Synopsis
In this candid chat, Namrata Sarmah, Chief Product Officer and community leader, shares her journey from software engineer to CPO, navigating early leadership challenges and fast career growth. She highlights the persistent misunderstanding of product roles among CEOs, boards, and investors, and the vital importance of educating executive decision makers about what product leadership truly entails.
Namrata describes the CPO as the "voice of the customer" in the room, emphasising the strategic focus on building teams and shaping vision rather than hands on product building. She discusses the blurred lines between CPO and CTO roles and the need for product leaders to secure a seat at the boardroom table to influence corporate direction.
The conversation also explores Namrata’s leadership style, rooted in democratic, participative principles, valuing curiosity, merit, and lifelong learning. She encourages product professionals to stretch themselves, stay inquisitive, and invest in continuous personal growth.
Namrata’s passion for community shines through in her creation of Women in Product UK and the global CPO Track, both designed to inspire and support product leadership across genders and geographies. Her proudest achievements are not just products shipped but the people she’s mentored and helped grow in their careers.
Key Takeaways
Start early in leadership conversations to educate boards and executives on the true role and value of product leadership
The Chief Product Officer is the strategic voice of the customer in the room, focused on vision and team building over coding
Product roles are still widely misunderstood by CEOs, boards, and investors, requiring clear communication and advocacy
Different "flavours" of CPOs exist, coming from engineering, marketing, or design backgrounds, there is no one size fits all
Product leaders must be active in board ecosystems to shift perspectives at the top
Effective leadership blends a democratic participative style, curiosity, meritocracy, and continuous self-investment
Passion for community building, exemplified by initiatives like Women in Product UK and CPO Track, creates vital networks that foster growth, inclusion, and support for product leaders at all stages. These communities are safe spaces where members learn, mentor, and uplift each other, sparking personal and professional development that transcends individual careers.
Namrata’s leadership pride is rooted not only in the products delivered but in the lasting impact she has made by mentoring others and helping shape future leaders. True leadership, as shown here, is measured by the positive difference made in people’s lives and the inclusive cultures nurtured through connection and shared purpose. This spirit of community and mentorship is essential for building stronger, more diverse leadership in tech and beyond.
