Donal Rodgers
Product Owner
Behind the title
I never actually pictured myself as a Product Owner, in fact, I always wanted to be a professional footballer. I still do, although it’s looking unlikely considering my age and the fact I’ve not played for a few years.
I started out as a QA, which gave me a deep understanding of testing a product inside out. At the time, an opportunity arose when my company was launching a sister eCommerce site, and I put myself forward to see how I would perform in the role. That experience allowed me to transition into this new position and broaden my skillset.
I’m passionate about delivering products that I can see being used in the real world. I didn’t always feel this way, but one AR project I worked on really stuck with me. Seeing children play with it and have fun made me realise the real impact my work can have. Even though the types of projects I work on have changed since then, I still draw motivation from that experience. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people enjoying something I helped create.
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What you wouldn’t guess
I collect mugs from different cities I visit, it wasn’t something I planned. I originally collected fridge magnets for my Parents, but one time while buying a magnet I picked up a mug I liked for myself, and it just happened. Over time it turned into a growing collection, with my favourite so far being from New York.
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If you could train an AI to do absolutely anything, what would it be?
I’d focus on enabling AI to understand when to act and when not to. For example when something hits the fan, sometimes the best response is no response, because people need the space to think, problem-solve, and grow from real-world scenarios.
AI should enhance human decision-making, not replace it. That’s the road I’d go down, but I’m old school.
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Why Zudu?
I love the huge variety of projects at Zudu. It allows me to explore different sectors and broaden my skill set. The teams are incredibly supportive, always willing to help or provide advice, which makes collaboration both easy and enjoyable.
Zudu has never set limits on its potential growth, and the team has always been clear about aiming to be the biggest and best in the market. From a tech perspective, I’m particularly interested in the evolution of health tech. That said, I believe we should trust our own instincts. Wearables and apps can be useful, but they shouldn’t replace listening to your body or be the sole measure of something like a good night’s sleep. Gut feeling exists for a reason.
