Product to Policy: What CPG Taught Me About Civic Work

I've stepped back from CPG for now and into civic work. What’s surprised me most is how often I rely on the same discipline.

In consumer products, everything begins with the user. You test, iterate, and ask one question over and over: Does this serve her?

In civic systems, “her” is a resident — and the structures are more complex. But the principle holds. Behind every ordinance, permit, or process is a person trying to move something forward.

My work has taught me to resist building for the system instead of the human. Civic work has reminded me why that matters.

If you’ve made a similar shift, I’d love to hear how you’re applying your lens.