Driving product excellence with Gabriel Avédikian CPO at MYM

Hello Gabriel, could you tell us about your journey to becoming CPO at MYM?

My story begins far from the tech world. I was headed for a career in physiotherapy, but life has its unexpected twists. A serious accident forced me to reconsider my future. I left my original path and embarked on a new domain: development, at HETIC in Paris. I simply followed a friend, and what started as an uncertain adventure turned into a real passion. I first explored front & back-end development, then UX. My journey was enriched by diverse experiences: startups, design studios, freelancing, mentoring. Each of these steps was crucial, opening new horizons and enriching my product approach. Eventually, this diversity of skills and experiences led me to MYM. Initially, I approached projects as Chief Design Officer, but quickly, I embraced broader responsibilities, leading me to the CPO position. It's a role that demands a holistic vision, touching all aspects of the product and user experience, and that's exactly what I'm passionate about. I never wanted my work to be siloed to one subject.

What is the product DNA at MYM under your direction?

At MYM, product strategy is rooted in a deep understanding of our users and our business goals. My role is to find the best compromise between these two worlds. We have nine million users and over 360,000 creators, each with varied needs and expectations. My challenge is to guide the team in developing products that not only meet these needs but also propel our vision of the industry. For instance, our approach to live streaming markedly differs from platforms like Twitch or Instagram. It's this capacity to innovate while staying aligned with our core values that defines our product DNA.

What are the most significant product innovations or changes you've introduced at MYM? How did you overcome the major challenges associated with these changes?

A major challenge was probably security and moderation. The stakes are high: creating an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and free to express themselves, without fear of abuse or inappropriate content. We had to build a system with AI to filter content.
This security work also translated into developing a rigorous process for verifying the identity of creators, thus avoiding fake accounts and abuse. This includes thorough identity checks and fraud detection systems. We also implemented mechanisms to protect user exchanges, preventing the disclosure of personal information and ensuring the confidentiality and security of conversations.
So, it's been a significant challenge, as beyond security, these efforts reinforce our community's trust in our platform. They allow us to promise and maintain an environment where creativity and personal expression can flourish safely. This work, although titanic, is fundamental to our mission and values at MYM.

How do you define and communicate the product vision at MYM?

The product strategy at MYM is a mix of methodology and intuition. We use OKRs to set clear goals, but we remain flexible and open to innovative ideas from all teams. Communication is key: we share the vision transparently and encourage open dialogue between departments. It's about creating an ecosystem where every voice contributes to the product strategy, in harmony with the company's overall vision.

And related to vision, what indicators do you use to measure the success of your products?

We mainly follow key indicators like: customer satisfaction, retention rate, the growth of the number of creators and users, and especially, the lifetime value of the customer. These indicators help us understand how our community adopts and perceives our products, and guide us in our strategic decisions to continue innovating and improving our offerings.

Finally, what advice would you give to a Junior who would like to join MYM's product team?

There are two essential things I would advise. First, stay curious and open to learning. The product world is constantly evolving, especially in a dynamic environment like MYM. It's crucial to stay informed and understand current trends, whether in the creative economy or mainstream applications. I challenge my teams to always know what they're talking about and to be fully integrated into the product ecosystem. Second, break down the silos. At MYM, we value versatility and collaboration. For instance, I frequently organize sketching workshops where I expect every product designer, and not just them, to be active and engaged. The right idea can come from anyone, not just the product or design manager. It's this ability to communicate effectively with all professions involved in the product, this ownership strength, to take a subject to heart and carry it through, that makes the difference. At MYM, teamwork is not just a buzzword; it's the key to our success.

In short, my advice would be to immerse yourself completely in the product universe, be curious, collaborative, and ready to take initiatives. It's this mindset that will help you grow and thrive in a team like ours.

Thank you Gabriel! :)