The Agile Coach Podcast

• AI-Ready Product Management: Richard Seroter on Building, Leading, and Innovating with Google Cloud’s AI Stack

  In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, host Vivek Khattri is joined by Richard Seroter, Chief Evangelist at Google Cloud and a returning guest, for a candid conversation about the future of product management and AI. Richard shares his journey from leading outbound product management teams to driving developer relations at Google, offering an insider’s perspective on Google Cloud’s AI strategy and what it means for product leaders, teams, and organizations.Richard unpacks how Google’s unique AI stack-from foundational research and custom TPUs to platforms like Vertex and Gemini-powered assistants-is shaping the next generation of products. The discussion dives deep into how AI is transforming the role of product managers and product owners, and why adaptability, curiosity, and discipline are more critical than ever.Key TakeawaysGoogle’s AI Stack: More Than HypeGoogle’s end-to-end AI stack spans research, custom hardware (TPUs), foundational models (like Gemini), platforms (Vertex), and user-facing tools that power everything from Gmail to code assistants.The focus: Make AI widely useful and integrated-not just a novelty.Product Management in the Age of AIAI accelerates landscape analysis, market research, and prototyping-what once took weeks can now happen in minutes.Product managers must ruthlessly prioritize, know when to quit, and focus on high-impact opportunities-even at large companies like Google.Timeless Skills for Modern PMsHumility, curiosity, and discipline remain essential. The best PMs lead through influence, not authority, and are relentless about customer empathy.“Customer zero” mindset: Use your own product to build insight and credibility.AI Fluency for TeamsBecoming “AI first” starts with being “AI ready.” Upskill every team member, from executive assistants to general managers, in foundational AI concepts and tools.Build comfort and reduce anxiety by encouraging experimentation and bottom-up idea generation.Prototyping and CommunicationThe days of 50-page specs are fading. Use AI tools to create prototypes, videos, and visual artifacts-even if you don’t code-to communicate ideas and inspire teams.Product owners and managers must own the translation from concept to working representation.Building Trust and Responsible AIAvoid the “black box” trap: Understand how LLMs fit into architectures, and design for transparency, real-time updates, and responsible evaluation.Regularly test and update systems as models evolve to maintain quality and trust.Agents and Agent PlatformsAgents are redefining automation and business processes. Google’s Agent Space and development kits enable low-code/no-code agent creation and orchestration.Product leaders should familiarize themselves with agent frameworks to unlock new possibilities for users and businesses.Lead the ChangeAI isn’t just about productivity-it’s about doing better, more fulfilling work at higher quality and impact.Don’t wait for AI to reshape your role. Proactively lead your career and organization through this transformation.Connect with Richard Seroter:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seroter/Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Richard’s journey and evolving role at Google Cloud02:00 – Google’s AI stack: From research to real-world applications05:00 – Product strategy: Where PMs add value in an AI-driven world10:00 – Prioritization, opportunity cost, and ruthless focus at scale12:00 – Timeless PM skills: Humility, curiosity, and discipline16:00 – AI fluency: Upskilling teams and building readiness20:00 – Prototyping and communication: New tools for product owners24:00 – AI’s impact on engineering productivity and team workflows28:00 – Actionable steps for AI-ready teams: Artifacts, documentation, and collaboration32:00 – Tools, research, and continuous customer feedback at Google35:00 – Misconceptions and best practices in building AI products40:00 – Scoping MVPs and defining requirements for AI-powered features42:00 – Agents and agent platforms: The next frontier in automation46:00 – The future of work: Leading with AI, not just adapting to it48:00 – Closing thoughts: Be the driver of change, not the passenger

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• Best Moments: Leading Minds in Product Management

  In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, we bring together a powerhouse panel of product management leaders: Diego Granados, Richard Seroter, Rajsi Rana, Neha Satya, and Parth Detroja. Each guest shares their unique journey into product management, offering firsthand perspectives from top companies like Microsoft, Oracle, Google, and beyond.Our conversation explores how backgrounds in healthcare, finance, and data analytics can lead to thriving PM careers, emphasizing that a technical degree is not a prerequisite for success. The guests break down the core skills needed-critical thinking, emotional intelligence, cross-functional collaboration-and provide actionable advice for anyone aspiring to break into or advance within product management.We also discuss the differences between PM roles at startups versus large enterprises, the evolving relationship between product managers and product owners, and how to lead through influence rather than authority. The episode is packed with practical strategies for interviews, panel preparation, and building daily habits that set PMs apart in a competitive field. Featured Guests:Diego GranadosRichard SeroterRajsi RanaNeha Satya Parth Detroja Key Takeaways:Diverse Backgrounds: Success in product management is possible from non-traditional backgrounds-technical degrees are helpful but not required.Foundational Skills: Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and cross-functional teamwork are essential.Dealing with Ambiguity: PMs must drive clarity and connect customer needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility.Influence Over Authority: Product managers lead through storytelling, data, and consensus-not direct authority.Customer Focus: The best PMs relentlessly advocate for the customer at every product stage.Role Clarity: The distinction between product manager and product owner varies by company, but both require close collaboration with engineering and stakeholders.Interviewing & Preparation: Build rapport with recruiters, use relevant buzzwords, tailor your story, and research your interview panel.Continuous Improvement: Treat product management and interviewing as skills to be honed daily-write, practice, and seek feedback. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Meet the guests and their journeys  02:00 – Do you need a technical background? Myths debunked  05:00 – What does a product manager really do?  08:00 – Core skills: Ambiguity, cross-functional work, and influence  12:00 – Defining your PM role and career growth  15:00 – Product owner vs. product manager: Real-world perspectives  20:00 – Leading through influence, not authority  24:00 – Building strong partnerships with engineering  26:00 – Interview tips: Recruiter calls and panel strategies  30:00 – Daily habits for PM success and continuous learning  32:00 – Final thoughts: Growth mindset and resilience in the PM journey

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• The Secret Sauce to Standing Out: Resume, LinkedIn, and Interview Strategies with Brian Golod

  In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, hosts Vivek and Pabitra sit down with Brian Golod, an award-winning resume writer, LinkedIn influencer, and career strategist who has helped thousands of professionals land interviews and job offers. With over 200,000 followers on LinkedIn and a resume template downloaded over 100,000 times, Brian shares his unique journey from software developer and product owner to becoming a sought-after mentor for senior tech professionals and executives.Brian unpacks the real reasons job seekers struggle to land interviews, why a resume alone isn’t enough, and how data-driven strategies, networking, and personal branding can transform your job search. He dives deep into resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and interview techniques, offering actionable advice for anyone looking to stand out and secure multiple job offers. KEY TAKEAWAYS:Beyond the Resume: Landing interviews requires more than just a well-written resume. Social profiles, networking, and a proactive application strategy are equally important.Data-Driven Approach: Build your resume based on current market needs by analyzing multiple job postings for your target role and identifying common keywords and requirements.One Story, One Resume: Use a single, well-optimized resume and LinkedIn profile for your target role to avoid red flags and confusion.Apply Fast, Apply Smart: Speed matters—apply quickly to new postings and avoid the “easy apply” trap by reaching out directly to hiring managers and recruiters.Target the Sweet Spot: Apply for roles where you meet 60–80% of the qualifications to ensure growth and avoid stagnation.Interview Mindset: If you’re brought in for an interview, the employer already sees value in you. Focus on building rapport, demonstrating curiosity, and thinking out loud when faced with unknowns.Networking That Works: Stand out by engaging meaningfully with content creators and professionals on LinkedIn—give value before asking for help.Compensation Strategy: Never disclose your salary expectations early. Let employers make the first offer to maximize your negotiating position.Plain Text Wins: Use a simple, plain-text resume format with bullet points—avoid fancy templates that can’t be read by applicant tracking systems (ATS).Leave a Lasting Impression: Success in interviews and networking is about the experience you create for others—be memorable, authentic, and valuable.Connect with Brian Golod:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangolod/

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• Ashley Gross on Transforming Business Operations and Future-Proofing Your Career

  In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Gross, CEO of AI Workforce Alliance and recognized by Forbes as the highest-paid AI consultant in the market. Ashley shares her remarkable journey from a decade-long career in marketing to becoming a leading AI educator and consultant, specializing in the implementation of AI agents and generative AI in business.Ashley discusses how her need to balance motherhood with a demanding career led her to explore AI tools, ultimately transforming her workflow and delivering outsized results for her organization. She breaks down the fundamentals of AI and AI agents in plain language, explains the difference between automation and agentic workflows, and highlights how businesses, especially project managers, business analysts, and enterprise leaders can leverage AI agents to drive efficiency, boost collaboration, and solve real business problems.We explore the cultural and operational challenges of AI adoption in enterprise settings, including data privacy, change management, and the importance of cross-functional enablement. Ashley also provides a behind-the-scenes look at her consulting process, from identifying bottlenecks in customer journeys to building and scaling agentic workflows that deliver measurable ROI. She shares practical advice for aspiring professionals looking to future-proof their careers in the age of AI, emphasizing experimentation, continuous learning, and the value of people skills.Key Takeaways:Ashley’s Journey: How a marketer condensed her workweek using AI, leading to a $25M pipeline overachievement in just three months1.AI vs. Automation: Understanding the distinction between rule-based automations and autonomous AI agents, and why it matters for business processes1.Real-World Impact: How AI agents can autonomously manage project workflows, from transcribing calls to creating actionable tasks in tools like Asana1.Enterprise Adoption: Insights into how even risk-averse industries like healthcare and government are embracing AI, and the cultural shifts required for successful implementation1.Data Security & Regulation: Best practices for vetting AI vendors, ensuring compliance, and using AI to audit privacy policies1.Implementation Blueprint: Ashley’s approach to identifying business problems, piloting agentic workflows, and scaling solutions across organizations with robust documentation and enablement plans1.Measuring ROI: A framework for tracking both quantitative and qualitative outcomes during AI pilot projects and organization-wide rollouts1.Future of AI Roles: Predictions about emerging roles like “marketing engineer” and the importance of domain expertise and adaptability in the evolving AI landscape1.Career Advice: Why curiosity, intentional tool optimization, and people skills are critical for anyone looking to build a resilient career in AI-driven business environments1.Connect with Ashley:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theashleygross/Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Ashley Gross & her background02:00 – How Ashley condensed her workweek with AI05:00 – AI vs. automation: What’s the difference?10:00 – AI agents in project management: Real-world examples13:00 – Enterprise adoption: Culture, excitement, and barriers15:00 – Data privacy, regulation, and vendor selection18:00 – Ashley’s consulting process: From problem to agentic workflow21:00 – Case study: Accelerating sales cycles with AI agents24:00 – Scaling agentic workflows: Documentation & enablement27:00 – Measuring ROI: Quantitative and qualitative outcomes29:00 – The future of AI roles and skills30:00 – Career advice for aspiring AI professionals32:00 – Ashley’s educational programs and closing thoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with your network!

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• Mastering Product Strategy with Marcelo

  In this episode, Vivek sat down with Marcelo, a product leader with over 25 years of experience in technology, including key roles at Microsoft and Amazon. Marcelo shares insights on building innovative products, the importance of product vision and strategy, and his PRFAQ framework, a method used at Amazon to align teams, validate ideas, and drive successful product development.They also discuss how new and aspiring product managers can think strategically, set meaningful OKRs, and develop the right mindset for success.  Whether you’re a startup founder or part of a large-scale enterprise, this conversation will leave you with actionable takeaways on how to structure your product thinking for impact. Key Takeaways:✅ The PRFAQ Framework: Amazon’s structured approach to idea validation and strategic product development.✅ How writing narratives instead of presentations fosters better decision-making.✅ The difference between product vision and strategy—and why both are essential.✅ The role of customer-centric thinking in creating successful products.✅ How new product managers can quickly ramp up and add value to their teams.✅ Best practices for setting OKRs and tracking meaningful product metrics.✅ Marcelo’s personal journey from engineering to product leadership and the lessons he learned along the way. Connect and learn more about Marcelo Calbucci. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelocalbucci/Resources & Links:📖 Marcelo’s Book on the PRFAQ Framework: https://www.theprfaq.com/📄 Example PRFAQ Templates: https://www.theprfaq.com/examples📧 Marcelo’s Website: https://calbucci.com/

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