Marishel Santo Domingo, Senior Product Manager, started July 2024, I am based in Toronto.
I lead a sell-side product that finds the balance between user experience and publisher monetization. We show ad-blocking users how their support is valuable to content creators and empower them to control their experience while enabling publishers and creators to earn revenue.
I try to schedule most of my meetings in the morning. My job requires a lot of cross functional collaboration and I connect with people all across the org in different disciplines like Engineering, Marketing and Customer Support or Legal. Everyday is different and that’s what makes it exciting.
I'd describe the work environment as dynamic and forward-thinking. We have a great balance of collaboration and autonomy, especially with the flexible/remote work options available. We are constantly evolving and improving. What's most compelling is the focus on impact. You can see how your work directly contributes to the company's success and makes a difference, which is highly motivating
I was initially drawn to this company because the chance to lead the development of a brand new product, from the ground up, was incredibly exciting. What's kept me here, and continues to motivate me, is the collaborative and user-centric environment. I'm surrounded by talented peers who are just as passionate about creating impactful solutions. Knowing that the product we're building can genuinely make a difference in how people experience the digital world is a huge motivator. It's a place where my ideas are heard and I’ve been empowered to take ownership.
Definitely the people, I genuinely enjoy collaborating with everyone. The cross-functional nature of the work means I get to interact with colleagues from all different departments, which makes for a really dynamic and engaging work environment. I also really appreciate the global reach of the company. Being able to meet and work with people from all over the world is an incredible opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives. Our in-person meetings are always productive, but they also provide a chance to connect with colleagues on a personal level and build stronger relationships.
With employees spread across so many time zones and nationalities, effective collaboration is absolutely crucial. My pro tip, especially in this context, is documentation. Clear, concise, and accessible documentation ensures that everyone, regardless of their location or working hours, has access to the same information. This includes everything from meeting notes and project plans to design specs and decision logs. It also serves as a valuable knowledge base for onboarding new team members and ensuring consistency across projects.
I particularly identify with Balance. It resonates with me on a couple of levels. Firstly, it speaks to the importance of work-life balance. A balanced approach allows for both personal and professional fulfillment, leading to greater overall well-being and productivity. Secondly, I see the principle of balance reflected in the product strategy. It's clear that there's a strong focus on finding the right balance between the end-user experience and publisher monetization. Creating a product that delights users while also providing value to our publishers is a delicate act, and I admire the company's commitment to achieving that equilibrium.
Since joining I've tackled a diverse range of projects and challenges, which has allowed me to continually learn and expand my skillset. What's been particularly valuable is the opportunity to engage with different audiences. From client meetings and in-person workshops to all-hands presentations, I've gained significant experience in public speaking and communication. Beyond formal learning, the opportunity to work alongside experienced and knowledgeable leaders and peers is invaluable. I'm eager to learn from their expertise. Its clear eyeo values employee development and provides the resources and mentorship necessary including a yearly learning budget.
One pleasant surprise has been the commitment to company culture, especially given the remote setup. I've worked at other remote companies where maintaining a close-knit feel was a real challenge. However, at eyeo, even though we're remote, in-person meetups are never awkward. It's great how friendly and welcoming everyone is. People genuinely want to connect with you on a personal level. That sense of community and belonging is something I didn't fully expect in a remote-first environment, and it's been a really positive and refreshing surprise.