Unlocking Success in Product Management: A Conversation with Cody Smith
Cody Smith, VP of Product at Entrata, shares his insights on achieving a win-win approach in product management, balancing technical debt with new feature development, and fostering a collaborative team culture.
Finding Opportunity in the Property Management Space
Since joining Entrata in May, Cody has been impressed by the vast opportunities in the property management space. He notes that customers are eager to adopt the latest technology, leverage data-driven experiences, and reduce redundancy. This enthusiasm has been a pleasant surprise, as customers are not just looking for problem-solving solutions but are genuinely excited about the products being offered.
The Power of Mobile Experience
Cody’s background in mobile app development and management has significantly influenced his approach to platform development. He believes that the mobile experience is just the tip of the iceberg, with many underlying services and engines powering the end-consumer experience. This understanding has helped him focus on creating an elegant, intuitive customer experience across all platforms.
The Win-Win Approach to Product Management
Cody advocates for a collaborative, win-win approach to product management, where decisions benefit both the business and customers. He believes that setting up his team for success is crucial, ensuring they have the right tools, environment, and work-life balance. By fostering trust and open communication, Cody encourages his team to share concerns and ideas, leading to a more effective and happy team.
Fostering a Collaborative Culture
To promote a win-win culture, Cody asks his team to provide weekly updates on their product areas, focusing on progress rather than perfection. This approach helps identify vulnerabilities and fears, creating a safe environment for growth and improvement. By acknowledging and addressing these concerns, Cody builds trust and enables his team to thrive.
Balancing Technical Debt with New Feature Development
Cody emphasizes the importance of balancing technical debt with new feature development. He believes that saying “yes” to every request can be detrimental to the user experience, as it may lead to neglecting essential platform investments. By prioritizing trust-building with customers and identifying areas for improvement, Cody makes informed decisions that benefit both the business and customers.
Prioritizing Projects and Initiatives
When prioritizing projects, Cody considers the company’s goals, growth stage, and revenue targets. He believes that understanding the company’s objectives and identifying areas of impact is crucial for making informed decisions. By taking a tailored approach, Cody ensures that his team’s efforts align with the company’s overall strategy.
Growing and Learning as a Leader
Cody attributes his growth as a leader to having great mentors, career coaches, and peers in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of being vulnerable, seeking feedback, and staying informed about industry trends and best practices. By reading blogs, attending events, and engaging in brown bag conversations, Cody continues to learn and evolve as a leader.
Career Advice for Product Managers
For product managers at an earlier stage in their career, Cody advises seeking out job requirements and identifying skills gaps. He also recommends setting up informal brown bag conversations with peers and industry experts to stay relevant and informed. By doing so, product managers can continue their learning journey and stay ahead in the industry.