Unlocking Innovation: Lessons from “Product Is The Way” Masterclass

In January, we hosted an enlightening masterclass titled “Product Is The Way—To Massive Value Creation” featuring Chidi Afulezi, an esteemed figure in product management and entrepreneurship. Drawing from over a decade of experience at Turner Broadcasting, CNN, and Sony Music, as well as his current roles at The Massive Company and redKola Digital, Chidi provided invaluable insights into the art and science of product innovation.

At the core of BongoHive Consult, we champion innovation by leveraging design thinking, lean startup modelling, and agile methodologies. With a track record of supporting over two thousand enterprises and collaborating with diverse partners across four countries, we have emerged as a catalyst for transformative change in the business landscape.

The masterclass served as a platform to explore the pivotal role of product vision and strategy in driving successful ventures. Participants were guided through the process of crafting compelling visions that address customer needs while aligning with organizational objectives. Key questions surfaced during the discussion, prompting reflections on customer pain points, value propositions, and business goals.

The following key takeaways:

Customer-Centric Innovation: Understanding the problems customers face and delivering solutions that add tangible value lies at the heart of product vision and strategy. Chidi emphasized the importance of delighting customers, creating hard-to-copy advantages, and generating meaningful value through innovative product strategies.

Foundations of Product Management: The masterclass offered a primer on product management, highlighting its significance as a linchpin function within successful organizations. Participants gained insights into the evolving dynamics between technology, users, and business stakeholders, with a focus on value creation and addressing fundamental questions of usability, feasibility, and viability.

–  Discovery and Experimentation: Chidi advocated for a mindset shift towards problem-centric innovation, urging participants to “love the problem, not the solution.” By embracing customer empathy, reframing challenges, and fostering a culture of experimentation, product teams can uncover transformative solutions that resonate deeply with users.

– Innovation and Adaptation:  The session culminated in an exploration of different types of innovation and an overview of the product life cycle. Participants gained a deeper understanding of navigating the complexities of product development, from ideation to market maturity, while remaining agile and adaptable in the face of change.

As attendees reflected on their learnings, they left equipped with actionable insights and strategies to drive innovation within their organizations. The masterclass underscored the importance of continuous learning, experimentation, and a relentless pursuit of customer-centric solutions in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to empowering organizations to embrace innovation and drive meaningful change. For those seeking to unlock their potential and embark on a journey of innovation, we stand ready to partner and collaborate, offering tailored interventions and expertise to propel ventures towards success.

Email us today at : innovation@bongohive.co.zm to get started