Understanding the differences between CIO, CTO, and CTO roles in product management.
The importance of effective stakeholder communication and balancing feedback with product vision.
Building coalitions, seeking insights, and aligning with executive influences for long-term product success.
Deep dives
Ben Wilson's Diverse Background in Technology and Consulting
Ben Wilson, the Chief Technology Officer at a division of Exxon Mobil, discusses his varied career journey from the space station and space shuttle programs to working at Google. He highlights his transition from a consulting partner at PwC to a CIO at Siemens Power Generation, emphasizing how consulting experiences enhanced his customer empathy and product management skills.
Distinguishing Between the Roles of CIO, CTO, and CTO in Product Management
Ben Wilson elaborates on the differences among roles like Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and CTO in the context of product management. He explains that a CIO focuses on implementing software applications to meet specific business outcomes, while a CTO in an enterprise strategizes platform needs. Conversely, a CTO in a commercial software company is responsible for developing marketable products for a broader user base.
Balancing Stakeholder Management and Product Roadmap Prioritization
He delves into the complexity of managing stakeholders while accelerating through a product roadmap. Wilson stresses the importance of stakeholder communication, emphasizing the need for authentic and accurate messaging. Balancing stakeholder feedback with product vision and market needs presents a continual challenge, requiring strategic decision-making and effective stakeholder management.
Essential Traits of Successful Product Managers
Wilson highlights key traits of successful product managers, emphasizing the ability to listen to customers, understand market dynamics, and articulate a vision based on research. He also underscores the significance of technology understanding to foster collaboration with software engineers. Successful product managers showcase flexibility, communication skills, and the capacity to balance customer feedback with product objectives.
Navigating Executive Influence and Product Vision
In navigating conflicting perspectives between senior executives and maintaining the product vision, Wilson recommends fact-based discussions and understanding the underlying data driving executive suggestions. He advises product managers to build coalitions, seek insights, and balance articulating the product vision with addressing executive influences, ensuring alignment with long-term product goals.
Ben Wilson is the Chief Technology Officer – Energy for Google. Learn more about Ben’s take on defining the c-suite in product terms, and how to balance internal and external stakeholders.
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