How can product leaders transition to an executive role? In this episode of Product Talk hosted by VNS Health Product Director Mark Bailes, VNS Health SVP of Strategy and Innovation David O’Malley discusses the key considerations and strategies for transitioning to an executive role. David shares his extensive experience moving from a product manager to a senior product leader, highlighting the evolving responsibilities, communication needs, and leadership skills required at each stage. He also speaks on the nuanced differences between coaching and management, the importance of building trust and demonstrating readiness, and the growing trend of Chief Product Officers reporting directly to the CEO.
Subscribe to the Product Talk podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and catch every conversation with leading product executives. Episodes drop on Wednesdays.
Show Notes
- The role of a product manager evolves from hands-on execution to strategic decision-making and empowering the team.
- Coaching is a critical skill for product leaders, focused on long-term growth and empowerment of team members.
- Letting go of control and building trust are key challenges as product managers transition to leadership roles.
- Developing and communicating clear leadership principles is essential for product executives.
- Adapting communication styles to different stakeholders, from engineers to executives, is crucial for product leaders.
- Building a culture that supports team growth and development is a key responsibility of product executives.
- Creating an ecosystem of products and ensuring a balanced customer-centric view is a strategic focus for product leaders.
- People strategy, including hiring and developing the right talent, is a critical aspect of product leadership.
- Continuous learning, staying up-to-date with industry trends, and building a strong network are essential for career advancement.
- Demonstrating readiness for executive roles involves mastering skills, building trust, and seeking growth opportunities.
- The increasing trend of Chief Product Officers reporting to the CEO highlights the growing importance of product at the executive level.
- Transforming organizations to prioritize product and customer-centric strategies is a key challenge for product leaders.
- Product leaders must be able to switch between different contexts and levels of responsibility effectively.
- Transitioning to an executive role requires flexibility and openness to new experiences.
- Taking ownership of one’s domain and leading up and down the chain of command are important for product managers.
- Embracing opportunities for development and growth, even if they are outside one’s comfort zone, can be valuable.
- Continuous learning, networking, and finding supportive organizations are crucial for early and mid-career product managers.
- Fulfillment and passion for product management can be a driving force in one’s career journey.
- Giving back to the product management community and supporting the growth of future leaders is important.
- Adapting communication and leadership styles to the specific organizational context is key for product executives.
About the speaker
David O’Malley is SVP for Product Strategy at VNS Health, a 130-year-old healthcare company that services the most complex populations through high-quality, cost-effective healthcare in the home and community. Prior to joining VNS Health, David gained experience in both small and large companies, including General Electric, where he most recently led Product Strategy and Product Innovation for the GE Healthcare’s digital technology portfolio. David has extensive experience creating innovation programs that accelerate digital product development and scaling those programs globally. David resides with his family in Connecticut and was formerly a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician.
About the host
I am passionate about using technology to solve problems and I take great pleasure in helping others to achieve their goals. I live these values every day working in Product.