On this episode, host Lloyed Lobo of Boast.AI welcomes Sara Hicks, CPO at Mailchimp.

Developing a product strategy starts with understanding the customer problems that your business can solve–which, in turn, creates a long-lasting competitive advantage.

A compelling product strategy prioritizes key initiatives that will have the biggest impact for customers and the business while also navigating unknowns such as team velocity and other constraints.

Sara walks through the framework for a successful strategy; she also addresses business goals, technical and operational needs, customer feedback, and competitive differentiators.

Specifically, Sara covers:

2:30 - Her backstory and role at Mailchimp.

3:58 - Product strategy vs. vision vs. roadmap.

6:33 - Quick glossary of important terms.

8:05 - Customer-driven innovation.

9:57 - Customer analysis and market opportunity. 

11:42 - Connecting goals to customer benefits and initiatives.

15:20 - Why you shouldn't surprise your team with a new strategy.

17:02 - Different approaches for different altitudes.

18:40 - How to continually refine and focus.

20:55 - The most important piece of advice.

Learn more at https://tractionconf.io

Connect with Sara Hicks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saralouhicks/

Learn more about Mailchimp at https://mailchimp.com/

This episode is brought to you by:

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