The Power of Ecosystems and Community in Product Development
Sumeet Ahuja, a seasoned product advisor and investor, shares his insights on the importance of community building in product development. With a background in leading product teams at Circle and PayPal, Sumeet emphasizes the need for collaboration and co-invention in today’s fast-paced innovation landscape.
Disruptive Growth and the Interdisciplinary Nature of Product Management
Sumeet’s experience in navigating complex spaces has taught him that product management is no longer about building a product in isolation. It requires an integrated approach, involving multiple stakeholders, governance, and regulatory affairs teams. The ability to think collectively and influence market direction is crucial for success.
The Shift from Speed to Market to Speed to Impact
Sumeet highlights the importance of focusing on the actual impact of products in the market, rather than just speed to development and launch. He cites examples from the financial services space, where companies are leveraging blockchain and cryptocurrencies to drive meaningful change in areas like cross-border trade, supply chain management, and remittances.
Timeless Fundamentals in Product Management
Despite the rapid evolution of technology, Sumeet believes that certain aspects of product management remain unchanged. These include a focus on understanding the problem statement, customer segmentation, and building products that deliver value to customers. He also stresses the importance of interoperability and integrations in legacy infrastructure.
Decentralizing Innovation and the Role of Generative AI
Sumeet sees generative AI as a game-changer in go-to-market strategy, particularly in areas like data analysis, personalization, and customer support. However, he cautions against over-reliance on AI, emphasizing the need for human interaction and ethical considerations.
Shaping the Next Generation of Product Managers
As a guest lecturer at the University of Southern California, Sumeet is committed to educating the next generation of product managers. He believes that product careers are highly sought after, and universities are now incorporating product management into their curricula. When recruiting new talent, Sumeet looks for the right fit, beyond work experience, considering personality, culture, and the ability to set individuals up for success.