Introduction
Introducing Ronan Shields, our ever-enthusiastic Product Owner, as we continue our “Meet the Team” series. Ronan’s journey into product ownership is as unique as it is impressive, starting with a stint in sports sponsorship where he learned the art of creating value beyond the usual ‘here’s your sign, see you next year’ model. Transitioning into product management, he brought with him a knack for innovative thinking and a client-first mindset.
Ronan is a master of clear communication, even if he might not make it as a stand-up comedian (though he tries!). His ability to bridge the gap between clients and developers with a sprinkle of humor keeps our projects running smoothly and our team engaged. With a focus on delivering value and ensuring everyone is on the same page, Ronan’s self-deprecating charm and dedication make him an invaluable part of our team.
Could you share your journey into product ownership? What motivated you to pursue this role, and how have your past experiences shaped your approach to product management?
Well, I’ve always had an interest in client facing business. Before transitioning into Product Ownership/Management, I worked in Sports Sponsorship, where I focused on generating revenue through product advertisement with Dundalk FC. I used my 12 months in the role with primary focus on moving beyond the traditional sponsorship model of ‘give us X amount of Money, we’ll put up a sign, and see you next year’.
I emphasised delivering tangible value to the clients products, finding new ways to intertwine products with the football club, through partnership schemes and other incentives. Exploring this approach naturally led me to considering a product management role, where the focus is on creating, developing and delivering value to customers. My background has instilled a client-first mindset approach.
What qualities do you believe are essential for a successful Product Owner?
There are several key qualities that are essential for an effective Product Owner. Clear thinking, strong communication skills, customer focus, decision-making ability, and prioritisation skills are all crucial. However, I believe the most important quality is clear communication. Bridging the gap from the client to the developers, whilst maintaining our clear vision of the product. An overlooked aspect of communication is the ability to have a laugh while communicating, this creates a positive and engaging environment within the product team. Although I’m no stand up comedian, I genuinely think that balancing a professional approach with a light hearted approach is essential in Product Management.
How do you manage and align expectations with stakeholders?
Managing and aligning expectations with stakeholders is essential in effective product ownership. It’s crucial to address expectations regarding deadlines, delivery, and quality right from the start. As Roy Keane aptly puts it, ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail’. The back bone of being able to control expectations is being able to set and deliver upon sprint goals for the product, this only happens when the development team has complete clarity on the product and the assignment.
My first job on any product is to ensure that every member of the team comprehensively understands the product. Recording early sessions for reference, utilising platforms like Confluence to delve into product details, again for developers to reference in their own time. Creating an environment where team members feel comfortable asking any question, no matter how ‘stupid’ it may seem, ensures clarity and confidence.
Once the team fully understands, I am confident in the ability of our developers to deliver upon our goals and align with the expectations I set to our client each sprint. Of Course there is more involved here, like managing expectations, risks, and building trust, unforeseen setbacks but the backbone to delivering upon expectations is understanding the product, adapting to changes and regular client updates and contact within the sprint.
How do you ensure that the product aligns with both business objectives and customer needs?
To ensure that the product aligns with both business objectives and customer needs, the first step is gaining complete clarity on the business objectives and understanding how they correlate with the wants and needs of the average end user.
While Paddy, our founder, might refer to some of my questions as ‘pestering,’ I prefer to see it as occasionally leveraging on his extensive industry experience. By tapping into his and other experts’ insights, I ensure that the product we deliver not only aligns with business objectives but also meets the needs of customers, especially in the dynamic landscape of the betting industry.
Each question answered contributes to my growth in this role, enhancing my ability to deliver products that resonate with both the business and its users. Always learning.
Can you discuss your experience in facilitating collaboration between development teams, designers, and other stakeholders to ensure successful product delivery?
I ensure open communication channels, set up regular stand-up meetings, and foster a culture of transparency and trust. Idea sharing and problem-solving among team members is essential.
In my opinion, nothing vindicates progress on a project like a busy Slack channel full of opinions on how we can improve the product, encouraging a dynamic environment of continuous improvement. As product owner, it’s not only my job to encourage this collaboration but also manage it effectively and prioritise the product’s value. Overall, this approach ensures that we maintain focus on the end goal, delivering a high-value product.
What are your short-term and long-term goals as a Product Owner within The Unit?
My immediate short-term goal is to finalise this Meet & Greet to keep our Social Media Officer, David Reilly, on schedule, which is rare. Beyond that, I aim to continue refining my skills in agile product management and deepening my understanding of both current and upcoming projects. In the long term, my goal is to make a significant and lasting impact in the industry by delivering innovative solutions that not only meets but exceeds our clients’ expectations.
What do you enjoy most about your role as a Product Owner, and what keeps you motivated?
Quite simple this one, witnessing the tangible development of a product, from its conceptual/discovery stages to its implementation and use by customers. Equally rewarding is seeing the growth and development of the internal team I collaborate with on each project, myself included. These are by far the most pleasing aspects of my job.
How do you unwind and recharge outside of work? Any hobbies or activities you’re passionate about?
My inspiration is Davis Clarke, locked in around the clock aspiring to be a heavy hitter.
