Vice President, Emerging Technologies & Incubation

The Vice President, Emerging Technologies & Incubation at Cloudflare is responsible for overseeing the ETI team, which focuses on developing cutting-edge products expected to meet future customer needs. This role involves managing a talented group of engineers and product leaders, building relationships with executive leaders at customer companies, and being the champion for new products that drive innovation within the company.

Candidates for the Vice President, Emerging Technologies & Incubation role at Cloudflare should ideally have experience as a founder of a technology start-up, a solid engineering background, and a track record of successfully introducing new ideas to the market. Strong leadership and communication skills are also crucial, along with the ability to navigate ambiguity and inspire a team to innovate and excel.

The ETI team at Cloudflare follows a unique approach by engaging in numerous small experiments to assess various product ideas. This agile methodology allows them to rapidly identify what works and what doesn't, ensuring that only the strongest concepts are pursued and developed into mature solutions, contributing significantly to Cloudflare's future growth strategies.

Cloudflare's culture is built on the tenets of curiosity and inclusivity, fostering an environment where every individual has the opportunity to grow and learn. The company values diverse perspectives and seeks individuals who are not only skilled but are also empathetic and collaborative. This supportive culture is pivotal in cultivating innovation and pushing the team towards their mission of building a better Internet.

In the Vice President, Emerging Technologies & Incubation role at Cloudflare, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible paid time off, and a robust retirement savings plan. Additionally, employees can benefit from equity participation, dining support, and wellness programs designed to maintain work-life balance and enhance overall well-being.

When prioritizing product ideas, it’s essential to assess each concept’s potential market fit and alignment with Cloudflare's long-term goals. I would employ metrics related to customer feedback, market trends, and technological feasibility to guide my decision-making process, ensuring that we focus resources on ideas with the highest potential for success.

Leading a team through ambiguity involves maintaining clear communication and encouraging an open dialogue. For instance, during a project with unclear outcomes, I emphasized the importance of rapid experimentation and iteration. This way, we could gather data and insights to pivot quickly based on real-time feedback, ensuring that our direction remained relevant and impactful.

I look for team members who are not only technically skilled but also possess a creative mindset and a passion for innovation. Curiosity and the ability to collaborate effectively are crucial, as we need to work together to explore and test ideas that could shape the future of Cloudflare's offerings.

Building relationships with executive leaders involves consistent engagement, understanding their needs, and aligning our technology solutions with their strategic goals. I prioritize regular communication and openness, enabling the development of trust and a collaborative partnership that fosters success for both parties.

In a previous role, we launched a product that didn’t gain the expected traction due to a misalignment with market demands. This experience taught me the value of validation through customer feedback early in the development process, emphasizing the importance of listening to users and adapting our strategy without hesitation.

Vital metrics for assessing the success of new products include user adoption rates, customer feedback ratings, revenue growth from product sales, and retention rates. By closely monitoring these indicators, we can gauge the efficacy of our offerings and adjust our strategies accordingly to improve performance.

Staying ahead of industry trends requires continuous learning and networking within the technology ecosystem. I commit to attending industry conferences, following research publications, and engaging with thought leaders to ensure we are not only aware of emerging trends but also proactive in leveraging them in Cloudflare’s product strategy.

I ensure my team stays motivated by fostering a culture of recognition and growth. Providing opportunities for professional development, celebrating achievements, and maintaining open lines of communication helps build an engaging environment where team members feel valued and excited about their contributions.

I identify roadblocks by keeping close tabs on team progress and soliciting feedback regularly. I then prioritize communication with relevant stakeholders to address these challenges promptly, whether it’s reallocating resources, adjusting timelines, or clarifying objectives to facilitate smoother development processes.

Visualizing the long-term roadmap involves outlining key objectives, potential market opportunities, and defining stages for product development. I would create a flexible framework that incorporates milestones, user feedback loops, and adaptability to change, ensuring we are aligned with both industry evolution and customer demands.