#10 Product Peak: The one about product in practice - boundaries, compromises, and transformations
Hey folks!
We would like to invite you to the #10 meetup in the Product Peak series @ Ocado Technology.
This time, we’ll focus on the practical realities of product development - how to navigate tough trade-offs, craft operating models that deliver consistent value, and lead the organisational transformations that turn big ideas into shipped innovation.
Key event details:
- Date: Tuesday, June 10th, starting at 18:00 (6:00 P.M.). Please arrive a bit earlier to grab your seat.
- Location: Ocado office, Szewska 8, Wrocław Old Town. The entrance is next to Green Caffè Nero. Find us on Google Maps.
- Venue: Dedicated event space, 4th floor.
*** AGENDA ***
17:50 - grab a drink and take a seat
18:10 - 18:40
Speaker: Paweł Krzywodajć, Software Engineer at Ocado Technology
Topic: Reality check: navigating product tradeoffs as an engineer
Abstract:
In product development, the Iron Triangle of scope, time, and quality is more than a theory - it’s a recurring dilemma and a daily challenge. In this talk, I’ll share an engineer’s inside perspective on how product and engineering teams work together to navigate tradeoffs and align expectations with what’s achievable under tight deadlines. I will explore how priorities shift under pressure, how to balance technical integrity with product goals, and I’ll conclude with practical tips on how to reduce the frequency of such tradeoffs in the future.
18:40 - 19:10
Speaker: Michał Reda, Product Coach and Advisor at ProductPro
Topic: Product operating model: what is it and why do you need it to win the market?
Abstract:
I remember when we thought a killer product was all we needed. Boy, were we wrong! Look around at who's winning today—it's not just about what you build anymore. The companies crushing their competition? They've figured out something deeper: they've built the right teams and created the right systems to deliver real value, day in and day out.
So here's what I want to dig into with you today: Why having a solid Product Operating Model isn't some fancy business school concept—it's what separates the winners from the also-rans. I've seen this firsthand. We'll look at what makes these models work, where most teams go wrong (and trust me, I've made these mistakes myself), and some real-world steps you can take Monday morning to change how your team builds and ships.
19:10 - 19:40
Speaker: Tomasz Rychter, Co-founder and CEO of the Digitality Centre of Excellence
Topic: There is no innovation without transformation – a handful of tricks and experiences from large digitization projects
Abstract:
During my presentation, I will share my thoughts and experience in the following areas:
- How to deliver an innovative project in a non-innovative environment?
- How to get out of Catch-22?
- When transformation is not enough?
- Project leader/change leader – where to start to avoid running in the wrong direction with full commitment?
- How to assess whether we have made the right decisions (or prove it to stakeholders)?
In addition, I will answer the question of whether Slavs and Balkan residents share the same digital mindset :)
*** BIOs ***
Paweł Krzywodajć - Senior Software Engineer at Ocado Technology. For the last 10 years he has worked in a mobile area (Android). He's passionate about high-level aspects of software development such as architecture, domain-driven design and long term system maintainability.
Lately, his interest in human behaviour and organisational dynamics inspired him to pursue "Psychology in Business" postgraduate studies, aiming to apply psychological insights for better collaboration among teams and stakeholders involved in software development.
Michał Reda - for the past 15 years, he has been chasing an answer to what seems like a simple question: how to smartly, quickly, and effectively develop digital products that actually win in the market—and then how to share what he has learned with others who are on the same journey.
His path has taken him through the trenches—from Head of Product to Product Manager, from leading Growth teams to running R&D departments. Each role has taught him something different, and each challenge has left its mark.
About five years ago, he decided to focus entirely on consulting and inspiring others. He has created workshops and development programs that have supported dozens of product teams. Nothing gives him more satisfaction than seeing concepts click for people—the moment when theory transforms into practical know-how they can apply right away.
He is not here to offer textbook answers. He is here to share what he has seen work, what he has watched fail, and the patterns he has noticed along the way—because building great products isn’t just about frameworks and processes; it’s about people making smart decisions together.
Tomasz Rychter - is a technology leader with 15 years of experience in programming, IT consulting and engineering management.
Tomasz’s work bridges public sector innovation and private sector digital strategy, creating impactful technology solutions that serve the evolving needs of citizens.
His career, rooted in both technical expertise and strategic leadership, reflects a commitment to user-centered design, accessibility, and the democratisation of technology.