Stephanie Fossan

Professional Background

Stephanie Fossan is an accomplished Agile and strategic product executive whose career spans various operational disciplines. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities in both in-person and remote team settings, enabling her to adapt and excel in the ever-changing landscape of technology and product development. Her rich tapestry of experience encompasses a wide range of industry sectors, focusing on both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) environments.

Throughout her impressive career, Stephanie has honed her skills in utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data to deeply understand and identify customer needs and business requirements. Her analytical mindset paired with a strategic approach has allowed her to deliver technical solutions that are not only elegant but also efficient and effective. Stephanie has cultivated a reputation as a strong collaborator and communicator, capable of influencing and motivating diverse teams, along with key stakeholders, to achieve common goals.

Her pragmatic problem-solving capabilities have made her a sought-after leader in her field, as she dedicatedly crafts processes that perfectly balance throughput versus efficiency while also implementing robust risk mitigation strategies. Stephanie leads with an ethos of respect and care, ensuring that every phase of the business cycle receives her careful attention.

Education and Achievements

Stephanie's educational journey is anchored by her studies at Stanford University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, followed by a Master of Business Administration degree from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. This strong educational foundation equips her with a comprehensive understanding of politics, economics, and the intricacies of business management, shaping her strategic outlook on product development and team management.

Work Experience

Stephanie has an impressive work history, including several high-profile leadership positions that showcase her capabilities and dedication. Here are some highlights from her notable experience:

• City Council Member at City of La Cañada Flintridge: In this role, Stephanie contributed to local governance and community development, facilitating discussions on essential public policies and initiatives that impact the well-being of the community.
• Product and Strategy Consulting at SJF Consulting: At SJF Consulting, she lent her expertise in product development and strategy to provide clients with insights that drive growth and innovation.
• Senior Vice President, Product at SocialFlow: As a senior vice president at SocialFlow, Stephanie led product initiatives that allowed the organization to thrive in a competitive landscape, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance product offerings.
• Vice President, New Products & Client Services at SocialFlow: In this role, she was integral in formulating new product strategies and improving client service, strengthening the company's market position.
• Social Paid Media Product Leader at Oracle Social: Her expertise in social media strategies helped Oracle enhance their offerings in paid media, demonstrating her leadership in navigating complex marketing environments.
• Director of Product Management at EarthLink: As a director, Stephanie oversaw product management efforts that significantly improved service delivery and user satisfaction.
• Director of Quality Engineering at EarthLink: Additionally, her background in quality engineering at EarthLink has equipped her with a nuanced understanding of the intersection between product management and engineering excellence.
• Senior Product Manager at EarthLink and Yahoo: During her tenure as a senior product manager at both EarthLink and Yahoo, she guided projects from concept validation through to execution, refining her ability to deliver outstanding products aligned with consumer needs.
• Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer at US Department of State: Stephanie's career started with her role as a diplomat/foreign service officer, where she gained invaluable experience in international relations, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication.

Key Skills and Strengths

Stephanie Fossan excels in ensuring that all product management and development initiatives are approached with a customer-centric focus. Her key skills, which have been pivotal in driving her success, include:

• Agility and Strategic Thinking: As a strategic product executive, she embraces agile methodologies that enhance adaptability and response to market changes.
• Data Analysis: Leveraging data to make informed decisions has been central to her roles, enabling her to develop strategies that are grounded in empirical evidence.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Stephanie’s ability to work in a cross-functional manner allows her to bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders effectively.
• Effective Communication: Her ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and motivate diverse teams has been a cornerstone of her career.
• Problem-solving: Stephanie's talent for identifying problems and crafting effective solutions ensures efficient operations and strategic success.

Conclusion

Stephanie Fossan is a dynamic product executive with a multifaceted background in political science, business, and technology. Her comprehensive experience, combined with her strategic mindset and strong leadership capabilities, positions her as a thought leader and influencer in the product management space. Stephanie's commitment to excellence and empowerment within teams enhances her ability to face challenges head-on and strive for continuous improvement, ensuring she remains at the forefront of her industry.