In this episode of Flight Path, Tern CEO and co-founder David Shull is joined by Brad Turner, Tern's Head of Design, and Molly Johnson, who leads Tern's Product Organization. They cover a wide range of exciting updates and insights from Tern's development, recent user feedback, and their own travel plans. Here's a breakdown of what was discussed:
Episode Highlights
Introduction and Fan Engagement (00:20)
David introduces the episode and discusses the growing excitement around the podcast, with fans eagerly waiting for new episodes.
Weekly Highlights and Product Updates (02:04)
Molly kicks off the week in review, discussing major product launches, including:
- Advisor Reporting: Launched a tool that allows advisors to manage and view commission reporting for better business insights.
- Trip Board Sorting: A much-requested feature allowing users to sort trips on the board based on date, status, or name, enhancing workflow efficiency.
Date Localization: Improved date formatting based on users' local language settings for a more intuitive experience.
- Cruise Notification Improvements: Adjusted the timing and relevance of cruise-related emails to reduce unnecessary notifications.
Behind the Scenes on Development (12:10)
Brad discusses the design challenges involved with date localization and trip board sorting. Molly shares insights on cleaning up the supplier database and improving system performance.
Tern's Approach to Listening to Feedback (20:00)
The team highlights how user feedback directly influences product improvements, including the cruise notification changes and enhanced reporting features.
Future Feature Enhancements (22:53)
The possibility of auto-updating cruise itineraries is considered, with a focus on balancing automation with advisor control.
Teasing Future Developments (29:53)
Discussion around ongoing strategic planning for Tern’s future, including potential AI enhancements and long-term localization plans.
Personal Travel Plans (34:52)
Brad shares his plans for a trip to Norway and Denmark.
Molly talks about her surprise birthday trip to Park City, Utah.
David looks forward to a relaxing weekend at home after a busy travel schedule.
Key Takeaways
User-Centric Development: Tern's commitment to listening to user feedback is evident in the rapid development and deployment of features that directly respond to user needs.
Global Perspective: With users worldwide, Tern continues to enhance its platform to cater to a global audience, as seen in the date localization updates.
Continued Innovation: The team is actively planning for the future, aiming to deliver features that will further simplify and enhance the travel advisor experience.