Elevate Your Product Game: Unlock Growth with Fractional CPO Expertise
Discover how strategic product leadership can transform your business into a market leader.
Strategising Success: Your Fractional CPO Journey
In the ever-evolving landscapes of Marketplaces, eCommerce, and FinTech, the difference between leading the market and playing catch-up lies in the ability to not just reach product-market fit, but to do so rapidly and then scale efficiently. This is where the role of a Fractional Chief Product Officer (CPO) becomes indispensable.
With over two decades of experience steering product management and leadership across high-stakes industries, I’ve turned product uncertainties into predictable successes. From rescuing the Zoopla app from a downturn and establishing it as a leader in the UK property portal space to launching groundbreaking marketplaces and banking applications within incredibly tight timelines, my career is a testament to the transformative power of strategic product leadership.
At Photobox, Zoopla, and TransferGo, I didn’t just lead products; I nurtured product leaders, coaching countless individuals to think beyond the build, and to envision products that truly resonate with users. My approach goes beyond traditional product management, focusing on creating harmony between product teams and the broader business goals to deliver impactful outcomes.
Why a Fractional CPO?
For larger B2C startups and scaleups in eCommerce and marketplaces, the challenges are twofold: achieving and accelerating product-market fit, and scaling effectively while maintaining a sharp focus on business-aligned outcomes. These challenges often stem from gaps in product strategy, a disconnect between product teams and organizational goals, and a lack of predictability in product impact and delivery timelines.
As your Fractional CPO, I bring a unique blend of experience, innovation, and a proven track record of turning around product performance and organisational alignment. My philosophy is rooted in a passion for building products and teams that not only meet the market needs but exceed them, driving growth and enhancing user satisfaction.
One of my proudest moments was at Zoopla, where I shifted the company’s trajectory by redefining the app’s mission and strategy. By focusing on supporting home movers more comprehensively, we not only stemmed the loss of estate agents but also reignited growth, showcasing the power of a well-executed product strategy.
Today, my mission through Produxity is clear: “To fill the world with delightful products, one product team at a time.” If your business is at the cusp of growth and seeks to not just navigate but dominate the marketplace, let’s collaborate to turn this vision into your reality.
- Deep Industry Expertise: With a strong foundation in Marketplaces, eCommerce, and FinTech, I understand the nuances and dynamics that drive success in these sectors.
- Proven Track Record: Demonstrated ability to revitalize product strategies and lead teams to deliver market-leading products under tight deadlines.
- Outcome-Focused: A unique approach that aligns product teams with broader business objectives, ensuring that every feature, update, and product launch drives tangible business outcomes.
- Strategic Leadership: Beyond managing products, I excel in coaching product managers and leaders, building a culture of innovation, accountability, and alignment.
- Comprehensive Support: From ideation to scale, I offer end-to-end support covering all facets of product management and organisational alignment, tailored to your business’s specific needs.
How it works
Embarking on a transformative journey with a Fractional CPO is a straightforward process designed to align closely with your unique needs and objectives. Here’s how I partner with you to elevate your product strategy:
Book an Exploratory Meeting
Start by scheduling a complimentary exploratory meeting. This initial conversation is our opportunity to dive deep into the challenges you’re facing and the outcomes you aspire to achieve. It’s a chance for me to understand your vision and for you to learn how a Fractional CPO can drive your product success.Receive a Tailored Proposition
Within a few days of our meeting, you’ll receive a bespoke proposition crafted to address your specific needs. At the core of my approach is the empowerment of teams—not just in leadership but in fostering a symbiotic relationship between product teams and key stakeholders. This involves a keen focus on identifying problems worth solving and adopting a methodical approach to uncovering solutions.- Engagement Options
Depending on the initial assessment, our collaboration could take several forms:- Product Function Audit: For some, the starting point might be an in-depth audit of the product function, culminating in a diagnostic report and a comprehensive roadmap for improvement.
- Monthly Retainer: Alternatively, I offer a monthly retainer for on-demand access. This allows you to leverage my expertise for ad-hoc questions and strategic discussions as needed.
Dedicated Involvement: For more intensive support, I can integrate with your team for 1 to 3 days a week over a specified period. This arrangement is designed for tackling an agreed list of opportunities, providing hands-on guidance and strategic oversight.
- Regular Progress Reviews
The nature of our engagement determines the frequency of our progress reviews. These regular intervals—mutually agreed upon at the start—are for assessing the impact of our strategies, making necessary adjustments, and ensuring that we are on track to meet your goals.
- Outcome and Reporting
Throughout our partnership, you’ll receive transparent updates on the progress and outcomes of our efforts. Whether through regular meetings, detailed reports, or a combination of both, you’ll always be informed of how your product strategy is evolving and performing.
Embarking on this journey with a Fractional CPO means putting your product strategy in experienced hands. Together, we’ll navigate the complexities of the market, empower your teams, and drive meaningful growth for your business.
Explore our case study on Puzzel's strategic transformation in product management.
Learn how Produxity's tailored approach led to remarkable organizational and operational improvements, setting a new industry benchmark.
Testimonial
“Working with Produxity wasn’t just about consultation; it was about transformation. We’re now more agile, more strategic, and far better prepared for the future.”
Matt Hughes, Product Director, Puzzel (see full case study)
Service breakdown
At the heart of this Fractional CPO offering is a suite of services tailored to empower your product team and elevate your product strategy. Below is an overview of key services, my approaches, and the outcomes you can expect:
Product Strategy
Approach: Engaging in deep-dive workshops that focus on defining or refining your product’s vision, mission, and strategic pillars. This collaborative process leverages insights from across your organization to ensure alignment and a shared understanding of where your product is headed.
Outcome: A set of strategic principles that serve as your competitive advantage. These principles are rooted in a thorough context analysis, incorporating market trends, competitor analysis, and customer needs to guide your product direction with confidence.
User Research
Approach: Implementing a comprehensive suite of established 3rd party research methodologies, including Jobs To Be Done, Value Proposition Canvas, Outcome-Driven Innovation, Kano analysis, and user experience mapping. Each tool is selected based on its ability to uncover deep insights about your users’ needs, behaviours, and motivations.
Outcome: Validated pain points and user needs that inform product development. This robust understanding of your user base ensures that product decisions are made with a customer-first perspective, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.
Product Discovery
Approach: Facilitating ideation workshops that not only generate a wide array of ideas but also prioritize them based on their potential impact and feasibility. This is followed by a structured process of experimentation, assessing each idea for value, feasibility, viability, and usability through quick, iterative tests.
Outcome: A comprehensive value/effort matrix that clearly identifies high-impact, feasible product opportunities. Along with a validated product roadmap, this approach ensures your team is focused on initiatives that offer the best return on investment and align with strategic goals.
Coaching product managers and product leaders
Approach: Offering situational coaching tailored to the individuals’ needs, challenges, and the specific context of their work. This personalised approach helps product managers and leaders develop critical skills, from strategic thinking to stakeholder management, ensuring they are equipped to drive product success.
Outcome: Significant personal and professional growth for product managers and leaders. This results in a more effective product team capable of handling complex challenges, making strategic decisions, and leading their products to success in a competitive landscape.
| Service | Approach | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Product Strategy | Engaging in deep-dive workshops that focus on defining or refining your product’s vision, mission, and strategic pillars. This collaborative process leverages insights from across your organisation to ensure alignment and a shared understanding of where your product is headed. | A set of strategic principles that serve as your competitive advantage. These principles are rooted in a thorough context analysis, incorporating market trends, competitor analysis, and customer needs to guide your product direction with confidence. |
| User Research | Implementing a comprehensive suite of established 3rd party research methodologies, including Jobs To Be Done, Value Proposition Canvas, Outcome-Driven Innovation, Kano analysis, and user experience mapping. Each tool is selected based on its ability to uncover deep insights about your users’ needs, behaviours, and motivations. | Validated pain points and user needs that inform product development. This robust understanding of your user base ensures that product decisions are made with a customer-first perspective, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty. |
| Product Discovery | Facilitating ideation workshops that not only generate a wide array of ideas but also prioritize them based on their potential impact and feasibility. This is followed by a structured process of experimentation, assessing each idea for value, feasibility, viability, and usability through quick, iterative tests. | A comprehensive value/effort matrix that clearly identifies high-impact, feasible product opportunities. Along with a validated product roadmap, this approach ensures your team is focused on initiatives that offer the best return on investment and align with strategic goals. |
| Coaching Product Managers and Leaders | Offering situational coaching tailored to the individuals’ needs, challenges, and the specific context of their work. This personalised approach helps product managers and leaders develop critical skills, from strategic thinking to stakeholder management, ensuring they are equipped to drive product success. | Significant personal and professional growth for product managers and leaders. This results in a more effective product team capable of handling complex challenges, making strategic decisions, and leading their products to success in a competitive landscape. |
FAQ
How do you justify the investment in a Fractional CPO?
What are the differences between the engagement models?
What is the typical timeline for seeing tangible results from your services?
How do you ensure a smooth integration with a client's existing product team?
Do your services adapt as a company grows and its needs change?
Can you work with companies outside your geographical location? How?
How flexible are your services? Can they be customized to fit unique needs?
Ready to Elevate Your Product Strategy?
Boost your product teams to new heights with expert leadership. In the EMEA region and ready to fast-track success in marketplaces, eCommerce, or FinTech? Partner with a Fractional CPO backed by 20+ years of impactful strategy and innovation.
Book your exploratory session now. Uncover your product’s potential and see how focused strategies and dynamic teams can revolutionise your path to success.
- Optimise your workday: Based in London, I guarantee a smooth collaboration with up to 4 hours of timezone overlap for clients throughout EMEA.
- Flexible engagement. From diagnostic audits to dedicated, hands-on strategy implementation, my services are tailored to fit your unique needs.
- Strategic growth: Drive sustainable growth with bespoke product strategies that promise not just market fit, but competitive dominance.
Don’t let geographical boundaries limit your product’s success. Wherever you are in the EMEA region, let’s connect and explore how we can turn your product vision into a market-leading reality.
Experience the transformative impact of strategic product leadership. Together, we’ll chart the course for product excellence.
About us
Our company name is Produxity [prəˈdʌk.sɪ.ti] noun, defined as the ability to create exceptional products that delight users and drive company success: “Steve had a prodigious sense of produxity”.
Our team is led by Cyril Le Roux, who brings over 20 years of experience in product management to the table. He started out as a Product Manager and worked his way up to VP of Product Management, contributing to various projects across FinTech, eCommerce, and Marketplaces. Recently, he’s been busy reinventing the Zoopla App, launching a marketplace for tradespeople, and helping to introduce a new banking app.
He is bilingual in French 🇫🇷 and English 🇬🇧, and regularly teaches product management classes which puts him in the unique position of having a working knowledge of a broad range of models that apply to strategy, innovation, pricing, stakeholder management and many more. He has, to date, helped dozens of product people improve their performance.