roles
Product Lead
Primary Role:
De facto head of product in small org or startup
Reporting Relations:
Reports to CEO/Founder
Decision Making Authority:
Full product decision authority
Stratigic Planning
Owns company product vision
Team Management:
May manage 1–3 PMs/designers
Meeting Involvment:
Executive team participant
Project Management:
Owns all product initiatives
Communication:
Internal + external (customers/investors)
Professional Development:
→ Head of Product / VP
Product Strategy Lead
Primary Role:
Focuses on long-term product direction, market positioning, and growth bets
Reporting Relations:
Reports to VP/CPO
Decision Making Authority:
Influences major investment decisions
Stratigic Planning
Owns 1–3 year product strategy
Team Management:
None or small team
Meeting Involvment:
Executive strategy forums
Project Management:
Leads 0→1 initiatives
Communication:
Investor/board narrative input
Professional Development:
→ VP / CPO
Startup Chief of Staff
Primary Role:
Strategic partner and advisor, aligning and executing organizational goals
Reporting Relations:
Reports to CEO, with a broader reporting structure
Decision Making Authority:
Significant, delegated authority for executive decisions
Stratigic Planning
Active in development and execution of strategic plans
Team Management:
Manages cross-functional teams and projects
Meeting Involvment:
Actively participating, presenting, and driving decisions
Project Management:
Oversees large, complex projects impacting the organization
Communication:
Represents the executive internally and externally
Professional Development:
Broadens strategic leadership and management skills