Tips from Jedi Master Nico Popp, CPO of Tenable
Founder and CEO of dope.security Kunal Agarwal has learned from some of the best over the years. In our inaugural episode of tips from these very best, we delve into the art of becoming a dope product manager. The realm of product management is not just about overseeing a product’s lifecycle; it’s about storytelling, empathy, vision, and humility. Let’s explore these pivotal tips that can elevate your approach and make your products not only successful but legendary—starting with Nico Popp, CPO of Tenable.
Make it a movie
Every captivating movie takes us on a journey with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This is precisely how you should present your product. Start by setting the stage—explain the raison d’être of your product. Why does it exist? What gap is it filling? This sets the context and hooks your audience. Then, move into the heart of your story—what have you built? Showcase the features, the problems it solves, and how it stands out from the crowd. Finally, end with a glimpse into the future—your vision. What are the next steps? How will your product evolve? This narrative arc not only excites your audience but also makes your product memorable.
Live amongst locals
You should be called to immerse yourself in the ecosystems of sales, support, and other departments that interact directly with your users. These teams are on the front lines, gathering invaluable insights from real-world usage of your product. By collaborating closely with them, you can gain a deeper understanding of user needs, pain points, and the overall market landscape. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions that will positively impact your product’s development and user satisfaction.
Strength with vision
Rally everyone around your product’s story—from sales and marketing to enablement teams and, most importantly, your customers. Everyone involved should be a believer in what you’re building. This collective belief is powerful and can drive unparalleled momentum. But how do you achieve this? Through compelling storytelling and, crucially, an unbeatable demo. A well-crafted demo not only showcases the functionality of your product but also its potential to transform users’ lives. It’s about showing, not just telling.
Remember, you are a servant to the galaxy
Just as a Jedi serves with humility and wisdom, a Product Manager should approach their role with a learner’s mindset. Engage with your users, seek out feedback, and be open to criticism. It’s through this continuous loop of learning and iterating that you can truly refine and improve your products. Remember, the goal is not to assert dominance but to serve the greater good by solving real problems and enhancing lives.
The path to becoming a “Dope Product Manager,” as Jedi Master Nico Popp would say, is multifaceted. It’s about crafting compelling stories, immersing yourself in the user experience, building a shared vision, and leading with humility. By embodying these principles, you can navigate the complex galaxy of product management and leave a mark that transcends the ordinary.
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Nico Popp is Tenable’s chief product officer (CPO). He leads product development and engineering, ensuring the global execution of the company’s vision.
