Micro-Interview: Maria Goritsova | PM | Quickbase | Tips on Influencing Stakeholders
💬"I prioritize the feedback that is aligned with the product vision and encourage open dialogue, when facing conflicting stakeholder opinions."
INTRO NOTE:
Maria Goritsova is a Product Manager at Quickbase, a leading application platform for dynamic work. The company offers tailored solutions to simplify complex tasks from project inception to completion.
In under 500 words, she shares:
Her product discovery secrets…
How she deals with stakeholders’ conflicting opinions…
Some of her sources of learning…
And more…
Enjoy!
“What's the main secret to your product idea validation process?”
When validating product ideas, I focus on being precise and adaptable. I start by researching the market and competitors to find opportunities. Then, I talk to potential users early to understand their needs. Continuous feedback and data help improve the product. I run simple tests to check assumptions efficiently.
The secret sauce for success is remaining agile and responsive, ready to pivot based on validated learnings.
“What did your biggest product discovery failure teach you?”
Looking back, a significant failure stands out: making assumptions without sufficient evidence, leading to numerous iterations and negative customer feedback during initial user interviews. This humbling experience highlighted the importance of thorough analysis and validation, emphasizing the need for humility, objectivity, and effective team communication to prevent future similar missteps.
“Can you share an example of a successful product feature or improvement originating from user research or feedback?”
In a significant instance, our team introduced a customizable data scanning feature, bringing millions in ARR. Through user interviews, usability testing, and Pendo surveys, we tackled compliance needs for sensitive data. Empowering users to personalize scans addressed this pain point, increasing engagement and satisfaction.
This success highlights the transformative impact of listening to users and using their feedback for product improvements.
“How do you handle situations where there is conflicting feedback from stakeholders, users, and internal teams during the product discovery phase?”
Navigating conflicting feedback in product discovery is challenging. Understanding stakeholder motivations is crucial.
I prioritize feedback that is aligned with the product vision and encourage open dialogue.
Balancing user needs, stakeholder interests, and objectives is tricky. I aim to make the best decisions by keeping an open dialogue, aligning feedback with the product vision, and seeking stakeholder consensus.
“How do you stay updated on the best practices in product management?”
Staying informed in product management is an ongoing journey for me. I attend industry events, read insightful articles, and engage with online communities for fresh perspectives. Additionally, I enjoy listening to podcasts like Lenny's Podcast and receiving newsletters like Itamar Gilad's (ex-Google PM). ProductTank Sofia also provides valuable learning opportunities with their events. These diverse sources keep me updated and enhance my understanding of the field.