The 'Digital-Burst' Collaboration Model
by Brandon Chu • VP of Product (at time of recording) at Shopify
Former investment banker and Kraft Foods employee who pivoted to tech by founding a startup (Tunezy). After an acquisition, he worked at FreshBooks before joining Shopify, where he spent 7+ years scaling from PM to VP, eventually leading Product Acceleration.
🎙️ Episode Context
Brandon Chu, VP of Product at Shopify, discusses the unique product culture at Shopify, emphasizing their 'digital by default' approach and the importance of 'founder skills' for PMs. He explores the nuances of Platform Product Management, specifically the need to stack-rank constituents. The conversation also covers his philosophy on decision-making velocity, the career-accelerating power of writing, and how Shopify uses 'Bursts' to maintain connection in a remote-first world.
Problem It Solves
mitigates the isolation and low-energy traps of fully remote work while retaining the flexibility of not having a daily commute.
Framework Overview
A hybrid operating model that combines 'digital by default' remote work with intentional, high-intensity in-person gatherings called 'Bursts' to foster creativity and connection.
🔄 Iterative Cycle
When to Use
When a remote team's energy is flagging, or at the start of a major creative cycle (e.g., quarterly planning).
Common Mistakes
Using in-person time for routine work that could be done remotely; neglecting the social/bonding aspect of the gathering.
Real World Example
A team of 20 uses Shopify's internal app to book a 'Burst' in Laguna Beach. They spend 3 days doing high-velocity creative roadmap planning and social bonding, then return to their home countries to execute remotely.
We tried to turn all the weaknesses on its head... optimize for the stuff that was amazing about [in-person] and make it super easy and fun.
— Brandon Chu