A VC Approach to Product Frameworks

This episode features an interview with Dave Bottoms, General Manager & VP of Product at Upwork.

In this episode, Dave shares with us:

• His VC approach (40/30/30) to product frameworks
• The importance of a growth team focused on achieving a specific ROI
• How to balance customer feedback and innovation
• How to establish clear principles to guide decision-making

Host takeaways:

Kyle: 

• Dave really stresses the importance of adopting a framework to your product leadership, and I appreciate his venture capitalist mindset (40/30/30) when it comes to allocating resources strategically across the product portfolio.
• Our conversation also highlights the importance of a growth team focused on moving metrics to achieve a specific ROI. Dave helped shed light on the role of this team in driving measurable results and contributing to the overall success of the product.

Lukasz:

• I like the top-down perspective in managing larger products and how Dave acknowledges the value of working with experienced senior individuals. He emphasizes that product management guidelines are not rigid rules but adaptable principles that should be adjusted based on the specific situation.
• Clear principles, though sounding lofty, simplify decision-making by providing a clear direction. Dave drove home that when principles are well-defined and communicated, they serve as a framework that not only guides the PM but also aids other teams. 

Segment Timestamps: 

*(00:25) - Ship it or Skip it

*(04:05) - PM Power Moves

*(28:01) - Host Takeaways

Links:

• Connect with Lukasz Weber & Kyle Kolich on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Zuora

>> Connect with Lukasz Weber & Kyle Kolich 

>> Learn more about Zuora