How Superhuman built its AI-powered email search: Lorilyn McCue (AI Product Manager) – Product Unplugged

January 29, 2025

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1 min read

·Product Management

Written by

Mike Belsito
Mike Belsito

Mike Belsito is Head of Product Evangelism for Pendo and Mind the Product and is seen as one of product management’s most notable connectors. Mike spent over a decade leading two of the most recognized communities in product management – first as co-founder of Product Collective, home to INDUSTRY: The Product Conference – and then at Mind the Product, after Pendo brought the two together in September 2024. Through both, he's built spaces where product people connect, grow, and take their craft seriously. Before his community-building chapter, Mike was a startup founder and operator, serving as a co-founder, executive, and early employee in several technology startup companies. He is currently under contract with Wiley to write The Future-Proof Product Manager – a book that explores the timeless characteristics helping product people stay valuable through any period of massive change. It is due out in February 2027. His work has been featured in the New York Times, The Atlantic, CNN, NPR, and PBS.

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In this interview on Product Unplugged, Lorilyn McCue, AI Product Manager at Superhuman, discusses the development and launch of their "Ask AI" feature. McHugh shares insights about transforming traditional email search into an AI-powered natural language experience, covering the product validation process, technical challenges, and key decisions around MVP scope. She highlights two core principles for successful product launches: optimising for learning and deeply embedding features into the product.

Product Unplugged is a virtual video interview series that goes behind the scenes of product innovation. Each episode features an in-depth case study of a product or feature launch told by the people who built it.

Hosted by Mike Belsito, this series explores the entire journey—from the early spark of an idea to overcoming roadblocks and achieving success. We’ll uncover the wins, the lessons learned, and the creative processes that drive product excellence.

With episodes showcasing insights from top companies and rising product leaders, Product Unplugged is your backstage pass to the world of product creation. Tune in for practical strategies and real-world inspiration to fuel your own product journey.

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