Everything I am learning, producing season 2 of Soft Sides.
Personal (project) work-in-progress update
Earlier in January, I started recording season 2 of Soft Sides --> a podcast that I started as an exploration to figure out how to approach the hardest part of GTM roles (and really, the hardest part of any job) --> the intangible things like influencing decisions, navigating difficult conversations, and all those nuanced human problems that aren't just about tactics.
Yes, everyone has a podcast now. No, it's not quick or easy - at least not for me.
Producing this while having an intense job (that I actually really like) means that on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, you can find me doing this. (side note: I am sure I could find a more "efficient" way - hire an editor / work "faster" - but I'm enjoying the process of learning and taking my time with it, at least for now).
What I am loving / what keeps me going:
1) Researching each guest - listening to all of their previous interviews, reading what they've written - (Natalie Marcotullio actually told me this → with your research you're basically getting a master class in each guest!)
2) Recording the interview - I'm still intimidated every time I press "record" but the feeling afterward is awesome. Every single guest has told me "wow, this was fun." It was.
3) Getting random texts or DMs from people telling me an episode helped them work through a situation at work 🩵
What I'm learning:
1) How to produce and edit (Claude Projects + Riverside AI features make this possible)
2) How to ask better questions and tell better stories - (I think storytelling is one of the most useful skills, especially now with agents taking over workflows, storytelling is what makes us, us. Learned so much from collaborating with Hiwote Getaneh, amazing producer)
3) I learn a TON from speaking with each guest and how they break down complex problems (influence/negotiations, career pivots, hiring, finding purpose etc)
What still feels hard:
1) Distribution and consistency - posting regularly is my biggest challenge
2) The self-doubt and comparison trap (this is the worst kind of duo)
3) The taste-skill gap, meaning the gap between what I know this could be and my current skillset (love how Ira Glass explains this concept, see screenshot)
Why I'm excited about season 2: Because the humans coming on the show are awesome. Melissa Rosenthal, Jess Cook, Greg Portnoy, Jessica Goulart, Dilan Gomih, and Deven Ravel and more. I'll start releasing new episodes soon.
Stay tuned.
P.S. If you made it till here, thank you 🩵 . It takes a village. I am so grateful to all friends/mentors who help think through ideas, edits, and the ones sending the best, most supportive texts.