How AI Will Change the Shape of Product Teams
As a Chief Product Officer (CPO), I spend a lot of time thinking about how my teams should evolve to meet the future. With AI accelerating the pace of innovation, the classic approach to building product teams won’t cut it anymore. The roles, skills, and structures we’ve relied on for years are shifting fast. What worked yesterday won’t guarantee success tomorrow. Here’s how I see AI changing the shape of product teams; and what CPOs, and leaders generally, should be thinking about to stay ahead.
Why the Smart Bet Might Be on Small Language Models - Not LLMs
In the corporate race to harness artificial intelligence, large language models (LLMs) have emerged as the poster child of innovation. From OpenAI’s GPT-4 to Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude (as well as loud new entrants like DeepSeek), companies across industries are scrambling to invest in these behemoth AI systems, believing they hold the key to unlocking competitive advantages. However, as the dust settles, a new perspective is emerging - one that suggests the real opportunity might not be in LLMs at all but in their more focused, domain-specific cousins: Small Language Models (SLMs). SLMs, designed for highly contextualised and deeply specific data, knowledge, and intelligence, could be the smarter and more cost-effective choice for businesses looking to drive real-world impact.
Organisational Tipping Points: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Growing Companies
As leaders, we celebrate the milestones of our growing companies. We toast to new clients, product launches, and expanding teams. Yet, amidst the excitement, there's an undeniable shift that happens at certain stages and a truth that we must acknowledge: companies change as they grow. It's as if an unseen hand shifts the very essence of our organisations at certain points. I call these moments ‘tipping points’ - crucial junctures where the dynamics of communication, decision-making, and even the company's shared identity undergo subtle but profound transformations.
Why Servant Leadership Only Gets You Halfway There
In a myriad of leadership theories, servant leadership has been lauded for its focus on the growth and well-being of individuals and the communities to which they belong. However, the classic approach to servant leadership may not fully address the complexities of modern organisational needs. This article argues that while servant leadership provides a solid foundation, it is not a comprehensive strategy unless it evolves to empower team members to lead autonomously and confidently from various positions.
Product is the Business and the Business is Product: Why Product Thinking is the Growth Engine of Today
Welcome to the Product Age. Gone are the days when companies could coast by on a single good idea. Today's market demands constant innovation, deep customer understanding, and a laser focus on building products that solve real problems. This is where the mantra "Product is the business and the business is Product" comes alive.
Why My "Nine Grid Comms Model" is My Go-To For Storytelling Success
Storytelling sits at the heart of Product, Transformation, and Leadership. One of the things I learned early on was that no matter how accurately you group demographics, personas, and profiles; people understand things in greatly varying ways. This is especially true when you’re trying to explain something new to them; and truer still when it’s something wholly novel. I set out a few years ago to create a model for steering my storytelling. Something that I could use to ensure I was being inclusive, effective, and comprehensive whenever I set out a narrative. I’ve used it on every project since.
Why Amazon's "Six Page Memo" Is the Optimal Format for Briefing Boards and Leadership Teams
Effective communication is key to success. Whether you're presenting a new idea, reporting on a project's progress, or seeking approval for a strategic decision, how you convey information matters immensely. Amazon, one of the world's most successful companies, has a unique and highly efficient method for briefing their Boards and Leadership teams - the "Six Page Memo." In this blog post, I’ll explore why this format has become a gold standard for concise and impactful communication.
Dismantling the Myths of Product Marketing
Product Marketing is a critical driver of growth and success. However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding this field which is - by default - half of one thing and half of another. In this article, I will debunk these myths and shed light on the importance of getting your Product Marketing strategy right, sticking to it, harnessing the power of storytelling, crafting a firm narrative, and understanding where Product Marketing should sit in your company.
Rethinking Board Dynamics in the Modern Era of Collaboration and Innovation
The traditional blueprint of board operations is undergoing a seismic shift. Today's world, characterised by its 'always-on' nature and the emergent needs of next-generation leaders, calls for a reimagined approach to board governance. This article delves into how contemporary boards can thrive amidst these changes, balancing the nuances of technological advancements and addressing the urgency of innovation.
An Ethical Charter for Artificial Intelligence
I studied Artificial Intelligence at Saïd Business School, which is part of the University of Oxford. The six-week executive education program focused on both the commercial opportunities for, and the operational impact of, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning. As part of my course deliverables I was tasked with creating an Ethical Charter for AI. This is the result of that project.
Why 'Moonshot' Projects are a Catalyst for Innovation, Growth, and Scaling
The term 'Moonshot' is used to describe highly ambitious, exploratory, and ground-breaking projects, much like the Apollo moon-landing mission from which the term originated. These projects are characterised by their potential to redefine the norms of what's achievable. In this post, we will explore why Moonshot projects are so effective in driving innovation, growth, and scaling.