In this episode of Product Chats, Marc Rubner, CEO of Building Intelligence, joins us to reflect on his evolution from product manager to executive leader. With early roots in marketing analytics and product innovation at American Express, Marc brings a rare perspective on how product management can be a launchpad for broader business leadership.
Marc discusses how running daily operations gave him a new appreciation for managing across different time horizons – balancing immediate execution with long-term strategic vision. He also breaks down the “three-
legged stool” of go-to-market success: product, marketing, and sales must work together from the outset to create shared accountability and emotional connection to the plan.
Key Takeaways:
1. From PM to CEO – Product skills like prioritization, customer empathy, and structured thinking are essential, but they’re only part of the puzzle at the executive level.
2. Go-to-Market Requires Collaboration – True growth happens when product, marketing, and sales build plans together, not in silos.
3. Product Leadership Means Problem Framing – Great leaders don’t dictate solutions; they define the right problems and empower smart teams to solve them.
4. Build Repeatable Processes – Scalable product teams need clear systems for how they get from A to B, especially in fast-moving organizations.
Guest Bio:
Marc Rubner is the CEO of Building Intelligence, a company focused on providing integrated access control solutions that streamline and secure vehicle, vendor, and visitor management for safer, more efficient buildings. With a product management foundation built at American Express and deep operational experience across multiple sectors, Marc has held executive roles in SaaS, education technology, and nonprofit tech. He’s a strategic operator passionate about creating aligned, accountable teams that deliver lasting value.
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