Things I’m Thinking About Right Now (As a Portfolio CPO in the Private Equity World)
As a Portfolio Chief Product Officer in the Private Equity space, I have the privilege (and challenge) of working across multiple PE-backed businesses in software, technology, data, and information services. The contexts vary - different markets, different maturities, different operating models - but some common themes are emerging as levers for growth, scale, and value creation. Here’s what’s been on my mind lately…
Why Your Product and Customer Success Teams Need a 3x3 Matrix (Not Just a Top 10 List)
Marty Cagan has been a guiding light in the product world for years; and for good reason. His thinking on empowered teams, product discovery, and customer-centric innovation has helped shape some of the most successful product organisations around the globe. One of the things I’ve always appreciated about Marty’s approach is his emphasis on collaboration across functions - especially the relationship between Product and Customer Success. In particular, I’ve seen him suggest that Customer Success Managers (CSMs) might keep a running list of the ‘Top 10 things customers want’ as a helpful way of feeding insight into the product development process. That kind of clarity can be powerful. A simple 10 items, prioritised. Easy to understand. Highly actionable. A starting point for deeper conversations. But, I want to build on that idea - and respectfully challenge a small part of it too.
The Power of a Solo 'Corporate Retreat': A Leader's Journey to Clarity and Renewal
Last week, I embarked on a unique adventure - a "corporate retreat for one" in the breathtaking Cairngorms in Scotland. This wasn't just a getaway; it was a deliberate pause to reflect, plan, and reconnect with my goals. Combining structured brainstorming sessions with long walks in nature, I found myself inspired by the cyclical rhythms of the natural world - a reminder of both the significance and humility of our human endeavours.
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.
An Agentic Future: How To Prepare for AI Agent Domination
The world of Artificial Intelligence is evolving at breakneck speed, shifting from basic automation to intelligent, independent agents capable of executing complex tasks. As a portfolio CPO working with private equity backed companies across the UK, Europe, and the USA, I see navigating this transformation as more than just about keeping up - it’s about actively shaping the future of your product, team, and company.
The AI 'Tsunami': It’s About Riding the Wave, Not Drowning In It
We’re living in a moment of profound transformation. Not since the dawn of the Internet has a technology promised, and threatened, to reshape our working lives as dramatically as artificial intelligence. It's no longer a futuristic concept; AI is here, now, and it’s changing the game. For many, this evokes a sense of unease, even fear. And rightly so. The headlines buzz with tales of automation and job displacement. But let’s cut through the noise. It's not about robots stealing our jobs; it’s about how we adapt to a world where AI is a powerful, ubiquitous tool.
Rethinking SaaS Success Evaluation With A New Metric for a New Era – The Rule of 100/3
The 'Rule of 40' has long been the gold standard for evaluating the health and potential of SaaS companies. However, as the industry evolves and matures - recovering from a much slower Q4 2022 to Q1 2024 18 month period - the need for a more comprehensive metric has become increasingly evident. In this article, I propose a new benchmark – the 'Rule of 100/3' – as a more nuanced and effective tool for assessing SaaS companies in today's dynamic market. One that identifies growth, profitability, and retention - but, in aggregate, also one that demonstrates stability and resilience.
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.
How has the Chief Product Officer role evolved in the past decade?
The role of the Chief Product Officer (CPO) has undergone significant evolution over the past decade, reflecting broader shifts in the business landscape, technological advancements, and changing market demands. This evolution can be observed across several dimensions, including the role's scope, the background and skills required, the industries in which CPOs are prevalent, and the strategic importance of the position within organisations.
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.
Celebrating Unsung (and oft-Forgotten) Women: Pioneers, Inventors, and Innovators.
As we commemorate International Women's Day, it's crucial to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroines whose contributions have significantly shaped the realms of business, finance, software, and technology. Often overshadowed and undercredited, these pioneers have not only innovated and invented but have also demonstrated that the world needs more women in leadership roles.
Diversity is Essential for Much-Loved Products and Well-Run Companies
When the going gets tough, the tough get… more diverse? Well, perhaps. The composition of product management teams is crucial for driving innovation and ensuring success. Diverse teams - comprising individuals with a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and work styles - are essential.
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.
8 Must-Read Books in 2024 for Leadership, Technology, and Product
As we embrace the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead, staying informed and inspired is key for any professional. I've compiled a list of eight transformative books that are a must-read for anyone keen to read more on leadership, technology, and product. Some of these are new, some are much older, all of them are books I dip into regularly.
Trends for Boards to Focus on in 2024
The new year has now arrived and most Boards will be preparing for their first Board Meeting of the new calendar year. For some it might be the first trading month of the new financial year too. The past few years have been anything but predictable. So only a fool would make concrete predictions for what the next 12 months will hold! But here’s my list of 10 trends I think Boards should be focused on.
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.