Unveiling the Heartbeat of B-Secur: A Q&A with Katie Addy, Product Owner

Can you share a bit about your background and what interests you most about being a Product Owner at B-Secur

Absolutely! I began my career as a medical doctor, but my journey took a turn towards health tech during university. I discovered the allure of digital innovation and transformation projects, which became the most fascinating aspect of my work.  

 A few years ago, I transitioned from clinical medicine to health tech, exploring roles in digital education and global education for doctors. These experiences introduced me to the world of Product Management, a realm I find exciting for its creativity and collaboration.  

Returning to Belfast, the opportunity to work with B-Secur, developing products with clear value for patients and clinicians, especially in the realm of heart health with applications like HeartKey® helping towards pre-clinical preventative medicine and wellness, aligned perfectly with my professional passions. 

How do you ensure the product is designed with the customer in mind, and how important is customer feedback in your decision-making process?

Customer feedback is crucial throughout the product development cycle. It not only provides valuable direction but also offers key insights into the effectiveness and value of our product. Designing with the customer in mind is a priority, and their feedback plays a pivotal role in shaping our decisions. 

Can you share an example of how user input has shaped a recent decision about the product?

Recently, we received feedback regarding the user interface of our HeartKey® demo web app. Based on this input, we implemented changes to enhance the user experience, making it more intuitive and user-friendly for customers to test and explore HeartKey’s® capabilities. 

What can users expect to see in the upcoming product roadmap?

With our new product HeartKey® Rhythm coming soon, users can anticipate feature updates, including an expanded list of detectable arrhythmia types. Additionally, we’re exploring and developing further HeartKey® products slated for release later in the year. 

Are there any current trends in product management that you find influential?

Agile methodologies and data-driven decision-making are two trends that strongly influence my approach to product management. These methodologies ensure that our products are developed and informed by data insights, allowing for continuous iteration to meet the dynamic needs of our customers. 

What personally motivates you in your role as a Product Owner, and how do you stay inspired in a dynamic industry?

My motivation stems from the desire to make a difference in patients’ lives and alleviate the burden on clinicians. Working with an incredible product team at B-Secur further fuels my motivation. To stay inspired in this dynamic industry, I maintain connections with others in health tech through digital health conferences and networks.

What activities or hobbies bring you joy outside of your professional life?

Outside of work, I find joy in spending time outdoors, especially walking in the hills or enjoying mountain getaways. I have also been involved in coral singing and recently joined the Belfast Philharmonic Choir. It’s a fantastic way to unwind and switch off from work. I’m eagerly looking forward to our next concert with the Ulster Orchestra in March.