104. Clara Machado: building confidence, shifting from project to product and doing product for good

In this episode, João was speaking to Clara Rivero Machado, the Head of Product at Via Verde and one of the speakers of the first Product Weekend event, held in May. There she talked about the importance of customer-centricity, the importance of having a design perspective as a Product Manager and how she helped turn a project-based company to a product-led organization. Clara is not only a great product leader but also a mother, a runner and a fun and fascinating human being. This was a long and intense conversation, where we talked about her career, the challenges faced as a PM and Head of Product, specific strategies she applies to her life and her work, and also about innovation. [0:10] Introduction of the guest. [1:03] Early career until the first experience as a PM. [4:40] The first big challenge of becoming a manager.  [7:00] How did Clara become a leader and earned trust. [8:50] Future career goals. [10:30] The role of confidence in Clara's life and strategies to build confidence and manage anxiety. [14:00] The morning routine.  [16:04] Setting personal goals and applying product management to life. [18:00] Retreats with friends and their benefits.  [19:00] The many different hats of a PM. [21:15] What is Via Verde [24:10] Joining Via Verde. [26:14] The switch from a project-based company to a product-based organization. [31:54] How much user research is "enough". [34:10] The achievement as a product manager Clara is the proudest of. [35:30] Dealing with a tight release deadline. [36:15] Performing user research in record time. [39:19] "PM is the CEO of the product" is a big myth. [41:22] Having a mentor and being a mentor. [42:20] Clara's superpowers - Curiosity, the power of "why" and ownership. [45:18] Advice for the younger self and the changes after becoming a mother. [47:27] Inspiring leaders. [50:37] Innovation and the future of the world. [53:57] Recommendations.