It’s a Ross Geller Classic: The Pivot!

Product pivots are defining moments that separate market leaders from forgotten startups. That critical decision – when to hold firm to your vision versus when to evolve it – remains one of product management's most consequential challenges, yet few product leaders openly discuss their pivot experiences.

This candid panel discussion hopes to bring together product leaders who have successfully navigated significant pivots to achieve product-market fit. Rather than theoretical frameworks, attendees will hear authentic stories of both successful and failed pivots, gaining practical insights for recognizing pivot signals, managing stakeholder expectations, and executing strategic product transformations that preserve team culture and momentum.

Panel Moderator: Kelly Mekwunye | She/Her - Product Owner at MakerSights

Panel Participants:

Jeanine Longley (She/Her) - Director of Product, MakerSights: Jeanine and Kelly have worked together through two pivots at MakerSights. Jeanine has 8 years of Product experience across 4 organizations, including 0-to-1 experience and new vertical expansion.

We’re still seeking product leaders who have gone through a pivot of the offering they are responsible for to sit on our panel talking about the process. Reach out to Kelly and/or Jeanine to discuss joining our panel!

Panel Details:
Our goal is to share raw, unfiltered stories on various pivot journeys – the why, how, and when – as well as any lessons that have been learned along the way.

Key Topics
✅ Pivot Detection: How to identify early warning signals that your product needs a pivot – before it's too late
✅ Decision Frameworks: Practical methodologies for validating pivot directions and minimizing risk while maximizing opportunity
✅ Team Leadership: Strategies for maintaining team morale, stakeholder confidence, and executive buy-in during pivots
✅ Real-world Case Studies: Honest accounts of pivots that achieved remarkable product-market fit – and cautionary tales from those that didn't
✅ The Pivot Playbook: Common pivot pitfalls and how to avoid them in your product journey

Who Should Attend?
* Product Managers seeking to refine their market fit analysis skills
* Startup Founders navigating early product decisions in uncertain markets
* Product Leaders responsible for transforming underperforming product lines
* Anyone interested in product strategy, market validation, and building business resilience

Why this topic matters now
In today's rapidly evolving market, the ability to pivot effectively has become a core competency for successful product teams. Yet most product conferences celebrate only initial visions and successful outcomes, glossing over the messy middle where real product mastery happens. This panel fills that gap by providing practical, experience-based guidance for one of product management's most challenging and consequential decisions – when and how to pivot your product to achieve true market fit.