Delight: Building Emotional Connections in Products with Nesrine Changuel

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, host Mike Belsito sits down with Nesrine Changuel, a seasoned product manager with an impressive track record at Spotify, Skype, and Google, to explore the transformative power of emotional connection in product design. Nesrine’s upcoming book, Delight, introduces the concept of the Delight Grid framework—a practical tool to help product teams prioritize features that not only solve problems but also resonate deeply with users. Through her research and real-world experience, she shares how to move beyond functional solutions to create products that genuinely delight. Join us for an exclusive sneak preview of Nesrine’s insights, including actionable steps to start building emotional connections in your own products, the challenges teams face when adopting this approach, and how delighting your users ties directly to business outcomes. Whether you're leading a product team or simply passionate about creating user-centric experiences, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to elevate your product strategy.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we look ahead to the pivotal trends set to shape the tech world in 2025. From the continued evolution of AI in redefining how we interact with the web to a predicted rebound in tech jobs, we explore what these changes mean for product managers, technologists, and businesses alike. With social media consolidating around a few dominant platforms and the growing push for child safety in AI chatbots, this year promises both innovation and challenges that will redefine the industry landscape. Join us as we dive into the key stories driving these predictions, including the role of AI as a browser alternative, the rise of sustainability-focused tech jobs, and how TikTok might survive regulatory pressures. Whether you're a seasoned product leader or simply curious about what's next, this episode offers insights and actionable takeaways to help you navigate the tech industry's future.

From groundbreaking innovations to industry-shaking controversies, 2024 was a year that kept us on our toes in tech. In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we uncover six defining stories that shaped the landscape for product managers, tech leaders, and innovators alike. Whether you're leading a product team or simply keeping an eye on the ever-changing world of technology, these stories will give you the context you need to stay ahead. Join us as we explore how these pivotal moments unfolded and their lasting impact on our industry. From unexpected market shifts to revolutionary product launches, we break down what mattered most—and why. This is your front-row seat to the trends and turning points that made 2024 a year to remember for the tech world.

In this episode, Melika Hope, Director of Product at Spotify, shares her candid journey of navigating this leap and provides actionable insights for aspiring leaders. Drawing from her 15+ years of experience, managing teams across continents, Melika introduces her "4 Ds" framework: Decide, Declare, Demonstrate, and Deliver, to help you become one of the exceptional few who excel in people management. Whether you're contemplating your first leadership role or looking to refine your management style, this episode is packed with lessons on coaching, declaring your goals, and overcoming the pitfalls of early leadership. Melika's energy, personal stories, and strategic advice make this a must-listen for product managers and product leaders aiming to make a lasting impact.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we flip the script as Mike Belsito, Co-Founder of Product Collective, takes the guest seat to share his journey from entrepreneur to product leader. Interviewed by his longtime co-host Michael Sacca, Mike dives into the foundational skills every product manager needs, the importance of customer empathy, and how evolving tools like AI are reshaping the role. He also reflects on his early uncertainties and how building community and continuous learning helped him thrive. Whether you’re an aspiring product manager looking to avoid common mistakes or a seasoned professional eager to revisit the essentials, this episode is packed with actionable insights. From navigating frameworks to balancing soft and hard skills, Mike offers a candid, relatable perspective on what it takes to succeed in today’s fast-changing product landscape.

What does it mean to lead with impact in a world of uncertainty, ambiguity, and endless best practices? In this compelling episode of Rocketship.FM, we explore how product teams can directly tie their work to measurable business success, ensuring alignment with company goals while resisting the low-impact work that often derails progress. Drawing from the soon-to-be-released book Impact First Product Teams, our guest shares actionable insights on setting meaningful team goals, keeping impact at the forefront of every step, and avoiding the pitfalls of "low-impact death spirals." Whether you're a product manager navigating tricky trade-offs or a leader seeking clarity in your team’s contributions, this episode offers a blueprint for building resilient, results-oriented product teams.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, world-renowned positioning and marketing expert April Dunford joins us to share her insights on crafting sales pitches that close deals and win markets. Drawing from her book Sales Pitch, April dives into the art of creating a compelling narrative that helps your customers confidently choose your product over competitors—and the dreaded "do nothing." In this recording of her keynote talk from INDUSTRY: The Product Conference in 2023, April breaks down her proven step-by-step framework for building a pitch that communicates your differentiated value, positions your product as the clear solution, and guides prospects through the buying journey. From the role of discovery and demos to understanding why “do nothing” is your fiercest competitor, she covers everything you need to transform your pitch into a powerful storytelling tool. Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or sales leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you stand out in any crowded market.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we tackle one of the most critical and overlooked elements of the product marketing mix: pricing. Joining us is Bill Wilson, Founder and CEO of Pace Pricing, a SaaS pricing expert with a background as a founder and product leader. Bill shares insights into how pricing has evolved, the common pitfalls companies face, and why leveraging data is key to getting it right. We also explore the psychological effects of pricing on buyers, the challenges of pricing AI products in today’s rapidly changing landscape, and the necessity of embracing change as markets evolve. Whether you’re starting fresh or reevaluating your pricing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice and resources to help you find success.

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we dive into the world of Product Operations with Jenny Wanger, an expert in product ops coaching for product leaders. Together, we unpack the foundations of Product Operations, exploring how it enables product teams to focus on what truly matters — building great products. Jenny shares insights on implementing product ops practices effectively, even for teams without a dedicated product ops function. From understanding the four pillars of product ops to establishing a product-centric culture, this episode is packed with actionable advice for teams looking to elevate their operational efficiency. Whether you’re just starting your product ops journey or seeking ways to refine your current approach, Jenny offers a wealth of knowledge on best practices, potential pitfalls, and the strategic impact of product ops done right. Tune in to learn how Product Operations can become the backbone of your product strategy, helping you streamline workflows, enhance cross-functional collaboration, and create a scalable process that grows with your team.

In this special episode of Rocketship.FM, we welcome back the podcast’s original founder, Michael Sacca, for a unique and insightful conversation. Recently appointed as CEO of Leadpages, Michael brings with him a wealth of experience from his years as a product executive across early-stage startups. Now, he faces the challenge of leading an established, well-known company through a period of growth and innovation. This episode explores Michael's approach to his new role, his vision for the future of Leadpages, and the mindset shifts he's making as he moves from product leader to CEO. Join us as we dive into Michael’s journey, the strategic decisions he's prioritizing, and his perspective on building a resilient product team. For product managers and product leaders alike, Michael’s story offers invaluable insights into leadership, adaptation, and growth. Whether you're a longtime fan of Rocketship.FM or new to the show, this episode is a must-listen for those curious about the path from product builder to company leader.