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Susana Videira Lopes
Product @ Abatable | Product Coach | Angel Investor
Professional Background
Susana Lopes is a highly accomplished B2B Product Leader with over a decade of experience driving product innovation and development in dynamic, fast-paced scale-up environments. Her career has been notably defined by her extensive work in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), where she has consistently launched award-winning products that address complex problems such as identity fraud. As a former senior figure at Onfido, Susana played a critical role in achieving remarkable revenue growth, contributing to a tenfold increase year-on-year through her strategic vision and product expertise.
Currently, Susana serves as the head of product, design, and engineering at Abatable, a forward-thinking Series A startup certified as a B-Corp in the ClimateTech sector. Here, her commitment to empowering organizations aligns seamlessly with her dedication to building a sustainable future that benefits climate, nature, and people alike. Her leadership at Abatable involves not only steering product development but also cultivating a collaborative culture that promotes innovation and responsibility in addressing climate challenges.
Having gained profound insights into product lifecycles and market needs, Susana also operates as a Product Coach, offering her seasoned guidance to product managers and founders navigating the intricate worlds of product development and scaling. She understands the challenges that come with early-stage businesses and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of product leaders.
Education and Achievements
Susana's educational background laid a strong foundation for her impressive career in product management and engineering. She earned a Master of Engineering (MEng) degree in Biomedical Engineering from the prestigious Imperial College London, where she honed her technical skills and analytical thinking. Prior to that, she studied Business Engineering at Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, which gave her valuable insights into the intersection of technology and business.
In her early academic journey, Susana completed the European Baccalaureate at the European School of Brussels II, where she excelled in advanced subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry, among others. This strong educational background has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate both the technical and strategic aspects of product development effectively.
Notable Roles and Contributions
Throughout her career, Susana has held numerous pivotal roles at Onfido, which is at the forefront of identity verification technologies. She began as a Product Manager and climbed the ranks to become the Senior Director of Product, responsible for ID Document Proofing and Biometrics, where her leadership directly influenced product directions and market strategies. Her impactful decisions helped enhance product reliability and user experience, significantly positioning Onfido as a leader in the identity verification space.
Outside of her direct product roles, Susana has contributed to the startup ecosystem as an Angel Investor with Ventures Together, where she focuses on seed-stage companies that are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in society. Her investments reflect her belief in products that add real value, enhancing her profile as a leader committed to driving positive change.
In addition to her business accomplishments, Susana is a recognized public speaker, celebrated for her engaging and insightful discussions on Product Management and leadership dynamics. Her “fearless, open, and generous” approach resonates well with audiences, making her an invaluable resource at both in-person and remote events. Susana's dedication to sharing her knowledge and experiences allows her to inspire others in the field of product management, fostering a community of learning and growth.
Personal Interests
Beyond her professional endeavors, Susana Lopes embraces a range of personal interests that reflect her diverse character. Although she is now a lapsed purple belt in kickboxing, she continues to pursue an active lifestyle. Recently, she has found joy in gardening, baking, and sewing, which allows her to cultivate creativity and mindfulness outside the workplace. Through these hobbies, she embodies a holistic approach to life, balancing professional rigor with personal fulfillment.
Achievements
- Successfully led product launches that directly improved revenue for Onfido, contributing to tenfold growth year-on-year for six consecutive years.
- Key leader in bringing AI-driven solutions to market, significantly reducing identity fraud and enhancing customer experience.
- Instrumental in leading the product team at Abatable towards achieving B-Corp certification, promoting environmental and social responsibility.
- Acknowledged as a thoughtful mentor and coach for early-stage product managers, helping them navigate challenges in product development to foster innovation.
- Actively involved in seed-stage investments, supporting startups with missions that resonate with societal improvement and technological advancement.
- Engaging public speaker, sharing expertise on product management, leadership, and entrepreneurial strategies that inspire others in the tech industry.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
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