Tried and tested AI tools for product managers – Dave Killeen (VP Product, Pendo)

April 9, 2025 at 01:09 PM
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This week on the podcast, we're joined by Dave Killeen, VP of Product at Pendo, who shares his go-to AI tools that can help make life a little easier for product managers—tried, tested, and ready to use.

Featured Links: Follow Dave on LinkedIn | Pendo | Claude | Manus |'What we learned at #mtpcon London 2025' feature by Kent McDonald and Louron Pratt

Key Takeaways:

  • AI isn't replacing us — it's reframing how we work. Expect smaller product teams doing more, faster. The edge now lies in storytelling, judgement, and taste.
  • Voice is the fastest input method. Using tools like SuperWhisper and Claude, Dave has reclaimed up to a full workday each week.
  • Prompt quality determines output quality. Claude’s developer console helps craft high-leverage prompts that elevate results.
  • Structured calendars beat to-do lists. Tools like Sunsama help match tasks with energy levels, leading to more sustainable productivity.
  • AI projects = personal and team memory. Using Claude’s project folders creates continuity across sessions and supports long-term thinking.
  • Agentic workflows are emerging. Tools like Gumloop allow AI to ingest live data sources, automate research, and generate alerts based on your goals.
  • Expect rapid acceleration. With new players like China’s Manis AI, costs are dropping, capabilities are rising, and adoption pressure is increasing.

Chapters:
Introduction & Dave’s Role at Pendo – 0:00
Discovering AI Through a Career Pause – 4:00
Time-Saving Workflows with Voice and Claude – 7:00
Calendar Design and Energy Management – 18:00
Prompt Engineering & High-Leverage Tactics – 21:00
Agentic AI: What It Is and Why It Matters – 26:00
The Future of Work and AI Fluency – 30:00
Personal Development with AI Tools – 36:00
Advice for Product Teams and What’s Coming Next – 40:00

About the Guest

Dave Killeen is the Field VP of Product at Pendo, bringing over 25 years of experience in product leadership across startups, scaleups, and enterprise giants. Dave is known for marrying product craft with storytelling and a relentless curiosity about emerging tools—especially AI.

About the author

The Product Experience

The Product Experience

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