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المحتوى المقدم من Matt Watson. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة Matt Watson أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.
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Dreka Gates didn't set out to build a wellness empire — it found her. When COVID forced her into isolation on 60 acres of Mississippi land, just miles from where her great-grandmother once farmed, everything shifted. One day, while working the soil, she fell to her knees in tears — not because she bought the land, but because she realized: "This really belongs to me." In this powerful conversation at Black Week, Dreka sits down with Joseph "JoJo" Simmons to share how she transformed her healing journey into a seven-figure empire — from Love's Harvest, her cannabis company, and the first Black woman-owned dispensary in Mississippi (built with a $2 million investment into a 100-year-old building), to Dreka Rose emotional wellness eyewear, a 60-acre regenerative farm, and even an AI avatar that connects with people one-on-one. But this episode isn't just about success — it's about the spiritual, emotional, and mental work it takes to sustain it all. Dreka opens up about the practices that keep her grounded, from burning negative energy each morning to breaking generational cycles while building generational wealth. What You'll Hear: Why self-mastery is the foundation of every business move she makes The $2M lesson she learned investing in experience, not just space Why cannabis could've been a trillion-dollar industry for Black and Brown communities The "sandwich method" she uses for tough negotiations — firm, but rooted in love How she uses AI and gaming to meet people where they are Why she left the church at 13 to find her own spiritual path Her healing journey to the Amazon jungle with shamans What she'd tell her 13-year-old self who bet on herself before she had proof This is a story of alignment, ownership, and audacity — and what it means to truly build For Good. 🔌 Subscribe to the For Good Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.…
المحتوى المقدم من Matt Watson. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة Matt Watson أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.
Building software products requires caring more about the product than it does the technology used to build the product. On this podcast, we discuss bringing a product driven mindset to every step of the product development process.
المحتوى المقدم من Matt Watson. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة Matt Watson أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.
Building software products requires caring more about the product than it does the technology used to build the product. On this podcast, we discuss bringing a product driven mindset to every step of the product development process.
What happens when you mix creative agency chaos with world-class engineering? You get teams that don’t just write code—they own the product. In this episode, I’m talking with David Mitchell, CTO at VML, one of the biggest creative agencies on the planet. With thousands of engineers and global clients like Wendy’s and United Rentals, David’s teams are building things that most devs only dream of—and doing it without getting buried in bureaucracy. We break down what it really takes to foster creative engineering inside a massive org, how to keep engineers out of the ticket-taking trap, and how AI is reshaping what engineering leadership actually looks like. If you lead teams and want to stop micromanaging, or if you're just tired of pretending Agile is still helping... this one’s for you. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown [00:15] — What is a "creative engineer" and why don’t we have more of them? [06:00] — Why software engineering should be creative work [07:40] — The evolution of engineering: From basement coders to business thinkers [11:20] — Ownership vs. ticket-taking: How VML trains teams to lead [13:30] — Journey-Driven Development and the myth of “API-first” [20:45] — Is AI changing how we build software—or just hyped? [24:00] — Hackathons, prototyping, and the rise of “vibe engineering” Links & Resources Connect with David on LinkedIn Product Driven - Get the Book Subscribe to the Product Driven Newsletter What Smart CTOs Are Doing Differently With Offshore Teams in 2025 Subscribe to the Global Talent Sprint Full Scale – Build your dev team quickly and affordably If you’re trying to get your team out of the basement and into real product ownership, this episode is your playbook. Stop being a ticket factory. Build teams that think, create, and lead. Follow the show, rate it, and send this to someone who’s still trying to do “real Scrum.” They need it more than you do.…
Engineering Clarity in the Age of AI: How Docs, Context, and Product Thinking Shape Better Software Seth Rosenbauer is the founder of a tool that uses AI to help engineers create better documentation—and, more importantly, the right thing, faster . But this conversation isn’t just about tooling. It’s about how context is the new currency in engineering. Why your team’s ability to understand what to build and why is more critical than ever. And how AI is changing the shape of product communication, technical documentation, and engineering ownership. Whether you lead a growing dev team or are trying to ship more with less, this one’s for you. Key Discussion Points Seth’s journey: From PM to founder to doc tool builder Why traditional documentation fails engineers The real cost of unclear requirements What AI can (and can’t) fix in engineering communication How better docs lead to better products The problem with "done"—and how teams miss the last 10% Building a culture of engineering ownership Links & Resources Connect with Seth Rosenbauer on LinkedIn Joggr Product Driven - Get the Book Subscribe to the Product Driven Newsletter What Smart CTOs Are Doing Differently With Offshore Teams in 2025 Subscribe to the Global Talent Sprint Full Scale – Build your dev team quickly and affordably…
Matt is joined by Karell Ste-Marie , founder of The Serious CTO YouTube channel. Together, they tackle one of the biggest hidden challenges in software companies: the language and cultural barrier between engineers and executives. Karell and Matt break down why innovation is so rare in large organizations, why engineers and business leaders often talk past each other, and how the CTO role often becomes the critical bridge between the two worlds. Key Discussion Points The cultural resistance to change inside enterprises How introversion and communication style shape engineering culture Why the best CTOs speak “both languages” Lessons from mistakes made on the path to leadership Resources & Links The Serious CTO on YouTube – Karell’s channel where he shares insights on engineering leadership Product Driven - Get the Book Subscribe to the Product Driven Newsletter What Smart CTOs Are Doing Differently With Offshore Teams in 2025 Subscribe to the Global Talent Sprint Full Scale – Build your dev team quickly and affordably…
Product management is being rewritten in real time, and AI is doing the editing. Matt sits down with Jerel Velarde , product manager at Full Scale Ventures, to discuss how AI is reshaping the relationship between PMs and engineering. We dive into what Jerel calls prompt prototyping, how expectations for product velocity have changed, and why the best PMs today are blending design, strategy, and code—all while staying laser-focused on validation over output. If you're a founder, CTO, or product leader trying to navigate the new frontier of product development, this one's for you. Key Discussion Points Is “Product Manager” even the right title anymore? The new definition of PM: focused on outcomes, not artifacts How PMs are using AI to validate faster How to lead product in a startup vs. a scale-up How to think about MVPs when AI can build anything Resources & Links Connect with Jerel on LinkedIn Product Driven - Get the Book Subscribe to the Product Driven Newsletter What Smart CTOs Are Doing Differently With Offshore Teams in 2025 Subscribe to the Global Talent Sprint…
Matt is joined by product and leadership consultant Randy Silver to unpack one of the most frustrating problems in product organizations: everyone knows where they want to go, but no one knows how to actually get there. Together they explore what causes this breakdown in execution, how companies drift from product strategy to dysfunction, and what strong leadership really looks like at scale. Key Discussion Points Why strategy is easy—execution is the problem Why in-shitification happens The three organizational dysfunctions Randy sees most Why autonomy without alignment fails The real root of dysfunction: unclear product strategy What leaders can do right now to fix the mess Resources & Links Randy Silver’s consulting work https://randysilver.com Follow Randy on LinkedIn Randy Silver Good Strategy Bad Strategy by Richard Rumelt Link to Book Subscribe to the Product Driven Newsletter: https://productdriven.com/newsletter What Smart CTOs Are Doing Differently With Offshore Teams in 2025: https://hirefullscale.com/offshore-hiring-guide…
In this episode, Matt is joined by Laura Tacho , CTO at DX — one of the leading voices in developer experience research and tooling. Together, they unpack how AI is really affecting software development teams, why developer experience has a “marketing problem,” and why organizational friction — not technology — is the biggest productivity killer. If you’ve been wondering whether AI is living up to the hype in engineering teams, this conversation will give you the data, the reality, and the leadership takeaways you can act on today. Key Discussion Points Key Discussion Points [01:21] – What “Developer Experience” Really Means [03:28] – The Real Sources of Developer Friction [04:20] – Core Developer Experience Problems (Pre- and Post-AI) [06:19] – Clarity as a Competitive Advantage [08:58] – The Mistake of “Shit Shielding” [08:51] – How AI Raises the Stakes for Product Thinking [10:33] – The 10x Developer Myth’s Real Origin [12:03] – Measuring Developer Experience with the DX Index [14:33] – The Role of Leadership in Removing Friction Resources & Links DX – Research and tools for improving developer experience: https://getdx.com/ Developer Experience Index https://getdx.com/dxi-reporting Subscribe to the Product Driven Newsletter: https://productdriven.com/newsletter What Smart CTOs Are Doing Differently With Offshore Teams in 2025: https://hirefullscale.com/offshore-hiring-guide…
AI can scaffold an app in seconds, but can it refactor that thousand-line React file when the first bug hits production? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Jenney software engineer and program owner of the coding bootcamp Parsity , to draw a hard line between “code that runs” and “code that lasts.” From mentoring career-switchers to stress-testing AI in real-world pipelines, Brian shares why craftsmanship and product judgment still beat copy-paste prompts. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://newsletter.productdriven.com/ Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ GET THE PRODUCT DRIVEN BOOK: https://productdriven.com/book Connect with Brian on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjenney/ Check out Parsity here: https://www.parsity.io/ Key Discussion Points: “You have to be smarter than the AI.” Why blindly shipping generated code is the fastest way to paint yourself into a technical-debt corner The hidden risk of non-deterministic models—like failing a simple “greater-than” check in production tests A training rule of thumb: no AI for your first months of study, then use it only to reinforce fundamentals—not replace them The “house-of-cards” analogy for code quality and why maintainability still matters when AI writes the first draft How Parsity’s tight-knit model turns plumbers, teachers, and even doctors into disciplined, product-minded engineers…
If you’re running a startup, chances are you’re the bottleneck. Brittany Rastsmith joins Product Driven to talk through why founders constantly end up in this trap and how to escape it. She works with early-stage companies through her consulting firm, Bloom Remote , and she's seen it all. We get into how to create clarity, visibility, and accountability across your team so you’re not stuck answering every question, solving every problem, or staying up all night wondering if anything is getting done. If you want your team to take ownership and drive outcomes—not just check boxes—this episode is for you. [01:36] - Why being the bottleneck it's a stage [03:06] - Choose your hard: micromanage or build trust [08:06] - How to measure what matters [11:06] - Delegating doesn't work if you dump chaos [15:06] - Explain your thinking if you want your team to carry it out [16:36] - The power of decision logs and written rationale [20:21] - Why psychological safety is key to team ownership [22:06] - Rubber-stamping is the death of progress [24:36] - Why most managers are untrained (and why that matters) [28:36] - Productivity vs. busyness: where your team might be stuck [29:51] - Inputs vs. outcomes: how to tell what's actually broken [31:41] - Where to find Brittany and learn more about Bloom Remote Links & Resources: Brittany Rastsmith on LinkedIn : Bloom Remote Get the Book : https://mybook.to/productdriven Newsletter : productdriven.com Connect with Matt : https://linkedin.com/in/mattwatson Get the Offshore Hiring Guide: https://hirefullscale.com/offshore-hiring-guide…
The 10X Developer Decoded: Why Technical Co-Founders Are Startup Gold 💎 In this revealing conversation, we unpack one of tech's most polarizing concepts while exploring the brutal realities of building technical partnerships in today's startup ecosystem. Host Matt Watson and Noah Lindner (ex-Airbnb engineer turned consultant) deliver unfiltered insights that challenge conventional wisdom about technical hiring and startup team dynamics. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Get the Book : https://mybook.to/productdriven Newsletter : productdriven.com Connect with Matt : https://linkedin.com/in/mattwatson Full Scale Ventures : https://fullscaleventures.com Get the Offshore Hiring Guide: https://hirefullscale.com/offshore-hiring-guide YC Co-Founder Matching : https://ycombinator.com/cofounder-matching The Evolution of Engineering Excellence 🚀 Redefining 10X: From Myth to Methodology The conversation opens with a fascinating transformation—how the once-toxic "10X developer" stereotype has evolved into a legitimate business advantage. Noah's perspective shift reveals something profound: the best engineers aren't just writing code faster; they're architecting workflows that eliminate friction entirely. Real-World 10X Impact: Before : 30-minute CI builds crushing team velocity After : 2-second feedback loops enabling continuous iteration Result : Exponential productivity gains through systematic optimization The Technical Co-Founder Paradox Matt delivers a game-changing insight: "To really be a true technical co-founder, they've got to have the vision for what's being built... not just the technical vision, but the product vision." This distinction separates true startup partners from highly-paid order-takers—a critical differentiation in today's competitive landscape. Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 - Deconstructing the 10X developer phenomenon 08:30 - Technical co-founder vs. founding engineer dynamics 16:45 - The four pillars of engineering leadership 25:20 - Why big tech creates product-blind engineers 32:15 - Navigating the golden handcuffs dilemma The Changing Startup Landscape The conversation reveals how technological democratization is reshaping co-founder dynamics. When any PM can create "lovable prototypes" using no-code tools, the bar for technical co-founders rises significantly. Success now requires scalable prototyping—building MVPs that can evolve rather than require complete rebuilds. The New Technical Leadership Model Matt's four-quadrant framework provides clarity: Strategy : Long-term architectural vision Operations : Team efficiency and process optimization Product : User experience and market alignment Technical : Core engineering excellence For early-stage startups, product and technical mastery matter most—operations and strategy complexity come later. Have you experienced the "order-taker engineer" phenomenon? How did your team address it? What's your framework for evaluating technical co-founder potential beyond coding ability? How do you balance technical debt concerns with rapid iteration demands? Share Your Story: Tag us with your technical co-founder journey—the wins, failures, and lessons learned. Let's build a knowledge base for the next generation of technical partnerships. Subscribe for more unfiltered insights on technical leadership, product strategy, and startup team dynamics.…
From Coding to Catalyst: The Evolution of Technology Leadership 🚀 Journey through the transformation of modern CTOs with industry veteran Kathy Keating, who shares battle-tested insights from scaling teams of 2 to 450+ engineers. This episode unravels the complex tapestry of technology leadership, exploring how yesterday's code-focused roles have evolved into today's strategic business catalysts. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Get the Book : https://mybook.to/productdriven Newsletter : productdriven.com Connect with Matt : https://linkedin.com/in/mattwatson Full Scale Ventures : https://fullscaleventures.com Get the Offshore Hiring Guide: https://hirefullscale.com/offshore-hiring-guide The Leadership Evolution Story 📖 The Great Divide : Once upon a time, software engineers were the product owners, customer advocates, and technical architects all rolled into one. They flew across continents to understand telecom fraud patterns, immersed themselves in customer operations for weeks, and returned with deep domain expertise. Today's specialized world has created powerful capabilities—but at what cost? The Four Pillars of Engineering Leadership : Matt introduces a provocative framework suggesting no one masters all four domains: Strategic visioning, Operational excellence, Technical depth, and Product intuition. The conversation challenges us to identify our strengths while building systems that compensate for our natural limitations. Behind the Framework: CTO Levels Decoded 🔍 Kathy reveals the methodology behind assessing technology leadership maturity—from solo programmer (Level 0) to industry thought leader (Level 10). Each level demands mastery of previous foundations while introducing new complexities like acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and organizational transformation. The Assessment Reality : A comprehensive 50-question evaluation generating 60-page strategic roadmaps. Hundreds of leaders have used this framework to identify gaps and accelerate growth—proving that systematic development beats trial-and-error learning. Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 - Opening: Two Authors, One Mission 02:14 - Defining Modern CTO Reality 04:11 - The Four-Type Leadership Framework 07:21 - CTO Levels: Decoding the Hierarchy 09:25 - Career Path Truth: How Do You Actually Become a CTO? 16:58 - Strategic Advice: The Power of Starting Small 17:52 - Then vs. Now: 20 Years of Engineering Evolution 22:03 - The Product-Engineering Divide Crisis 26:12 - AI Revolution: Promise and Peril 32:44 - Resources: CTO Levels and Liquid Book Overview 33:09 - Final Thoughts and Next Steps Which of the four engineering leadership types resonates most with your current role—Strategic, Operational, Technical, or Product? Share your experience in the comments and let's discuss how to build complementary teams that cover all bases.…
Product Driven: Building Software Teams That Ship Value 🚀 In this special book launch episode, we dive deep into the intersection of engineering leadership, product thinking, and the transformative impact of AI on software development. Join Matt Watson and Craig Ferril as they explore the revolutionary "Product Driven Model" and why traditional development approaches are becoming obsolete. 🔗 Essential Resources: Get the Book : https://a.co/d/100RmwC Newsletter : productdriven.com Connect with Matt : https://linkedin.com/in/mattwatson Full Scale Ventures : https://fullscaleventures.com Get the Offshore Hiring Guide: https://hirefullscale.com/offshore-hiring-guide Key Discussion Highlights: 🎯 The Product Driven Model (Five Core Components) Vision : Understanding the "why" behind every decision Focus : Keeping customer outcomes at the center Clarity : Providing just enough context without overwhelming Shared Ownership : Distributing responsibility across teams Courage : Creating psychological safety for innovation 🤖 AI's Leadership Challenge Engineering bottlenecks are shifting from throughput to direction Teams going "2x faster in the wrong direction" create bigger problems Leadership must evolve from requirement-feeders to vision-communicators The rise of "low-code thinking" in traditional development 🎯 From Individual Contributors to Leaders The transition from "doing" to "enabling others to do" Four types of engineering leadership: Strategic, Operational, Technical, and Product Why most leaders aren't good at all four (and shouldn't try to be) Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 - Book Launch Introduction & "Find Your Craig" 08:16 - Why AI Makes Product Thinking Critical 15:03 - The Death Spiral of Internal Focus 18:07 - Creating Cultures of Courage vs. Fear 23:14 - The Five Components of Product Driven Model 32:40 - Future of Engineering Leadership 37:22 - Closing the Feedback Loop with Introverted Teams 💡 Key Takeaways: For Engineering Leaders: Stop being the bottleneck - build teams that don't need you Create environments where "calling the baby ugly" is celebrated Focus on making other people more productive For Product Teams: Shift from feature factories to outcome-driven development Embrace the "win or learn" mentality Connect every technical decision to customer value For Organizations: AI won't solve leadership problems - it will expose them Culture and strategy must work in tandem The future belongs to teams that think like product owners The conversation reveals a fundamental shift happening in software development. As AI democratizes code creation, the competitive advantage moves from "how fast can we build" to "what should we build and why." Teams that master this transition will thrive; those that don't will find themselves building faster in the wrong direction. 💬 Join the Conversation : How is your engineering team adapting to the AI-driven future? Share your experiences with implementing product thinking in technical teams! 🎧 Subscribe to Product Driven for more insights on building software teams that deliver real value. Special thanks to Craig Ferril for the thoughtful discussion and early feedback on the book. The future of software development isn't just about better tools - it's about better thinking.…
Product Driven: The Book Launch - A Software Leader's Journey to Creating High-Performance Teams 📚 After months of intensive writing and years of industry experience, Matt Watson unveils his groundbreaking book "Product Driven" - a comprehensive guide for engineering leaders seeking to build teams with a genuine product mindset. This isn't just another business book; it's a practical roadmap for transforming how software teams think, work, and deliver value. In this revealing first look, Matt shares the personal journey that led to creating this essential resource for the tech industry. Drawing from his extensive career building and scaling software products, he addresses a critical gap in leadership literature - how to actually build and manage teams that think like product owners, not just code executors. 🔗 Essential Resources: Get the Book : https://a.co/d/100RmwC Newsletter : productdriven.com Connect with Matt : https://linkedin.com/in/mattwatson Full Scale Ventures : https://fullscaleventures.com Get the Offshore Hiring Guide: https://hirefullscale.com/offshore-hiring-guide Key Discussion Points: The evolution from developer conference speech to comprehensive leadership guide Why product mindset separates high-performing developers from the rest The cultural transformation required for sustainable team success Practical frameworks for engineering leaders to implement immediately The 500-hour writing journey and lessons learned Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 - The Big Reveal: First Look at Product Driven 00:22 - The Origin Story: From Conference Speech to Book 01:30 - The Culture Revolution: Why Leadership Matters 02:38 - The Writing Process: 500 Hours of Insights Ready to Transform Your Team? Share your biggest leadership challenge in the comments - what's preventing your developers from thinking like product owners? Let's discuss practical solutions that actually work in real engineering environments.…
Breaking Through Requirements Hell: How AI is Revolutionizing Software Development 🚀 In this compelling exploration of technological transformation, host Matt Watson connects with Chris Rickard, founder of UserDoc, broadcasting from Vietnam. Their conversation unveils a profound shift happening across the software industry—one where artificial intelligence is fundamentally reshaping the relationship between business stakeholders and development teams. What emerges is a fascinating paradox: as AI accelerates coding capabilities, the critical constraint shifts from "how do we build it?" to "what exactly should we build?" Chris's journey from software engineer to product innovator illustrates this transformation, revealing how traditional bottlenecks are being reimagined through AI-powered requirements management. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Download the FREE Offshore Hiring Guide: https://hirefullscale.com/offshore-hiring-guide UserDoc: https://userdoc.com Chris Rickard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrickard/ Key Discussion Points: AI-Powered Requirements Creation: How UserDoc accelerates requirements by 50-70% while maintaining human oversight Reverse Engineering Legacy Systems: Converting complex source code (including COBOL) into understandable business features The Shifting Development Bottleneck: Why clarity becomes paramount when AI makes development faster Integration with Modern Workflows: Connecting requirements directly to AI coding tools like Cursor and GitHub Copilot Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 - The Universal Developer Dilemma 02:28 - Genesis of UserDoc 07:57 - Beyond Product Managers: Who Really Needs This 14:40 - Technical Challenges of Code Analysis 22:44 - The Great Bottleneck Shift 27:04 - Pricing and Market Accessibility Ready to break free from requirements chaos and accelerate your development workflow? The conversation with Chris Rickard reveals a pivotal moment in software development—where AI amplifies human potential rather than replacing it. Share your own requirements management challenges in the comments below. How has AI changed your development process? What bottlenecks are you experiencing as coding becomes more automated?…
Learning Through Play: How Boddle Built Educational Games That Kids Actually Want In this insightful conversation, Matt Watson talks with Clarence Tan, founder and CEO of Boddle Learning, about their journey building educational games that have reached over 10 million users. Clarence shares how they tackled the classic problem of educational games - how to make them as engaging as regular games while maintaining educational value. By creating fun games first and then "sneaking in" learning content, Boddle has found success in the competitive educational technology space. The most valuable lesson? Get out of the office and actually watch users interact with your product. Rather than spending money on complex analytics, the Boddle team discovered their biggest product issues simply by visiting classrooms and observing how kids used their app. Clarence also shares how they eventually cracked the monetization code by understanding that parents were buying subscriptions not because they understood the educational benefits, but because their kids wanted the in-game items. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://newsletter.productdriven.com/ Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ GET THE PRODUCT DRIVEN BOOK: https://productdriven.com/book Check out Boddle here: https://www.boddlelearning.com/ Key Discussion Points: 🎮 Building educational games that are genuinely fun first 🧠 How Boddle "sneaks in" learning content after establishing engaging gameplay 💰 The journey from zero users to 10 million through COVID and beyond 📊 Why watching actual users beats fancy analytics tools 🔑 The monetization breakthrough: understanding kids are the real decision makers 🚀 Pivoting from building many games to focusing on the most successful one 📱 How Boddle connects with both teachers and parents Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:46 - Origins of Boddle Learning 02:08 - Making Education Fun Through Games 04:17 - Early Funding and Productization 05:36 - Impact of COVID on Growth 07:42 - Getting on the White House Educational Resources List 08:19 - Server Challenges with Rapid Growth 09:04 - Moving to Tulsa for VC Funding 10:30 - The "Leaky Bucket" Discovery 11:21 - Monetization Challenges 13:57 - Finding the Most Popular Game Mode 14:51 - The Pet Battle Game Success 15:58 - NFT Experiment Mistakes 16:52 - Keeping Education in Fun Games 18:45 - The Power of Classroom Observation 20:47 - First-Time User Experience Issues 22:32 - Learning to Sell to Parents Through Kids 25:40 - Tapping Into the Entertainment Wallet 26:45 - Boddle Bucks and Future Growth 27:38 - Impact and Educational Value Ready to transform your child's screen time into learning time? Visit https://www.boddlelearning.com/ to try their educational games that kids actually want to play!…
In this enlightening conversation with author Ashley Davis, Matt Watson explores the concept of feedback-driven development and how it shapes effective software engineering practices. Ashley, author of "Bootstrapping Microservices" and the upcoming "The Feedback-Driven Developer," shares valuable insights on how developers can leverage feedback loops to enhance their productivity, make better decisions, and deliver more value to customers. They discuss the shifting landscape of software development in the age of AI, the importance of personal feedback systems, and why understanding product priorities is crucial for modern developers. 🔗 Essential Links: 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ GET THE PRODUCT DRIVEN BOOK: https://productdriven.com/book Ashley Davis on Twitter: @ashleydavis75 "Bootstrapping Microservices" book: Manning.com/books/bootstrapping-microservices-with-docker-kubernetes-and-terraform "The Feedback-Driven Developer" (Early Access): Manning.com Key Discussion Points: 🔄 The concept of personal feedback loops in the development process 🎯 How prioritizing by "value over cost to deliver" leads to better decisions 🔍 The critical importance of getting clarity before diving into code 🚀 Why prototyping is one of the most effective feedback mechanisms 🤖 How AI is shifting the bottleneck from engineering to product decision-making ⚠️ The pitfall of "moving fast in the wrong direction" with AI assistance 🧩 Techniques for self-review and maintaining working code 🏗️ When microservices architecture makes sense (and when it doesn't) Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:25 - The Experience of Being a Tech Book Author 00:53 - Origins of "The Feedback-Driven Developer" Book 02:11 - Defining "Feedback" in Software Development 03:52 - The Importance of Understanding Trade-offs 05:35 - Ensuring You're Working on the Right Thing 07:34 - Getting Feedback on Implementation Approaches 09:06 - Clarity as the Fuel of Software Development 11:16 - AI's Impact on the Software Development Bottleneck 13:13 - Why the Best Developers Think Like Product Owners 14:54 - Process Theater vs. Value Delivery 16:19 - Building Feedback into Your Development Loop 17:23 - Production Monitoring and Performance Feedback 19:32 - Key Insights and Aha Moments from the Book 22:44 - Developers QA-ing Their Own Code 25:21 - When to Use Microservices Architecture 27:43 - Book Information and Closing Thoughts Ready to transform your development process with effective feedback systems? Get early access to "The Feedback-Driven Developer" at Manning.com by searching for the book title. New chapters are released every month or two, and the first three chapters are available now. Check the show notes for a special discount code for our listeners!…
Bootstrapping vs VC: John Rush on Building 25 Successful Products 🚀 In this enlightening episode of Product Driven, host Matt Watson sits down with serial tech entrepreneur John Rush. Known for his prominent presence on social media platforms like Twitter (X) and LinkedIn, John shares his journey from VC-backed companies to successfully bootstrapping 25 different startups over the past 15 years. The conversation explores the stark differences between venture-backed and bootstrapped business models, the importance of UX in product development, and how focusing on solving specific problems has led to his remarkable success. John provides valuable insights on identifying your strengths as a founder, why empathy for users matters more than code quality, and his unique approach to product development that allows him to launch multiple successful tools with minimal failure rapidly. His clear vision of building a lasting company that helps bootstrappers achieve a better work-life balance inspires developers considering the entrepreneurial path. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://newsletter.productdriven.com/ Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Chapters: 00:03 - Introduction to John Rush 00:31 - Thoughts on the "Indie Hacker" term 02:06 - VC-backed vs. Bootstrapped business models 04:30 - Creating and managing 25 different products 06:23 - Product success rate and failure assessment 08:32 - The seven tools driving 90% of revenue 11:22 - Competing in crowded markets 13:53 - Technology stack and code sharing across products 15:50 - The critical importance of UX in product design 23:19 - Approach to advertising and marketing 25:48 - Advice for software engineers considering entrepreneurship 30:57 - Long-term vision and goals 32:31 - Final words of wisdom Transform your product development journey! Dive deeper into the entrepreneurial mindset that drives successful tech innovations. Whether you're a seasoned founder or just beginning your startup adventure, these resources will help you navigate the path with confidence and vision. 🚀…
AI and Agency Evolution: Navigating the Future of Software Development 🚀 In this thought-provoking episode of Product Driven, Matt Watson welcomes Senad Santic, owner of Zendev software development agency and founder of LinkBound. They dive deep into how AI is reshaping software development agencies, training strategies for developers in this evolving landscape, and the challenges of diversifying from agencies into SaaS products. Both entrepreneurs share valuable insights on balancing innovation with realistic business concerns while navigating the rapidly changing technological environment. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Key Discussion Points: The economic impact on dev agencies across different regions and markets How AI tools like Lovable are changing the MVP development landscape The increasing complexity of software development careers and adaptation challenges Strategies for training developers to embrace AI while developing product thinking The practical challenges of building SaaS products within an agency model Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 03:08 - Economic Impact on Development Agencies 05:38 - AI's Impact on Development Businesses 07:16 - AI Tools for MVP Development 10:47 - The Reality of Using AI for Rapid Prototyping 15:28 - The Growing Complexity of Software Development 18:34 - Training Developers in Product Thinking and AI 24:24 - Why Business People Won't Replace Developers 28:27 - Building SaaS Products Within an Agency Model 33:23 - Structuring Teams for Product Development 35:06 - Conclusion and Parting Thoughts Don't let your team fall behind in the AI revolution! The agencies that embrace these tools today will dominate the market tomorrow. Start your AI adoption journey now and transform how your developers work.…
Building Human-Centric Engineering Teams: Culture, Motivation, & Purpose 🛠️ In this episode of Product Driven, Matt Watson talks with John Durant, founder of Human Centric Engineering, about the critical elements that create high-performing engineering cultures. John explains how mastery, autonomy, and purpose form the foundation of intrinsic motivation for engineers and how courage enables teams to overcome organizational fear. They explore the challenges of Agile implementation, bureaucracy's impact on innovation, and practical approaches to measuring and improving engineering culture. This conversation reveals how small, intentional changes can transform team dynamics and why engineers have more power to shape their work environment than they realize. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://newsletter.productdriven.com/ Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Key Discussion Points: The three pillars of intrinsic motivation are mastery, autonomy, and purpose How Agile became "Frankenstein's monster" after starting with human-centered intentions The importance of courage as the foundation for cultural transformation Why fear is the operating system of many companies and how it limits potential How small, bite-sized cultural changes create sustainable improvement The power engineers have to shape their own work environment Why company culture is essentially a collection of habits Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to John Durant and Human-Centric Engineering 02:08 - The Agile paradox: from human needs to bureaucracy 04:44 - How bureaucracy starts with good intentions but becomes restrictive 06:11 - Measuring engineering culture through team experience 09:49 - Self-determination theory: mastery, autonomy, and purpose 14:38 - Courage as the foundation for cultural improvement 19:08 - Creating cultural change through bite-sized initiatives 23:10 - Engineers feeling misunderstood and apathetic about change 25:39 - The power of hope and finding meaning in engineering work 26:46 - Resources for improving engineering culture 👉 Ready to transform your engineering culture? Like, subscribe, and share this episode with your team. Visit Human Centric Engineering to access their free culture survey tools and join the conversation about building better engineering environments!…
🧪 The AI Testing Revolution: Reimagining QA in the Era of Generative Intelligence In this intellectually stimulating conversation, Matt Watson and Nuwan Samarasekera (Founder & CEO of TestChimp) explore the transformative impact of generative AI on software testing methodologies. As AI accelerates development cycles, discover why testing has emerged as the new bottleneck and how innovative approaches are creating the perfect balance between deterministic reliability and adaptive intelligence. This forward-looking discussion examines the shifting landscape of software quality assurance as AI-accelerated development creates new challenges and opportunities. Through exploration of TestChimp's innovative approach, discover how AI can transform testing through script generation, self-healing capabilities, and exploratory testing—while maintaining the critical balance between autonomous capabilities and human oversight that ensures reliable software delivery. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Connect with Nuwan Samarasekera: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuwansam/ Check out TestChimp: https://testchimp.i Key Discussion Points: 🧠 The paradigm shift as AI transforms development bottlenecks into testing challenges 💡 Balancing deterministic reliability with adaptive intelligence in testing 🔄 The critical difference between AI at authoring time versus runtime execution ⚡ How AI observes manual testing to generate maintainable test scripts 📊 The role of exploratory testing and "monkey testing" in comprehensive QA 🌱 Self-healing test scripts that maintain integrity through UI changes 🚀 Using browser-based AI agents to evaluate intuitive user experience Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction and AI testing landscape 0:59 - GenAI's impact on development cycles 2:51 - The new bottleneck in software delivery 4:40 - Comparing development to testing complexity 6:42 - Balancing predictability with adaptation 8:01 - The pessimistic mindset needed for testing 10:41 - The challenge of deterministic AI testing 12:48 - The danger of AI adapting to bugs 14:28 - TestChimp's approach to AI-assisted testing 16:54 - Using AI to determine what to test 19:27 - Exploratory testing and its conversion to scripts 22:58 - Browser-based AI as UX testing methodology 25:14 - TestChimp's unique approach and capabilities Transform your understanding of software quality assurance in the AI era through this intellectual exploration of where deterministic reliability meets adaptive intelligence. Join our journey into the future of testing, where AI becomes not just a tool for development but a catalyst for comprehensive quality control that keeps pace with accelerated innovation.…
🔍 Engineering Visibility: Unlocking Team Performance at Scale with Hacker Pulse In this intellectually stimulating exploration, Matt Watson and Gleb Braverman (Founder & CEO of Hacker Pulse) delve into the universal challenges that emerge when engineering organizations reach critical mass. From identifying "ghost engineers" to optimizing team composition across time zones, discover why seemingly unique organizational challenges are actually common patterns that can be systematically addressed through data-driven insights. This thought-provoking discussion examines the evolutionary challenges engineering organizations face as they scale beyond the natural limits of human supervision. Through Hacker Pulse's research with hundreds of engineering leaders, Gleb reveals that despite each organization believing their challenges are unique, most face identical visibility and optimization problems once team sizes cross critical thresholds. The conversation explores how algorithmic team assembly, natural language analytics, and integrated performance metrics can transform engineering leadership from gut feelings to data-driven decisions. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Connect with Gleb Braverman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glebbraverman/ Check out HackerPulse here: https://hackerpulse.io Key Discussion Points: 🧠 The critical 70-75 person threshold where visibility problems emerge 💡 Transitioning from technical metrics to people-oriented optimization 🔄 Using AI-powered team assembly to reduce team formation from weeks to minutes ⚡ Detecting workload imbalances and meeting inefficiencies across distributed teams 📊 The "ghost engineer" phenomenon and its impact on high-performing teammates 🌱 Building a culture of customer centricity through strategic hiring practices 🚀 Leveraging natural language queries to transcend static dashboards Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to engineering visibility challenges 0:54 - Critical team size thresholds 2:11 - Common engineering leadership pain points 3:49 - Tools limitations in scaling organizations 4:22 - AI-powered team assembly approaches 5:22 - Evaluating engineering metrics frameworks 8:12 - Identifying and addressing people problems 10:20 - Universal engineering management challenges 12:33 - The future of engineering analytics 15:29 - The "ghost engineer" phenomenon 18:05 - Maintaining customer focus at scale 20:10 - Upcoming trends in engineering productivity Transform your understanding of engineering productivity beyond individual performance metrics to organizational optimization through this intellectual exploration of how data can illuminate the human dynamics of technical teams. Join our journey into the future of engineering leadership, where visibility at scale becomes the foundation for sustained innovation and operational excellence.…
Full Scale Ventures Launches & The Power of Venture Studios 🚀 In this transformative episode of Product Driven, host Matt Watson introduces his exciting new venture with Craig Ferril—Full Scale Ventures. They dive deep into the concept of venture studios, exploring various models and explaining why they've launched their own. The conversation reveals how their combined expertise in technology, strategy, and operations positions them to create successful startups with significantly lower risk by leveraging global talent and shared resources. Craig Ferril joins Matt Watson as Chief Strategy Officer for Full Scale Ventures, bringing operational excellence and people-focused leadership to complement Matt's product expertise. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ GET THE PRODUCT DRIVEN BOOK: https://productdriven.com/book EngagePath: https://engagepath.com (Sign up for beta or waitlist) Key Discussion Points: What is a venture studio, and how does it differ from VCs, accelerators, and incubators The advantages of building products with offshore talent at a fraction of US costs Why traditional VC models often fail founders despite successful exits Introduction of their first product: EngagePath—a tool for social selling How Full Scale's existing resources provide an "unfair advantage" in startup creation Episode Chapters: 00:07 - Introduction to Full Scale Ventures 01:39 - Defining the venture studio model 03:31 - Their specific approach to venture building 07:55 - Leveraging Full Scale's existing resources 10:03 - The talent advantage in global teams 13:49 - Problems with traditional VC and PE models 17:23 - The rise of "seed strapping" as an alternative 22:42 - The perfect partnership chemistry 24:19 - Introducing EngagePath, their first product 28:49 - Closing thoughts on their exciting journey Are you intrigued by the venture studio model? Take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey! Visit EngagePath.com to join the waitlist for their first product, or connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn to explore potential collaboration opportunities. If you're looking to build your software product with experienced teams at affordable rates, check out FullScale.io to see how their global talent model can accelerate your vision into reality. Subscribe to the podcast for upcoming episodes featuring more insights from the venture studio's journey!…
🦸♂️ Unlocking CTO Mode: When Technical Leaders Become Innovation Heroes In this intellectually stimulating conversation, Matt Watson and Ron Timoshenko (CIO of Rimbull Health) unpack the multifaceted nature of the CTO role and explore the critical moments when technical leaders must activate their "beast mode" to drive innovation. Through candid discussion about leadership styles, technical debt, and the balance between creativity and process, discover how effective CTOs navigate between wartime innovation and peacetime stability. This thought-provoking dialogue examines the evolving nature of technical leadership and the delicate balance between creative innovation and operational discipline. Through personal anecdotes and industry examples, Matt and Ron explore how CTOs must strategically activate their "Power Rangers helmet" moments—times when bureaucracy gets cut, decisions accelerate, and technical leaders leverage their unique position to solve critical challenges that move organizations forward. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ GET THE PRODUCT DRIVEN BOOK: https://productdriven.com/book Connect with Ron Timoshenko: https://twitter.com/rtimoshenko Website: https://www.ronaldtimoshenko.com/ Key Discussion Points: 🧠 The five dimensions of engineering leadership are strategic, operational, technical, product, and security 💡 The critical balance between creative innovation and disciplined process 🔄 Navigating between "wartime" innovation and "peacetime" stability cycles ⚡ Recognizing when to activate "CTO mode" to overcome organizational barriers 📊 How technical founders create an outsized impact through product understanding 🌱 The evolution from "lone hacker" to strategic technical mentor 🚀 Balancing technical mentorship with product-oriented leadership Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction and role definitions 1:24 - Security considerations in technical leadership 3:02 - Initial perceptions of "CTO mode" 5:14 - Contrasting technical leadership with heroism 8:12 - Balancing artistry with operational discipline 10:58 - Peacetime vs. wartime technical leadership 13:30 - The innovator's dilemma in established companies 16:37 - Beast mode activation through frustration 19:32 - Cutting through organizational bureaucracy 22:12 - The 10X developer phenomenon 24:20 - Product-focused technical mentorship Transform your understanding of technical leadership through this exploration of when and how to activate your own "CTO mode." Whether you're a founder, technical leader, or aspiring CTO, discover the strategic mindset that allows innovation to flourish while maintaining the organizational discipline necessary for sustainable growth.…
The Evolution of Technical Roles in Modern Startups 🚀 In this illuminating conversation, Matt Watson engages with Mark Eagle, a veteran startup advisor and former CTO, to explore the transformative landscape of technical leadership in today's startup ecosystem. They delve into the critical misalignment between prestigious job titles and actual responsibilities, focusing on the evolving CTO role. Mark shares valuable insights on how product thinking is rapidly becoming the defining skill for technical leaders as AI revolutionizes software development practices. Together, they unpack why understanding customer needs, business objectives, and strategic decision-making fundamentally differentiates exceptional technical leaders from those who primarily focus on coding. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ GET THE PRODUCT DRIVEN BOOK: https://productdriven.com/book 🔗 Connect with Mark Eagle: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markeagle/ Key Discussion Points: 🏗️ The fundamental misalignment between CTO titles and actual responsibilities in early-stage startups 💡 Why the combination of product thinking and technical architecture creates successful technical leaders 🔄 How AI and modern development tools are shifting bottlenecks from engineering to product decision-making 👂 The undervalued importance of listening skills for both engineers and sales professionals 🌉 Practical strategies for connecting engineers directly with customers to improve outcomes 🧠 Why strategic trade-off conversations are critical yet frequently overlooked 🚀 The accelerating future of software development as AI capabilities expand 🌱 Intentional versus unintentional technical debt management Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:26 - The Challenges Beyond Technical Skills 01:19 - Defining the CTO Role: Common Misconceptions 03:16 - The Formula for Startup CTO Success 05:15 - How Agile Lost Customer Connection 07:19 - The Importance of Strategic Trade-off Conversations 09:22 - Why Every Executive Is in Sales 11:49 - The Critical Listening Skills for Engineers 14:30 - The Real Product: User Value, Not Code 17:24 - Scaling Beyond Individual Coding 20:47 - The Coming Shift: AI's Impact on Development 22:06 - Product Thinking vs. Technical Skills 24:19 - Closing Thoughts and Contact Information Ready to transform your approach to technical leadership and product development? Download our FREE eBook "Product-First Teams" to learn how successful organizations are reimagining their technical structures for maximum impact. Visit https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams today and start your journey toward more effective, customer-focused technical leadership.…
Engineering Empathy: How Anton Zaides Bridges the Gap Between Developers and Business Needs In this insightful episode of Product Driven, host Matt Watson connects with Anton Zaides, an engineering manager from Israel, to explore how developers can better understand the business context and big picture behind their work. They dive into the transformative impact of AI coding tools, the critical importance of developer empathy, and how firsthand experience with end users dramatically improves product decisions. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Matt and Anton discuss how AI coding tools are dramatically accelerating development, requiring engineers to understand the business context more deeply to make independent decisions. Matt and Anton agree that the traditional separation between "product decides what, engineering decides how" is breaking down, and successful organizations need to distribute product thinking across the entire team. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Connect with Anton Zaides: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-zaides/ Check out Manager.dev : https://www.manager.dev/ Key Discussion Points: How AI coding tools like Cursor are creating a 5-6x productivity boost and shifting development bottlenecks The importance of connecting engineers directly to business outcomes and customer experiences Anton's journey to becoming a licensed drone pilot to understand his agricultural tech customers truly Breaking down silos between product management and engineering teams The future evolution of product and engineering roles in an AI-accelerated development world Episode Chapters: 00:03 - Introduction and Background 01:01 - The Impact of AI on Development Speed 02:18 - Shifting Bottlenecks in Software Development 04:45 - Product Manager and Engineer Dynamics 07:01 - Creating Customer Feedback Loops 09:10 - Anton's Experience Becoming a Drone Pilot 11:52 - The Value of Firsthand User Experience 14:04 - Empathy and Caring for Users 16:24 - Understanding Customer Problems vs Just Using Software 19:22 - Overcoming Fear of Public Content Creation 22:26 - Encouraging Developers to Share Their Work 25:54 - The Evolution of Product and Engineering Roles 29:37 - The Future of Engineering Management Whether you're in engineering leadership, product management, or development, this conversation offers practical strategies for breaking down silos and creating more empathetic, business-focused engineering teams.…
The Developer as the Product: Cory House on Building a Personal Brand in Tech 🚀 In this engaging episode of Product Driven, host Matt Watson reconnects with long-time colleague Cory House, a renowned React consultant, Pluralsight author, and software development thought leader. They explore the fascinating journey of building a personal brand in technology. Cory shares his evolution from full-time developer to independent consultant and how he leveraged content creation, conference speaking, and specialized expertise to create a sustainable business. Cory reveals how narrowing his focus to become a React specialist dramatically increased client inquiries, and shares practical advice on risk management for those considering the independent path. He emphasizes the importance of building your reputation and client base before making the leap to independence, noting that true independence requires intentional preparation rather than impulsive decisions. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ GET THE PRODUCT DRIVEN BOOK: https://productdriven.com/book Connect with Cory House: Twitter/X: @housecor Website: https://reactjsconsulting.com Courses: https://pluralsight.com/authors/cory-house Key Discussion Points: The incremental path to independence: building a side business while maintaining full-time employment Specialized marketing strategies that generated client opportunities without traditional advertising Balancing work, personal time, and productivity as an independent consultant The power of consistent content creation and reputation-building in technical fields Strategic specialization and how to navigate technology trends without getting trapped Episode Chapters: 00:01 - Introduction and Background 01:16 - The Beginning of Cory's Consulting Journey 03:12 - Balancing Personal Time and Productivity 04:51 - Building a Reputation Through Speaking and Content 07:23 - The Path from Social Anxiety to Public Speaking 09:33 - The Long Game of Building a Personal Brand 11:27 - From Side Business to Full Independence 14:22 - The Transition to Full-Time Independence 16:45 - Finding Clients and Managing Risk 18:47 - Content Marketing as a Business Strategy 21:00 - Finding Focus and Audience on Social Media 23:41 - Technology Specialization and Future Trends 27:54 - The Flexibility of Software Development Skills 29:17 - Single Page Applications and Technology Trends 31:42 - Where to Find Cory Online Discover the strategies that transformed Cory from a developer with anxiety about public speaking to a globally recognized technology consultant who's worked with 75 companies over the past decade. A must-listen for developers considering independence or looking to strengthen their personal brand in the technology space!…
The Silent Crisis of Engineering Success: When Output Overshadows Outcomes In this intellectually provocative monologue, Matt Watson challenges the conventional metrics of engineering success, exposing the fundamental disconnect between shipping code and creating genuine customer value. Through compelling narrative and pointed questions, Matt illuminates how the traditional focus on velocity and output has created teams that celebrate deployment rather than impact—leading to the hollow silence of features that fail to resonate with users. As AI accelerates development capabilities, this philosophical misalignment becomes increasingly problematic, demanding a fundamental shift toward product-driven leadership that prioritizes customer outcomes over engineering throughput. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ GET THE PRODUCT DRIVEN BOOK: https://productdriven.com/book Key Discussion Points: 🧠 The existential disconnect between engineering metrics and customer impact 💡 How AI amplifies the consequences of poor product decision-making 🔄 The psychological toll of shipping features that receive no celebration or feedback ⚡ Three transformative strategies for shifting from output-focused to outcome-driven leadership 📊 Redefining "done" as customer impact rather than deployment completion 🌱 Celebrate building rituals around customer value rather than engineering milestones Three actionable approaches to transition toward product-driven leadership: Ask Better Questions - Shift from "what are we building?" to "what problem are we solving?" Redefine Done - Move beyond code deployment to measuring customer impact Celebrate Differently - Create rituals around customer success stories rather than release dates Chapters: 0:00 - The silence that follows deployment 0:38 - The motivational crisis of engineering teams 1:17 - How AI is changing engineering fundamentals 2:38 - The philosophical shift from output to outcomes 3:20 - Three strategies for product-driven leadership 5:02 - The challenge: measuring what truly matters This profound exploration of engineering leadership philosophy serves as both a warning and a roadmap for technical leaders navigating the AI revolution. By questioning the fundamental metrics that drive engineering culture, Matt provides a compelling vision for engineering teams that celebrate impact rather than merely shipping code.…
Product Strategies for Lasting Success: Stephen Pollack on Building Big Picture Plans 🚀 In this enlightening episode of Product Driven, host Matt Watson welcomes veteran tech leader Stephen Pollack of InsightSpin to explore why software developers and organizations struggle with understanding the big picture. Drawing from decades of industry experience, Stephen shares invaluable insights on creating sustainable product strategies, balancing customer-driven development with innovation, and leveraging AI as a strategic team member. Stephen Pollack shares how successful companies avoid the trap of short-term thinking and maintain focus on their North Star vision. He emphasizes that AI represents a transformational technology that can serve as a valuable team member when properly leveraged, particularly for documentation and knowledge synthesis. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Connect with Stephen Pollack: Website: https://insightspin.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenpollack/ Key Discussion Points: Why businesses often fail to create and maintain big-picture product plans How to balance stakeholder input without falling into consensus paralysis The critical importance of focus in product development Strategies for preserving innovation while serving existing customers Practical applications of AI in product management and documentation Episode Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 00:34 - Why Developers Struggle with the Big Picture 02:22 - Stakeholder Alignment Challenges 04:05 - Leadership Decision-Making Dynamics 07:21 - Focus as a Critical Success Factor 09:44 - AI's Impact on Product Development 14:40 - Balancing Customer-Driven vs. Innovation-Driven Approaches 21:15 - The "Shitification" Challenge of Established Products 24:43 - Risk Aversion and Market Disruption 28:37 - Stephen's Background and Services Don't miss this insightful conversation that will challenge you to think beyond tactical implementation and embrace strategic product planning for lasting success.…
Beyond Tech Companies: Product Management in Traditional Industries with Raechel Boston 🛒 In this illuminating episode of Product Driven, host Matt Watson engages with Raechel Boston, a product manager at Kroger, to explore the nuanced landscape of product management and software development within traditional enterprises. Their conversation unveils the stark contrasts between technology practices in established corporations versus startups, examining how bureaucracy, innovation, and customer feedback loops operate in different organizational contexts. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when exploring how AI might transform the landscape, potentially disadvantaging those who function merely as "order takers" while empowering professionals who understand product vision and can leverage these new tools to move exponentially faster. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Connect with Raechel Boston: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raechelboston/ Key Discussion Points: The unique challenges of product management in non-SaaS, traditional industries How bureaucratic processes impact development velocity and innovation The disconnection between technical work and tangible customer value in large organizations Strategies for motivating engineering teams by connecting their work to business outcomes The evolving role of AI in reshaping software development and product management The delicate balance between innovation and stability in established enterprises Episode Chapters: 00:01 - Introduction and Raechel's Background 00:53 - Diversity of Technology Across Industries 02:30 - Startup vs. Enterprise Development Approaches 03:53 - Breaking Free from Corporate Bureaucracy 05:10 - Product Management at a Major Retailer 06:32 - Celebrating Wins and Addressing Negativity Bias 08:47 - Assembly Line Nature of Modern Software Development 11:21 - AI's Impact on Development Roles and Processes 14:05 - Bridging the Gap Between Product and Engineering Teams 16:13 - Internal vs. External Product Development Challenges 18:10 - Fighting Organizational Resistance to Change 19:36 - Innovation vs. Value Delivery in Corporate Settings 21:52 - When Stability Trumps New Features 24:24 - Raechel's TikTok Content on Scrum and Product Management Whether you're navigating corporate technology environments or building products in startups, this episode offers a valuable perspective on how organizational context shapes product development approaches, team dynamics, and ultimately, customer value delivery.…
🔍 Decoding Product-Market Fit: The Critical Journey from Concept to Market Success Journey into the nuanced relationship between product development and market validation with Matt Watson and Pablo Srugo, Partner at Mistral VC and host of the Product Market Fit podcast. This intellectually stimulating conversation explores the elusive phenomenon that transforms promising ideas into market-dominating solutions. This compelling discussion unpacks the critical markers of product-market fit, from quantifiable metrics like 40%+ demo-to-close ratios to qualitative signals such as the Sean Ellis test. Through candid exploration of both success stories and failures, including Pablo's personal journey with GymTrack, discover why timing, market understanding, and the willingness to pivot are fundamental to entrepreneurial success in the complex journey from product conception to market validation. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Find Pablo Srugo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablosrugo/ Podcast The Product Market Fit Show: http://pmf.show Venture Fund: http://mistralvp.com Key Discussion Points: 🧠 Definitive metrics that signal genuine product-market fit 💡 The critical difference between message-market fit and true product-market fit 🔄 How to navigate the challenging "gray area" of partial traction ⚡ Why solving a genuine "top-of-mind" problem is non-negotiable 📊 The counterintuitive relationship between NPS scores and product necessity 🌱 The "opportunity cost" dilemma in knowing when to pivot or persist 🚀 How market timing can transform modest products into exponential successes Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction and guest background 0:51 - Defining product-market fit 2:49 - Scale considerations in market validation 4:56 - Early indicators and metrics analysis 6:43 - Sustainable business without true PMF 9:07 - Managing explosive growth challenges 11:43 - Measuring customer relationship strength 13:43 - Getting to product-market fit methodologies 16:20 - The importance of solving top-of-mind problems 17:31 - Market timing and opportunity convergence 21:41 - Knowing when to pivot or persist 24:43 - The opportunity cost of persistence Transform your understanding of product-market fit beyond theoretical concepts into practical recognition and achievement strategies. Through illuminating case studies and expert analysis, discover how successful entrepreneurs navigate the complex terrain between product creation and market validation to build truly transformative businesses.…
🔄 Engineering Leadership in Daily Standups: The Critical Role of Technical Management In this thought-provoking exploration, Matt Watson challenges conventional wisdom about daily standup meetings, revealing why technical leadership transforms these gatherings from mundane status updates into powerful catalysts for team collaboration, problem identification, and rapid decision-making. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Key Discussion Points: 🧠 Why engineering managers create superior standup dynamics compared to project managers 🔍 Reading team sentiment through body language and conversation flow ⚡ Identifying technical blockers that non-technical managers might miss 🌱 Creating psychological safety for junior developers to seek help 🔄 The startup founder's "superpower" of combining technical and product knowledge 📊 Cultural Considerations Affecting Team Communication Styles 💡 Alternative leadership models for teams with strong senior developers Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to standups controversy 0:32 - Why status reports miss the point 1:12 - Engineering managers' unique perspective 2:18 - Identifying coachable moments 2:49 - Project managers vs. engineering managers 4:22 - Senior developers' self-managed approach 6:44 - The startup founder's advantage 9:03 - Balancing leadership styles This critical analysis transforms our understanding of daily standups from perfunctory rituals into strategic opportunities for team alignment, technical problem-solving, and leadership development. Through Matt's experienced perspective, discover how technical leaders create environments where information flows naturally, blockers become visible, and teams accelerate through challenges rather than merely reporting on them. Transform your team's daily cadence by reimagining standups as collaborative problem-solving sessions rather than administrative checkpoints. Join our community of engineering leaders dedicated to building more effective, communicative technical teams.…
🚀 From Idea to Impact: The Entrepreneur's Journey with James Green In this illuminating conversation, Matt Watson and James Green, Co-founder and General Partner at DQ Ventures, delve into the transformative journey from concept to viable business. Discover why technical brilliance alone isn't enough and how aspiring founders can navigate the challenging path to entrepreneurial success without sacrificing financial stability. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Connect with James Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greenjim/ Website: http://www.dqventures.com Key Discussion Points: 🔍 The fundamental misconception of entrepreneurship as primarily product creation 💡 Why 90% of entrepreneurial success revolves around effective selling 🧠 The critical importance of customer validation before significant product investment ⚡ How technical and non-technical founders approach market opportunities differently 🔄 The challenge of context-switching for technically-minded entrepreneurs 📊 Reframing sales as a problem-solving conversation rather than persuasion 🌱 The innovative "Don't Quit" approach to entrepreneurship while maintaining stability Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction and entrepreneurial landscape 1:41 - The reality of entrepreneurship as primarily sales 3:16 - The myth of overnight startup success 4:31 - Customer validation and market feedback importance 6:31 - Technical vs. non-technical founder success patterns 9:19 - Engineering mindset challenges in sales contexts 12:16 - Context-switching difficulties for technical founders 14:20 - Reframing sales as listening and problem-solving 18:04 - The "Don't Quit" approach to entrepreneurship 20:55 - Risk management in mid-career entrepreneurship 22:09 - Real-world consequences of the all-in approach 24:39 - Resources and support for aspiring entrepreneurs This conversation illuminates the critical bridge between technical expertise and commercial viability, offering profound insights for technically-minded professionals contemplating the entrepreneurial leap. Through James's "Don't Quit" methodology, discover a more sustainable approach to building your business without sacrificing financial security or career stability.…
🧠 The Craftsmanship of Code: Reframing Software Development Beyond Art and Science In this intellectually stimulating exploration, Matt Watson challenges the traditional dichotomy of software development as either art or science, proposing instead a more nuanced understanding of the discipline as a craft built on practical problem-solving and purposeful creation. Through historical context and thoughtful analysis, discover why the evolution from "software development" to "software engineering" reflects our discipline's growing maturity. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Key Discussion Points: 🔍 The historical evolution from computer science to software engineering 🧩 Why traditional scientific methodology poorly describes modern development 🎨 The limitations of viewing code as pure artistic expression ⚙️ The parallels between software creation and skilled craftsmanship 🌉 The distinction between software engineering and traditional engineering disciplines 🛠️ The balance between rigorous methodology and creative problem-solving Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction and historical context 0:45 - The scientific perspective examination 2:29 - Artistic elements in software creation 4:54 - The craftsman analogy introduction 7:19 - Traditional engineering comparisons 9:39 - Evolution of terminology and education This perspective-shifting analysis invites developers to reconsider their professional identity beyond conventional categorizations. By understanding software development as a craft—blending technical expertise with creative problem-solving in service to human needs—we gain a richer appreciation of our discipline's unique position in the professional landscape. Transform your understanding of software development's true nature and embrace the craftsmanship mindset that balances methodical approaches with creative solutions. Join our exploration of this nuanced perspective that honors both the technical precision and human-centered purpose of our work.…
🚀 From Engineer to Founder: Transforming Technical Mindset Through Entrepreneurship Journey with Matt Watson and Abhishek Ray (YC Founder of Opslane) as they explore the profound mindset shift when a technical leader becomes a startup founder. This compelling conversation reveals how entrepreneurship transforms one's perspective on value creation, customer empathy, and the true purpose of technology. This insightful discussion explores Abhishek's journey from being an infrastructure engineer at Robinhood to becoming the solo founder of a Y Combinator-backed startup. Uncover the vital lessons learned when technical skills intersect with business realities and understand why the shift from writing flawless code to delivering real customer value may represent the most significant growth opportunity for technically inclined professionals. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Connect with Abhishek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhishekray00/ Company Opslane: https://opslane.com - Automating front-end bug resolution with AI and session recordings Key Discussion Points: 🔄 The jarring transition from technical perfectionism to customer-centric thinking 💡 Y Combinator's role in accelerating founder mindset development 🎯 Embracing discomfort through cold outreach and customer conversations ⚡ The challenge of context-switching between building and selling 📊 How founding a company transforms one's view of technical value creation 🌱 Learning to embrace ambiguity and value delivery over technical purity Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction and founder journey 1:03 - Opslane origin story and Y Combinator experience 3:33 - The challenge of sales and marketing 5:17 - Developing customer empathy 9:06 - Infrastructure engineers vs. product engineers 13:43 - Code perfectionism vs. business value 16:15 - Managing founder context switching 19:14 - Value delivery and business impact 22:40 - Professional growth through entrepreneurship Transform your technical perspective by understanding how entrepreneurship fundamentally reshapes one's relationship with technology development. Discover why the most valuable engineers aren't necessarily the ones solving the hardest technical problems, but those who deliver the most meaningful business outcomes.…
🔄 CTO & CEO: Navigating the Startup Leadership Dynamic Explore the critical relationship between CTOs and CEOs in startup environments with Matt Watson. This illuminating episode unpacks the communication challenges, expectation management, and strategic alignment necessary for productive technical leadership in early-stage companies. Drawing from real-world scenarios of startup friction, Matt Watson provides invaluable insights on how CTOs can effectively collaborate with CEOs while maintaining technical integrity. Discover practical frameworks for balancing innovation demands with technical realities, and learn why ownership, clear expectations, and strategic roadmapping create the foundation for successful leadership partnerships. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Key Discussion Points: 🎯 Taking complete ownership as a fundamental leadership principle 📈 Creating and maintaining strategic roadmaps amid changing priorities ⏱️ Setting realistic expectations that build trust and credibility 🔄 Navigating the innovation vs. stability trade-off 💡 Establishing regular priority-setting sessions with executives 🛠️ Balancing MVP development with technical excellence Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to CTO-CEO relationship challenges 1:04 - Common friction points and frustrations 2:18 - Managing to change priorities and expectations 4:30 - Setting honest timelines and building trust 6:55 - Understanding necessary technical trade-offs 9:13 - Taking ownership and establishing clear plans Transform your CTO-CEO relationship through strategic communication and expectation management. Discover how ownership, planning, and honest dialogue create the foundation for successful technical leadership in startup environments.…
🔄 The Product Manager Paradox: Finding Balance Between Ownership and Guidance In this provocative exploration of developer-product manager dynamics, Matt Watson and Nick Humrich deconstruct the double-edged relationship between technical teams and product leadership. Through the lens of Nick's unique experience at AWS Elastic Beanstalk, discover how direct customer engagement transformed his effectiveness and what lessons modern engineering organizations can extract from this counterintuitive success story. This intellectually stimulating conversation unpacks Nick's unconventional experience building AWS Elastic Beanstalk's CLI without significant product management oversight—and how this apparent gap actually accelerated his ability to deliver customer value. By eliminating traditional intermediaries, Nick found himself directly engaged with developers through Twitter and Stack Overflow, creating a tight feedback loop that dramatically shortened development cycles and deepened his empathy for user frustrations. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Find Nick Humrich on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nhumrich/ Key Discussion Points: 🔍 How direct customer engagement transformed Nick's productivity at AWS 🌐 The shortened feedback loop when developers engage directly with users 🧠 Customer empathy development through unmediated user interaction ⚡ The "mythical 10x developer" phenomenon and its relationship to process elimination 🔄 Balancing strategic oversight with engineering autonomy 📊 The risk of "enshidification" when product teams overly iterate features 🌱 Different organizational structures for product management effectiveness Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction and background 1:01 - The AWS experience without product management 3:16 - Redefining developer productivity 5:06 - Taking ownership and fostering creativity 6:51 - The mythology of 10x developers explained 8:17 - Customer feedback through Stack Overflow 10:41 - Developer empathy for customers 13:18 - Developer enthusiasm and motivation 15:29 - Internal vs. external customer dynamics 17:41 - Balancing product management value 20:10 - Strategic alignment and micromanagement 22:50 - The startup founder advantage Discover how rethinking the traditional boundaries between product and engineering might unlock deeper innovation, stronger customer connections, and more engaged development teams. Join our exploration of creating technical organizations that balance strategic direction with developer autonomy and genuine user empathy.…
🤝 The Unexpected Kinship: Why Great Software Engineers Make Exceptional Salespeople Join Matt Watson for an illuminating exploration of the surprising parallel between software engineering and sales mastery. This thought-provoking episode challenges conventional wisdom by revealing how the core competencies that define exceptional engineers—deep listening, problem-solving, and creative thinking—mirror those of truly effective salespeople. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Key Discussion Points: 🎯 The fundamental connection between engineering and consultative selling 🧠 How engineers' problem-solving approach mirrors effective sales methodology 💡 Reframing "sales" as a logical problem-solving conversation 🔄 The shared skillset of deep listening and creative solution development ⚡ Internal advocacy as an inherent form of sales within engineering teams 📊 Breaking down the psychological barriers between technical and sales mindsets Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to the unexpected parallel 0:31 - The consultative sales methodology explained 1:21 - Truck shopping as a metaphor for understanding user needs 2:01 - Engineers' natural problem-solving advantage 2:28 - The distinction from high-pressure sales tactics 3:03 - Internal advocacy as everyday sales practice This perspective-shifting analysis invites technical professionals to recognize their latent sales capabilities and leverage them for greater impact—whether advocating for technical decisions, understanding user needs, or potentially stepping into entrepreneurial roles. By reframing sales as a logical, empathetic problem-solving process rather than manipulative persuasion, Matt creates a bridge between two worlds often perceived as fundamentally incompatible. Discover how embracing this unexpected kinship can transform your approach to user engagement, product development, and professional growth. Join our exploration of the surprising intersection between technical excellence and effective human connection.…
🎯 Engineering Leadership: The Power of Ownership with Taha Hussein Join Matt Watson and former Microsoft, Walmart, and Yahoo engineering manager Taha Hussein for an illuminating discussion on fostering ownership in engineering teams. This episode delves deep into the psychological and emotional dimensions of leadership that transform good engineers into exceptional leaders. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ 🔍 Key Discussion Points: Why emotional intelligence trumps technical skills in leadership The "Rider and Elephant" model of behavioral change Breaking through self-limiting beliefs in technical teams How to scale ownership culture in large organizations The critical balance between challenging and supporting team members ⏱ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and the importance of ownership 01:12 - Understanding barriers to taking ownership 02:39 - The reactive vs. proactive mindset in engineering 05:37 - The Drama Triangle in team dynamics 11:24 - Creating psychological safety in teams 15:20 - Building confidence in technical teams 18:27 - Emotional intelligence in engineering leadership 21:44 - The Rider and Elephant analogy 25:48 - Overview of leadership development courses 📝 Featured Quote: "People who don't like themselves, thinking 'I did something bad, I'm a bad person,' they're not gonna do anything good. You want to give them a good feeling that they're good and they can still make those changes." - Taha Hussein 🎓 Special Offer: Access Taha's FREE course on ownership - limited time offer for listeners! Click here: https://taha-hussain-f902.mykajabi.com/top-tech-leader/ Connect with Taha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahahussain/ 📣 Ready to Transform Your Leadership Journey? Whether you're an aspiring engineering leader or a seasoned CTO, this episode offers invaluable insights into building high-performing teams through emotional intelligence and ownership. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more leadership wisdom. Share your thoughts: How do you foster ownership in your team?…
🎯 CTO Leadership: Beyond the Code - A Product-First Perspective In this thought-provoking episode, Matt Watson challenges the common assumption that CTOs should be the best engineers on their teams. Instead, he presents a compelling case for why CTOs should primarily be product visionaries who can bridge business challenges with technological solutions. 🤝 Connect and Engage: Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ 🔍 Key Discussion Points: Why technical expertise alone doesn't define great CTO leadership The critical importance of customer-centric problem-solving Balancing technical knowledge with strategic business thinking The distinct personality traits needed for effective CTO leadership ⏱ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Should CTOs be the best engineers? 00:45 - The product-focused CTO perspective 01:30 - Technology stack flexibility and problem-solving 02:00 - Leadership vs. technical expertise 02:24 - Final thoughts on customer-centric leadership 🎯 Ready to Transform Your Technical Leadership Journey? Join our growing community of forward-thinking technology leaders who are reshaping the role of CTOs. Whether you're aspiring to become a CTO or looking to evolve your leadership style, subscribe now and hit the notification bell to stay ahead of the curve. Share your thoughts in the comments: What qualities do you think make an exceptional CTO? Let's continue this crucial conversation about the future of technical leadership. 🚀…
Mastering the Human Side of Tech: Essential Soft Skills for Engineers 🚀 Join Matt Watson and cybersecurity expert Evgeniy Kharam for an illuminating exploration of the often-overlooked yet crucial soft skills that define successful technical professionals. From communication mastery to emotional intelligence, discover why technical excellence alone isn't enough in today's collaborative engineering landscape. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ 🎯 Key Insights: Why courage underpins all essential soft skills in tech The critical connection between vulnerability and growth How different personality types shape team dynamics Practical strategies for developing communication skills ⏱️ Episode Timeline: 00:00 - Introduction & Soft Skills Overview 03:11 - Defining Core Soft Skills 05:14 - The Challenge of Technical Personalities 09:36 - Courage as a Fundamental Skill 13:39 - Practical Tips for Skill Development 21:16 - The Power of Ownership 23:03 - Understanding Different Personality Types 31:31 - Action Steps & Resources 💡 Featured Insights: Box breathing techniques for managing presentation anxiety The "80/20 rule" approach to skill development Why technical professionals struggle with vulnerability Strategies for effective remote communication 📚 Resources Mentioned: "Surrounded by Idiots" - Understanding Personality Types Soft Skills Development Plan (SSDP) - Available at softskilltech.ca Evgeniy's Book on Technical Sales & Communication Connect with Evgeniy: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evgeniy-kharam Website: https://www.softskillstech.ca/ 🎯 Ready to Level Up Your Soft Skills? Hit subscribe and the notification bell to join our community of technical professionals committed to growth. Share your biggest communication challenge in the comments - let's learn and grow together!…
The #1 Challenge Facing Startup CTOs: Leadership Evolution 🚀 A deep dive into every technical founder's critical transition: evolving from brilliant architect to scalable leader. Matt Watson unpacks why even the most technically gifted CTOs can become organizational bottlenecks, and presents a revolutionary framework for engineering leadership success. 🔍 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ 📝 Key Insights: Why technical brilliance alone isn't enough The three pillars of engineering leadership Strategic solutions for scaling your engineering team Real-world case study of leadership transformation ⏱️ Episode Breakdown: 00:00 - The Core Challenge 00:34 - Defining the CTO Role 01:30 - The Bottleneck Problem 02:55 - Solutions & Leadership Types 03:45 - Scaling Strategies 🎯 Ready to Transform Your Engineering Leadership? Subscribe now and hit the notification bell to join thousands of tech leaders who are receiving weekly insights on scaling engineering teams effectively. Leave a comment below sharing your biggest leadership challenge - let's solve it together!…
🎙️ Unlocking Perfect Product Timing with Paul Orlando: Why Now? Join us for an insightful conversation with Paul Orlando, author of "Why Now? Good Timing Makes Great Products" as we explore the critical role of timing in product development and startup success. Drawing from decades of experience as a founder, advisor, and professor, Paul shares fascinating frameworks for understanding market timing and making strategic product decisions. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscale.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ 🔍 Key Discussion Points: The myth of "first-mover advantage" and what research really shows Historical case studies of products that were "too early" vs "just right" How timing drivers like technology, regulation, and crises create opportunities Framework for evaluating if your organization should move fast or wait Practical approaches to timing product launches and feature releases ⏱️ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 02:36 - Paul's Experience with Early Audio Social Networks 04:51 - Evolution of Software Platforms and Market Waves 06:20 - First Mover Advantage: Myths and Reality 08:45 - Historical Example: AT&T's 1960s Video Phones 10:54 - Case Study: Early Mobile Photography Challenges 13:20 - COVID as a Timing Driver 19:25 - Frameworks for Evaluating Market Timing 21:51 - The Impact of Infrastructure Costs on Innovation 24:40 - Final Thoughts and Resources 📚 Featured Book: " Why Now? Good Timing Makes Great Products " by Paul Orlando Available on Amazon 🌐 Additional Resources: Paul's Blog: https://startupsunplugged.com 🎯 Ready to master product timing? Subscribe to Product Driven for weekly insights on building successful products. Hit that notification bell to never miss an episode, and join our community of innovative product leaders!…
🎯 CTO Leadership: Navigating Peacetime vs. Wartime Strategies Dive deep into the dynamic role of CTOs and how their leadership approach drastically shifts between peacetime and wartime scenarios. Matt Watson breaks down why established companies and startups require fundamentally different CTO strategies, and how some organizations must navigate both simultaneously. Explore the fascinating dichotomy between peacetime CTOs (focused on stability and calculated risks) and wartime CTOs (driving rapid innovation and quick decisions). Learn why some companies need both approaches and the challenges this creates for technical leadership. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ 💡 Core Insights: Peacetime CTOs prioritize stability and risk management Wartime CTOs focus on rapid innovation and quick execution Many companies must balance both approaches simultaneously Company stage directly influences CTO leadership style The challenges of maintaining dual operational modes ⏱️ Key Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to CTO Responsibilities 00:37 - Peacetime vs. Wartime Leadership 01:16 - Established Company CTOs 01:37 - Startup CTO Requirements 02:40 - Managing Both Modes 03:37 - Balancing Innovation and Stability…
🎯 Engineering Communication Excellence: Breaking Down Barriers with Josh Herzig-Marx A deep dive into transforming how product teams communicate with engineers, featuring expert insights from coach Josh Herzig-Marx. Learn practical frameworks for better collaboration, effective requirement documentation, and creating a culture of open dialogue in tech teams. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ 🔑 Key Discussion Points: Why perfect documentation isn't the answer and what to focus on instead The power of visual storytelling in product development How to engage engineers earlier in the product process Transforming engineers from order-takers to strategic partners Creating psychological safety for better team conversations ⏱️ Episode Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:11 - Early Stage Company Challenges 04:04 - The Problem with Perfect Documentation 07:18 - Managing Trade-offs in Development 13:07 - User Story Mapping and Visual Tools 16:44 - The Power of Storytelling in Requirements 20:23 - Google's Approach to Product Vision 24:01 - Top Challenges in Early-Stage Companies 26:39 - Bringing Engineers into the Process Earlier 28:36 - Rethinking Documentation Approaches 30:17 - The Importance of Fundamentals 💡 Featured Insights: "The goal of documents isn't to better communicate, it's to have better conversations." - Josh Herzig-Marx 📚 Resources Mentioned: RANDS Leadership Slack Community Josh's Website: jhm.lol User Story Mapping Techniques Lenny's Slack Community 🎯 Ready to transform your engineering communication? Hit subscribe and the notification bell to never miss insights on building better product teams. Leave a comment with your biggest communication challenge - let's solve it together!…
🎯 Product Management Evolution: Roles, Responsibilities & Future Trends In this insightful episode of Product Driven, Matt Watson and Jerel dive deep into the evolving landscape of product management, exploring the crucial distinctions between product managers, product owners, and project managers. They unpack how these roles contribute differently to software development teams and discuss why understanding these differences is vital for building successful products. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ 🎙️ Episode Summary: Explore the transformative world of product management as Matt and Jerel break down the key differences between project and product mindsets. Learn why product managers focus on outcomes while project managers concentrate on outputs, and discover how AI is reshaping these roles. The conversation highlights the importance of product thinking in engineering teams and why software developers need to evolve into "mini product owners" in an AI-driven future. Key Discussion Points: The fundamental differences between product management and project management Why project managers may be less valuable in modern software teams The CPO framework: Customer, Problem, Outcome How startup founders embody the ideal product management mindset The evolution of product management roles in the age of AI Why engineers need to develop stronger product thinking skills Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Role Definitions 02:31 - Project vs Product Management Comparison 06:27 - Understanding Product Management 09:13 - Scaling Product Teams 15:18 - Product Manager vs Product Owner 20:06 - The Future of Software Development 22:17 - Product Management Specialization 24:59 - Engineering and Product Management Integration 🎯 Ready to Transform Your Product Journey? Don't miss out on future episodes packed with actionable insights and expert perspectives! Hit subscribe, enable notifications 🔔, and join our growing community of product-driven innovators. Share your thoughts in the comments below – what's your take on the future of product management?…
🔄 From Hero to Leader: The Evolution of the Modern CTO Join Matt Watson and CTO coach Adam Horner in an insightful exploration of the transformative journey from technical hero to strategic leader. Discover why successful CTOs must evolve beyond individual technical contributions to drive organizational success through strategic leadership. This comprehensive discussion examines the critical transition phases of technical leadership, from founding engineer to executive CTO. Through practical insights and real-world experiences, learn how to navigate the challenging path from hands-on problem solver to strategic business leader while maintaining technical credibility. 🔗 Essential Links (Start Here!): Full Episodes: https://product-driven.captivate.fm/episodes Connect with Matt Watson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://fullscaleteam.com/newsletter Get our FREE Ebook: https://fullscaleteam.com/productfirstteams Powered by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/ Key Discussion Points: 🎯 The four stages of CTO evolution 💡 Transitioning from firefighter to strategist 🔄 Balancing technical expertise with leadership ⚡ Executive team integration strategies 📊 Product-driven leadership approaches 🌱 Building empathy across engineering teams Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction to modern CTO challenges 3:14 - Four stages of CTO development 5:08 - Strategic thinking importance 7:01 - Managing firefighting mode 10:05 - Delegation and ownership 14:29 - Executive communication strategies 18:28 - Product focus importance 21:56 - Engineering empathy development 27:15 - Communication fundamentals 30:38 - Closing thoughts and resources Transform your technical leadership approach through strategic thinking and business alignment. Join our community of forward-thinking technology leaders shaping the future of software development.…
مرحبًا بك في مشغل أف ام!
يقوم برنامج مشغل أف أم بمسح الويب للحصول على بودكاست عالية الجودة لتستمتع بها الآن. إنه أفضل تطبيق بودكاست ويعمل على أجهزة اندرويد والأيفون والويب. قم بالتسجيل لمزامنة الاشتراكات عبر الأجهزة.