An Insatiable Drive to Make Things Better
I attribute a large part of my success to being able to have both a micro and macro focus on making things better. My playbook is to focus on getting important deliverables out the door in the short term while simultaneously inspiring people to find ways to improve the core product steadily and noticeably over time. I’m always asking, “How can we make this better?”
Considering the globalization of today’s economy, one characteristic of a great product leader is tact. I have spent decades working with folks from all over the world, including India and Eastern Europe - so my ability to be diplomatic and respectful of other cultures is key to a cohesive, happy and productive work environment.
As an organization leader, I have often had to rally different departments to work together in an effective and productive manner. For example, many times, the tech side of the house comes in conflict with the marketing teams. I am typically the one counted on to mediate the situation and ensure the company’s vision is still being fulfilled instead of stymied because teams can’t settle on a decision or get along.
My role demands that I have well-rounded technical knowledge. But because I work with many stakeholders, it is critical that I have great communication skills too. In my years of experience, I may work on design, data and even sales. Mostly, I have had a key role in feature planning. It has therefore been mission critical that I work well with others and can explain the road map and vision.
Coaching/Mentoring - lead by example, open door, reward and hold people accountable when need be, help them improve and reach career goals
Influence As CPO, you must rally different departments to work together in an effective and productive manner. For example, many times, engineers come in conflict with marketers. You would need to be the one to mediate the situation and ensure the company’s vision is still being fulfilled instead of stymied because teams can’t settle on a decision or get along.
Coaching/Mentoring - lead by example, open door, reward and hold people accountable when need be, help them improve and reach career goals
Innovator: awesome ideas and patents
Problem Solver
Is passionate about education and helping students achieve their most ambitious goals
Knows that it’s not just about sharing information, but focuses on building understanding, partnership, and enthusiasm
Appreciates that the best outcomes are both a win for the customer and the financial health of the company
Sees obstacles and ambiguity as opportunities to create something even better
Respects and values engineers and designers
Is active in the Product community and up to speed with just now possible trends
Believes that great products are the result of true collaboration
Innovation
Experience
Passion
Leader ship/mentor ship
Fresh eyes
Customer facing experience,
Evangelism
Sea level face-to-face experience
Experience taking a product from concept to launch and revenue
15+ years of software, product management experience
10+ years of experience working in product leadership role, managing and growing product owners and UX designers
Track record of achieving Product/Market fit with multiple products
Expert on modern forms of product planning, customer discovery, product discovery, and product development process
Demonstrated ability building strategy across multiple business units and product lines
Record of strong stakeholder management and internal evangelism
Strong technology background with proven ability to create great products that customers love
Experience with Lean UX
Experience partnering with and incorporating learning science principles
Software engineer or software UX Designer experience a plus
Product Strategy, Product Vision, Product Design, User Research, Product Growth and Marketing, Product Analytics & Metrics, and Product Evangelism