Retail operations face numerous time-consuming challenges every day. Lightspeed Commerce is solving one of the biggest and most tedious problems: managing complex workflows for SMBs.

Today, John Shapiro, Chief Product and Technology Officer, shares how Lightspeed empowers businesses to streamline operations, enhance product usability and leverage AI and machine learning for a competitive edge.

Key Takeaways:

(01:25) John’s career path from engineering to product management.

(02:08) The influence Steve Jobs’ commencement speech had on John’s career.

(03:14) Transitioning from software engineering to business operations and product management.

(04:03) The shift from desktop software to cloud solutions at Adobe.

(05:58) Lightspeed’s focus on complex in-store workflows for ambitious entrepreneurs.

(07:21) Balancing default settings and user flexibility in product design.

(09:45) Understanding customer problems is vital to drive product development.

(13:20) Integrating new technologies and financial services into Lightspeed’s platform.

(17:42) Validating market demand before building or partnering on new products.

(21:29) The role of AI in inventory forecasting and supplier recommendations.

(25:07) Using AI to enhance inventory forecasting and supplier recommendations.

(27:50) Balancing simplicity and capability in product design.

(29:23) Advice for aspiring product managers on navigating their careers.

Resources Mentioned:

Lightspeed Commerce -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightspeedcommerce/

John Shapiro -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnshapiro/

Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Any specific guest you’d like to hear on the show? Leave your suggestions at https://www.smbtechinnovators.com/.



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