Human-Centered Product Management in the Age of AI (with Amanda Di Dio)
Thu Jan 08 2026
In this episode of Product Voices, JJ Rorie sits down with Amanda Di Dio, Vice President of Partnerships at Optimistic Design, to explore how product teams can thoughtfully navigate AI without losing sight of what matters most: people.
Amanda shares her journey from traditional program and product management into systems thinking and human-centered design—and how that shift changed the way she views responsibility, impact, and decision-making in product work. Together, JJ and Amanda unpack what systems thinking really looks like in practice, how product teams can embed research and co-creation without overhauling their entire process, and why slowing down early often leads to better outcomes later.
The conversation also dives into AI’s growing role in product development and the opportunities and risks that come with moving fast. From responsible design and bias awareness to the danger of jumping to solutions too quickly, this episode offers a grounded, pragmatic take on building products with care in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Finally, Amanda shares advice for aspiring product managers navigating a tough job market, including how to build perspective, develop craft beyond the basics, and stay human in an increasingly automated world.
This episode is a must-listen for product managers, designers, educators, and leaders who want to build meaningful products—without losing their soul in the process.
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In this episode of Product Voices, JJ Rorie sits down with Amanda Di Dio, Vice President of Partnerships at Optimistic Design, to explore how product teams can thoughtfully navigate AI without losing sight of what matters most: people. Amanda shares her journey from traditional program and product management into systems thinking and human-centered design—and how that shift changed the way she views responsibility, impact, and decision-making in product work. Together, JJ and Amanda unpack what systems thinking really looks like in practice, how product teams can embed research and co-creation without overhauling their entire process, and why slowing down early often leads to better outcomes later. The conversation also dives into AI’s growing role in product development and the opportunities and risks that come with moving fast. From responsible design and bias awareness to the danger of jumping to solutions too quickly, this episode offers a grounded, pragmatic take on building products with care in a rapidly evolving landscape. Finally, Amanda shares advice for aspiring product managers navigating a tough job market, including how to build perspective, develop craft beyond the basics, and stay human in an increasingly automated world. This episode is a must-listen for product managers, designers, educators, and leaders who want to build meaningful products—without losing their soul in the process.