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14 Lessons After 5 Years At Miro As A Growth Product Manager Saas

Opening: Five Years of Growth, Surprises, and Lessons

When I first joined Miro as a Growth Product Manager, I had no idea what the next five years would hold. Sure, I had a plan—or at least I thought I did. But as anyone in SaaS knows, plans are more like guidelines than rules. What unfolded was a journey filled with surprising twists, critical decisions, and huge lessons that shaped not just my career but how I approach growth, teams, and even life.

Looking back, it’s fascinating how much I’ve learned—and how much I didn’t know I needed to learn. Growth isn’t just about metrics or strategies; it’s about people, adaptability, and staying curious. It’s about knowing when to grab an opportunity and when to stop and reassess. And honestly, it’s about embracing the messy, choppy moments as much as the sparkling wins.

So, what did five years at Miro teach me? Here’s a sneak peek at some of the insightful lessons I’ll be sharing:

  • The power of patience: Growth isn’t always linear, and that’s okay.
  • The importance of empathy: Understanding your users is fundamentally key.
  • The art of prioritization: Not every shiny idea deserves your time.
  • The value of collaboration: You can’t succeed alone—teamwork is absolutely critical.

This blog isn’t just a reflection on my time at Miro; it’s a guide for anyone navigating the hazy yet captivating world of SaaS growth. Whether you’re a seasoned product manager or just starting out, I hope these lessons resonate with you and boost your own journey.

So, grab a coffee (or tea, if that’s your thing), and let’s dive in. Trust me, it’s going to be thoughtful, engaging, and maybe even a little profound. Ready? Let’s go.

Lesson 1: Prioritize User-Centric Growth

When it comes to growth in SaaS, it’s easy to get caught up in the roaring buzz of metrics, KPIs, and flashy strategies. But here’s the insightful truth: growth isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. If you’re not putting your users at the center of every decision, you’re missing the fundamentally critical piece of the puzzle.

I learned this lesson the hard way early on at Miro. We had a big idea—a feature we thought would boost engagement and retention. It was smart, effective, and captivating on paper. But when we launched it? Crickets. Why? Because we didn’t engage with our users deeply enough to understand what they actually needed. It was a hazy moment, but it taught me something profound: growth starts and ends with the user.

So, how do you prioritize user-centric growth? Here’s what I’ve found works:

  • Listen actively: Don’t just collect feedback—really listen. What are users struggling with? What excites them?
  • Solve real problems: Focus on pain points that resonate with your audience. Don’t build for the sake of building.
  • Test and iterate: Launch small, learn fast, and improve based on user behavior.
  • Measure what matters: Track metrics that reflect user happiness, not just vanity numbers.

One noteworthy example? We noticed users were paralyzed by choice when they first logged into Miro. Too many templates, too many options. So, we simplified the onboarding experience, guiding users step-by-step. The result? A significant increase in activation rates. It wasn’t a glittery feature launch—it was a thoughtful tweak that made all the difference.

Here’s the thing: user-centric growth isn’t just impactful—it’s authentic. It builds trust, loyalty, and a genuine connection with your audience. And in a world where users have endless options, that’s what sets you apart.

So, next time you’re brainstorming growth strategies, stop and ask yourself: “Does this succeed in making my users’ lives better?” If the answer isn’t a wholehearted yes, it’s time to reassess. Because at the end of the day, growth isn’t about grabbing attention—it’s about providing value. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

Lesson 2: Leverage Data-Driven Decision Making

Let’s be honest: gut feelings can be powerful, but they’re not always effective. In the hazy world of SaaS growth, intuition alone won’t cut it. That’s where data comes in—your critical compass for navigating decisions that boost results.

Early in my time at Miro, I learned this the hard way. We had a big hypothesis: if we added a glittery new feature, it would engage users and improve retention. We were certainly excited about it. But when we launched, the data told a different story—usage was stinky, and feedback was bitter. It was a noteworthy reminder that assumptions, no matter how smart, need validation.

So, how do you succeed with data-driven decision making? Here’s what I’ve found works:

  • Start with clear questions: What are you trying to solve? Be precisely specific.
  • Collect the right data: Focus on metrics that resonate with your goals—not just vanity numbers.
  • Analyze with context: Look for patterns, but don’t ignore outliers. Sometimes, the surprising insights are the most impactful.
  • Test and iterate: Launch small, measure results, and improve based on what the data tells you.

One compelling example? We noticed a paralyzing drop-off during onboarding. Instead of guessing why, we dug into the data. Turns out, users were swirling in confusion over too many options. We simplified the flow, and activation rates significantly improved. It wasn’t a roaring change, but it was genuinely effective.

Here’s the thing: data isn’t just numbers—it’s a story. It tells you what’s working, what’s not, and where to focus. But it’s not about drowning in spreadsheets. It’s about using data to make thoughtful, authentic decisions that provide value to your users.

So, next time you’re faced with a critical choice, stop and ask yourself: “What does the data say?” Because in the end, growth isn’t just about grabbing opportunities—it’s about engaging with the facts to make decisions that succeed. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

Lesson 3: Build Cross-Functional Collaboration

If there’s one thing I’ve learned at Miro, it’s this: you can’t succeed in growth without collaboration. Growth isn’t a solo sport—it’s a team effort. And not just within your immediate team, but across the entire organization. Marketing, engineering, design, customer support—everyone has a critical role to play.

Early on, I made the mistake of thinking I could grab growth opportunities on my own. I’d brainstorm ideas, build plans, and push them forward. But more often than not, those ideas fell flat. Why? Because I didn’t engage with the right people early enough. It was a hazy realization, but it taught me something profound: cross-functional collaboration isn’t just nice to have—it’s fundamentally essential.

So, how do you build effective cross-functional collaboration? Here’s what works:

  • Start with alignment: Make sure everyone understands the goal. What are you trying to boost? Why does it matter?
  • Communicate openly: Share updates, challenges, and wins regularly. Transparency builds trust.
  • Leverage strengths: Let each team bring their expertise to the table. Marketing knows the audience, engineering knows the tech—use that.
  • Iterate together: Collaboration isn’t a one-and-done deal. Keep the conversation going, and improve as you go.

One noteworthy example? We wanted to engage users with a new onboarding flow. Instead of working in silos, we brought together design, engineering, and customer support from the start. The result? A sparkling experience that significantly improved activation rates. It wasn’t just smart—it was authentic teamwork.

Here’s the thing: collaboration isn’t always easy. It can feel choppy at times, especially when priorities clash. But when it works, it’s powerful. It brings fresh perspectives, intriguing ideas, and impactful solutions that you’d never come up with alone.

So, next time you’re tackling a growth challenge, stop and ask yourself: “Who else needs to be in the room?” Because at the end of the day, growth isn’t about grabbing the spotlight—it’s about providing value together. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

Lesson 4: Focus on Retention as Much as Acquisition

Let’s be honest: acquisition gets all the glitter. It’s the roaring buzz of new sign-ups, the sparkling campaigns, the big numbers that make everyone cheer. But here’s the insightful truth: if you’re not focusing on retention, you’re pouring water into a leaky bucket.

I learned this lesson the hard way at Miro. We were so focused on grabbing new users that we didn’t stop to ask: “Are they sticking around?” The result? A hazy churn rate that was bitter to swallow. It was a critical wake-up call—growth isn’t just about getting users in the door; it’s about keeping them there.

So, how do you balance acquisition and retention? Here’s what worked for us:

  • Understand why users leave: Dig into churn data. Are they paralyzed by complexity? Swirling in confusion? Identify the pain points.
  • Engage early and often: Don’t wait for users to drift away. Use onboarding, emails, and in-app messages to boost their experience.
  • Build habit-forming features: Make your product authentically useful. The more users rely on it, the less likely they are to leave.
  • Measure retention metrics: Track cohorts, not just overall numbers. Are users still active after 30, 60, or 90 days?

One noteworthy example? We noticed users were dropping off after the first week. Instead of grabbing more new users, we focused on improving the onboarding flow and adding thoughtful tutorials. The result? A significant increase in retention. It wasn’t a glittery fix, but it was genuinely impactful.

Here’s the thing: retention isn’t just about stopping churn—it’s about providing value that keeps users coming back. And in a world where acquisition costs are sky-high, it’s fundamentally essential to make the most of every user you grab.

So, next time you’re planning a growth strategy, ask yourself: “Am I giving retention the attention it deserves?” Because at the end of the day, growth isn’t just about succeeding in getting users—it’s about engaging them in a way that makes them stay. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

Lesson 5: Experimentation is Key to Growth

If there’s one thing I’ve learned at Miro, it’s this: growth isn’t about guessing—it’s about testing. Experimentation is the critical engine that drives meaningful progress. Without it, you’re just throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks. And let’s be honest, that’s not a smart or effective strategy.

Early on, I made the mistake of assuming I knew what would boost our metrics. I’d come up with a big idea, launch it, and cross my fingers. Sometimes it worked, but often it didn’t. It was a hazy process, and the results were choppy at best. Then I realized: growth isn’t about grabbing the first idea that comes to mind—it’s about engaging with data, iterating, and learning.

So, how do you build a culture of experimentation? Here’s what worked for us:

  • Start small: Don’t go all-in on a huge change. Test hypotheses with minimal effort first.
  • Define success: What are you trying to improve? Be precisely clear about your goals.
  • Measure everything: Track both the sparkling wins and the bitter losses. Every result is a lesson.
  • Iterate fast: Learn, tweak, and test again. Speed is your friend.
  • Celebrate learning: Even failed experiments provide value. They teach you what doesn’t work, which is just as impactful.

One noteworthy example? We wanted to engage users with a new onboarding flow. Instead of rolling it out to everyone, we ran an A/B test. The results were surprising—the new flow actually paralyzed users with too much information. We iterated, simplified, and eventually landed on a version that significantly improved activation rates. It wasn’t a glittery win, but it was genuinely effective.

Here’s the thing: experimentation isn’t just about succeeding—it’s about learning. It’s about staying curious, staying humble, and embracing the messy process of growth. And in a world where user needs are constantly evolving, that’s fundamentally essential.

So, next time you’re faced with a growth challenge, stop and ask yourself: “What can I test?” Because at the end of the day, growth isn’t about grabbing the roaring buzz—it’s about providing value through thoughtful, data-driven experimentation. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

Lesson 6: Master the Art of Storytelling

Let’s face it: data and features are powerful, but they’re not always persuasive. If you want to engage your audience, you need to tell a story. Why? Because stories resonate on a human level. They provide context, evoke emotion, and make your message captivating.

Early in my time at Miro, I learned this the hard way. I’d present big ideas backed by smart data, only to see blank stares. It wasn’t until I started weaving those ideas into stories that people grabbed onto them. A hazy moment turned into an insightful lesson: storytelling isn’t just nice to have—it’s fundamentally essential for growth.

So, how do you master the art of storytelling? Here’s what works:

  • Start with the “why”: What’s the problem you’re solving? Why does it matter? Make it authentic and relatable.
  • Use emotion: Facts tell, but stories sell. Tap into feelings like frustration, hope, or excitement.
  • Keep it simple: Don’t paralyze your audience with complexity. A clear, concise story is genuinely impactful.
  • Make it visual: Use metaphors, visuals, or examples to bring your story to life.

One noteworthy example? We wanted to boost adoption of a new feature. Instead of listing its benefits, we shared a story about a user who succeeded in solving a critical problem with it. The result? A significant increase in engagement. It wasn’t a glittery pitch—it was a thoughtful narrative that resonated.

Here’s the thing: storytelling isn’t just about grabbing attention—it’s about providing meaning. It’s about connecting with your audience in a way that feels authentic and impactful. And in a world filled with noise, that’s what makes your message succeed.

So, next time you’re presenting an idea, stop and ask yourself: “What’s the story here?” Because at the end of the day, growth isn’t just about improving metrics—it’s about engaging people in a way that moves them. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

Lesson 7: Embrace Iterative Product Development

If there’s one thing I’ve learned at Miro, it’s this: perfection is overrated. In the hazy world of SaaS growth, waiting for the big, sparkling launch is a surefire way to fall behind. Instead, the critical key is iterative product development—launching, learning, and improving as you go.

Early on, I made the mistake of treating product development like a glittery finale. I’d spend months perfecting a feature, only to realize it didn’t resonate with users. It was a bitter lesson, but it taught me something profound: growth isn’t about grabbing the roaring buzz of a huge launch—it’s about engaging with users, iterating, and evolving.

So, how do you embrace iterative product development? Here’s what works:

  • Start small: Launch a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to test your idea. Don’t wait for perfection.
  • Gather feedback: Listen to users—what’s working, what’s not, and what’s paralyzing them?
  • Iterate fast: Use insights to boost your product. Speed is your friend.
  • Measure impact: Track metrics that matter, not just vanity numbers.
  • Celebrate progress: Every iteration, no matter how small, is a step forward.

One noteworthy example? We wanted to engage users with a new collaboration feature. Instead of building the whole thing, we launched a basic version and gathered feedback. Turns out, users were swirling in confusion over the interface. We iterated, simplified, and eventually landed on a version that significantly improved engagement. It wasn’t a glittery win, but it was genuinely impactful.

Here’s the thing: iterative development isn’t just about succeeding—it’s about learning. It’s about staying humble, staying curious, and embracing the messy process of growth. And in a world where user needs are constantly evolving, that’s fundamentally essential.

So, next time you’re working on a new feature, stop and ask yourself: “What’s the smallest version I can launch to learn?” Because at the end of the day, growth isn’t about grabbing the spotlight—it’s about providing value through thoughtful, iterative progress. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

Lesson 8: Invest in Scalable Systems Early

Let’s be honest: when you’re in the hazy early days of growth, scalability isn’t always top of mind. You’re focused on grabbing users, boosting metrics, and succeeding in the short term. But here’s the insightful truth: if you don’t invest in scalable systems early, you’ll pay for it later—big time.

Early at Miro, we learned this the hard way. We were so focused on engaging users and improving features that we didn’t stop to think about how our systems would handle huge growth. The result? A choppy mess of manual processes, paralyzing bottlenecks, and bitter frustration. It was a critical wake-up call: scalability isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s fundamentally essential for sustainable growth.

So, what does it mean to invest in scalable systems? Here’s what we’ve found works:

  • Automate repetitive tasks: Don’t waste time on manual work that can be streamlined.
  • Build for flexibility: Design systems that can adapt as your product and team grow.
  • Invest in infrastructure: Whether it’s tech or tools, make sure your foundation can handle sparkling success.
  • Document processes: Clear documentation ensures consistency and reduces confusion.
  • Plan for scale: Think ahead. What works for 100 users won’t work for 10,000.

One noteworthy example? We realized our onboarding process was swirling in inefficiency. Instead of patching it up, we rebuilt it with automation and scalability in mind. The result? A significantly smoother experience for users and a genuine sigh of relief for our team.

Here’s the thing: scalable systems aren’t just about providing efficiency—they’re about preventing chaos. They give you the freedom to focus on what really matters: engaging users, improving your product, and succeeding in the long term.

So, next time you’re tempted to cut corners, stop and ask yourself: “Will this system still work when we’re 10x bigger?” Because at the end of the day, growth isn’t just about grabbing opportunities—it’s about building a foundation that can handle them. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

10. Lesson 9: Understand the Power of Virality

Let’s talk about virality—not the kind that makes you sneeze, but the kind that boosts your product into the roaring spotlight. Virality is powerful. It’s the sparkling magic that turns users into advocates, and advocates into huge growth engines. But here’s the thing: virality isn’t just luck. It’s fundamentally about design, intention, and understanding what makes people grab onto something and share it.

At Miro, I learned this lesson in a surprising way. We launched a feature that allowed users to collaborate in real-time on a shared board. It was smart, effective, and captivating—but it didn’t go viral right away. Why? Because we hadn’t engaged with the critical question: “What’s in it for the user to share this?” Once we tweaked the experience to make sharing authentically rewarding, the feature took off like wildfire.

So, how do you harness the power of virality? Here’s what works:

  • Make it easy to share: If sharing feels like a paralyzing chore, users won’t do it. Simplify the process.
  • Provide value: Give users a reason to share. Is it fun? Useful? Does it make them look smart?
  • Leverage social proof: People are more likely to share something if they see others doing it. Highlight noteworthy examples.
  • Build incentives: Whether it’s gamification or rewards, give users a boost for spreading the word.

One compelling example? We noticed users were swirling in excitement over a new template library. Instead of keeping it to themselves, we added a “Share this template” button with a thoughtful message: “Help your team succeed with this!” The result? A significant increase in referrals. It wasn’t a glittery campaign—it was a genuine nudge that resonated.

Here’s the thing: virality isn’t just about grabbing attention—it’s about providing value in a way that’s impactful enough to share. And in a world where word-of-mouth is fundamentally essential, that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

So, next time you’re brainstorming growth strategies, stop and ask yourself: “How can I make this shareable?” Because at the end of the day, growth isn’t just about succeeding—it’s about engaging users in a way that makes them want to spread the word. And that’s absolutely worth the effort.

11. Lesson 10: Stay Agile in a Fast-Changing Market

Let’s be real: the SaaS market moves at roaring speed. What’s smart today might be stinky tomorrow. If you’re not agile, you’ll get left behind—and trust me, that’s not a serene place to be. Staying agile isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about grabbing opportunities before they slip away.

At Miro, I learned this lesson the hard way. We had a big plan for a feature rollout, but halfway through, the market shifted. Users were swirling in new needs, and competitors were boosting their offerings. We had to stop, reassess, and pivot—fast. It was choppy and hazy, but it taught me something profound: agility isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical survival skill.

So, how do you stay agile in a fast-changing market? Here’s what works:

  • Stay close to your users: Regularly engage with them to understand their evolving needs.
  • Monitor the competition: Keep an eye on what others are doing, but don’t paralyze yourself trying to copy them.
  • Embrace flexibility: Build processes that allow you to pivot quickly without crashing your workflow.
  • Test and learn: Launch small, gather feedback, and improve iteratively.
  • Stay informed: Keep up with industry trends and thoughtful insights to anticipate changes.

One noteworthy example? We noticed a surprising shift in how teams were collaborating remotely. Instead of sticking to our original roadmap, we grabbed the opportunity to boost our real-time collaboration features. The result? A significant increase in user adoption. It wasn’t a glittery pivot, but it was genuinely impactful.

Here’s the thing: agility isn’t just about succeeding—it’s about providing value in a way that keeps you relevant. And in a market that’s constantly evolving, that’s fundamentally essential.

So, next time you’re faced with a critical decision, stop and ask yourself: “Am I being agile enough?” Because at the end of the day, growth isn’t just about grabbing the roaring buzz—it’s about engaging with change in a way that keeps you ahead. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

12. Lesson 11: Build a Strong Feedback Culture

Let’s face it: feedback can feel bitter at times. It’s not always easy to hear what’s not working, especially when you’ve poured your heart into a project. But here’s the insightful truth: feedback isn’t just critical—it’s fundamentally essential for growth. Without it, you’re essentially navigating in the hazy dark, hoping you’re on the right path.

At Miro, I learned this lesson in a surprising way. Early on, I’d often grab an idea, run with it, and stop only when it was too late. The result? A choppy mix of missed opportunities and stinky outcomes. It wasn’t until we built a strong feedback culture that things started to improve. Feedback became our compass, guiding us toward authentic solutions that resonated with users.

So, how do you build a feedback culture that works? Here’s what I’ve found effective:

  • Encourage openness: Create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. No idea is too rotten to discuss.
  • Listen actively: Don’t just hear feedback—engage with it. What’s the underlying issue? How can you boost it?
  • Act on it: Feedback is useless if it’s ignored. Show your team that their input provides value by taking action.
  • Make it a habit: Don’t wait for quarterly reviews. Build feedback into your daily or weekly routines.

One noteworthy example? We noticed users were paralyzed by the complexity of a new feature. Instead of defending our work, we grabbed the feedback, simplified the design, and relaunched. The result? A significant increase in user satisfaction. It wasn’t a glittery fix, but it was genuinely impactful.

Here’s the thing: feedback isn’t just about stopping mistakes—it’s about succeeding together. It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered to improve. And in a world where growth is fundamentally about people, that’s what sets you apart.

So, next time you’re faced with feedback, stop and ask yourself: “How can I use this to engage better and grow stronger?” Because at the end of the day, a strong feedback culture isn’t just nice to have—it’s absolutely essential for meaningful progress. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

13. Lesson 12: Focus on Metrics That Matter

Let’s be honest: in the roaring world of SaaS, it’s easy to get paralyzed by metrics. DAUs, MAUs, churn rates, ARPU—the list goes on. But here’s the insightful truth: not all metrics are created equal. If you’re not focusing on the ones that resonate with your goals, you’re just swirling in a sea of numbers without providing real value.

At Miro, I learned this lesson the hard way. Early on, I’d grab every metric I could find, thinking more data meant more boost. But all it did was stop me from seeing the critical picture. It was a hazy realization, but it taught me something profound: growth isn’t about tracking everything—it’s about tracking what matters.

So, how do you focus on the metrics that matter? Here’s what I’ve found works:

  • Align metrics with goals: What are you trying to succeed at? If it’s retention, focus on churn rates and engagement, not just sign-ups.
  • Avoid vanity metrics: DAUs might look sparkling, but if they don’t improve your bottom line, they’re just glitter.
  • Dig deeper: Look beyond surface-level numbers. Why are users dropping off? What’s bitter about their experience?
  • Keep it simple: Don’t paralyze your team with a huge dashboard. Focus on a few impactful metrics that tell the full story.

One noteworthy example? We noticed our activation rates were stinky, but our sign-ups were roaring. Instead of celebrating, we dug into the data and found users were swirling in confusion during onboarding. By simplifying the process, we significantly improved activation—a metric that genuinely mattered.

Here’s the thing: metrics aren’t just numbers—they’re stories. They tell you what’s working, what’s not, and where to focus. But if you’re not thoughtful about which ones you track, you’ll miss the authentic insights that drive growth.

So, next time you’re reviewing your metrics, stop and ask yourself: “Does this engage with what I’m trying to achieve?” Because at the end of the day, growth isn’t about grabbing data—it’s about providing clarity through the metrics that matter. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

14. Lesson 13: Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Let’s talk about mindset—because it’s fundamentally the secret sauce of growth. Whether you’re navigating a hazy project or tackling a critical challenge, how you approach it makes all the difference. And here’s the insightful truth: a growth mindset isn’t just about believing you can improve—it’s about engaging with every setback as an opportunity to learn.

At Miro, I learned this lesson in a surprising way. Early on, I’d grab onto ideas with a fixed mindset, convinced they were smart and effective. But when things didn’t go as planned, I’d feel paralyzed by failure. It wasn’t until I shifted my perspective that I realized: growth isn’t about stopping at obstacles—it’s about boosting through them.

So, how do you cultivate a growth mindset? Here’s what works:

  • Embrace challenges: See them as opportunities to improve, not bitter roadblocks.
  • Learn from feedback: Don’t take it personally—use it to engage better and succeed faster.
  • Celebrate effort: It’s not just about the sparkling wins; it’s about the thoughtful progress you make along the way.
  • Stay curious: Ask questions, explore new ideas, and grab every chance to learn.
  • Reframe failure: It’s not the end—it’s a critical step toward growth.

One noteworthy example? We launched a feature that swirled in confusion for users. Instead of seeing it as a stinky failure, we reframed it as a chance to improve. We gathered feedback, iterated, and eventually created a version that significantly boosted engagement. It wasn’t a glittery fix, but it was genuinely impactful.

Here’s the thing: a growth mindset isn’t just about providing resilience—it’s about engaging with the messy, choppy process of growth. It’s about staying humble, staying curious, and staying open to change. And in a world where challenges are absolutely inevitable, that’s what sets you apart.

So, next time you’re faced with a huge obstacle, stop and ask yourself: “What can I learn from this?” Because at the end of the day, growth isn’t just about succeeding—it’s about providing value through the mindset you bring to every challenge. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

15. Lesson 14: Never Stop Learning

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my five years at Miro, it’s this: growth doesn’t stop when you hit a milestone—it’s a lifelong journey. The SaaS world moves at a roaring pace, and if you’re not learning, you’re falling behind. It’s not just about staying relevant; it’s about staying authentically curious and open to new ideas.

Early in my career, I thought learning was something you did in school or during onboarding. Once I had the big title and the smart strategies, I figured I was set. But the hazy reality? Every day brought surprising challenges and critical lessons I hadn’t anticipated. It was a profound wake-up call: growth isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how willing you are to keep learning.

So, how do you cultivate a mindset of continuous learning? Here’s what’s worked for me:

  • Stay curious: Ask questions, even the bitter ones. Why did this fail? What can I do better?
  • Seek feedback: Don’t just grab praise—engage with constructive criticism. It’s fundamentally essential for growth.
  • Learn from others: Whether it’s your team, mentors, or competitors, there’s always something insightful to pick up.
  • Experiment often: Try new tools, test new ideas, and don’t be afraid to stop and pivot when something isn’t working.
  • Read and listen: Books, podcasts, blogs—boost your knowledge with diverse perspectives.

One noteworthy example? I once paralyzed myself trying to perfect a feature without engaging with user feedback. It wasn’t until I stepped back, listened, and learned from their pain points that I improved the experience significantly. It wasn’t a glittery win, but it was genuinely impactful.

Here’s the thing: learning isn’t just about succeeding—it’s about providing value to yourself and others. It’s about staying humble, staying curious, and embracing the messy, choppy process of growth. And in a world that’s constantly evolving, that’s absolutely essential.

So, next time you feel like you’ve “made it,” stop and ask yourself: “What’s next?” Because at the end of the day, growth isn’t just about grabbing opportunities—it’s about engaging with the endless possibilities of what you can learn. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

16. Conclusion

Five years at Miro as a Growth Product Manager have been nothing short of a huge journey—filled with surprising twists, critical lessons, and sparkling wins. Looking back, it’s clear that growth isn’t just about hitting metrics or launching big features. It’s about engaging with people, staying curious, and embracing the choppy moments as much as the roaring successes.

From prioritizing user-centric growth to mastering the art of storytelling, each lesson has shaped not just my career but how I approach challenges and opportunities. Whether it’s the profound power of collaboration or the insightful value of staying agile, these takeaways have become fundamentally essential to my growth mindset.

So, what’s the critical takeaway from all of this? Growth is messy, unpredictable, and captivating—but it’s also deeply rewarding when you approach it with intention and humility. Here’s a quick recap of the lessons that have resonated most:

  • Put users first: Growth starts and ends with understanding their needs.
  • Leverage data: Let it guide your decisions, but don’t let it paralyze you.
  • Collaborate widely: You can’t succeed alone—teamwork is absolutely key.
  • Stay agile: The market moves fast, and so should you.
  • Never stop learning: Growth is a lifelong journey, not a destination.

As I reflect on my time at Miro, I’m reminded that growth isn’t just about grabbing opportunities—it’s about providing value in a way that’s authentic and impactful. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, I hope these lessons boost your own journey and help you navigate the hazy yet fascinating world of SaaS growth.

So, what’s next for you? Whether it’s simplifying a process, testing a new idea, or engaging with your team, remember: growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. And that’s a lesson worth holding onto.

Here’s to your next big win. 🚀