From Product Failure to Leadership Success: Orly Stern’s Playbook

Product and engineering love to blame each other—but the best teams skip the turf war and figure out how to move forward together. In this episode, Rina talks with Guy Gershoni, Head of Engineering at genesIT, about what makes that partnership work (and what breaks it). From lean experiments to shared metrics to real talk about trust, this one’s packed with hard-earned lessons from someone who’s seen both the chaos and the magic. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Why engineers care more about impact than frameworks Turns out, engineers don’t want to ship shiny features. They want to ship useful ones. The key is making the impact visible.  Experiments that don’t waste time (or careers) Guy shares a dead-simple way to test new ideas without overinvesting—or getting stuck in analysis paralysis.  The MAC Model: A cheat code for fixing team dynamics Mindset, Articulation, Capability. If your team is off-track, this framework can tell you exactly where things are breaking down. Why Listen to This Episode? In this episode, you’ll get: Real advice on how product and engineering can stop talking past each other A new way to think about experimentation (it’s not about frameworks) Tactics to make success metrics a shared responsibility A refreshingly honest take on what actually builds team trust If you’re navigating cross-functional tension or just want to collaborate better, this one’s worth your time. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

Product transformations don’t fail because of bad tools—they fail because of ignored people. In this episode, transformation expert Joeri Devisch joins Productside CEO Rina Alexin to break down what real change leadership looks like. They talk through the difference between change and transformation, why words matter more than you think, and how to avoid top-down change that fizzles out. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode What separates transformation from “just change.” Joeri breaks down how to spot real transformation—and why project-to-product shifts are often misunderstood from the start. Why most transformation efforts fail. From overused buzzwords to under-communicated strategy, Joeri explains where teams get stuck and how to fix it. How to lead change from the inside. Hear how T-shaped product managers and early adopters can carry change forward, even in the most complex orgs. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: A fresh lens on product transformations (and why most don’t stick) A better understanding of how to create buy-in across your org Tactics to simplify change through pilots and internal storytelling Insight into the overlap between product management and transformation leadership Whether you’re mid-change or just getting started, this one’s a must-listen.  Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

What do you do when you inherit a product that’s already failed—twice? If you’re Orly Stern, you take full ownership, break down what went wrong, and rebuild it the right way. In this episode of Trailblazing Women in Product, Orly—now General Manager of Business Applications at Payoneer—shares how she turned a struggling product into a success, navigated leadership at a global scale, and made bold career moves that paid off. From stepping into product leadership with zero PM experience to managing diverse teams across cultures, Orly’s insights will challenge you to rethink leadership, product ownership, and career growth. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode How to Rescue a Failing Product Why some products fail repeatedly and what you can do differently. Leading Global Teams Across Time Zones & Cultures The real challenges of scaling a team internationally (and how to solve them). Career Growth in Product Leadership The bold moves that got Orly from product manager to general manager. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: Learn how to take full ownership of your product—no matter the challenges. Get real-world leadership strategies from someone who’s managed teams across multiple markets. Practical tips on hiring, team dynamics, and giving (and receiving) feedback effectively. Hear Orly’s personal take on making career-defining moves in product management. Orly’s journey proves that sometimes, all it takes is one bold move to change the course of your career. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

Scaling a product isn’t just about selling more—it’s about refining product-market fit, unlocking the right growth levers, and making sure your go-to-market strategy actually aligns with what your customers need. In this episode of Productside Stories, Rachel Owens, product executive and growth expert, shares how she’s helped SaaS products scale from $1M to $10M in a year. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, build strong GTM alignment, and refine your product strategy for sustainable success. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Refining Product-Market Fit for Sustainable Growth Many companies hit a revenue plateau because they misunderstand their real market fit. Rachel breaks down how to refine product-market fit by deeply understanding user pain points, use cases, and adjacent markets—without chasing the wrong opportunities. How Product and GTM Teams Can Actually Work Together Scaling isn’t just about the product—it’s about ensuring sales, marketing, and product are in sync. Rachel shares actionable strategies for strengthening cross-functional collaboration so growth efforts don’t stall. The AI Hype Trap: When to Actually Use AI in Your Product Many teams are under pressure to integrate AI into their products—but not every problem needs an AI-driven solution. Rachel explains how to evaluate when AI is truly adding value versus when it’s just a distraction. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: A framework for refining product-market fit without unnecessary pivots. Strategies to align product, sales, and marketing for real go-to-market success. A decision-making process for when AI should (and shouldn’t) be part of your growth strategy. Lessons from Rachel’s experience scaling SaaS businesses from $1M to $10M ARR. Scaling is about strategic focus. Don’t mistake it for throwing more features at the wall. Don’t miss Rachel’s insights. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

What’s the difference between being a product manager at an agency vs. in-house? In this episode of Productside Stories, host Rina Alexin sits down with Anne Veit, Head of Product Strategy at Razorfish, to dive deep into how agency product management works, how to navigate rapid innovation, and why problem-solving skills matter more than industry expertise. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to manage products on behalf of multiple clients, this episode is a must-listen. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Key topic #1 Product Acceleration Teams: How Razorfish builds cross-functional teams that rapidly innovate and execute at speed. Key topic #2 The Agency vs. In-House Product Manager Experience: The unique challenges and advantages of leading product in a client-driven environment. Key topic #3 AI & Product Innovation: How agencies help companies cut through AI hype and find real business value. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain: Learn how to thrive in an agency product role – Managing multiple stakeholders and moving fast without breaking things. Get insights on cross-functional collaboration – How blending data, design, and tech accelerates innovation. Discover the secrets of product acceleration teams – The agency approach to shipping fast, learning faster, and keeping clients ahead of the curve. Understand AI’s real role in product management – Why “AI everywhere” isn’t always the right answer, and how to separate hype from strategy. If you’re in product—whether agency or in-house—this episode will challenge how you think about strategy, execution, and innovation. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt: Productside Resource Library More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes Explore Productside Courses 

Stepping into product leadership means balancing strategic vision, customer focus, and emerging tech. In this episode of Productside Stories, Neha Bansal, Head of Product at Meta Ads Manager Reporting, joins Nicole Tieche to discuss her career, the high-speed role of AI in advertising, and how PMs can stay ahead of industry shifts. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Key topic #1 From Consulting to Product Leadership – Neha shares how a customer-first mindset led her from consulting to product management at companies like Google and Meta. Key topic #2 AI’s Impact on Advertising – How AI is transforming ad targeting, fraud detection, and campaign performance for small businesses and enterprise brands alike. Key topic #3 Thriving as a Product Leader – Why adaptability, data fluency, and domain expertise are the future of product management—and how PMs can develop these critical skills. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain:  Insider insights on AI-driven advertising and how it impacts businesses  Practical advice on developing leadership skills in product management  Strategies for balancing customer needs with data-driven decision-making  A roadmap for upskilling and future-proofing your product career Neha’s journey from data analytics to leading product at Meta Ads Manager Reporting is packed with takeaways for aspiring and experienced product managers alike. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt:  Productside Resource Library  More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes  Explore Productside Courses 

In this episode, Rina Alexin chats with Brian Fugere, a product veteran who’s led M&A strategies at symplr and beyond. They dive into the good, bad, and downright shocking sides of acquisitions—covering why some deals fail, how to avoid due diligence pitfalls, and tips for making cultural integration actually work. Whether you’ve been through M&A chaos or are bracing for your first, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Key topic #1 The Real Reasons Companies Do M&A: Growth shortcuts, customer acquisition plays, and competitive pressures that drive deal-making. Key topic #2 Why Product Leaders Need a Seat at the M&A Table: How skipping PMs during due diligence leads to expensive surprises post-acquisition. Key topic #3 Cultural Integration—The Silent Deal Killer: Proven tactics to avoid brain drain and create a unified product team post-acquisition. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain:  Battle-tested advice on navigating M&A as a product leader  Red flags to watch for during due diligence  Tips on retaining top talent during acquisitions  Strategies to unify product processes post-M&A If you’re a product leader facing a potential acquisition—or just want to be prepared—this episode is a must-listen. Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt:  Productside Resource Library  More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes  Explore Productside Courses 

Meet Ravi Ramsaran, Chief Product Officer at Nextria, who’s built a reputation for turning bold ideas into tangible products. In this episode, he and host Rina Alexin explore uniting teams around a product vision, leveraging deep customer insights, and staying resilient through market shifts. Hear how Ravi fosters a culture of curiosity to deliver winning outcomes time and again. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode Key topic #1 Ravi’s foundational approach to building trust and alignment among cross-functional teams, ensuring every stakeholder—from UX to engineering—owns the product vision and stays laser-focused on delivering real value. Key topic #2 The “structured curiosity” framework Nextria uses to explore emerging opportunities, from cutting-edge AI features to refining legacy systems, and how it accelerates discovery without derailing ongoing priorities. Key topic #3 Strategies for staying nimble when the market throws you curveballs, including data-driven pivots and transparent communication that galvanizes teams instead of causing chaos. Why Listen to This Episode? In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain:  Real-world tips on leading product teams through changing markets  A blueprint for harnessing curiosity as a competitive advantage  Methods for balancing bold experimentation with disciplined execution  Insights on building a trust-centered culture that drives innovation  Discover how one CPO’s obsession with customer needs shapes every product decision.  Related Resources Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt:  Productside Resource Library  More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes  Explore Productside Courses 

In this episode of Productside Stories, Sahara Muradi, VP of Product Management at Office Space Software, shares her journey from consulting to leading product teams across major industries like hospitality, sports, and workplace planning.    She discusses the biggest challenges product managers face today, including prioritization, stakeholder alignment, and balancing business outcomes with user needs. If you’re looking to elevate your career in product management, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.  Key Topics Discussed in This Episode  Key topic #1  How Sahara transitioned from consulting to product leadership – Lessons from her early career that shaped her approach to product management.  Key topic #2  The art of ruthless prioritization – How to balance competing demands from stakeholders, customers, and business goals.  Key topic #3  How to build credibility and influence in product leadership – The mindset shifts needed to lead cross-functional teams and drive impact.  Why Listen to This Episode?  In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain:  Learn how to navigate a career transition into product leadership.  Discover frameworks for making smarter prioritization decisions.  Understand how to use stakeholder alignment to drive better product outcomes.  Get practical career advice for women in product leadership.  This episode is a gem for product managers who want to refine their approach to leadership in the discipline.  Related Resources  Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt:  Productside Resource Library  More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes  Explore Productside Courses 

What does it take to build a product from nothing?  Scott Jones, VP of Product at Realeyes, shares his journey from analyst to product leader, the mindset shifts required to navigate ambiguity, and how to validate ideas in real time. If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome in a leadership role or wanted a seat at the table for big product decisions, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.  Key Topics Discussed in This Episode  The Art and Science of Product Leadership  Scott explains how his background in film, music, and economics shaped his approach to product management, and why creativity and structure go hand in hand when building products from scratch.  Managing Uncertainty: The Zero to One Playbook  From handling imposter syndrome to validating ideas quickly, Scott shares how he builds confidence while leading new product initiatives – without waiting for perfect information.  Experimentation, Sales, and the Power of Storytelling  Why every product manager needs to be closer to sales, and how storytelling and strategic validation drive better decision-making in early-stage product development.  Why Listen to This Episode?  In this thought-provoking episode, you’ll gain:  A blueprint for navigating ambiguity – how to make decisions even when you don’t have all the answers.  Lessons in leadership – how Scott transitioned from individual contributor to leading product and strategy at an AI company.  Tips on experimentation and validation – how to gather the right signals before committing resources.  A behind-the-scenes look at AI-powered identity verification – Scott’s latest work at Realize and how it’s transforming fraud prevention.  If you’re a product manager who wants to skill up your leadership game and own your decisions confidently, this episode is for you.  Related Resources  Check out these additional tools and resources to add to your PM belt:  Productside Resource Library  More Productside Stories Podcast Episodes  Explore Productside Courses