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.
The Future of Product Management: What to Expect in 2024
As we step into a new year, Product is poised to undergo significant transformation (again). In a field that's constantly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is essential for success. This article examines some key trends and changes I expect will shape Product Management in the months ahead. Drawing inspiration from Product Marketing Alliance, Pendo, Product Tank, and Mind the Product, let's dive in…
The Strategic Advantage of a Fractional or Interim Chief Product Officer
In the ever-evolving business landscape, CEOs often grapple with challenges surrounding growth, positioning, innovation, and fostering a product-centric culture. One increasingly popular solution is hiring a Fractional Chief Product Officer (CPO) or an Interim CPO. This approach not only offers flexibility and specialised expertise but also aligns well with the dynamic needs of businesses, particularly in high-growth or transitional phases.
Progressing through the Product Team
In the years I’ve spent as Chief Product Officer I’ve worked with hundreds of product professionals to hone their skills, develop their progression, and build their careers. This is an introduction to how I see roles and responsibilities build in a well-structured and cleanly-operated Product team.
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.
The Product Manager Toolkit
When I hire Product Managers, of any level, I use this toolkit to assess their strengths - and potential - in a number of areas. This helps me benchmark, share my view of “what good looks like”, and create longer term development pathways for team members. I share it here in case it’s useful for you as you build and develop your own Product team.
The Top 20 Attributes for a Product Leader
When asked “what makes a great Product person?” I usually like to think about the attributes, teachings, and models spoken about by some of the great product voices I’ve followed in my own career. This list changes from time to time but my current top 20 includes a rich aggregation of qualities that would make any product leader stand out in their field.
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.
The Emergence of the Chief Product Officer: Why It's the Fastest Growing Executive Role
In the rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of the Chief Product Officer (CPO) has surged in prominence, becoming the fastest-growing position within executive teams. This article delves into the reasons behind this trend, examining how the CPO's unique skill set and strategic importance are driving their ascent in the corporate hierarchy.