From defining clear strategies to working and monitoring cross-functional teams, all the way to delivering high-quality products – Product Managers must maintain focus and determination toward the ultimate objective. Today, we had a conversation with one of our Product Managers, Christine, who shared her career and LotusFlare journey so far.
Hi Christine, thanks for doing this interview with us. Can you tell us more about your professional background?
Before joining LotusFlare, I was a consultant at Deloitte Montreal working on strategic, operational, and IT projects. My background is somewhat non-traditional; I studied Honours Mechanical Engineering at McGill University and worked at major aerospace companies such as Bombardier to design next-generation aircraft, and was a researcher in 3D printing and composite materials.
What led you to your career as a Product Manager in the IT company?
My transition to a Product Manager role in the IT industry was driven by my experience at Deloitte where I was working as a business consultant. While working on a digital transformation project for a winemaking company, I had the opportunity to collaborate closely with product managers responsible for an in-house SaaS product. I was captivated by the fact that these product managers acted as a bridge between technology and business strategy, with the autonomy to define, design, and deliver products. This experience ignited my passion for the tech industry, as I realized the immense potential to drive innovation and create value through product management.
What are your key responsibilities and what is the most challenging aspect of your role?
As a Product Manager at LotusFlare, my primary responsibilities encompass defining product strategies, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, prioritizing features, and ensuring timely and high-quality product delivery. The most challenging aspect is adeptly balancing competing priorities and effectively managing resources from both engineering and design. Making data-driven decisions and ensuring our product roadmap remains aligned with our long-term vision while addressing immediate customer needs is paramount.
Can you tell us more about a recent project you’ve worked on and the key takeaways from that project?
In a recent project at LotusFlare, I led the development of a triple-play experience for a major CSP. To ensure its success, we worked from the “customer experience down”, and began with extensive customer research, including user interviews and surveys, to deeply understand the motivations and pain points of the user who decides to purchase or switch to a triple-play bundle. Armed with these insights, we embarked on an iterative design process, continually testing user interfaces with recruited participants. This approach allowed us to refine and optimize the user experience, resulting in a user-friendly UI that enables customers to effortlessly purchase and manage their fiber internet, IPTV, and wireless triple-play plans through a single, intuitive application.
One of the primary takeaways from this project was the paramount importance of a user-centric and experience-led approach. By prioritizing the customer journey and delivering a seamless experience, we not only met but exceeded our client’s expectations, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction. This project reinforced the value of aligning our solutions closely with the needs and expectations of end users, which is a core principle in our product development strategy.
What are the biggest challenges in working with large CSPs, and what are the advantages?
Challenges in collaborating with large CSPs include navigating complex organizational structures, contending with longer sales cycles, and ensuring compliance, particularly in the security domain. However, the advantages are substantial, such as gaining access to a vast customer base, opportunities for scalability, and the ability to co-create innovative solutions that address critical industry needs. Establishing strong relationships and understanding the unique dynamics of our client relationships are key to success and are personally fulfilling.
What advice would you give someone considering starting their career in the IT/Telco Industry?
I would advise them to be curious and adaptable. The IT industry evolves rapidly, so staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and trends is essential. Familiarize yourself with the telco terminology; it’s immensely valuable in navigating the telco world. Networking and building relationships within the industry can also open doors to valuable opportunities. Lastly, don’t be afraid to take calculated risks and embrace challenges; they often lead to the most significant growth.
How do you like working in LotusFlare so far and how would you describe LotusFlare to someone considering joining our team?
My experience at LotusFlare has been immensely enjoyable. It’s a dynamic and innovative company that nurtures a collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit. LotusFlare is undergoing rapid growth and is at the forefront of transforming how CSPs engage with their customers, making it an incredibly exciting place. The team here is not only passionate but also highly talented. Moreover, the company provides an excellent environment for personal and professional growth, thanks to its relatively flat organizational structure. LotusFlare is a place where you can genuinely make an impact, and where you can access valuable mentorship and guidance from senior leadership.
