Alona Dobshynska: How can a product manager keep up with innovations?
Product Management Trends 2024 show that the most important items will be enhanced incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies, more efficient customer feedback systems, and an increase in specialized roles for product managers. Alona Dobshynska, an experienced Product Manager, having a Master’s degree in Business Management with a specialization in Foreign Economic Activity, is sharing her journey and tips for becoming a top-notch professional.
From Crypto Cards to AI Mastery
Alona states, ”Continuously seeking opportunities to innovate and expand product lines can lead to significant revenue growth and enhance your market presence. Emulating this proactive approach can help you stay ahead of competitors and meet evolving customer needs effectively. By fostering a culture of innovation, you can drive sustained business success and establish your company as an industry leader.” As we see from her remarkable journey of innovation and leadership in the realms of product management and cryptocurrency, her first significant role was when she assumed the position of Chief Product Officer at the UK-based company CEX.IO. During this period, she successfully launched a US line of the products and services. Alona spearheaded the development and deployment of a breakthrough cryptocurrency web product, resulting in an augmentation in company revenue and a considerable customer base expansion to millions users. Building on this momentum, she extended the product’s scope for native mobile apps and greatly improved the B2B Affiliate Program, which became instrumental in scaling business operations.
“Even after reaching success, consider exploring and practicing your skills in new areas.” A new challenge Alona undertook was a position of a Chief Product Officer at Baanx Group LTD in the United Kingdom. In this critical role, she introduced her most remarkable product—a cryptocurrency card for the industry leader, Ledger, developed in collaboration with Mastercard.
Subsequently, her professional journey led her to the United States with Innovation Refunds, where she immersed herself in the domain of artificial intelligence. Here, Alona refined her expertise as a Product Manager in AI, obtaining two prestigious certifications, thereby solidifying her reputation as a pioneering figure in product management and technological innovation. She adds, “Even after becoming a successful specialist, don’t hesitate to take on new challenges. Embracing new opportunities can diversify your skill set and open doors to innovative fields.”
Success in Crypto-Backed Credit Lines
“One more important aspect you need to consider is as follows”, Alona states, “Focus on identifying unique market needs to develop innovative solutions. Hone your skills in managing complex projects and leading cross-functional teams, as these abilities are crucial in successful execution of groundbreaking products and can significantly impact your career growth and your company’s success.”
A prime example of Alona’s approach was exemplified by one of her most notable achievements: the development of the Cryptodraft feature for the CL Card Ledger crypto card. This innovative feature allows users to access a credit line secured by their cryptocurrency, thereby enabling them to retain their digital assets while simultaneously spending money in stores and withdrawing cash from ATMs. This transformative solution has significantly impacted the market for crypto investors and traders who prefer not to liquidate their assets. The innovation of this product is underscored by the fact that no other company globally offers a comparable feature.
Shaping the Future of Cryptocurrencies
“What you definitely need is to pursue relevant certifications and advanced training from respected institutions. You always have to stay updated with industry standards and best practices and develop a robust portfolio of skills that extend beyond technical expertise.”
Alona proves this statement by her own experience and she has established herself as a leader and visionary in her domain. Her credentials include such certification as a Scrum Product Owner, the Artificial Intelligence for Product Certification (AIPC)™ from Product School and a Product Management for AI and ML Certification, along with advanced training from some of the industry’s most respected institutions. Currently, she is further enhancing her expertise by pursuing an mMBA at the International Business Management Institute.
Alona’s influence extends beyond her technical skills; she is a dynamic force in cryptocurrency development and dissemination. She is a sought-after speaker at conferences and seminars, where she shares her cutting-edge insights and innovations. Alona contributes significantly to the scientific community through her insightful articles. Notably, her latest publication, “Optimization of UX/UI Design Processes When Creating Fintech Applications,” exemplifies her expertise and dedication to advancing knowledge in this field. Alona’s strategic methodologies and expert approaches have significantly boosted company growth and profitability, earning her recognition on international platforms such as the Cyprus IT Forum.
To stay at the forefront of industry trends, Alona actively participates in various competitions. Her relentless dedication and exceptional contributions were recently acknowledged with the Cases and Faces Award 2024 INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR nomination in the Financial Services category.
Looking ahead
Alona states, “I plan to continue advancing in the field of product management and fintech. I aim to embark on new projects and set new goals, envisioning my role in the ongoing development of the industry.” Thus Alona emphasizes the importance of setting ambitious goals and always aiming for new heights, as challenging yet achievable goals can propel your career forward and contribute to industry advancements. She highlights the value of building a strong network by engaging with industry professionals, sharing knowledge and experience with others, which helps the next generation of professionals and of course the necessity of staying resilient, maintaining determination and perseverance in the face of challenges, as success often requires overcoming obstacles and learning from failures.