How do our product teams work?
Each team is responsible for a different part of the customer journey. One team is improving our search, the other is optimizing purchase flow, and the next team is working with user profiles. Each team has full autonomy in activities, goals, and roadmaps, but cooperation is essential. Good "chemistry" and mutual understanding between these teams are crucial for us to stay out of each other's way, play for one goal, and ensure a consistent user experience.
What does your work look like daily?
Each day in the product manager's life is a dynamic adventure. We are analyzing current data, talking a lot with developers and designers, and, of course, reviewing insights from our users. Much of our work involves engaging with other company departments, including marketing, customer service, and brand and artist partners. We constantly switch between different work modes: long-term strategic planning, temporary project delivery, and quick response to emergencies. This dynamic work environment keeps us on our toes and ensures that no two days are the same.
What are the challenges? Can every company be a product company?
Oh my, that's a tricky question. You need to start with the definition of a product. Usually, it is defined as a physical, digital product or service that solves a customer's problem. With such a broad understanding, every company (including public ones) can become a product company. However, as product managers, we define companies as product-led when the company focuses on developing the core product rather than on tricks intended to make a fake impression on the customer. Of course, various growth hacks, great marketing shots, and appropriate strategic decisions (e.g., which market to enter and when) are essential. However, the consistent development of core products should still be at the center. Only some companies work this way; some take shortcuts, which usually fail when these magic tricks stop working.
What is the most exciting project you have had the opportunity to lead?
The most exciting projects are those when I can discover new, unknown areas. As a product manager raised exclusively in the digital product environment, I find any project in which I can also touch a physical product fascinating. Recently, we released a new upgrade at Displate - Textra. The most popular designs can be purchased in the Textra version, which has a distinct 3D texture and selective matt and gloss. Our huge challenge was to present all Textra benefits on Displate.com. It was impossible to take photos of each Textra. That’s why we must build a 3D model and render each Textra so users can look closely at such a product before purchasing it. I must learn much about both sides of Textra, physical and digital. It turned out great (here's an example). But the most crucial thing is that it would not have been possible without all the talented and hardworking people at Displate.
Your passions?
My true passions are football and everything related to my hometown - Warsaw.
In addition, I have many other pop culture fascinations (Spaghetti Westerns, Elvis Prestley, Star Trek, Britpop, and most recently X-men). When such a fascination begins, it absorbs me for about 2-3 months while I read, listen to, and watch everything there is about it. Then comes a new fascination. Importantly, I keep the old fascinations; each holds a special place in my heart (and on my wall in the form of Displates).
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