AMA: StrongDM Sr. Director, Product Management, Ashka Vakil on Product Roadmap & Prioritization

Exec input on the roadmap can be a double-edged sword. It can bring valuable strategic insights, but it can also lead to feature creep or misalignment with the product vision. Start by understanding the context that led them to provide input and use it to augment your current thinking. Once you have reformed the opinion based on the new data, convey your well-informed point of view while demonstrating respect for their perspective and finding a solution that benefits both the product and the bro ...Read More

Product managers juggle multiple priorities and have to work with stakeholders whose needs vary. The most successful product managers understand customer's needs and market dynamics and use data to make informed decisions while keeping all stakeholders aligned and informed. They are adaptable and prioritize based on the current context while keeping the long-term vision in mind. Here are a few guidelines that can help you determine what's most important: Understanding Big Picture: What are the c ...Read More

The short answer is it depends. There is no magic formula that you can apply to determine what percentage of your roadmap you should dedicate to existing customer needs versus prospects. You have to strike a balance generally speaking between keeping existing customers happy and attracting new ones. The only exception where your roadmap is likely skewed toward the prospect's needs is when your ideal customer profile is shifting away from the current customer base and leaning toward the prospects ...Read More

While the product team ultimately owns the roadmap and is responsible for setting the vision and strategy, the marketing team understands the buyer personas and is responsible for messaging and launch. The marketing team has unique insights into customer and market needs. The two functions must collaborate to build a roadmap that addresses market needs and sets the business for success. The key aspects of successful collaboration in building a compelling roadmap are establishing clear goals, own ...Read More

Transforming an organization, especially one new to product practices, requires a thoughtful approach to introducing roadmapping. It requires bringing all functions together and sharing how it helps with overall alignment across the company. Here are some best practices to ensure a smooth transition for an organization that is introducing roadmapping as a tool. 1. Keep it Simple: Build a really simple roadmap that showcases value and builds momentum. Use a roadmap format that outlines key initia ...Read More