My guest for this episode is David Jesse, Executive Product Leader, advisor, coach, and founder of Crescendo Product Group. His company enables product teams to deliver progressively stronger customer value and business outcomes.
About David
David Jesse is a seasoned product management executive with over 25 years of experience in companies ranging from seed-stage startups to large public enterprises. With deep expertise in marketplaces and global expansion, David has held executive product leadership roles at DoorDash, Fetch, Groupon, and eBay during periods of rapid expansion.
David is also a co-founder and co-lead of the Chicago Product Alliance. The CPA works to elevate the general practice of product in Chicago. They organize keynote speakers, panels, workshops, and meetups in conjunction with Chicago chapters of groups such as ProductTank, Women In Product, ProductCamp, and Black Product Managers.
We talk about
His background in Product leadership at eBay, PayPal, Gaia Interactive, Groupon, DoorDash, Fetch, etc.
When you have high-performing teams, people can flex between roles
How he defines fractional leadership (i.e., expertise on demand)
Why companies hire fractional leaders to help them accelerate execution, solve problems with gaps, navigate change management, tap into unique expertise, etc.
Fractional vs. Interim leadership needs for a client
Product operations vs. Product execution
The value of getting an outside, unbiased perspective
How your network is one of your most powerful career assets
The serendipity of discovering new opportunities through your network
How your reputation—good or bad—follows you around
Why he founded Crescendo Product Group and how he helps companies (e.g., transformation consulting, product leadership coaching, workshops)
The value of having a leadership mentor who is in your corner
How product management has evolved over the past decades
The massive disruption, new opportunities, and risks of using AI
How people should think about their careers for the next 10 years
Scroll up and hit play to listen to our full conversation.
Where to find more
Larry Cornett is a business coach who works with ambitious professionals to help them reclaim their power, become more invincible, and create better opportunities for their work and lives. Do more of what you love and less of what you hate! Check out his new Invincible Solopreneurs Daily Journal!
Share this post