The Chief Product Officer (CPO): Vision, Influence, and the Skills That Matter

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore the role of the Chief Product Officer — a position that has become a cornerstone in modern tech companies, especially in the age of AI.

You’ll learn:

• What a CPO actually does and how the role differs from a CTO

• The essential skills every CPO needs, from strategic thinking and leadership to data fluency and product storytelling

• How CPOs shape customer-centric thinking across an organization and influence long-term company growth

• Common paths to becoming a CPO and what gaps to watch for if you’re aiming for the role

If you’re building your career toward product leadership or trying to understand who’s really steering the ship at companies like Notion or Airbnb, this episode breaks it down with clarity and actionable insight.