, practical strategies, and a deeper understanding of the symbiotic relationship between data analytics and effective product management. Don't miss this opportunity to glean insights from Crystal's journey and enhance your approach to navigating the evolving landscape of tech and analytics. 🚀

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🔗 Where to find Crystal

🎙️ Dive into the world of growth and marketing with Casey Winters, an industry expert and growth advisor with an extensive background in companies like Pinterest and Grubhub. In this engaging podcast episode, Casey shares his insights on navigating the challenges of product growth, drawing from his experiences in various tech domains.

🚀 Join the conversation as we unravel growth strategies, product-market fit dilemmas, and the evolving landscape of the tech industry. Casey's journey, from optimizing activation rates to building growth loops, provides a roadmap for entrepreneurs, product leaders, and marketers looking to scale their businesses.

👉 Key highlights include:

• Unpacking the complexities of product-market fit in the ever-changing tech landscape
• Exploring the dynamics of growth product development and its role in scaling companies
• Casey's firsthand experiences and observations on the challenges faced by companies like Airbnb and Eventbrite
• The delicate balance between acquisition and retention and its critical impact on sustained growth
• Investing insights and the criteria Casey considers when choosing companies to back

Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on the growth trajectory of tech companies, the nuances of product development, and the role of AI in shaping the future. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, Casey's wisdom offers a valuable compass for navigating the intricate world of growth and marketing. 🚀

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🔗 Where to find Casey Winters

🎙️ Join us for an enlightening conversation with Renaud Visage, co-founder of Eventbrite, as we embark on a journey through the world of tech entrepreneurship, brand building, and the future of climate tech.

With over 16 years of experience at the helm of Eventbrite, Renaud takes us on a captivating exploration of his career, sharing invaluable insights and lessons learned along the way.

👉 In this episode, we delve into:

• The evolution of Eventbrite from a fun project to a successful IPO company
• The intricacies of brand building and the importance of trust in business
• Navigating the challenges and triumphs of scaling a tech startup
• The next chapter in Renaud's journey: investing in climate tech and combating climate change
• Slate VC: Renaud's new venture for a sustainable future
• and more!

Discover the inspiring path of Renaud Visage and his unwavering commitment to creating positive change in the world. Subscribe to stay updated on this exciting conversation! 🚀

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🔗 Where to find Renaud Visage

🎙️ Step into the world of tech and art with Kenneth Schlenker, the visionary founder of Opal, as we embark on a captivating conversation exploring the convergence of technology, entrepreneurship, and art.

With a background in product marketing at Google and an enduring passion for art, Kenneth shares insights drawn from both worlds, offering a unique perspective on creating impactful products and engaging with the ever-evolving landscape of digital innovation.

👉 In this engaging dialogue, we journey through:

• 🌟 The parallels between artists and entrepreneurs, both driven by a unique vision of the world.
• 🌐 Opal's mission to help people focus better and the challenges of scaling impact.
• 🌆 The intersection of tech and art, where reality blurs with generative AI, and how it ties into Opal's quest for screen-time balance.
• 📖 Kenneth's thoughts on the power of art in storytelling, and the need to connect with an audience.
• 🚀 Opal's plans for the future, simplifying the experience and expanding accessibility to help more people focus better.

Join us on this remarkable journey through the mind of a tech entrepreneur with an artist's soul, and discover the intersection of creativity, innovation, and impact.

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🔗 Where to find Kenneth Schlenker

🎙️ Join us for an engaging conversation with Haresh Bajaj, VP of Product Growth @ Pleo, a pioneer in the world of fintech and spend management solutions. Arash sheds light on the fascinating journey of Pleo, discussing product-led growth (PLG), strategic insights, and the evolving landscape of the fintech industry.

With a deep well of knowledge and experience, Haresh provides valuable insights into the world of fintech innovation, product design, and the pivotal role of PLG in the company's remarkable journey.

👉 In this episode, we explore:

• The emergence of fintech as a fundamental industry disruptor
• The strategic shift towards a product-led growth approach
• Navigating the intricate balance of PLG and sales-led strategies
• The transformative power of Pleo's financial infrastructure
• Predicting future trends in the fintech landscape and the role of AI

Join us for a deep dive into the world of fintech innovation and Pleo's unique journey in shaping the industry!

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🔗 Where to find Haresh Bajaj

🎙️ Join us for an enlightening conversation with April Dunford, positioning expert and author of "Obviously Awesome," as we deep dive into the world of positioning, sales pitches, and product messaging.

With a wealth of experience working with startups and larger companies, April shares her invaluable insights and practical strategies for honing your positioning and mastering the art of sales pitches. 📊🚀

👉 In this episode, we explore:

• The critical role of positioning in creating a strong market presence
• The five essential components of successful positioning
• How to transition from product features to compelling value propositions
• The intersection of product positioning, sales pitches, and marketing strategies
• Overcoming common challenges when refining your positioning
• April's new book on crafting effective sales pitches

Tune in for a masterclass in positioning and sales strategies that can transform your business and drive growth. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the foremost experts in the field! 📈🚀📣

🔗 Where to find April Dunford

🎙️ Step into the world of strategic product marketing with Martina Lauchengco, a seasoned product marketing expert. In this engaging conversation, we delve deep into the intricacies of product marketing, its strategic significance, and the evolving landscape of technology companies.

Martina draws from her extensive experience and insights, offering a treasure trove of knowledge for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field.

👉 In this episode, we explore:

• 🚀 The strategic importance of product marketing in tech companies.
• 🌟 The role of product marketers in bridging the gap between product and market.
• 🎨 Crafting bold and impactful messaging that resonates.
• 💡 Leveraging product excellence to create a lasting impression.
• 🌐 The future of product marketing and its potential global impact.
• And much more!

Tune in for an enlightening discussion that sheds light on the evolving landscape of product marketing and its indispensable role in the tech industry.

🔗 Where to find Martina Lauchengco

🎙️ Get ready for an enlightening discussion with Guillaume Moubeche, CEO and founder of Lemlist, as we dive deep into the world of SaaS growth, entrepreneurship, and scaling a startup.

With a wealth of insights from his journey, Guillaume shares valuable lessons and key takeaways that have propelled Lemlist to success.

👉 In this episode, we explore:

• The art of SaaS growth and innovative marketing strategies
• Navigating the rollercoaster of startup life and building resilience
• Crafting a unique brand and product in a competitive market
• Breaking down barriers between founders and employees through equity
• The importance of values, coachability, and hard work in building high-performing teams
• Mastering multi-channel marketing and connecting with your audience

Tune in to discover Guillaume's incredible journey and the strategies that have made Lemlist thrive in the world of SaaS.

🔗 Where to find Guillaume Moubeche

🎙️ Join us for an enlightening conversation with Darius Contractor, a seasoned Growth Product Engineer with a track record at top companies like Dropbox and Airtable. Delve into the world of growth, product engineering, and crafting successful user experiences.

🚀 In this episode, we delve into:

• Mastering the Art of Growth: Discover how Darius crafts strategies for user growth and monetization, even during challenging times.
• PLG Demystified: Gain insights into Product-Led Growth (PLG) and how to make it work for your startup.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Learn about the key metrics every B2B SaaS company should measure for success.
• Retention as King: Explore the significance of user retention and its impact on product success.
• Monetization Matters: Understand the balance between user growth and monetization for long-term sustainability.
• Unlocking Hidden Potential: Uncover the art of identifying and nurturing business subcategories that can become your next big success story.

With Darius's wealth of experience and deep insights, this episode promises to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in growth, product engineering, and building successful startups. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

🔗 Where to find Darius Contractor

🎙️Tune in for an amazing chat with Oji Udezue, Chief Product Officer at Typeform, as we dissect the intricacies of Product-Led Growth (PLG) and its transformative impact on today's digital landscape.

With a wealth of experience under his belt and having served at the forefront of some of the most successful PLG-driven companies like Calendly and Typeform, Oji provides invaluable insights, drawing from his vast professional journey.

👉 In this episode, we explore:

- The essence of PLG beyond just a go-to-market strategy.

- Oji's perspective on understanding customer behavior and meticulously crafting experiences.

- Debunking myths: The role of free plans in the success of PLG-centric companies.

- Insights into Typeform's recent pricing overhaul and alignment with PLG principles.

- Striking the right chord between freemium and premium offerings.

... and more! 

Join us as Oji Udezue unveils the 'secret sauce' behind the success of leading PLG companies and helps demystify this revolutionary business approach.

📊 Where to find June

🎙️ Dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship with Jonathan Widawsky, the visionary behind Maze, as we uncover the intricacies of scaling a company, embracing AI, and navigating product strategy in today's dynamic market. 

From startup phases to potential acquisition talks, Jo walks us through the maze of choices and challenges that have sculpted his venture.

👉 In this episode, we delve into:

* The evolving role of founders as their companies grow exponentially

* How AI is revolutionizing industries and reshaping research processes

* Embracing change as the only way to mitigate risk and ensure relevance

* The importance of innovation not just in product but across the organization

* Striking a balance between immediate revenue generation and long-term strategic bets

* Insights into the world of acquisitions, partnerships, and building iconic brands

* and more!

Tune in and gain a treasure trove of insights from the mind behind Maze!

🔗 Where to find Jo: 

🎙️Join us for an insightful conversation with James Vincent, former advisor to Steve Jobs, as we delve into product design, innovation, and creating cultural connections. 

With a wealth of experience from his time at Apple and beyond, James shares valuable lessons and key takeaways from his remarkable journey.

👉 In this episode, we explore:

• The power of design and its impact on successful products
• Balancing head and heart in decision-making processes
• Connecting new products with familiar concepts for relatability
• Building cultural connections through brand storytelling
• Adapting to changing trends and staying relevant in the market
• and more!

Tune in to gain valuable insights from James Vincent's experiences and learn how to create products that positively impact users and society. 

🔗 You can find James Vincent at fndr.co and explore his podcast series at Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies Podcast! 

📊 Where to find June

🎙️ Join us in this captivating conversation with Ben Williams, the former VP of Products at Snyk, and better known today as The Product-Led Geek. As an expert in product-led growth (PLG), Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

👉 We spoke about: 

• Product Led Growth as a go-to-market strategy
• North Star metrics for PLG companies
• The importance of qualitative research 
• Product-Led Acquisition strategies 
• and more!

🔗 Where to find Ben Williams

We chat with Brian Donohue the VP of Product at Intercom, known as the great energy bringer in product! 💥

👉 We spoke about: 

• His journey and lessons as one of the first PMs at Intercom
• How he built a strong product mission 
• What makes great “why” statements 
• How Intercom built and launched their AI, Fin
• and more!

I sat down with Ryan Singer, the Head of Strategy at Basecamp for 17 years, and author of Shape Up, one of the holy grails for product builders. 

A builder at heart, Ryan is obsessed with creating better processes for design and development and offered his insights into collaborative work styles, deep programming practices and adapting to industry challenges. 

Ryan also touched on effective prototyping, gaining insights from other industries, rethinking the development process, navigating discovery cycles, shaping great ideas, and leveraging storytelling in product development. 

⭐️ What you'll learn in this episode

• How the software industry is maturing…
• … and what that means for the way we work
• Prototyping and the shaping phase of product development 
• How AI integration will impact products 
• and more!

🔗 Where to find Ryan Singer

Yuriy advises startups and scaleups on go-to-market, user acquisition, and growth strategies.

He specializes in channel strategy, performance marketing, product-led growth and experimentation, org design and buildout, and cross-functional frameworks and processes that enable growth.

He’s worked with dozens of companies, including Grammarly, Airtable, Canva, Hims & Hers, Whimsical, Otter.ai, and Flo.