Wednesday, December 11, 2024
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In our Product Manager Spotlight series, Question Base connects with top product leaders who are redefining what’s possible in SaaS and tech. This time, we had the pleasure of speaking with Wes Furuta, a seasoned product leader who has scaled products used by millions during his tenure at companies like Google, LinkedIn, and Hinge. With over 15 years in the field, Wes’s journey highlights the art and science of prioritization, the evolving role of AI in product management, and the unique challenges of his latest venture—a physical product that brings motion and comfort to desk-bound users.
At the core of Wes’s approach to product management is a simple truth: "You can build anything, but you can’t build everything." This idea underpins Wes’s strategy in managing product roadmaps and team time effectively. His emphasis on prioritization isn't just about knowing what to work on but also what not to work on—a crucial distinction in high-growth companies where every resource counts. Wes uses frameworks like opportunity trees and financial projections to help teams evaluate which projects best align with long-term objectives. Whether leading a small team at a startup or steering initiatives at a major tech company, these principles guide Wes in keeping his team focused and maximizing impact.
AI tools, Wes noted, are game-changers for today’s product managers, especially in research and planning. With his recent venture into building his own product, Wes has leaned on generative AI to tackle everything from competitor analysis to marketing strategies. Tools like ChatGPT have become his go-to, providing fast and actionable insights that save time and help him learn new areas of the business. "AI has been hugely valuable for me," Wes shared, describing how he uses it to identify effective pre-launch marketing channels, find grants, and even handle intricate tax research. By asking the right questions and providing context, Wes has found AI to be an invaluable resource that helps him go from his Product Management expertise to the new highly-demanding and versatile job of a Startup Founder.
So what is Wes building now? He is bringing his product expertise to the physical world with Hopper, a footrest designed to relieve tension and add motion for desk-bound professionals. While building a physical product presents new challenges, many of the foundational principles—like focusing on user feedback and iterating on prototypes—remain similar to software. However, physical products have their own unique hurdles: "Once you release it, that’s your product," Wes said, noting the high stakes of launching a product where quick adjustments aren’t always feasible.
Hopper is an innovation Wes wanted to see in the market. As a busy knowledge worker who sat on a desk for hours long meetings, he dreamed about a footrest that can relieve some of his uneasiness and give him motion in the otherwise sedentary work. When he couldn't find the solution on the market, he created it. A real Product leader move - building the path from a problem to a solution.
We are excited for Wes's new venture - it quickly gained traction on Kickstarter and reached its funding goal within days.
Wes’ journey underscores the role of product leaders in shaping the tools and products that improve our daily lives. His new startup exemplifies how innovative product design can meet a real need. Hopper isn’t just a footrest; it’s a reminder that even small enhancements can make a big difference in our well-being and productivity.
As Wes continues to expand his expertise from software to physical products, we’re reminded of the versatility, resilience, and creativity that today’s top product managers bring to the table.
Stay tuned for more interviews with innovative leaders like Wes Furuta, as we explore the evolving landscape of product management and how AI is shaping the future of work. Check our previous interviews from this series - with Andreas Holmer from Shopify and Supriya Naik from Zenon.
Full interview with Wes Furuta:
