In the fast-evolving financial technology sector, Jose Rosa, Head of Product at Yuh, stands out as a leader in merging technological innovation with a deep commitment to user-centered design. His pragmatic approach and ability to align product strategy with business objectives have positioned him as a key player in reshaping how financial products are designed, developed, and delivered.
A Journey Through Innovation and Passion
Born and raised in Portugal, Jose grew up in a modest family of five, where creativity and pragmatism were essential. These values, ingrained in his childhood, laid the foundation for his approach to design and decision-making. As he reflects, “When you are limited in space, you are urged to remove the fluff from your daily decisions,” a principle he applies to product development to this day.
Inspired by the technological evolution of the late 20th century—from the Walkman to the rise of digital music with iTunes and the iPod—Jose’s fascination with design and technology only deepened during his studies. His early exposure to website design and coding sparked a lifelong passion for digital products, culminating in an admiration for Apple’s Chief Designer, Jony Ive. “I realized that tech products could be more than just functional; they could evoke emotion through ease of use and beautiful design,” Jose recalls.
Immersing himself in the world of product design, Jose devoured books, blogs, and conversations with industry leaders. This dedication equipped him with a deep understanding of the intersection of design, engineering, and business. His hands-on involvement with teams, combined with his strategic thinking, allowed him to deliver outstanding results throughout his career, from luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet to the cutting-edge financial products he now champions at Yuh.
Transforming Product Strategy at Yuh
As Head of Product at Yuh, Jose’s mission is to shape the company’s product vision and ensure its seamless alignment with broader business objectives. His role is crucial not just in leading product teams, but also as part of the executive management team. This gives him a unique advantage: balancing customer needs with the company’s goals.
“In a corporate start-up environment, it’s critical to stay agile, adapting priorities while keeping a laser focus on what delivers the most value to the business and the customer,” says Jose. He is a strong advocate for communicating the ‘why’ to his teams, ensuring that they remain motivated and aligned with the product vision. “Without a clear understanding of why we’re doing something, it’s hard to get your team’s full commitment.”
Jose’s leadership style also extends to his role as a customer advocate. By maintaining a seat at the leadership table, he ensures that the customer’s voice is always heard and incorporated into Yuh’s strategic decisions. His ability to navigate between the competing demands of innovation, customer satisfaction, and business performance has made him an indispensable leader at Yuh.
Streamlining Product Development: Focus, Execution and Adaptability
When Jose first joined Yuh, the company had a clear product vision, but execution often faced challenges due to the varied interpretations of different stakeholders. To navigate this, Jose implemented a framework based on three key principles: Focus, Execution, and Adaptability.
He explains, “I always ask myself three questions: Do we know where we’re going? Do we have the tools to get there? And do we have the skills to adapt as needed?” By focusing on these core elements, Jose ensures that his team stays on course, even when facing the complexities of a dynamic market. His pragmatic approach allows room for creativity while keeping the team’s efforts aligned with long-term goals.
Jose emphasizes the importance of organization and communication in achieving product success. “Allowing space for bold ideas is essential, but clear communication and a structured framework ensure those ideas can be executed effectively.”
Leadership and Team Dynamics: Empowering Through Authenticity
One of Jose’s leadership hallmarks is his commitment to servant leadership—an approach that prioritizes his team’s growth and well-being. “Excellence is a collective effort,” he says. “It starts at the top, but it’s driven by the people on the ground who craft the solutions.”
Jose believes in giving his team the space to take ownership of their work while providing guidance and support when needed. In daily interactions, he presents the initial framework of a problem and encourages his team to challenge assumptions and explore different paths. This, he says, fosters a culture of creativity and ownership.
Although this approach has its challenges—particularly when team members have differing ideas, Jose views it as an essential part of driving innovation. “Accepting the uncertainty of ideas is part of the process. Every idea has potential, and we need to give our teams the room to explore that potential.”
Balancing Presence and Productivity
Outside of work, Jose emphasizes maintaining balance between his professional and personal life. “When I leave work, I focus my energy on my family. It’ s about being present and giving the best of yourself, not just being physically there.”
His workdays begin early with a review of the previous day’s progress, followed by intense, energy-consuming days at the office. On home-office days, he dedicates time to more strategic planning. “Over time, I’ve learned to manage my energy rather than my time. When you focus your energy on a subject, time becomes irrelevant.”
Jose also values continuous learning, spending his evenings reading articles, blogs, and books to stay up to date on industry trends. “I believe in the importance of stepping away from work to maintain a healthy balance. It helps me stay fresh and ready for the next challenge.”
Vision for the Future: Embracing AI and Innovation
As the financial industry continues to evolve, Jose remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of innovation. He is particularly excited about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize user experiences. “Technology is an incredible enabler of creativity, and we’re only scratching the surface of what AI can do. Our challenge now is to understand how best to use it to serve our customers.”
Jose’s forward-thinking approach to technology and his commitment to human-centered design have made him a thought leader in the financial technology space. Under his leadership, Yuh is set to continue expanding its customer base while delivering innovative, intuitive products that exceed user expectations.
A Blueprint for Aspiring Product Managers
Jose’s advice to aspiring product managers is simple: “Deeply understand the context in which you operate. Product success comes from knowing where your users come from and how they make decisions.”
He also encourages up-and-coming product leaders to stay close to their designers and continuously learn from them. “Spend time looking at delightful designs and UX patterns, and always keep an eye on your competition. They’ve tested hundreds of ideas—there’s always something to learn from their successes and failures.”
For Jose, excellence is not just a goal but a process—a process that involves continuous testing, improving, and never settling for lazy solutions. “The best products solve real problems and surprise users with what they never imagined was possible.”
Jose Rosa’s journey, from his humble beginnings in Portugal to his leadership role at Yuh, is a testament to his passion for innovation and commitment to excellence. His ability to blend creativity with business strategy has made him a trailblazer in the financial technology sector. As he continues to push the boundaries of product design, there’s no doubt that his influence will shape the future of the industry for years to come.
