Best Kevin Christopher Gentry Podcasts (2025)

1
197. Mastering Solopreneurship (w/Liz Steblay) 50:39

6M ago50:39

50:39

In this episode of Product Coffee, Kevin sits down with Liz Steblay, a two-time entrepreneur, solopreneur advocate, and founder of PICA (Professional Independent Consultants of America) and the ProCo Agency. Liz shares her insights from over 20 years of consulting experience, including her six keys to solopreneur success, advice on pricing, and str…

1
196. The Future of QA (w/Khurram Javed Mir) 47:16

7M ago47:16

47:16

Discover how Khurram Javed Mir, Co-founder and Chief at Kualitatem, is revolutionizing quality assurance (QA) and software testing with automation and AI. In this insightful episode, Khurram shares his 15+ years of experience building a global QA consulting and product company, achieving TMMI Level 5 certification, and integrating AI into testing w…

1
195. Trust, Teams, & Transformative Leadership (w/Bob Ainsbury) 45:45

7M ago45:45

45:45

In this episode of Product Coffee, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Bob Ainsbury, Chief Product Officer at Granicus, for an engaging conversation on trust, team dynamics, and navigating complexity in the GovTech space. Bob shares his journey from software engineer to CPO, leading Granicus through remarkable growth—from a small team of 90 to over 2,…

1
The Final Episode - What Do You Wish You Could Do All Day? 51:23

9M ago51:23

51:23

Episode 100. On the final episode of The CMD-Z Show, Matt and Shelby explore the very first question ever asked on the show over two years ago. "What do you wish you could do all day?"By Matt Vojacek & Shelby Hagerdon

1
Content Alchemy - Our New Show! 31:30

9M ago31:30

31:30

Every era comes to an end, and we are nearing the final episode of The CMD-Z Show. But we're not going anywhere. We're just moving to a new show! Welcome, Content Alchemy, a show all about the ingredients that can make your content marketing a little more magical. Content Alchemy is available everywhere now and we will be posting new episodes every…

1
194. Mastering Flywheels & OKRs (w/Brendan Fortune) 47:31

9M ago47:31

47:31

In this exciting episode of Product Coffee, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Brendan Fortune, Director of Product at Customer.io. Brendan shares his unique journey from the music industry to product leadership, how Customer.io scaled from 60 to nearly 300 employees, and the key role OKRs play in aligning teams for success. They also explore the con…

1
Can The Motion Industry Go Back to the Glory Days of 2021 - 2022? (w/ Hayley Akins) 1:03:36

9M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

In this conversation, Matt Vojacek and Shelby Hagerdon discuss the current state of the motion design industry with guest Hayley Akins from Motion Hatch. They explore the challenges faced by freelancers and studios in a competitive market, the impact of economic fluctuations, and the importance of self-reflection and niche marketing. Hayley shares …

1
How Has Your Third Year of Freelancing Been? (w/ Audrey Havey) 1:03:09

9M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Matt and Shelby are joined by Audrey Havey to discuss the journey of freelancing and her experiences and insights gained during her first three years. Audrey shares her growth in confidence and understanding of the freelance landscape, while Matt reflects on the challenges and adaptations required in the freelance world. They explore the importance…

1
193. Human-Centered Products (w/Nick McEvily) 47:02

10M ago47:02

47:02

This episode is packed with insights from Nick McEvily, who takes us on a journey from his studies in human-centered design to founding and leading multiple startups. 🚀 Nick drops wisdom on how to build customer-focused products, explaining core principles like empathy in design, the Jobs-to-be-Done framework, and how to nail those all-important cu…

1
When Will the Drought End for the Creative Industry? (w/ Kevin Rapp) 1:03:16

10M ago1:03:16

1:03:16

Matt and Shelby have Kevin Rapp back on the show to explore the current state of the creative industry and the challenges it faces. The main themes include the impact of budget constraints on content creation, the rise of AI technology, the need for experimentation, and the potential risks for freelancers and midsize companies. The conversation als…

1
192. Consumer-Centric Innovation (w/Rani Al Hajji) 46:28

10M ago46:28

46:28

In this episode, Kevin chats with Rani Al Hajji, a seasoned expert in consumer goods and marketing, about the importance of staying focused on the end user. Rani shares insights from his career at L'Oreal and Colgate, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer needs and maintaining a balance between product obsession and customer feedback…

1
Rapid Fire Questions! 1:05:28

10M ago1:05:28

1:05:28

This episode covers various topics related to the creative industry, including landing dream projects, growing client relationships, discovering creative missions, determining if the creative industry is the right fit, overcoming imposter syndrome, and knowing when to change paths or take a break. In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the i…

1
191. Farther, Faster, & Far Less Drama (w/Jason Fraser) 48:37

10M ago48:37

48:37

Kevin chats with the amazing ✨ Jason Fraser ✨, a well-known author and advisor, about his journey from linguistics to product management. Jason shares leadership tips from his popular book 'Farther, Faster, and Far Less Drama,' co-authored with his wife Janice. He talks about team transformation, creating a software lab for the Air Force, and the i…

1
Rapid Fire Questions! (w/ Saulo Nate) 1:16:27

10M ago1:16:27

1:16:27

Matt, Shelby, and Saulo Nate discuss various topics related to starting and growing a creative business. They touch on the importance of authenticity, understanding your target audience, and creating brand awareness. They also discuss the challenges of marketing and finding the most effective content strategy. Links to books mentioned by Matt: http…

1
How Do You Start When You're Not Good Enough? (w/ Jesse Gentry) 57:08

10M ago57:08

57:08

Matt and Shelby invited Jesse Gentry to the show to explore the theme of starting something new when you feel like you're not good enough. It touches on the importance of having a support system, confronting fears, and staying humble. The discussion also highlights the role of education and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.…

1
190. Untrapping Product Teams (w/David Pereria) 41:46

10M ago41:46

41:46

Kevin Gentry welcomes back David Pereira, who shares insights about his new book Untrapping Product Teams. They delve into David's journey from a software engineer in Brazil to a leadership role in Germany, touching on his experiences and learnings in product management. David discusses the core themes of his book, including facing reality, overcom…

1
189. Building Balance (w/Paul Ballenger & Leslie Kee) 42:42

11M ago42:42

42:42

This week on Product Coffee ☕️, Kevin chats with guests Leslie Kee and Paul Ballenger about their journey in building businesses like Auctus Security and Ally Assist. They cover military and business leadership, work-life balance, adaptability, and teamwork in high-stress environments. Leslie and Paul share tips on planning, delegation, and work-li…

1
What Does the Current State of the Creative Industry Look Like for Recent Graduates? (w/ Gail Albright) 1:06:39

11M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss their experiences after school and the challenges they faced in finding jobs in their respective fields. They share their personal journeys and the lessons they learned along the way as well as discuss the challenges and uncertainties of finding a job in the animation industry.…

1
188. Impact-Driven Product Management (w/Matt LeMay) 52:17

11M ago52:17

52:17

This week on Product Coffee, Kevin Gentry talks with Matt LeMay, a product leader, consultant, and author known for his work with Google, Mailchimp, Spotify, and Bitly. Matt shares his journey from musician and music journalist to product management, highlighting how his communication and team-building skills from his music career translated into t…

1
What are the Most Important Things You've Learned on Your Journey? (w/ Christopher Adornato) 53:21

11M ago53:21

53:21

In this episode, Matt and Shelby interview Christopher Adornato, one of the owners of Solari Creative. Chris shares his journey of starting as a 3D artist and working his way up to becoming an equity partner in the company. He emphasizes the importance of staying at one place and climbing the ladder, even in a field known for burnout. Chris also di…

1
How Do You Fall Back in Love with Your Portfolio? 46:49

11M ago46:49

46:49

In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the topic of falling back in love with your portfolio. They share their personal experiences and insights on how to create work that you're proud of and passionate about. They emphasize the importance of periodically reassessing and updating your portfolio to reflect your current interests and goals. Th…

1
187. It Depends... (w/Phil Hornby) 49:32

11M ago49:32

49:32

Kevin Gentry chats with Phil Hornby, a product leader and coach with over 20 years of experience. Phil shares insights on collaboration, context-driven leadership, and the significance of coaching workshops. He discusses his journey from an engineer to a product manager and leader and provides valuable advice on effective decision-making, team empo…

1
How Do You Build a Content Plan? (w/ Drysen Carsten) 31:09

11M ago31:09

31:09

In this conversation, Matt, Shelby, and Drysen Carsten discuss the importance of building a content plan that aligns with a brand's goals and target audience. They emphasize the need for a discovery process to understand the brand, its values, and its target market. By diagnosing the brand's needs and weaknesses, they can develop a customized conte…

1
How Do You Build a Creative Environment People Actually Want to Work In? 44:02

12M ago44:02

44:02

In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss how to build a creative environment that people actually want to work in. They touch on topics such as employee benefits, flexible working hours, recognition and growth opportunities, and the importance of a comfortable and stable work environment. Matt shares his insights and experiences as a small bus…

1
186. Strategies for AI-Driven Product Management (w/Ian Cairns) 44:03

12M ago44:03

44:03

This week on Product Coffee, Kevin interviews Ian Cairns, CEO & Co-Founder of Freeplay, a company that helps product teams with generative AI. Ian talks about his career journey, challenges of using AI in product development, evolving product management roles, and the importance of hands-on experimentation. He also explains how Freeplay supports te…

1
185. Trying Different (w/Hannah Clark) 44:04

12M ago44:04

44:04

This week, we are welcoming, Hannah Clark! A renowned content strategist and host of The Product Manager Podcast. Hannah shares her unconventional career journey from tech to content, and how she combined both worlds at her current tech-focused media company. They delve into Hannah's experiences with startups, discussing the challenges of scaling t…

1
184. Navigating the Startup Journey (w/Elliott Poppel) 51:21

1y ago51:21

51:21

In this episode of Product Coffee, Kevin Gentry sits down with Elliott Poppel, a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background in venture capital, ad tech, and product management. Elliott shares his career trajectory, highlighting pivotal moments from his early days at a VC firm, his leadership role in pivoting App.io to a successful acquisition,…

1
183. The Two-Hour Design Sprint (w/Teresa Cain) 43:06

1y ago43:06

43:06

In this episode of Product Coffee, Kevin Gentry interviews Teresa Cain, an award-winning FinTech product director renowned for pioneering the two-hour design sprint. Teresa discusses her method for condensing the traditional five-day design sprint into a two-hour session, detailing its efficiency and effectiveness. She reflects on her journey, the …

1
182. Lessons on Product Leadership & Transformation (w/Nick Jemetta) 41:43

1y ago41:43

41:43

This week on Product Coffee ☕️... Join host Kevin Gentry as he interviews Nick Jemetta, a distinguished product coach and mental health advocate, renowned for his outcome-focused approach in product management. With over a decade in the field, Nick shares his journey from telco to retail, through transformative experiences at companies like BT, Arg…

1
181. Effective Design & Empowered Teams (w/Scot Przybylski) 36:38

1y ago36:38

36:38

In this episode of Product Coffee, Kevin Gentry interviews Scot Przybylski, a seasoned designer and product manager with extensive experience in UX and product design. Scot discusses his journey from graphic design to UX design, his work with notable companies like Dish Network and Pivotal Labs, and the challenges and strategies involved in transfo…

1
What is the Future of the Motion Design Industry? (w/ EJ Hassenfratz) 1:07:21

1y ago1:07:21

1:07:21

Matt and Shelby sat down with EJ Hassenfratz wo chat about the future of the motion design industry and the impact of AI. The guests discuss the potential of AI in motion design, the ethical implications, and the importance of maintaining artistic authenticity. They also touch on the role of clients and the need for artists to find personal outlets…

1
Can You Make $200k a Year as a Freelancer? (w/ Austin Saylor) 58:05

1y ago58:05

58:05

Matt and Shelby had Austin Saylor on the show to discuss how he was able to make $200k in a year as a freelancer. What were his steps and what made him successful? How can other freelancers find this kind of success as well? Hear all about it on this episode of The CMD-Z Show!By Matt Vojacek & Shelby Hagerdon

1
180. Building A Product-Led Lifestyle Business (w/Gleb Gordeev) 46:05

1y ago46:05

46:05

In this episode of Product Coffee, Gleb Gordeev is on the show to share his journey in product management, from working in Germany to founding his product agency, CodeBusters, in Bali. Gleb discusses the challenges and rewards of building a remote lifestyle business, his approach to product management, leveraging no-code tools for rapid product dev…

1
What Holds Small Studios Back From Reaching Their Full Potential? (w/ Joel Pilger) 1:04:56

1y ago1:04:56

1:04:56

In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the challenges that small studios face in reaching their full potential and are joined by Joel Pilger, a creative consultant. The main themes that emerge from the conversation are the importance of taking risks and going all-in, the need for studios to differentiate themselves and find their unique value pro…

1
What Should You Be Focusing On In Your Creative Career? 49:51

1y ago49:51

49:51

In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the challenges of staying focused as a creative and knowing what ideas to pursue. They explore the concept of being easily distracted and the importance of harnessing distractions in a productive way. They also discuss the need to commit to projects for a significant amount of time and the struggle of lettin…

1
179. The Curly Paths to Product Success (w/Kenan Akbas) 25:14

1y ago25:14

25:14

In this episode of Product Coffee, Kenan, a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background spanning from traditional Chinese medicine to technology, shares his unconventional journey into the world of startups and product management. Initially starting in the health and wellness space, Kenan co-founded Unified Practice, an EHR tailored for Chinese me…

1
What Should You Do When You're Feeling Creatively Stagnant? 52:24

1y ago52:24

52:24

In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss what to do when feeling creatively stagnant. They explore the importance of taking breaks, both relaxing and adventurous, to recharge and spark new ideas. They emphasize the need to get away from the usual way of thinking and consuming new experiences. They also discuss the balance between consuming and…

1
178. Transform Your Product Craft (w/Marty Cagan) 52:03

1y ago52:03

52:03

In this episode of Product Coffee, we have the privilege of hosting Marty Cagan, a renowned expert in product management. Marty dives into the key ideas from his latest book 'Transformed' and shares invaluable insights with our listeners. Throughout the conversation, Marty explores the significance of case studies, addresses common objections, and …

1
If You Had One Shot... Would You Capture It or Just Let It Slip? 44:57

1y ago44:57

44:57

In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the concept of seizing opportunities and taking risks. They reflect on their own experiences and how they have created opportunities for themselves. They emphasize the importance of being flexible, not being afraid to try new things, and learning from each experience. They also discuss the idea that opp…

1
What Are the Big Challenges Affecting Studios Right Now? (w/ Amanda Russell) 54:18

1+ y ago54:18

54:18

The main theme of the conversation is the challenges affecting studios, particularly in relation to AI and the economy. Amanda highlights the lack of control over budgets and timelines, the uncertainty caused by AI, and the fear of job loss. Matt emphasizes the importance of building a strong creative community and adapting to change. They also dis…

1
How Do You Position Your Brand to Find Your Niche Audience? (w/ Shawna Poliziani) 54:30

1+ y ago54:30

54:30

In this episode, Matt, Shelby, and guest Shawna Poliziani discuss the importance of finding your niche audience and positioning your brand. They explore the role of emotion in the creative process and the value of human touch in art and design. They also touch on the limitations of AI in creating meaningful and emotionally evocative work. The conve…

1
177. Mastering Your Career Path (w/Noah Schutte) 51:02

1+ y ago51:02

51:02

This week, we're thrilled to share an awesome chat with Noah Schutte, not just an entrepreneur, but also a software engineer, and technical recruiter. Noah takes us through his vibrant career journey, sharing a wealth of insights into product management, software engineering, and recruitment. He warmly recounts his first steps into entrepreneurship…

1
176. Predicting the Future 20:03

1+ y ago20:03

20:03

On this week’s episode of Product Coffee, Kevin and Lou talk about the future impact of generative AI on product management. They delve into how emerging technologies, particularly generative AI, are simplifying coding and potentially strategy formulation, altering the landscape for product managers. The conversation covers the ability of AI to gen…

1
What is the Best Business Model for Creatives? 53:20

1+ y ago53:20

53:20

In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the best business model for creatives. They explore different models such as standard employment, freelance, and the agency model. They also dive into the details of running an agency, using a retainer model, implementing a subscription model, and exploring e-commerce. They highlight the pros and cons of eac…

1
How Do You Build a Successful Marketing Strategy for Brands? (w/ Jess Fogal) 53:16

1+ y ago53:16

53:16

In this episode, the Matt and Shelby discuss building a successful marketing strategy and the importance of storytelling and empathy with their guest, Jess Fogal. Jess is the head of marketing and culture at Provide. They also explore the collaboration between marketing and sales teams and the significance of creating a supportive team environment.…

1
What Should be the Roles and Tasks of a Creative Producer? (w/ Katie Weger) 44:53

1+ y ago44:53

44:53

"What do producers even do?" Well, in addition to having Shelby (co-host and producer) on the show, we also brought on Kate Weger, our other producer at Made By Things, to chat about their roles as producers. From a producer's importance and organization within a project to their role as a fellow creative, we chat through everything that makes a pr…

1
175. Identifying Market Opportunities 27:33

1+ y ago27:33

27:33

In this episode of the Product Coffee podcast, Lou & Kevin discuss the importance of identifying market opportunities in product management. They emphasize the role of product managers in understanding how their products fit within the market and exploring unique opportunities. The conversation covers the necessity of market analysis, exploring alt…

1
How Do You Run a Profitable Creative Business and Still Have Fun? 57:25

1+ y ago57:25

57:25

"You ever just feel lost?" That was the how a question from one of our listeners started. And with a question so big and so relatable to so many creatives, you know we had to talk about it. This week on The CMD-Z Show, we discuss how we handle feeling lost and how we can still stay sane and happy doing what we love. From financial security to menta…

1
174. Building with AI (w/Pieter van Noordennen) 45:20

1+ y ago45:20

45:20

In this week’s episode of Product Coffee, Kevin interviews Pieter van Noordennen, a product management leader with a deep focus on AI and machine learning. Pieter shares his journey from journalism to product management, emphasizing his transition into AI-focused roles and solopreneurship. He discusses the differences between generative AI and mach…

1
How Can Artists Avoid Being Exploited? (w/ Kevin Rapp) 1:06:16

1+ y ago1:06:16

1:06:16

"You should be grateful that you get to do what you love everyday." "It's not about the money." Sure, as creatives, we are grateful and we probably didn't get into this field for the money... But does that make it okay to exploit our time and talents? We discuss this and how we can change it on this week's episode of The CMD-Z Show with Kevin Rapp,…

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Kevin Christopher Gentry Podcasts

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