In the dynamic world of product management, ascending to the role of Chief Product Officer (CPO) is often seen as the pinnacle of a successful career. The “Dragonboat” YouTube channel recently hosted an insightful webinar titled “The Journey to CPO: What Makes a Good Product Leader Great?” featuring Malaika Paquiot, a seasoned product executive and former CPO of Avalanche Insights. This session was part of the CPO Series, aimed at equipping aspiring product leaders with the skills, strategies, and insights needed to navigate their way to the top of the product management hierarchy.

The Road to the C-Suite: Mastering Essential Skills

In her talk, Paquiot outlined the critical skills and experiences necessary for anyone looking to move from a good product leader to a great one. She emphasized the importance of not only mastering the fundamental aspects of product management—such as customer knowledge, product expertise, and stakeholder management—but also understanding the broader category of your product and the strategic landscape in which it operates.

“Good product managers know their product inside and out,” Paquiot stated. “But to be a great product leader, you need to elevate your thinking to include the broader market, the technological changes, and even the regulatory environment that might impact your product’s success.”

Beyond Technical Expertise: The Soft Skills That Set Leaders Apart

Paquiot also highlighted the importance of soft skills, particularly empathy, communication, and the ability to empower a team. Drawing from her extensive experience, she shared that the best leaders she had worked with were those who could make their teams feel valued and motivated. These leaders excelled not just by managing tasks but by building a culture of trust and continuous improvement.

“Great product leaders create a high-trust environment where team members feel empowered to take risks, learn from their mistakes, and continuously strive for excellence,” Paquiot explained.

Navigating the Transition: From Good to Great

For those looking to make the leap to the C-Suite, Paquiot offered a roadmap, starting with a thorough self-assessment. This involves identifying gaps in skills or experience and actively seeking opportunities to fill them—whether through additional training, taking on side projects, or seeking mentorship and sponsorship within the organization.

She also discussed the importance of making your abilities visible within your organization. “You could have all the skills and experience, but if no one knows about them, you won’t get the opportunities to demonstrate your greatness,” Paquiot noted. She advised creating a personal “go-to-market” strategy, building a network of supporters, and finding sponsors who can advocate for your promotion.

Embracing AI and Technology

As the discussion moved towards the future of product management, Paquiot touched on the impact of AI and how it could reshape the role of product managers. AI tools, she suggested, could amplify the capabilities of product managers, enabling them to operate at a higher level and manage more extensive product portfolios with greater efficiency.

“In the near future, AI could allow product managers to operate as if they were two levels above their current experience,” she predicted. This, she said, would not only expand the scope of their role but also democratize access to product management positions by reducing the barrier to entry in terms of technical expertise.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

Malaika Paquiot’s insights provide a clear and actionable guide for anyone aspiring to reach the role of CPO. Her emphasis on continuous self-improvement, strategic thinking, and the importance of soft skills in leadership serves as a valuable reminder that the journey to the top is as much about personal growth as it is about professional expertise.

As the product management landscape continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and changing market dynamics, the next generation of product leaders will need to be more adaptable, empathetic, and innovative than ever before. For those ready to take on the challenge, the path to becoming a great CPO is one paved with opportunities for learning, growth, and leadership.