Whether you’re a company that’s 100 years old or 100 days young, the digital revolution is affecting every single industry, and you need to think like a startup. That means identifying your best assets and then determining how to best leverage those assets to create new market value – before someone does it for you. Your business might be one innovation away from being obsolete – just ask Blockbuster, Polaroid, or Sears.
Take an inventory of the things that make your company special to understand what ingredients you have to cook with. Understand who you are and what your business objectives are, whether it’s acquiring new customers, creating engagement with your brand, or driving new revenue opportunities. Then create new value by leveraging those existing assets. Your corporate resources are the strategic advantage you have over any startup, but you must be brave enough to reallocate them.
Prioritize. Prioritize. Prioritize. There will always be too much to do. You will build out a digital product roadmap on paper that will take years to deliver but executing on what really matters is what it’s all about. Start small, unless you have the corporate means and desire to go big.
what I do.Before Empire Communities, as Director of Business Engagement at Cadillac Fairview (CF), I oversaw the Business Relationship Management (BRM) practice for the Data & Technology team, collaborating across the enterprise to translate business needs into technology roadmaps. Prior to that, as Director of Digital Product Development, I oversaw the commercialization of innovations that drove CF’s digital transformation. Essentially playing the role of Head of Product, I led a team of digital product managers accountable for CF websites, mobile applications, in-mall technologies, digital payments, loyalty, and data and analytics.
Before CF, I led the digital transformation at SCENE, the first and only entertainment rewards program in Canada, leading the launch of the SCENE mobile app and redesigned website. And before that I led the launch of the mobile app at Canada’s biggest bookstore, Indigo.
A passionate digital enthusiast, I live with my wife and three boys in the Durham Region, within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
Take a moment to read the recommendations on my LinkedIn profile. I take pride in doing good work and (I think) people like working with me.
Dave is a consummate professional. Along with his obvious enthusiasm for product strategy, Dave is able to rationalize through multiple scenarios and conflicting information with uncommon business acumen. Dave thrives under pressure and constantly over-delivers for his team. Dave also has the unique ability to make the complex, simple for those around him.
C-LEVEL EXECUTIVE
I have had the privilege of working with Dave for the past 3 years and have seen first-hand the value that he brings to an organization. He is incredibly adept at product strategy development in a complex setting and with multiple, competing priorities, always managing to deliver results. He navigates between departments seamlessly, working as well with marketing and finance as he does with technology and product. And on top of that, he is an absolute pleasure to work with – a great colleague and teammate.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AT KIJIJI
Dave is a true product strategist. Reporting to Dave, I learnt the secret to success in Product Management is being able to evaluate all the research, insight/intelligence and market opportunities to deliver an end-state product vision. Dave is a shining example of someone who puts this into practice and raises support from senior management to developers to marketers to ensure that his product vision is delivered to the highest possible standard.
VICE PRESIDENT, DATA SCIENCE & ANALYTICS AT PUBLICIS SAPIENT
Like paper?
Here is my resume.
Addicted to LinkedIn?
Here is my profile.
Is email your thing?
Drop me a line at
dave@davemclean.com.
Want to chat?
Pick up the phone and call me at
416-561-5742.
