Lessons From the Original iPhone Team Applied to Fintech

Hi Product people,

What does it take to craft a product experience that people not only use but love? This week on Product Thinking, I had a fascinating conversation with David Myszewski, VP of Product at Wealthfront.

David's journey from Apple, where he was part of the original iPhone team, to leading innovations in fintech, provides tons of insights into building products that truly resonate with users.

A standout moment from our conversation was when David shared an important lesson from his days at Apple:

"A small, talented team with high standards can magnify and move quickly on any product. It's not just about having a team—it's about having the right team that propels innovation forward."

We then delved into how Wealthfront integrates technology to enhance user trust, reduce costs, and automate processes. David shared strategies on how they innovate with tax efficiency and behavioral changes, which are critical in fintech today.

Are you curious about leveraging technology to reshape financial services? Listen to our full discussion with David Myszewski.

Truly disruptive products are often met with skepticism, but it's up to us, as Product people, to navigate those challenges and drive innovation forward. Check this clip from Dave and share your thoughts!

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Apple | Spotify

Looking forward to hearing from you!

See you soon,

Melissa Perri

Founder Product Institute, Board Member, and Teacher

Key Moments on the Podcast to Check Out:

  • 10:33 - The Role of Consumer Technology Experience in Fintech

David explains why consumer technology skills are more valuable than financial knowledge in fintech. He shares how Wealthfront prioritizes creating excellent user experiences over specific domain expertise.

  • 19:28 - Introducing New Financial Products

David outlines Wealthfront’s strategy for evolving and introducing new products over time, focusing on reducing costs, saving taxes, and fostering behavioral change. He discusses the automation of processes to enhance client outcomes.

  • 29:06 - Prioritizing Innovation and Roadmap Planning

Melissa and David discuss the balance between strategic top-down priorities and bottom-up decision-making in setting the product roadmap. David describes how they align business and client needs to drive product innovation.

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