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Product Thinking Newsletter by Melissa Perri

Product Managers are evolving into "Product Builders"

Published about 2 months ago • 2 min read

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Hi Product people,

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How is AI reshaping the role of product managers into product builders?

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This week on Product Thinking, I had the pleasure of speaking with Srini Raghavan, Chief Product Officer at FreshWorks. Srini shared how AI is transforming product management by enabling product managers to take on more integrated roles that go beyond traditional boundaries.

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"AI has acted as a catalyst for product managers to become more product builders. It allows them to conduct user research, design, and even prototype products before involving engineering."

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In our conversation, Srini delved into how FreshWorks is using AI to enhance both customer and employee experiences, creating seamless and uncomplicated interactions. He highlighted the importance of being relentlessly outcome-focused and customer-obsessed in delivering real value through AI-driven innovations.

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If you're curious about the evolving landscape of product management and how AI can empower you to build better products, listen to the full episode.

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Have you experienced a shift towards product building in your role? I'd love to hear about it. Join the conversation on LinkedIn or reply to this email!

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🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Apple | Spotify​

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Looking forward to hearing from you!

Until next time,

Melissa Perri

Founder Product Institute, Board Member, and Teacher
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You’ll hear us talk about:

  • 05:15 - Transforming Product Managers into Product Builders

Srini discusses the shift towards product managers becoming more involved in design and prototyping phases, with AI reducing the need for separate UX and engineering inputs early on.

  • 18:45 - Enhancing Experiences with AI Agents

Learn about FreshWorks' approach to using AI agents to handle repetitive tasks and improve user satisfaction, providing a more human-like experience.

  • 28:30 - Delivering Uncomplicated User Experiences

Srini explains the importance of simplicity in product setup and management, aiming to serve a diverse range of customers with straightforward user experiences.

Episode resources:

Srini on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srinivasan28/​

Freshworks website: https://www.freshworks.com/​

Other Resources:

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THE PRODUCT THINKING PODCAST IS SPONSORED BY

Product Management training at scale for teams and individuals, created by Melissa Perri.

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Do you have a product dilemma you just can’t solve? Are you in need of some pointed career guidance? We’ve got a direct line to Melissa, so now’s your chance to ask her anything you’d like. You can record a voice message here, or you can submit a question via form below. Melissa just might answer it in a future Dear Melissa segment of the podcast.

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The CPO Accelerator is a members-only live virtual course for product leaders taught by Melissa Perri. The move from product leader to VP or CPO can be challenging. It takes a whole new set of skills to succeed at the next level, and you may be the first person at your company to hold this seat at the executive table.

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Product Thinking is the newsletter of Product Institute, Inc. and Melissa Perri.

Product Thinking Newsletter by Melissa Perri

All things Product Management

Subscribe to this newsletter if you are a product manager or product leader interested in leveling up your strategy, process, and insights into technology. I send out emails once a week on Wednesdays.

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