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What does it take to design customer experiences that truly resonate?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Cairo Keenan Marsh, founder and executive partner of Relativ*, to explore the critical role of relationship-driven customer experiences in today’s market. Cairo draws from his extensive experience working with major brands across the U.S. and Asia to explain why understanding customer problems is the foundation of creating impactful experiences.  The conversation uncovers the key differences between customer journeys and customer experiences, emphasizing that every interaction shapes a customer’s perception of a brand. Cairo highlights the need for businesses to design with both the tangible results customers want and the emotions they experience along the way. From blending data and creativity to navigating cultural differences in global markets, Cairo shares practical advice for companies looking to strengthen relationships and deliver meaningful

How do you activate a brand to create authentic connections with your audience?  In this episode, Jim Pietruszynski, CEO of SoulSight, shares the critical process of brand activation—bringing a brand’s identity, values, and messaging to life to deeply engage both B2B and B2C audiences. Soulsight is a brand design agency with over 30 years of experience building iconic brands for global leaders like Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, and Pfizer.   The discussion highlights the unique challenges of B2B branding, where more human touchpoints exist within an organization, making brand activation tricky. Jim also touches on the importance of aligning a brand’s story with its mission, avoiding shortcuts like influencer reliance, and fostering emotional connections that resonate long-term.  Tune in to discover strategies for communicating your brand, building authentic relationships with your audience, and creating change within even the most risk-averse organizations.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www

What’s the secret to setting prices that truly reflect the value you deliver?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris reconnects with pricing expert Mark Stiving for an in-depth look at how understanding value can transform pricing strategies. From Uber’s segmentation strategies to the “good-better-best” approach, Mark shares real-world examples and actionable advice to help you capture more value through strategic pricing.  Learn about the six key areas where you can identify pricing opportunities, and hear Mark’s recommendations on how to overcome the common fears around raising prices.   For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

Wondering how AI fits into the day-to-day work of product managers?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris talks with Dan Corbin, a Pragmatic Institute instructor and expert in AI-driven product management. Dan explores AI's transformative power and shows how PMs can use it as thought partners, problem validators, and data analysts. From market discovery to roadmap prioritization, Dan explains practical ways to leverage AI to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving product landscape.  Learn how AI tools can support you in conducting customer research, validating market problems, optimizing data analysis, and creating a more collaborative development process. Dan shares strategies for using AI to enhance creativity and reduce cognitive load, while emphasizing the importance of retaining the human touch in product management.  Tune in to learn how to integrate AI into your daily work and supercharge your product management skills!  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more,

How can companies align sales and product marketing through deep market insights?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris chats with Brady Jensen, founder of Clear, about the importance of bridging the trust gap between sales and product marketing teams. Drawing from his experience in tech sales, product marketing, and entrepreneurship, Brady shares how relying solely on internal feedback can erode trust—and why companies must engage directly with the market to validate assumptions.  Brady emphasizes that credibility is the foundation of effective sales enablement, and the key to building that credibility lies in first-party research. From win/loss analysis to persistent market interviews, Brady reveals how gathering actionable insights improves messaging, product differentiation, and collaboration. Tune in for practical advice on harmonizing sales and product marketing to achieve business success.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitu

What makes some deals a win and others a loss?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Zach Golden, Director at Anova Consulting Group, to explore how win loss analysis can be a game-changer for product managers and business leaders. Zach explains how this powerful tool uncovers customer preferences, competitive dynamics, and product-market fit—helping companies refine their strategies and sharpen their competitive edge.  Learn why qualitative research is essential, how to use storytelling to highlight customer pain points, and how sharing win loss insights across teams can foster collaboration. Zach also offers tips on turning customer feedback into clear, actionable insights that improve both product strategies and customer retention.  Tune in to discover how win loss analysis can help you win more deals and make smarter product decisions.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Insti

Ever wonder how to drive product success when you don’t have direct authority over your teams?  In this episode, host Rebecca Kalogeris chats with Leah Zillner, a product manager at Intellum, about the wild ride that is product management. Leah shares her story of transitioning from program management to product, and how Pragmatic Institute’s courses helped her navigate the journey. From building market insights through client feedback to using tools like UserPilot, Jira, and BigQuery, Leah has tips that will level up your PM game. She also discusses the internal dynamics of product management, where trust and communication are key (especially when you can’t just tell people what to do). Leah talks candidly about learning from mistakes, ditching perfectionism, and building a supportive team culture.  Ready to pick up some insider secrets on how to build relationships, communicate better, and juggle the challenges of product management? This episode has you covered!  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and mo

What’s the secret to building a high-performing product team?  In this replay episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris interviews Amruta Moktali, Chief Product Officer at Skyflow. Amruta shares her journey from tech roles at companies like Microsoft and Salesforce to leading product at Skyflow, where she reimagines data privacy and security.   In this conversation, she reveals her blueprint for building and leading effective product teams, emphasizing the importance of diversity, empathy, and clear communication.  Learn how to define your team's mission, hire for diversity of thought, and motivate your team by aligning their passions with your product’s purpose. Amruta also discusses the importance of transparent communication, empathy among team members, and storytelling as a tool for motivation and collaboration.  Tune in to gain practical insights into creating and sustaining high-functioning product teams.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinsti

How can you tap into the power of ‘catalysts’ to drive innovation and positive change in your organization?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, Shannon Lucas and Tracey Lovejoy, co-founders of Catalyst Constellations, discuss the concept of catalysts—individuals who connect ideas and take bold action to improve their environments. Drawing from their experiences at Microsoft and Vodafone, Tracey and Shannon share how organizations can identify and support these high-potential employees to drive transformation.  They explore the challenges catalysts face, such as burnout and being perceived as disruptive, and offer actionable strategies to align catalysts with organizational goals, manage energy levels, and provide them with the training and frameworks needed to succeed.  Tune in for insights on activating catalysts and harnessing their potential for organizational growth.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute

How can organizations nurture innovation through structured processes and strong leadership?  Host Rebecca Kalogeris speaks with Dr. Jeff D. Standridge, Managing Director at Conductor and co-founder of Cadron Capital Partners. Dr. Standridge explores the critical relationship between innovation and leadership, emphasizing that innovation is not just about groundbreaking ideas—it's about planned, repeatable processes that drive efficiency, customer satisfaction, and cost reduction.  Learn how to align your teams around a clear definition of innovation and implement strategies like innovation sprints and the lean canvas to quantify risks and gain stakeholder buy-in. Dr. Standridge highlights the importance of defining the problem, understanding its scale, and ensuring that your innovations are real, capable of helping you win, and worth the effort.  Tune in for actionable insights to foster a culture of continuous innovation and make smarter product decisions.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, vis

How can teams navigate the chaos of product development and effectively integrate customer feedback?  In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with Christoph Steinlehner, a product management consultant and expert with over 20 years of experience in design and product development. Christoph shares his strategies for turning chaotic meetings into productive discussions, emphasizing the importance of mapping thoughts and ideas to enhance team alignment and clarity.  Discover how to integrate customer feedback into your product development process through Christoph's six-step approach, which includes impact mapping (learn more here), engaging cross-functional teams, and using visual artifacts like service blueprints. Christoph also discusses the pitfalls of traditional presentation styles and advocates for collaborative discussions that prioritize alignment over persuasion.  Tune in for actionable advice on improving your product development process and fostering be

How can senior leadership teams overcome hurdles and improve collaboration?  In this enlightening episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, host Rebecca Kalogeris sits down with James Scouller, a distinguished leadership coach, author, and former CEO with over 47 years of experience. James shares his deep insights into building and leading winning teams, drawing from his extensive experience and recent literary success with his trilogy, "How to Build Winning Teams Again and Again."  Explore the psychological dynamics of team commitment, the importance of clear roles and goals, and the need for effective decision-making processes. James discusses how senior leaders can address challenges such as trust, open communication, and conflict resolution to foster a cohesive and high-performing team.  Tune in to gain practical advice on improving collaboration and driving success within your organization. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic

How can experiential marketing drive purchases and foster personal connections in B2B marketing?  Join us for an engaging episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, where host Rebecca Kalogeris interviews Sheila Rondeau, CEO of MogXP. With a rich background in marketing and experiential marketing, Sheila shares her insights on the importance of measurement, the impact of COVID-19 on in-person events, and innovative digital engagement strategies.  Discover the necessity of driving purchases through experiential marketing, the value of a personal approach in B2B marketing, and how to integrate effective engagement strategies into your campaigns. Sheila's journey, from rebuilding Anheuser-Busch’s beer school program to leading MogXP, offers a wealth of practical advice and industry lessons.  Tune in for actionable insights to enhance your marketing efforts with experiential strategies. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts  Pragmatic Institute is t

How can AI be responsibly integrated into product development to meet ethical standards and human needs?  Join us for an insightful episode of the Pragmatic Product Chat Series, where host Rebecca Kalogeris interviews Cal Al-Dhubaib, a leading data scientist and entrepreneur specializing in responsible AI.  Discover the challenges and solutions in leveraging AI to enhance product value while ensuring ethical practices. Cal shares his journey, the importance of identifying the right AI problems, the necessity of human oversight, and the potential of generative AI in creating user-centric products.  Tune in for actionable insights to responsibly incorporate AI into your products and workflows.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts    Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

What makes a product manager truly successful?  Join us as we explore the key traits of successful product managers with Paul Young, a seasoned expert and former Vice President of Product Management at Pragmatic Institute.  Discover how understanding market problems, fostering emotional intelligence, and strategic thinking can drive transformation within your organization. Paul also highlights the importance of curiosity and thoughtful communication in leading successful product teams.  Tune in for actionable insights and strategies to elevate your product management skills.  For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit: www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts    Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com. 

How do you define product marketing? Francisco Bram, head of product and growth at Uber Eats, joins our host Rebecca Kalogeris, VP of marketing and product strategy for Pragmatic Institute, to chat about how he and Uber Eats defines this essential role, as well as the 10 commandments of product marketing.  You don't want to miss this one!

“Finding your nxt is about you initiating a change, not a change that happens to you,” - Cindy Carrillo   What if you left your business, your career as you knew it, and started a ranch? That’d probably be a pretty big change for most people.   It certainly was for our guest this week, Cindy Carrillo. Our host Rebecca Kalorgeris, interviews Cindy, and she shares how she navigated changes in her life. More specifically, she discusses her most recent nxt, where she bought 35 acres, built a barn, and started raising cute, small farm animals.   She also launched an Airbnb, and a new coaching business where individuals, couples and business partners participate in a two-and-a-half-day retreat at the ranch to find their nxt.   Did she have experience taking care of baby goats? Absolutely not. But she was willing, able and ready to learn.   She discovered that even when you’re leaping into the unknown all of the skills you’ve built and the experiences you’ve had come with you--you’re not starting from ground zero. Y

 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA  Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/  Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here "In Marketing, our job is to keep our ear very close to the ground, understand the process, listen to the buyers, listen to the customer, and always be thinking about what drives the customer." -Mark Donnigan, Startup Marketing Consultant In this episode of Product Chats, we are joined by marketing superhero Mark Donnigan. With a focus on growth-stage marketing, Mark has carved a niche in the tech industry as a consultant who helps B2B companies, particularly startups and those in the growth phase, to craft and execute successful go-to-market strategies. His approach is deeply rooted in the belief that marketing is an integral component of business strategy, inseparable from product development and sales. Key Takeaways: Consistently Listen and Engage with Customers: The significance of staying attuned to the custome

 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA  Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/  Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here “The first thing I would recommend everyone to do who has an interest in the AI space, and I think lots of people have an interest in this space, is you should be using generative AI tools in your life every day as much as you can, and really remind yourself how much of a difference it can make.” -      Isaac Lien, Co-Founder and Chief Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Officer at Grandpad In this enlightening episode, we dive deep with Isaac Lien, Co-founder and Chief AI and Innovation Officer at GrandPad, exploring the company's strategic incorporation of generative AI to enhance their offerings for the senior market. Lien shares the journey of testing and integrating AI technologies within their product, GrandPad, highlighting how a user-directed approach has fundamentally shaped both the development and market

How can product managers blend pricing strategy, market segmentation, and portfolio? Mark Stiving, Pragmatic Institute Instructor and pricing expert, offers practical advice to help product professionals elevate their pricing strategies and deliver value for customers. In this interview, Mark shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspective on how companies can leverage pricing as a powerful tool for business growth. For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts #ProductManagement #ProductPricing Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com