Pragmaticlive

“I don't care if you have the best creative in the world. I don't care if you have the best concepts in the world, but if you're reaching out screaming at the top of your lungs to the wrong audience, you’re not going to get any results” - Sarah Saffari   In this episode of Pragmatic Product Chat, host Rebecca Kalogeris interviews Sarah Saffari, Founder of InfluencerNexus, about best practices for influencer marketing. Sarah provides valuable insights from both sides of influencer partnerships.   They discuss: How influencer marketing is “word-of-mouth at scale” due to loyal niche audiences Vetting influencers carefully to avoid fraud and ensure an authentic audience Developing genuine relationships and allowing creative freedom for best results Measuring influencer impact through trackable links and other metrics Case studies of successful influencer campaigns and partnerships Why micro-influencers can sometimes outperform celebrity influencers Keep Learning How to Market Your Product Effectively   Want to l

“Being nice is about making the other person feel better, which may involve avoiding the truth or actions that could benefit them in the long run. Being kind can sometimes be hard,” - Jenny Martin   In this episode of Product Chats, host Rebecca Kalogeris and Agile Coach Jenny Martin delve into the heart of creating a nurturing and collaborative team environment.   Jenny, with her rich background in psychology and extensive experience in the tech sector, brings a fresh perspective on blending kindness, compassion, and collaboration to foster high-performing and psychologically safe teams.   They discuss The role of collaboration in maximizing the benefits of collective effort, and how inviting diverse strengths in a team can lead to better problem-solving and innovation. The difference between “nice” and “kind” Why genuine listening and giving others the benefit of the doubt are steps towards understanding and practicing kindness. Exploring new tools to measure kindness to offer a glimpse into assessing and e

We are excited to have Alex Rainford, an experienced Senior Product Marketing Manager from Hubspot, on this episode. Alex will share insightful strategies to boost growth by aligning marketing efforts with your target market's needs to drive real results.   This episode is from a recent webinar, and you can watch the replay.   In this episode, Alex explains: How to gain alignment in an organization for marketing efforts Leveraging the 30, 60, 90 feedback rule What it means to use agile marketing plans Key components of positioning to communicate value Finding growth areas During this conversation, Alex recommends two resources: Tools for Seeing Competitor Ads Alex’s Favorite Book for Marketing Wisdom   Learn More with Market   If you're passionate about aligning marketing strategies with business goals like Alex, then our Market course is your next step! In this course, you’ll learn how to align across go-to-market teams by effectively sharing and leveraging your buyer knowledge to prioritize the right produ

“Establishing psychological safety needs to be an explicit goal. It is something that you need to do continuously. ” – Dan Corbin   In this episode, our host, Rebecca Kalogeris, is joined by Pragmatic Instructor, Dan Corbin, to dissect the concepts of psychological safety and inclusivity within a team setting.   Psychological safety is more than just a buzzword; it's the foundation for open dialogue, creativity, and mutual respect within teams.   Dan explains, "If you can show where you are vulnerable, where you admit you don't know everything, and where you even admit a mistake, that sort of lowers the barriers for other people to be able to open up themselves."   They discuss: Strategies for creating inclusive and secure environments The importance of modeling vulnerability and admitting mistakes Practical ways to assess and measure psychological safety The role of working agreements in establishing behavioral norms The impact of psychological safety on team productivity and individual well-being Foundatio

“If you look at the pragmatic framework, most of this applies to an internal product manager, just a different mindset, who you're targeting, and perhaps your approach to getting the information you need.” - Cindy Cruzado   In this episode, our hosts Rebecca Kalogeris and Pragmatic Instructor Cindy Cruzado delve deep into the nuances of applying the Pragmatic Framework to internal product management.   Titles are a mess when it comes to internal product management, but Cindy explains, “A product is a solution that you’re offering to many customers.” For many internal product teams, they might be product managers, project managers, operations, etc., but the work is the same.   They discuss: The myths of internal product management The difference between internal and external product management How leaders can empower internal product managers Are You An Internal Product Manager? Foundations Can Help You Elevate Your Strategy. You’ll learn how to master the Pragmatic Framework, identify new opportunities, and

“We have to introduce a product with the idea that it's not going to live forever” - Paul Young   In today's episode, host Rebecca Kalogeris and Pragmatic instructor, Paul Young, dive deep into a topic that often gets overshadowed by the glitz of product launches: the "sunset" or "end-of-life" phase of a product.   They explore how understanding when to retire a product is as vital as knowing when to introduce one.   Paul explains that every product has a lifecycle and will eventually need to be phased out. The speed of innovation in the technology industry is compressing these lifecycles, making it more critical than ever to have a plan for sunsetting products.   There is no one-size-fits-all indicator for when to sunset a product, but Paul suggests several metrics to monitor. These can range from revenue and cash flow to the efficiencies a product creates or its alignment with a company's mission.   Key Conversations: Sunsetting a product is not passive; it requires investment and must be prioritized agains

“At best, you can be slightly better than your competitor if you're using the same exact tools and data to segmentize your audience,” Rod Griffith   You likely know the power of segmentation, but many organizations really get stuck in the “how” of segmentation.   Join host Rebecca Kalogeris and industry veterans Neil Baron and Rod Griffith as they discuss rethinking market segmentation strategies.   During this episode, they discuss: Why identifying a prospect urgency is a powerful approach to segmentation The four levels of urgency: urgent, non-urgent, currently met, and none  The role of core competencies when prioritizing segments What whales & fire extinguishers can teach us about segmentation Read Rod & Niel’s Latest Articles: Let the Urgency of Your Customers’ Needs Guide Your Sales Strategy Is Your Product Channel Ready?   Enroll in Our Product Marketing Course to Learn More About Segmentation In Pragmatic’s Market course, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of your buyers and how they like to

“I know it's going to change our jobs —  the speed of innovation, both for product management and product marketing, is going to be accelerated. In a world where technology constantly evolves, integrating AI into product management and marketing is no longer a futuristic idea but a present reality."   Join host Rebecca Kalogeris and Pragmatic Instructor Will Scott in this episode as they discuss the transformative impact of generative AI tools like ChatGPT on product management and marketing.   During this episode, they explore: Generative AI as a Collaborative Partner: The role of AI as a remarkable technology that assists in positioning, persona development, problem identification, and marketing language. AI and Human Balance: A discussion on the differentiation and value addition through human expertise in the AI-driven content era. Future Potential: The acceleration of innovation in product management and marketing and the potential risks and cautions. Prompt Engineering: How generative AI aids in structu

"What continues to be the biggest struggle for product people is the amount of time spent on the day-to-day that does not enable them to spend the time on the strategy… Unfortunately, we are just often bogged down by the tyranny of the urgent," - Rebecca Kalogeris   Join host Charles Topping in this reflective episode as he talks to Rebecca Kalogeris, the former Vice President of Product at Pragmatic Institute (and the current Product Chat Podcast host). Rebecca shares her unique insights into the world of product management and Pragmatic Institute's evolution.   During this episode, they explore: Pragmatic's Legacy: The transformation from a small visionary idea into a global institution, driven by consistency, passion, and deep knowledge of a market problem. Challenges in Product Management: The ongoing struggle to balance daily operations with strategic thinking and the consistent issue known as the "tyranny of the urgent." Reflections on Career and Industry: From the rise of agile and SaaS to personal car

“Pricing fences are the implementation methodology around how we do price segmentation,” Mark Stiving   In this episode of Pragmatic Product Chat, host Rebecca Kalogeris and pricing expert Mark Stiving, founder of Impact Pricing, explore the multifaceted concept of pricing fences. Together, they delve into the importance, practical application, and nuances of pricing fences.   Key Takeaways: Understand the role of pricing fences in implementing price segmentation Learn how pricing fences can be applied in different scenarios Discover the underlying principles, various methodologies, and real-world applications Take Your Pricing Skills to the Next Level with Pragmatic's Pricing Course Ready to dive deeper into pricing strategies? Pragmatic's Pricing Course (PRICE) offers hands-on lessons in value-based pricing, subscription models, market differentiation, and more. In just 7.5 hours, you'll gain the skills to align pricing with your corporate strategy, optimize revenue, and outpace the competition. Don't miss

"You do not just want to copy and paste what you're taking out of AI and use it as the final product” - Dan Corbin   In this Product Chat, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Pragmatic Institute Instructor Dan Corbin for an in-depth look at how AI can transform product management and design.   Dan explains how AI tools like QoQo, Kraftful and ChatGPT can help accelerate early-stage product processes like building provisional personas and ideating features. However, he cautions that human oversight is critical to validate AI outputs for inaccuracies.   Key insights: AI can synthesize data and automate repetitive tasks, but isn't a replacement for user research or specialists. Use AI to collaborate with cross-functional partners, not circumvent them. Balance the opportunities of AI with thoughtful human validation to boost innovation while ensuring quality. Learn How to Apply AI in Your Product Strategies In Pragmatic’s intensive 1-day workshop, AI for Product Professionals, you’ll develop a comprehensive un

“When you're using AI, it's not magic. It's a tool. Ultimately you are still in charge, and you are still responsible and accountable for what's being produced,” - Jasmine de Gaia   In this Product Chat, we sit down with Jasmine de Gaia, Head of Customer Data Strategy at Wells Fargo, for an in-depth look at how AI revolutionizes product strategy and development.   Jasmine shares tangible examples of how organizations can utilize AI to increase margins, reach new markets, enhance existing products, and develop new transformative offerings.   In this fireside chat, she discusses: How AI influences the way product executives and C-suite leaders think about product strategy and new product development The pros and cons of using a trained model versus public models How to stay a step ahead in AI Learn How to Use AI in Your Product Strategies In this intensive 1-day session taught by industry experts Nils Janse and Will Scott, you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of generative AI and how to apply it for p

I think elevator music exists for a reason, but isn't really what you should strive for” - Kirsten Butzow   What do the phrases “thinking outside the box,” “give 110%,” and “new normal” have in common?   Answer: They. Mean. Nothing.We’ve overused these phrases so much that they, at best, mean nothing and, at worst, harm your messaging. In this episode, our host, Rebecca Kalogeris, interviews Kirsten Butzow, Senior Vice President at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, about the problems these phrases cause and why we should stop using them.   They discuss: What to say instead of common corporate jargon Why corporate speak drifts out to the marketplace Why you shouldn’t work 110% Want to Improve Your Efficiency as a Product Manager? Enroll in Foundations Our battle-tested framework helps product professionals learn how to listen to the market, prioritize projects and drive results. Take your first step to becoming truly market-driven by enrolling today.

“Differentiation only matters to a customer in as much as they perceive that it matters,” Dan Balcauski. In this episode of Pragmatic Live, Rebecca Kalogeris, and Dan Balcauski, Founder and Chief Pricing Officer at Product Tranquility, explore how product professionals can influence pricing. They also discuss: Why product managers should deeply understand pricing Where people go wrong when they are working on pricing strategy How to establish a clear understanding of how your customer's value that’s not based on opinion The role of competitive analysis in building a pricing strategy Why Dan doesn’t recommend freemiums (but does recommend free trials) Ready to master the art of pricing? Learn how to set the right price for your products and services, understand your customers' willingness to pay, and maximize your profits. Learn More

"Understanding precisely why your users are happy or frustrated should inform the product roadmap and your continuous improvement efforts are likely to enhance your company's reputation." - Evan Klein In this product chat, Evan Klein, Founder and President of Satrix Solutions, shares insights on understanding customer behavior and its impact on business success. The conversation revolves around the importance of data-driven decision-making, focusing on key data points businesses should monitor. Evan also emphasizes the significance of staying attuned to customer sentiment and discusses the best practices for obtaining unbiased and unfiltered feedback from customers. In this presentation, Evan discusses: Benefits of a strong user experience The purpose and how to conduct a key driver analysis Why humans (not machines or AI) should be responsible for thematic analyses Risks of data quality and reliability Who should conduct customer interviews and other best practices Unlock Your Product Management Potentia

“Your best messaging is often going to be the messaging that a customer gives to you.” -  Aneri Shah   In this episode, Rebecca Kalogeris interviews Aneri Shah, the head of B2B marketing at Ethos and a seasoned product marketing professional.   They delve deep into the importance of understanding your buyers and capturing the 'voice of the customer.' Shah brings forth her experiences from working with tech giants like Microsoft, Meta and insurtech company Ethos to shed light on successful product marketing strategies.   In this episode, Aneri further explains: The vital importance of deeply understanding your buyers for successful product marketing. How and where to utilize the voice of the customer The real value of in-product communication How she uses AI to help with messaging If you want to delve deeper into these topics and understand how to make your products more customer-centric, enroll in Pragmatic Institute's Market course. You’ll learn how to thoroughly understand your buyers and how they like to

“Even one conversation with one customer can be so impactful to what we can deliver.” - Daniel Alleyne   In this episode of Product Chats, Rebecca Kalogeris, VP of product strategy at Pragmatic Institute, interviews Daniel Alleyne, a former Deloitte consultant and current product manager at Ivy Charging Network.   The discussion centers around Daniel’s non-linear journeys to product management and highlights the significant impact of curiosity and market research.   They discuss: The pervasive nature of imposter syndrome in product roles, particularly among those who have followed non-traditional paths, and its role in fostering ongoing learning and personal growth. Effective strategies to underline the importance of market research and secure buy-in from stakeholders and leaders. Approaches to building trust within organizations to garner the time and resources necessary for comprehensive market research. Techniques to continually demonstrate value during the market research process, ensuring sustained suppo

“Break the communication barriers to your organization with data.” - Paul Meresanu   In this episode, Georgina Donahue, director of community at Pragmatic Institute interviews Paul Meresanu, the director of product management at Jedox Cloud Platform, on incorporating data into product strategies.   Paul Meresanu is an experienced product leader with knowledge in leading product management teams in software, SaaS, and B2B companies on a global scale, ranging from small startups to established enterprises. So listen in while Paul shares stories demonstrating why data is a powerful ally for product managers.   Paul is also a 2023 ambassador for the Pragmatic Alumni Community. He leads the “Data Insights” group.   In this episode Georgina and Paul discuss: Using data to make decisions when choosing a path for a product or starting a new product? How to encode and decode qualitative data Tools for managing qualitative data Keep Learning with Pragmatic’s Insight Course   In this course, you’ll learn a grounded and

Your product roadmap serves as more than just a mere document. It acts as a powerful conduit, effectively communicating your vision and strategy to key stakeholders, partners, and customers. Neglecting to provide realistic, relevant, and up-to-date information within your roadmap can lead to missed opportunities, wasted time, and potential revenue loss.   In this episode, Mina Hanna, a senior product manager in FinTech at Verizon, shares invaluable strategies and approaches for effectively implementing roadmaps.   Mina emphasizes the importance of strategy alignment, understanding business objectives, stakeholder management and effective communication.   During this episode, Mina: Provides practical examples and insights on creating roadmap clarity Explains setting realistic timelines Demonstrates collaborative tools Keep learning about roadmaps by enrolling in Focus. Learn how to find opportunities in your market’s problems, score them objectively and identify where your company’s strengths intersect with m

“I would love for marketers to get involved in a couple of sales demos and commit to it, not just listen in. I think that would be uncomfortable for a lot of people, and that means that you're learning.” - Ross Cranwell   In this episode of Pragmatic Live, Rebecca Kalogeris, VP of Product for Pragmatic Institute, interviews Ross Cranwell, the CEO and co-founder of Milk Video, a video-editing platform that helps product marketers quickly repurpose their long-form video and audio content into short-form content assets to increase reach and engagement.   In this episode, Rebecca and Ross discuss: How product marketers can build credibility The unique challenges B2B product marketers face (especially when trying to connect marketing efforts to revenue) Why product marketers should participate in sales calls   Do you want to learn how to measure your strategies against the metrics that matter most to your organization? Enroll in Market. In Pragmatic’s Market course, you’ll learn how to align across go-to-market t