Lohith Paripati, a visionary product manager with over a decade of experience, has played pivotal roles in shaping the future of technology at some of the world's leading companies. From spearheading major initiatives at Walmart Marketplace to driving engagement at Microsoft and revolutionizing revenue platforms at Intuit, Lohith's journey is a testament to his strategic acumen and leadership prowess. In this exclusive interview, Lohith shares his insights on product management, innovation, and the future of technology.
Q1: What inspired you to pursue a career in product management, and how did your journey begin?
A: My journey into product management was driven by a passion for creating impactful products and solving complex problems. It began during my tenure at Accenture, where I worked on implementing Oracle CRM for a financial asset management firm. Seeing the direct impact of my work on the client's operations ignited a desire to be at the forefront of product development. This experience, combined with my educational background in computer science and software engineering, set the foundation for my career in product management.
Q2: Can you elaborate on your current role at Walmart Marketplace and the initiatives you are leading?
A: At Walmart Marketplace, I lead the development of the Seller Incentives Platform, designed to drive the adoption of marketplace services and fuel seller growth, while ensuring everyday low prices for buyers. Additionally, I am spearheading the creation of a comprehensive data infrastructure for payments, financial services, and incentives, which is essential for powering growth, efficiency, financial stability, and enabling the development of robust machine learning models. My role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that our solutions not only meet business objectives but also enhance the seller experience.
Q3: During your time at Microsoft, you led significant projects for Viva Connections. What were the key achievements and challenges you faced?
A: At Microsoft, I led the development of new experiences for the Viva Connections platform, significantly boosting customer engagement by 40%. A major achievement was strategically consolidating customer feedback from six siloed channels into a unified repository, enabling us to build a customer-obsessed roadmap that precisely aligned with actual needs. The challenges included ensuring seamless integration of new features into the existing platform without disrupting user experience, and addressing product market fit due to competition and cannibalization from Microsoft's own product, SharePoint. Overcoming these obstacles demonstrated our team's dedication and strategic planning.
Q4: Your tenure at Intuit saw numerous impactful initiatives. Can you discuss one that stands out and its impact on the business?
A: One standout initiative at Intuit was the implementation of the installment payments feature, which quadrupled cart conversions and increased the average order value by $25. This project required extensive cross-functional collaboration and a deep understanding of customer pain points. By offering more flexible payment options, we not only enhanced the customer experience but also drove significant revenue growth. This initiative underscored the importance of innovation and customer-centricity in driving business success.
Q5: How do you approach the challenge of leading cross-functional teams, especially in diverse and fast-paced environments?
A: Leading cross-functional teams requires a blend of clear communication, empathy, and strategic vision. I believe in fostering a collaborative environment where every team member feels valued and heard. Regular check-ins, transparent communication, and aligning team goals with the overall business objectives are crucial. In fast-paced environments, it’s important to be adaptable and proactive in addressing challenges. Empowering team members and leveraging their unique strengths helps drive collective success.
Q6: Can you share your experience with mentoring and developing junior product managers?
A: Mentoring junior product managers has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. At both Intuit and Microsoft, I mentored Associate Product Managers (APMs) as part of rotational PM programs, guiding them to navigate cross-functional teams and operate without boundaries. At Intuit, my mentorship contributed to the promotion of two associates to Product Manager II within 16 months. My unique approach involves influencing and fostering collaboration across different teams, providing tailored feedback, setting clear development goals, and cultivating a growth mindset. By sharing my experiences and offering strategic guidance, I help APMs manage the complexities of product management and unlock their full potential.
Q7: How did your educational background prepare you for the challenges in your career?
A: My educational background in computer science and software engineering provided a strong technical foundation, equipping me with analytical skills to tackle complex problems. Courses in algorithms, artificial intelligence, and databases were particularly invaluable. Additionally, during my Master's program at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, I won student elections and served as a senator for the graduate body of the Computer Science department. This role taught me leadership, collaboration, and navigating organizational challenges, further preparing me for my career. The combination of technical expertise and leadership experience has been critical in my role as a product manager.
Q8: What role does innovation play in your work, and how do you foster it within your teams?
A: Innovation is at the core of what I do. It involves continuously seeking ways to improve products and processes to better serve customers. To foster innovation within my teams, I encourage open-mindedness and the willingness to experiment. Creating a safe space for brainstorming and testing new ideas without fear of failure is crucial. I also emphasize the importance of staying abreast of industry trends and leveraging customer feedback to inform our innovations. By fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement, we can drive meaningful advancements.
Q9: Can you discuss a project from your early career that significantly shaped your professional development?
A: One early project that significantly shaped my professional development was the implementation of Oracle CRM at Accenture. This challenging project involved rolling out the application in 16 countries and earned me the Rising Star award. It taught me the importance of attention to detail, effective communication, and user experience. Prior to this, my internships in Malaysia and China during college in India were foundational, providing practical insights and preparing me for larger challenges. These experiences collectively laid the groundwork for my future roles in product management.
Q10: What advice would you give to aspiring product managers looking to make a significant impact in their careers?
A: My advice to aspiring product managers is to stay curious and embrace continuous learning. Understand your customers deeply and use their insights to drive your product decisions. Focus on building strong cross-functional relationships and be an advocate for collaboration. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks and learn from failures. Lastly, be passionate about what you do and stay committed to creating value for your users. The impact you make as a product manager comes from a combination of strategic thinking, empathy, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Lohith Paripati’s journey is a powerful example of how passion, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence can drive significant impact in the technology industry. His ability to lead cross-functional teams, innovate, and mentor the next generation of product managers underscores his exceptional career. As Lohith continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in product management, his story serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals aiming to make their mark in the world of technology.
