Product Thinking Episode 224: Why Empathy Is a Product Superpower with Somer Simpson
May 21, 2025
Somer Simpson, VP of Product at Customer.io with a rich background in online media and startups, dives into the transformative power of empathy in product management. She emphasizes that true empathy involves understanding and accepting different perspectives, crucial for crafting products that resonate with users. Somer likens product management to whitewater rafting, urging managers to embrace chaos for innovation. Additionally, she highlights the irreplaceable human touch in innovation, even amidst the rise of AI. A must-listen for product managers at all levels!
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Build a Strong Product Foundation
- Seek mentorship and foundational training to overcome minimal onboarding in product management.
- Focus on understanding empathy, customer problems, technical basics, and business context for success.
From Photojournalist to Product Manager
- Somer Simpson transitioned from photojournalism to product management by building digital projects at newspapers.
- Her early exposure to digital media ignited a passion for product work that shaped her career.
Empathy Requires Self-Acceptance
- Empathy requires accepting others' perspectives as equally valid as your own.
- Loving yourself and accepting your flaws is essential to develop true empathy for others.