Supra Insider

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben sat down with Tal Raviv, an experienced product manager and AI enthusiast, to explore the intersection of AI and productivity in product management. Tal shares insights from his career, including his time as the first PM at Riverside and his work building generative AI features.We dove deep into the myths surrounding AI's role in product management, the power of context when working with tools like Claude and ChatGPT, and practical use cases for both co-pilots and agents. Tal also shared tips on creating a personal productivity system and how product managers can use AI to become more effective and impactful in their roles. Whether you're new to AI or looking to level up your approach, this episode has something for you.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* The myths surrounding AI in product management and its potential to reshape workflows* The distinction between AI co-pilots and agents and their applications in work* Practical use cases for leveraging AI tools like Claude to enhance productivity* Building a personal productivity system to manage tasks, time, and stress effectively* How foundational productivity skills amplify the effectiveness of AI tools* Exploring the balance between offloading routine tasks and improving strategic thinking* Insights into career transitions, solopreneurship, and redefining personal success* Predictions for the future of AI's role in product management* Inspiration and practical advice for professionals at all levels* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Tal Raviv: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talsraviv/* Tal’s Maven Course: https://maven.com/tal-raviv/product-manager-productivity-system* Claude: https://www.claude.ai* Reflect: https://reflect.app/* Granola: https://www.granola.ai/* Grain: https://grain.com/* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed:And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben sat down with Sunil (Sunny) Chaudhary, a former product leader turned recruitment director at Riviera Partners, one of the top recruiting firms in tech. Sunny shares his journey from leading product teams to helping companies hire the right product leaders, offering a unique perspective from both sides of the hiring table.In this episode, Sunny also dives deep into how the product leadership market is evolving, from the rising demand for AI expertise to the increasing focus on doers over managers. He shares actionable advice for candidates on standing out in competitive hiring processes, breaking into AI roles, and navigating compensation trends for super senior ICs and managers.Whether you’re a product leader looking to land your next role or a founder hiring for a critical product position, Sunny’s insights into market trends, recruiter dynamics, and interview best practices are invaluable.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* How hiring priorities are changing and the rise of specialized product roles* What companies are looking for in AI product leaders and how candidates without AI experience can position themselves* Key strategies and traits of the top 1% of candidates in product leadership* How senior IC roles are catching up with or surpassing managerial positions in pay and equity* The current state of workplace flexibility and its impact on hiring* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Sunil (Sunny) Chaudhary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunilchaudhary/* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed:And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben sat down with Gibson Biddle, former VP of Product at Netflix and Chief Product Officer at Chegg. Gib shares his journey from full-time product leadership to becoming an interim and fractional executive, driven by the desire to live life on his own terms. He discussed his strategies for balancing impact and flexibility, the importance of continuous learning, and his passion for teaching and storytelling.Gib also talked about building engaging content, like his well-loved product strategy workshops, and organizing the Product Leader Summit. Whether you're a product leader looking for practical insights or someone seeking inspiration to live a more fulfilling life, this episode has something for you.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* Gib’s transition from traditional product roles to fractional CPO work* The motivation behind semi-retirement and redefining success personally and professionally* Strategies for scaling impact as a product leader through content, including talks and courses* The importance of structured feedback and how Gib uses NPS to improve his presentations* How Gib engages audiences in both in-person and virtual settings* Key lessons from organizing the Product Leader Summit and what makes it unique* Insights from Gib’s first cohort on Maven and his plans for future workshops* Reflections on balancing life and work through meaningful experiments and adventures* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Gib’s website: https://www.gibsonbiddle.com/* Gib’s Substack: https://askgib.substack.com/* Gib’s upcoming Maven Course: https://maven.com/gibson-biddle/product-strategy-short-workshop* Gib’s Medium Articles: https://gibsonbiddle.medium.com/* Gib’s 2023 Pacific Crest Trail backpack trip updates * Gib’s LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gibsonbiddle/* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed:And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Today’s episode is a re-release of one of our most popular episodes on the podcast: our conversation with Josh Doody, a renowned salary negotiation coach and author of Fearless Salary Negotiation. With the job market shifting and more people navigating complex career moves, we thought it was the perfect time to bring back Josh's invaluable advice on negotiating job offers.This episode covers why changing companies can be key to maximizing your compensation, the best practices for salary negotiation, and common mistakes to avoid. It’s packed with practical strategies and tips to help you approach salary discussions with confidence and make the most of your opportunities. This is a must-listen for anyone preparing for interviews or hoping to elevate their career trajectory.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* Why changing companies every few years can significantly impact your compensation* The key differences between negotiating within your current company vs. negotiating a new offer* Common pitfalls to avoid during the negotiation process* Why you should never reveal your salary expectations early in the conversation* The most effective timeline for starting your negotiation preparation* The role of market dynamics and how they influence salary discussions* How to strategically use competing offers to your advantage* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Fearless Salary Negotiation: https://fearlesssalarynegotiation.com/about/* Josh Doody: https://www.joshdoody.com/* Josh Doody’ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJoshDoody* Josh Doody LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshdoody/* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed: And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben are joined by John Cutler and Joshua Herzig-Marx (friends of the show) to explore a growing trend in the product community: product leaders struggling to find their next roles. We discussed the contributing factors to this trend, including the flattening of product organizations, the rise of super IC PMs, and the influence of AI. The conversation dives into practical advice for product leaders navigating these challenges and what the future might hold for product leadership.For anyone who is navigating the evolving product management landscape, considering a career transition, or interested in how AI and organizational shifts are reshaping the role of product leaders, this episode is for you.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* The current trend of product leaders taking longer to find new roles* Contributing factors such as the flattening of product organizations* The role of AI in changing product leadership dynamics* The emergence of the Super IC PM* The impact of companies focusing on efficiency and reducing team sizes* Advice for product managers in transition and those considering a role change* Predictions for the future of product leadership in the next decade* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Joshua Herzig-Marx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaherzigmarx/* Joshua Herzig-Marx’s Website: https://jhm.lol/* Carla Naumburg (JHM’s wife): https://www.carlanaumburg.com/* John Cutler: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpcutler/* John Cutler’s Substack: https://cutlefish.substack.com/* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed:And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben sit down with Ben Sprecher, CPO at an AI startup and a longtime product leader with 24 years of experience in AI. They explore Ben’s fascinating journey from founding a company that was acquired by Google to leading AI initiatives. In this episode, we dive into a futuristic bet Ben made 25 years ago on the future of AI, the concept of the "AI demo trap"—a pitfall many companies fall into—and actionable frameworks to avoid it.If you’re a founder, product manager, or someone looking to enhance your AI strategy, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice to help you navigate the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* Ben’s 25-year bet on AI and how close it came to reality* The "AI demo trap" and how companies get stuck in it* Frameworks for assessing AI projects that avoid common pitfalls* Shifting from a defensive AI strategy to an offensive, disruptive approach* Tips for product managers on adjusting the product development process for AI* Practical steps to turn AI buzz into products that deliver real customer value* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Ben Sprecher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bensprecher/* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed: And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben sat down with Alex Hanthorn (Drift, TripleByte, Nielsen) to explore the evolving world of user research. From scrappy research methods in early-stage startups to the more formalized processes at large tech companies, we delve into the challenges and opportunities of understanding user motivations. Alex shares insights from his experiences, including his time working with companies from Taco Bell, and discusses the art of balancing intuition with data. This episode is packed with actionable advice for founders, product managers, and anyone looking to improve their approach to user research.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* Alex’s journey from user research into product management* How startups can quickly validate ideas with scrappy research methods* The importance of uncovering user motivations beyond surface-level feedback* Examples of research techniques used at companies like Taco Bell and Canvas* Balancing speed, precision, and risk in product decisions* The role of AI in accelerating user research and potential pitfalls* Best practices for involving product designers, engineers, and stakeholders in research* Using AI tools and call transcription to streamline the process* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Alex Hanthorn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-hanthorn/* Alex’s website: https://www.alexhanthorn.com/* Continuous Discovery Habits by Teresa Torres: https://www.amazon.com/Continuous-Discovery-Habits-Discover-Products/dp/1736633309* Outset: https://www.outset.ai/* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed:And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben are joined by Varun Puri, CEO and co-founder of Yoodli, a platform helping people improve their public speaking skills. Varun shares his journey from working with Sergey Brin at Google to taking the leap into entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into Varun’s time at Google X, the early days of building Yoodli, the harsh realities of founding a company, and the joys of actually making a difference. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring founders and product leaders who want to hear an honest account of the highs and lows of startup life.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* Varun’s experience reporting directly to Sergey Brin at Google and Google X* His transition from a Google PM to founding Yoodli* Challenges of building a public speaking platform* The realities of entrepreneurship, from personal sacrifices to celebrating wins* Lessons learned from building a consumer-focused product and pivoting to enterprise sales* Advice for product leaders thinking about starting their own business* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Varun Puri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varun-puri001/* Yoodli: https://yoodli.ai/* Esha Joshi (Yoodli’s other co-founder): https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshajoshi/* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed:And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben sat down with Melissa Chi, COO and former head of product at Pathpoint. We explore Melissa's transition from a product leader to COO, the importance of maintaining user empathy in a remote, operations-heavy environment, and how she continues to support and coach her team. Melissa also shares insights on managing time effectively, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and prioritization in a growth-stage startup. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow their career in leadership while maintaining a user-centered approach.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* Melissa’s transition from head of product to COO at Pathpoint* How Melissa stays connected to her users in a remote environment* The importance of coaching and building empathy with teams* Managing time effectively as a leader with multiple functions* Leveraging cross-functional collaboration and direct communication* Long-term career planning and goal-setting* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Melissa Chi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-chi-0073989/* The LNO Framework by Shreyas Doshi: https://www.dualoop.com/blog/shreyas-doshi-the-lno-effectiveness-framework* Energy Audit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HmaRdtk8R5GQtMj72Y6XhHTru5SQAiiqDfDP3qy73k4/edit * Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed:And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com

Welcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben sat down with longtime friends and co-founders, Joshua Herzig-Marx and Ben Sprecher, to explore their journey from childhood friendship to building a company that was acquired by Google. In this candid conversation, Joshua and Ben share their co-founder origin story, the challenges they faced scaling a startup, and how they managed their relationship through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. They also dive into the crucial lessons learned from hiring a CEO, pivoting their business model, and making tough decisions to ensure a successful exit. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for anyone thinking about finding a co-founder or navigating the early stages of a startup.All episodes of the podcast are also available on Spotify, Apple and YouTube (video).New to the pod? Subscribe below to get the next episode in your inbox 👇In this episode, we covered the following topics:* Josh and Ben’s co-founder origin story, from childhood friends to business partners* The importance of trust and intellectual respect between co-founders* Why finding a co-founder with complementary skill sets can save a startup from failure* The decision to hire a CEO and how it shaped their company’s trajectory* Navigating the emotional challenges of running a startup and maintaining a strong co-founder relationship* The pivotal moments that led to their startup being acquired by Google* Lessons learned from balancing long-term vision with short-term opportunities* And more!If you’d like to watch the video of our conversation, you can catch that on YouTube:Links:* Joshua Herzig-Marx: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaherzigmarx/* Josh’s site: https://joshua.herzig-marx.com/* Ben Sprecher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bensprecher/* Josh’s wife Carla Naumberg’s new book, How to Stop Freaking Out: https://www.carlanaumburg.com/books/how-to-stop-freaking-out/* Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benerez/* Marc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcbaselga/If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend or colleague 👇Also, if you’re a new subscriber, we encourage you to check out some of the recent episodes you might have missed:And here are some less recent favorites: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit suprainsider.substack.com