An Interview with Jillian Maloney

Meet Jillian Maloney, a seasoned product leader with over a decade of triumphs in product development; bolstering client acquisition, maximizing revenue opportunities, and igniting product awareness.

In this interview, Jillian unveils valuable insights to steer both CEOs, Founders and product leaders through the intricacies of their professional relationships and how to better propel their product growth.

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Describe what a “great” Founder and product leader relationship looks like.

In an ideal Founder-product leader relationship, greatness is defined by effective collaboration, clear communication, and a shared vision. A great product leader aligns product strategy with business objectives, taking ownership and being accountable for outcomes.

Communication is paramount – ensure transparency in progress updates, setbacks, and insights. By proactively engaging in discussions about the product roadmap, they ensure alignment with the overall company strategy while bringing creative ideas to the table.

Managing expectations is key, focusing on realistic timelines, achievable goals, and regular progress updates. Seeking feedback fosters continuous improvement.

A great product leader also emphasizes team dynamics, fostering a positive working environment within the product team and across departments. They recognize the importance of strong relationships with cross-functional teams for successful product development.

Ultimately, a product leader’s control over their commitment to the company’s mission, proactive communication style, results-driven approach, and adaptability ensures a healthy relationship with the Founder.

What should CEOs share when hiring to help product leaders better determine interest in an opportunity?

Product leaders evaluating opportunities with a CEO look for clarity on several crucial aspects:

• Understanding the company’s long-term vision and current strategic objectives to ensure alignment with their own professional goals.
• Insight into team dynamics, collaboration, and leadership style, particularly from the CEO will help them assess the level of support for innovation and risk-taking that’s available.
• Knowledge of the product roadmap, challenges, market position, and competition allows them to gauge the potential impact they can make by joining the organization.
• Assessing company culture and values is paramount for cultural fit and long-term satisfaction. This factor is becoming more critical as they decide where to work.

A comprehensive overview of these elements during the interview process ensures that both the product leader and the CEO can make informed decisions about the alignment of the opportunity with their respective objectives.

What does “great” onboarding of a new product leader look like?

Great onboarding of a newly hired product leader involves a structured and comprehensive process that sets the stage for success. It begins with a thorough orientation, providing a deep dive into the company’s culture, values, and mission. The onboarding should include introductions to key stakeholders, facilitating early connections and relationships.

A robust onboarding plan equips them with a clear understanding of the organization’s goals, the market, and the competition. Access to essential tools, resources, and documentation ensures a smooth transition and immediate productivity.

Mentorship and coaching are pivotal in guiding the new product leader through internal processes, team dynamics, and expectations. A well-crafted onboarding plan should also provide opportunities for the leader to shadow and collaborate with existing team members, fostering a quick integration into the company’s workflow.

Regular check-ins and feedback sessions during the onboarding period are essential for addressing any challenges and ensuring they feel supported. Ultimately, great onboarding is a strategic investment that accelerates the product leader’s ability to contribute effectively and align with the organization’s objectives.

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A rock-solid partnership between a Founder and a product leader is all about collaboration, clear communication, and a shared vision. For CEOs looking to hire a solid fit, it’s about laying out the company vision, team dynamics, and what makes the product tick. Then, when it’s time to bring product leadership on board, focus on structured onboarding, mentorship, and a hefty dose of team spirit. These little details pave the way for a killer relationship and set the stage for some serious product growth.

Many thanks to Jillian Maloney for her invaluable insights. Her tips will help CEOs, Founders, and product leaders navigate the complexities of their professional relationships and drive product growth.

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