too long; don’t listen

Revolutionizing the London Student Life

In this episode, I speak with the CEO and co-founder of TALAB, an app designed to support international students in London. Kazim shares how his own student experience inspired him to create a platform that streamlines essential services like event listings and personal assistance. He discusses the challenges of building TALAB, from skepticism to team-building, and the perseverance needed to succeed.
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Kazim's Background (00:00:42)  
Inspiration for Taleb (00:01:54)  
How Taleb Works (00:03:50)  
TALAB as a Social Buddy (00:05:06)  
Features of TALAB (00:06:11)  
Challenges in Building Partnerships (00:10:25)  
Pricing Model of TALAB (00:13:12)  
User Experience with TALAB (00:14:47)  
Partnerships and Marketing Strategy (00:15:51)  
Future Vision for TALAB (00:16:29)  
Expansion Plans (00:18:59)  
Work-Life Balance as an Entrepreneur (00:20:04)  
Kazim's Journey and Initial Challenges (00:22:03)  
Conviction in Entrepreneurship (00:24:06)  
Final Tips for Listeners (00:26:11)  

How to build your PMM influence

This is the second episode of the PMM Talk series, where we only cover PMM stories and learnings. In this episode, I speak with Hattie the PMM about her journey. From building productmarketers.com to having lived the CEO and CMO experiences, Hattie shares everything on this 2nd episode of the PMM Talk series.
Follow tl;dl on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/toolongdontlisten/📧 Join Hattie the PMM's email newsletter: https://www.productmarketers.com/email-newsletter➕ Follow Hattie the PMM on LinkedIn for daily posts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hattiethepmm/👉 Join www.productmarketers.comTHE private membership for Product Marketers who want to build influence, prove their impact, and get noticed, inside their company and across the industry.
Introducing Hattie (00:00:57)  
Hattie's Background and Community Creation (00:01:39)  
Motivation Behind ProductMarketers.com (00:02:19)  
The Importance of Community for Product Marketers (00:03:31)  
Critique of Product Marketing Frameworks (00:05:05)  
Consultative Approach to Product Marketing (00:06:25)  
Personal Branding for Product Marketers (00:07:15)  
Building Authentic Personal Brands (00:08:03)  
Navigating Internal and External Branding (00:09:37)  
Transitioning from Employment to Community Leadership (00:13:15)  
Empowering PMs to Take Control (00:15:35)  
Order Takers vs. Strategic Leaders in PM (00:17:56)  
Building Personal Authority (00:20:27)  
The Role of Communication Skills (00:22:24)  
Shifting to a Strategic Approach (00:24:24)  
Aligning Incentives for Success (00:26:30)  
Identifying Colleagues' Goals (00:27:47)  
Communication as a Leadership Skill (00:31:04)  
Proactive Career Development (00:35:00)  
Community Building and Resources (00:36:57)

What it means to have imposter syndrome

In this episode, we'll dive into the meaning of imposter syndrome, why some people have it and how to combat it. Join me as I deconstruct this topic.Where to find me?InstagramLinkedInYouTubeNewsletter
Introduction to Imposter Syndrome (00:00:12)  
Theoretical Foundations of Imposter Syndrome (00:01:35)  
Self-Diagnosis Checklist (00:03:09)  
Common Experiences of Imposter Syndrome (00:04:26)  
Personal Experiences in the Tech Industry (00:08:01)  
Women in STEM and Imposter Syndrome (00:11:23)  
Acknowledge Imposter Syndrome (00:13:35)  
Actionable Steps to Combat Imposter Syndrome (00:14:42)  
Tracking Your Success (00:15:55)  
Asking for Feedback (00:18:05)  
Closing Remarks (00:20:13)

How to sell stories in product marketing

In this first episode of the PMM Talk, I speak with Tamara Grominsky, a rockstar product marketer and founder of PMM Camp. Tamara shared her accidental yet inspiring journey into product marketing, starting from her days in publishing to leading roles at Unbounce and Adobe. We dove deep into the essence of product marketing, the magic of storytelling, and the importance of understanding your audience. Tamara also highlighted the significance of data, pricing strategies, and the power of AI tools. Her passion for helping others through PMM Camp was truly inspiring. It’s a must-listen for anyone in the field! 🌟Introduction and Welcome (00:00:00)
The host welcomes Tamara to the podcast and expresses excitement about the conversation.
Tamara's Career Journey (00:00:44)
Tamara discusses her extensive experience in product marketing and how she transitioned into this field.
Accidental Path to Product Marketing (00:02:18)
Tamara explains her unexpected journey from publishing to product marketing, influenced by the rise of digital media.
The Role of Product Marketing (00:03:44)
Tamara defines product marketing as storytelling and emphasizes its two-way communication aspect.
Storytelling in B2B SaaS (00:05:08)
Tamara shares insights on how storytelling principles apply across different industries, including B2B SaaS.
Understanding Audience and Personas (00:06:18)
Tamara stresses the importance of accurately defining target audiences for effective storytelling in marketing.
Data-Driven Persona Development (00:08:07)
Tamara outlines her process for creating customer personas, emphasizing the use of data to avoid biases.
Measuring Impact as a Product Marketer (00:11:32)
Tamara discusses how product marketers can measure their impact through strategic and project-based metrics.
Aligning Metrics with Team Goals (00:12:32)
Tamara explains the importance of aligning product marketing metrics with overall company goals and specific initiatives.
The Role of PM Camp (00:15:41)
Tamara introduces PM Camp and highlights its focus on supporting product marketing leaders and sharing valuable insights.
Podcast Timestamps and Topics
PM Camp Overview (00:16:09)
Tamara explains PM Camp as a resource for product marketing leaders and the need for peer-based learning.
The Importance of Pricing (00:17:38)
Discussion on pricing strategies and the significance of internal buy-in during pricing projects.
Accountability in Teams (00:19:51)
The role of accountability in small teams and the need for leadership to guide projects.
Incorporating AI in Product Marketing (00:20:31)
Tamara shares insights on why product marketers should adopt AI tools in their daily tasks.
AI as a Partner (00:21:23)
Tamara views AI as a partner to enhance productivity rather than replace human skills.
Efficiency and Amplification Tools (00:24:14)
Recommendations for tools that improve efficiency and amplify productivity in product marketing.
Curiosity as a Key Skill (00:28:19)
Tamara emphasizes the importance of curiosity and asking high-quality questions in product marketing success.Credits:Khulan Davaajav for the designMalik Bedoui for the video editing (malikeditworks@gmail.com)Malik Annabi for the tunes 

E55 How to Revolutionize Workflow Automation with AI?

In this episode, I chat with Edward, the CEO and co-founder of DryMerge. Edward shares his journey from growing up in Silicon Valley to studying at Yale, and his bold decision to drop out and pursue his startup dreams. He talks about his passion for technology, sparked by building his own gaming computer, and his experiences at tech giants like Amazon, Meta, and Stripe. The conversation highlights the pivotal role of Y Combinator in shaping Dry Merge, the challenges faced, and the importance of perseverance. Edward’s story is a testament to following one’s passion and the power of dedication in entrepreneurship.
 
Ice Breaker (00:00:54)  
Edward's Background (00:01:56)  
Early Life in California (00:02:52)  
Building a Gaming Computer (00:03:15)  
Transition to Yale (00:05:17)  
Internship at Stripe (00:06:06)  
Dropping Out of College (00:07:40)  
Idea Development for Dry Merge (00:09:10)  
Applying to Y Combinator (00:10:00)  
Perseverance in Entrepreneurship (00:11:12)  
Feelings About Dropping Out (00:12:41)  
Importance of Y Combinator (00:14:10)  
Duration of Y Combinator Experience (00:16:06)  
Initial Product Feedback (00:18:12)  
Target Audience for Dry Merge (00:18:50)  
Identifying Customer Needs (00:19:29)  
Transitioning Ideas (00:20:31)  
Dry Merge Overview (00:21:46)  
Use Case Example (00:22:20)  
Time Savings for Users (00:24:07)  
Automation Triggers (00:25:28)  
Investment and Growth (00:26:32)  
Vision for the Future (00:28:09)  
Advice to Past Self (00:30:17)  
Hardest Challenges Faced (00:31:36)  

E54 From Startup to Acquisition

How Did Mehdi Transform His Passion for Technology into a Successful Business in Canada? Tune in to learn more about his journey from Tunisia to Canada. The episode delves into the acquisition of Data Performers (Mehdi's company) by Deloitte, Mehdi's leadership style, and the cultural differences between startups and corporate environments. Mehdi's story underscores the significance of resilience, transparency, and pursuing one's passions in entrepreneurship.Find out more about TLDL on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toolongdontlisten/Subscribe to TLDL on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tldltoday
Say hello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/too-long-don-t-listen/
Mehdi's Background (00:00:39)
Discovering Canada (00:01:13)
Icebreaker Question (00:02:59)
Journey from Tunisia to Canada (00:04:27)
Spontaneity in Career (00:06:51)
Success and Luck in Entrepreneurship (00:09:48)
Founding Data Performers (00:11:39)
Challenges in Early Business (00:13:06)
PhD and Machine Learning (00:14:17)
Bootstrap Growth Strategy (00:17:23)
Breakthrough with Toyota (00:19:00)
Entrepreneurial Comparisons (00:21:21)
Learning from Challenges (00:22:15)
Passion as a Driving Force (00:23:47)
Frustrations of Being an Underdog (00:25:45)
Acquisition by Deloitte (00:26:09)
Fundraising and Growth (00:26:31)
Maintaining Team Stability (00:27:22)
M&A Conversations (00:28:48)
Team Transparency (00:30:04)
Cultural Pillars of Leadership (00:32:21)
Learning from Experience (00:35:55)
Startup vs. Corporate Life (00:37:03)
Advice for Young Professionals (00:39:26)
Key Takeaway on Courage (00:41:07)
Thanks for listening!

E53 Launching a Food Startup in London

In this episode, I speak with Sasha and Michael, founders of Crunch, an innovative food startup. Listen to this episode to learn more about their founding journey, and get inspired by their story!
Find out more about TLDL on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toolongdontlisten/Subscribe to TLDL on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tldltoday
Say hello on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/too-long-don-t-listen/
 
Introduction (00:00:09)
Sasha's Background (00:02:39)
Michael's Journey (00:04:35)
Initial Business Ideas (00:06:57)
Product Development Process (00:08:37)
Consultation and Budgeting (00:10:19)
Shift to Sandwiches (00:12:29)
Building the Brand (00:14:43)
Early Traction and Growth (00:16:58)
Influencer Impact (00:17:16)
Understanding Crunch's Unique Position (00:19:00)
Quality of Ingredients (00:22:07)
Challenges of Scaling (00:22:58)
Customer Feedback Importance (00:24:04)
Distribution Channels Overview (00:26:15)
Marketing Strategies and Growth (00:28:05)
Incorporating Past Experiences (00:31:11)
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (00:36:12)
Finding Your Purpose (00:37:23)
Gratitude for Sharing (00:38:15)
Open Dialogue (00:38:26)
Closing (00:38:31)
 

E52 From Edtech to Entrepreneurship

In this episode, I speak with Ama, founder of the edtech platform Nova Tuition and host of the podcast "Nova and Boba." Ama shares her journey from tutoring to entrepreneurship, shedding light on the importance of personal development alongside academic success. 
Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00)Ama's Background (00:01:03)Transition to Startup Tech Media (00:01:34)Ama's Career Path (00:02:16)Identifying Student Needs (00:03:21)Founding Nova Tuition (00:03:35)Early Interest in Entrepreneurship (00:03:53)Hiring Tutors for Nova Tuition (00:05:46)Building the Nova Community (00:07:22)Inspiration for the Podcast (00:08:35)Work-Life Balance Insights (00:11:32)Struggles with Saying No (00:12:38)Experiencing Burnout (00:12:45)Future Aspirations for Nova (00:15:18)Book Recommendations and Final Insights (00:16:50)

E51 From Dreaming to Executing

In this episode, I explore the theme of "dreaming versus executing," sharing stories from three guests: Khulan, who transitioned from international relations to a tech job at Google; Malo, who demonstrated discipline in his quest to swim the English Channel; and Emily, who turned her passion for travel into a career after studying chemical engineering. I focus on the importance of identifying dreams, creating actionable plans, and taking steps to achieve career goals.
 
Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:09) The Gap in Career Conversations (00:01:12) Dreaming vs. Executing (00:02:34) Khulan's Journey (00:03:45) Malo's Challenge (00:06:14) Emily's Career Shift (00:09:35) Key Learnings from the Stories (00:10:39) Closing (00:14:16)
 
 
 
 
 
 

E50 Navigating Your Career In Your 20s

In this episode, Olfa and I discuss strategies for young adults in their 20s to maximize early career success. We emphasize starting young, developing discipline, and aligning actions with personal values. The conversation covers the impact of social norms, managing imposter syndrome, and the importance of authenticity. Olfa shares personal experiences to illustrate these points, stressing that success involves self-discovery and aligning with one's true self. The episode aims to provide practical advice and support for navigating the challenges of early adulthood and career development.
00:00 Welcome 
01:15 Starting Young
04:45 Discipline and Healthy Habits 
05:55 Aligning Actions with Values 
07:00 The Impact of Social Norms 
08:30 Navigating Dark Times 
11:15 Understanding Imposter Syndrome 
13:15 Coping with Imposter Syndrome
15:32 Valuing Personal Growth 17:00 Closing