Staying Calm Under Pressure: Strategies from Leading Product Minds
In Episode 2 of Season 3 of Orbis Group’s Product Leaders podcast, Ben Moulton sits down with Lindsay Scott, Chief Product Officer (CPO) at Polecat. With a seasoned background in data architecture and AI product development, Lindsay shares how resilience, adaptability, and technology come together in high-stakes product management. Her insights reveal a roadmap for navigating the unique pressures of today’s rapidly evolving product landscape.
A Journey into Product Management
Lindsay's path to product leadership reflects a journey familiar to many in tech—a blend of strong technical expertise with a drive to solve meaningful business challenges. Starting in data processing and architecture, she naturally gravitated towards roles that required both innovation and practical value creation, particularly in AI and data-driven products. Her career evolution offers a lesson in how technical skills, paired with business acumen, create powerful product leadership foundations.
Leveraging GenAI for Real-Time Insights
As the discussion shifts to generative AI (GenAI), Lindsay outlines Polecat’s innovative use of this technology. Polecat’s platform processes millions of daily data points from diverse sources, offering businesses insights into trends, risks, and reputational challenges. By harnessing GenAI, Polecat achieves faster, more nuanced data processing and interpretation, empowering clients to act quickly on insights and stay ahead in a complex market. Lindsay notes how GenAI accelerates product prototyping and deepens customer engagement, allowing for a nimble, client-responsive approach to development that maximises AI’s potential.
Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
In the high-stakes world of AI product management, Lindsay underscores the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ). Product leaders often face tight deadlines and shifting priorities; here, EQ becomes critical for maintaining team cohesion and motivation. At Polecat, Lindsay has found that EQ plays a pivotal role in balancing innovation with strategic foresight, ensuring her team can deliver on both immediate and long-term goals. Her approach exemplifies how empathy and communication skills enrich product leadership, particularly in a tech-driven environment.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Product Leaders
Embrace Problem-Solving: For future product leaders, Lindsay’s journey highlights the value of technical skills combined with a deep-rooted desire to solve business challenges.
Implement AI Thoughtfully: Polecat’s adoption of GenAI exemplifies a cautious, iterative approach to disruptive tech, allowing her team to maximise impact without overwhelming users or resources.
Lead with EQ: Lindsay’s work demonstrates how emotional intelligence enhances collaboration, helping teams stay grounded and focused—even in high-pressure situations.
Lindsay’s experiences serve as a powerful guide for aspiring product managers looking to lead effectively. As she wisely states, “It’s not about changing everything at once; it’s about identifying where the biggest value lies.” Her insights are invaluable for those seeking resilience, adaptability, and strategic insight in today’s AI-driven world.