Not a Job, but a Calling

As VP Product Management at Ibex Medical Analytics, I'm the management team member responsible for generating short- and long-term execution plans, AKA the Product roadmap, reflecting the company's vision and strategic goals, and for ensuring that these plans are carried out successfully. As the 6th most veteran team member, I've had the privilege of witnessing Ibex's journey from an initial idea to the development of clinical-grade AI-driven products and the acquisition of dozens of paying customers in four continents.

The process is complex and requires delicate coordination to balance the needs and expectations of all stakeholders, including the management and BoD, Sales, Marketing, R&D, Customer Operations, Business Development and Finance. Since we operate in the health space, we must also consider Compliance, Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, Clinical & Scientific Affairs, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs.

Many elements are required for building, maintaining and executing a roadmap, including research (market, users, competitors), business case generation, requirement definition, pricing, launch excellence, etc. For this, I've built a team, consisting of a Product Management group and a Program Management group, and together we drive the planning and execution of our roadmap, from ideation to launch.

Challenges

Some of the main obstacles my team and I face in our daily efforts.

Prioritization

There is always more to do than what is possible. The act of balancing scope, resources and quality requires a clear direction, a North Star, to facilitate decisions, by which less important projects give way to those that more effectively promote company goals.

Changes

Plans and reality rarely coincide. Rather than trying to adhere to a plan at all costs, we continuously revisit our plans and make adjustments. Burndown, for example, is often used in Agile software development to monitor progress and predict work completion.

Alignment

To reach a given destination, everyone must row in the same direction. For that to happen, goals and plans must be communicated clearly, consistently and in a timely manner, so that everyone understands why, what and how.

Values

The core principles by which I conduct my professional life and deal with the challenges it poses.

Dedication

Be a team player. Your colleagues must know that you would do anything for the team.

Knowledge

Always keep learning. Collect data, extract information and synthesize actionable insights.

Performance

You are here to compete and to excel. Set goals for yourself and measure your success.

Accountability

You alone answer for your actions, or lack thereof, and for the consequences. Own your role.

My Strengths

Leadership

Social command
Team building
Driving quality and excellence
Employee motivation

Business Strategy

Driving differentiation
Market research
Competitive analysis
Branding and positioning
Roadmap definition

Product P&L

Cost reduction
Pricing
Revenue maximization
Business models

Partnerships

Scouting and selection
Negotiation
Relationship management
Scope definition