Catalyst

Latest Episodes:

On Managing Your AWS Bills: With Corey Quinn Aug 31, 2021

Show notes

If you've been a customer of Amazon Web Services, you know the billing nightmares of services that weren't built to talk to each other. After learning firsthand, Corey Quinn founded The Duckbill Group to help companies tackle their confusing and wildly expensive AWS bills. This week, he joins Paul and Rich to share advice on cutting down your AWS bill and tips on what cloud services you should be using.

Links:

The Duckbill Group

Last Week in AWS

Corey Quinn - Twitter

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A Remote Success Story: With Postlight’s Vicky Volvovski Aug 24, 2021

Show notes

As you know by now, Rich and Paul were itching to get back to the office. They craved those IRL moments that spark conversation, build relationships, and foster innovation. This week, Senior Director and Head of Product Management, Vicky Volvovski, argues that all of that can be done remotely (and done well!). After working from home for a decade, Vicky shares her favorite tools to set up a deliberate remote working environment, build team relationships, and conceive great products.

Links

Todoist

Whimsical

Coda

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Forms Have Function: With the MTA’s Joshua Gee Aug 17, 2021

Show notes

The MTA is one of the largest transit systems in the world, and recently, Postlight helped take it digital. This week Joshua Gee, Director of Digital Customer Experience at the MTA, joins Paul and Rich to get into the nitty-gritty of updating massive government systems. From legacy platforms to procurement to getting different parts of government to talk to each other, they chat about implementing new tech platforms at the government level and why it is often so difficult.

Links:

Joshua Gee

Postlight’s Digital Transformation at the MTA

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Relationship First, Software Second: On Agency Product Management Aug 10, 2021

Show notes

This week Chris and Gina sit down with Nathan Henry and Vicky Volvovski of Postlight’s PM leadership to talk all things product management at a client services firm. Nathan and Vicky share ideas on building lasting client relationships and break down how to structure client workshops to get at the root of the problems you’re trying to solve. Then, they discuss what questions you should be asking to gain trust and encourage your clients to open up.

Links:

Postlight MTA

Postlight Careers

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Fender Digital: With Ethan Kaplan Aug 03, 2021

Show notes

Since the 1950s, Fender has been one of the leading names in music. Six years ago, Ethan Kaplan pitched Fender to build out a digital take on a traditionally analog experience — guitar lessons. This week, Paul and Rich sit down with Ethan to discuss how he pitched the idea to the team and why Fender needed a digital strategy. He also shares valuable project management advice and REM album recommendations.

Links:

Ethan Kaplan Twitter

Fender Play

Fender Tune

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Transferring Motivation: On Creating the Space to Get Things Done Jul 27, 2021

Show notes

Deadlines might be the best productivity tool invented to date. But what are other ways to motivate your team? This week Paul and Rich grapple with how to operationalize work processes without exerting too much power. They also give cheeky tips for employees to navigate deadlines with their bosses.

Links:

Paul Ford - Wired

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New Leadership: Paul and Rich Pass the Torch Jul 20, 2021

Show notes

Exciting things are happening at Postlight! This week Paul and Rich introduce the new President and the new CEO of Postlight. Paul and Rich explain why they are stepping back into their roles as Co-Founders and share what they’ll be doing next. Also, Gina Trapani and Chris LoSacco talk about their new roles and what they envision for the future of the firm. Don’t worry — the Postlight Podcast isn’t going anywhere.

Links:

Gina Trapani

Chris LoSacco

Digital Transformation for the MTA

Careers at Postlight

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How to Talk to Billionaires Jul 13, 2021

Show notes

Billionaires live in a different reality — but that’s no reason why you can’t connect, communicate, and collaborate. This week Paul and Rich share tips for successfully communicating with the wealthiest leaders. They explain the importance of keeping it simple and why billionaires often respond with gusto when you tell them what they shouldn’t do.

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Out of the Agenda and Into the Story: On Improving Your Meetings Jul 06, 2021

Show notes

Agendas are important, but can you stick to them too much? This week Paul and Rich break down how to transform your meeting from a rigid list of bullet points to a more creative and collaborative environment. They discuss how remote work has changed meeting dynamics and share what they've missed about the spontaneous, quick-fire meetings brought on by working in person.

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Be the Thing You Wish You Had: With Bloom Works’ Lauren Lockwood & Emily Wright-Moore Jun 29, 2021

Show notes

When Lauren Lockwood and Emily Wright-Moore worked for the government, a digital services agency to serve their industry didn’t exist — so, they created one! This week Paul and Gina sit down with Lauren and Emily of Bloom Works to discuss the unique challenges of providing digital services within the government. Then, they share how Bloom Works aims to help people working on software in government navigate through the dense bureaucratic fog.

Links:

Bloom Works

Bloom Works Twitter

Lauren Lockwood Twitter

Emily Wright-Moore Twitter

Aged Out Report

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