Rocky Sharma, CEO of The Procurement School, recently shared insights on product management that he gained through his experiences while visiting Naples, Italy. Despite not being a fan of pizzas, Sharma learned valuable lessons from trying various restaurants in Naples. He reflected on his initial struggles to find food in a new city and how that led him to eventually explore the culinary scene in Italy, particularly in Naples, known as the home of pizza.
During his time in Naples, Sharma made an effort to seek recommendations from locals rather than relying on tourist favorites. He observed the simplicity and affordability of the first-ever pizza created in a modest neighborhood. The pricing strategy based on service and quantity intrigued him, as it made the food accessible to people from all walks of life. Despite the long history of pizza in Naples and the continuous improvements made over the years, Sharma found that the taste was not as exceptional as expected. He also noted the lack of expansion or partnerships for the establishment that invented pizza.
Sharma also visited a renowned gelato and cappuccino place in Italy, where he was impressed by the clear, well-lit, and user-friendly design. The presence of English-speaking managers catering to a diverse audience stood out to him. However, he found it odd that the managers were unaware of the first pizza place in Naples. Comparing the two establishments, Sharma realized the importance of mentors in guiding a business toward expanded goals and customer segments. He emphasized the need to seek advice from experienced individuals who can offer insight into unexplored areas of the industry.
From a product management perspective, Sharma highlighted the significance of tailoring products to diverse customer segments to maximize revenue, margin, and customer satisfaction. He emphasized the importance of sharing a unique product story to connect with potential customers and drive growth. Sharma also discussed the choice between staying content and profitable with a small product versus pursuing growth through capital-intensive ventures that attract investors. Ultimately, he underscored the value of seeking mentorship, testing product variations, and adapting to meet the needs of different customer segments to succeed in product management.
As a Stanford GSB alumnus and experienced CEO, Sharma’s insights offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to enhance their product management strategies. By drawing from his experiences in Naples and applying them to the broader business landscape, Sharma provides a unique perspective on product development, customer segmentation, and growth strategies. His reflections on mentorship, customer engagement, and product differentiation serve as a roadmap for businesses seeking to establish a strong foundation and drive sustainable growth in today’s competitive market.
