CTO
2020 - 2020App Startup- Took over failing project from previous developer.
- Worked with the founder to streamline existing functionality and improve UX.
- Onboarded new Unity developer with experience in VR/AR platforms.
- Helped the founder focus app functionality on key areas for MVP.
CTO
2019 - 2020SAAS Startup- Worked with the founder to translate basic vision into an actionable backlog, ready for development.
- Managed development team from conception to v1 release.
- Coordinated smooth transition of the project from original developers to in-house developers.
- Worked with the founder to prioritize features and other enhancements for the release of v2.
- Worked with the developer on publication of Chrome Extension for use with SAAS platform.
Product Owner
2018 - 2020Hyatt Hotels- Worked with operations at two client organizations, Hyatt Hotels, and their subsidiary Exhale Spa, to develop detailed requirements for the integration.
- Assembled team of Toptal developers and QA to build the integration and associated website on a tight schedule for launch.
- Worked with the client and a Toptal designer to build out the desired UI for consumer use when connecting accounts and redeem points for spa services.
- Worked closely with a third outside entity, MindBody Online, on their API and associated issues.
- Handled maintenance and ongoing minor enhancements as needed.
Product Manager
2019 - 2019Boutique Fitness Chain- Worked with the client on specific requirements and data elements to extract from ERP. The client wanted to build data warehouse from a cloud-based ERP system, and push user data into HubSpot.
- Determined best approach for HubSpot integration.
- Worked with client on detailed business rules, ensuring data integrity throughout data flow.
- Selected and managed developer to build integration.
- Implemented enhancements to BI logic, in support of Tableau implementation.
CTO / Product Owner
2017 - 2019Insurance Broker- Guided the Toptal client from initial concept to a web-based application handling their mission-critical functions from customer enrollment through to invoicing.
- Opened the project with in-depth discussions on requirements, created a detailed backlog, and presented project proposal for time, budget, and scope.
- Coordinated closely with each team member to build the envisioned product according to specifications and within tight delivery deadlines.
- Worked with the client to ensure that the highly complex set of business requirements were implemented in an optimal fashion and within expectations.
- Collaborated with third parties, including ADP Payroll, to implement data integration functions as needed for the system.
- Selected and on-boarded Toptal team, including designer, developers, and QA.
Product Owner
2018 - 2018Multi-Dwelling Real Estate Developer- Researched market for Smart Home devices, such as Alexa and Google Home, to generate user stories for an integrated residence by a futuristic property developer.
- Developed detailed specification for the product, incorporating custom voice interface and IoT control.
- Worked with the designer to create complex, cross-platform UX/UI framework.
- Conducted a build-vs-buy analysis of third party voice interaction platforms as part of business strategy proposal.
Product Owner
2017 - 2018Major Insurance Services Company- Guided the client from concept to a web-based application that imports data files from a number of client customers, emails a survey to the appropriate people based on complex and customizable criteria, records responses, and manages business workflow based on customizable response criteria.
- Kicked off the project with an in-depth process of business analysis, story-writing, and backlog building to define scope.
- Worked closely with client executives to build an agreed upon project plan and budget, based on 250+ stories in backlog.
- Coordinated with the client as product requirements evolved, ensuring maximum agility during product development while avoiding unnecessary rework.
- Selected and on-boarded the Toptal team, including designer, developers, and QA.
- Worked closely with each team member to build the client's product according to specification and changing circumstances.
- Managed the development of a data warehouse layer that exported into the Qlik BI platform.
Product Owner
2016 - 2017Global Pharmaceutical Company- Managed a team of developers and QA engineers building an internal web-based business application.
- Led Agile development processes with weekly sprints and daily stand-ups.
- Handled the transformation of user requests into actionable, implementation-ready JIRA stories within a highly specialized scientific domain.
- Managed the implementation of formal QA processes.
- Supported the resolution of issues raised by PostgreSQL database over one terabyte.
Technical Product Manager
2015 - 2016Insight Notes- Joined a small team as the first product manager, formalizing the role and coordinating product releases.
- Introduced a structured process for version management.
- Functioned as lead QA Engineer, working closely with the developers on enhancements and bug fixes.
- Handled HIPAA-compliant server setup and configuration for both live and dev environments.
CTO
2013 - 2016NoteStream- Managed the product development from concept to delivery.
- Worked with sales to determine most attractive prospects for next product version.
- Led agile implementation team to deliver required feature sets quickly and within budget.
VP, Strategy
2005 - 2013Sage Group plc- Spearheaded the development of a global strategy for Sage Group plc, an FTSE-100 company.
- Worked with global business units on country-specific and group-specific strategy, refining growth patterns and projections for maximum shareholder benefit.
- Formalized a portfolio management model for the organization's extensive range of individual businesses, supporting both individual brands and the corporate entity.
- Reviewed global mergers and acquisitions.
- Reported directly to the Board of Directors.
Senior Director, Product Management
2000 - 2005Sage Group plc- Negotiated with engineering teams to establish project scope and timelines.
- Prioritized features and ROI to align sales and marketing objectives with engineering schedules.
- Facilitated senior executive decision-making regarding product release cycle and resource allocations.
- Represented sales and marketing in engineering design discussions.
- Led the transition of products from on premise to SAAS, coordinating with development on technology, sales and marketing on messaging, and operations on pricing and internal systems.
Product Marketing Manager
1994 - 1999Sage Group plc- Worked with sales to develop key messages and sales support documents.
- Participated in sales calls with customers to handle questions regarding product roadmap and priorities.
- Led the rollout of marketing programs and lead generation activities.
- Handled all competitive research, writing analysis of each competitor with strengths vs weakenesses.
- Liaised with engineering to champion technological impact on product strategy and marketing.