The distance between a bold vision and a market-defining launch is bridged by the "Product Operating System."
In our "A Day in the Life" series, we explore the essential roles and individuals creating market impact at EDB. In this spotlight, we chat with Rishi Patel, Director of Product Operations, to discover how he masterminds EDB's product rhythms, why he values "constructive, meaningful conversations," and how a remote-first culture empowers him to scale global innovation from home.
A Day in the Life: Masterminding the Operating Rhythm
For Rishi, the beauty of Product Operations lies in its unpredictability. His role is the connective tissue between high-level strategy and the granular details of execution.
"There is no truly “typical” day in Product Operations, and that’s actually the part I enjoy most," Rishi explains. "My days are usually spent partnering with product leaders to translate strategy into execution, whether that’s shaping planning cycles, reviewing roadmap health, or removing friction in how teams work." He finds his fuel in the momentum of a successful release: "The most exciting moments are when teams deliver launches that are truly market-differentiating and directly contribute to EDB’s growth."
The Product Ops Mindset: Systems Thinking and Clarity
Turning complex, ambiguous problems into actionable results requires a specific mindset. Rishi views his role through the lens of a systems thinker, constantly evaluating not just what is being built, but the why, how, and when behind it.
Rishi notes that to thrive in this space, you must find satisfaction in creating clarity. “You need to be a systems thinker who is comfortable operating across functions,” he advises. One of his most significant impacts has been streamlining the way EDB brings innovation to life by shortening release cycles. This move toward agility allows EDB to validate ideas sooner and iterate with greater confidence.
Impact Beyond the Roadmap: A Culture of Openness
Because Product Ops touches every corner of the company—from Engineering to Legal and GTM—the culture of communication is paramount. Rishi highlights EDB’s unique openness as a primary driver of his daily success and enjoyment.
"What I appreciate most about EDB’s culture is that everything is rooted in two things: a deep dedication to customer success, and genuine openness and respect for different perspectives," he says. This psychological safety allows him to be a vocal advocate for improvement:
"I never hesitate to share my point of view at any level of the company. EDBers are genuinely caring and open-minded, which makes it easy to have constructive, meaningful conversations."
Culture and Perks: Remote-First and Absolute Balance
EDB’s commitment to a remote-first approach is a major differentiator for Rishi, especially as it becomes increasingly rare in the tech industry. It has enabled him to leave behind a high-traveled past and focus on global innovation without sacrificing his home life.
"It allows me to structure my workday to stay closely connected with global teams without sacrificing work-life balance," he shares. "My family especially appreciates this. Prior to EDB, I traveled a lot, and being home more consistently has had a hugely positive impact." This balance is further supported by Wellness Fridays, a monthly company-wide Friday off. “It’s a thoughtful benefit that reinforces EDB’s commitment to well-being and helps everyone return to work energized and focused,” Rishi shared.
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