Trailblazing Women in Product Management: Millie Zah on Globalization, Growth, and Inclusive Design

Introduction and Millie’s Background in Art and Business

Nicole Tieche | 00:00–00:22

Hi everyone, I’m **Nicole Tieche**, your host of our segment *Trailblazing Women in Product Management*. Today our guest is **Millie Zah**, Head of Product at **DAZN**. I’m so excited to have her with us today to hear her insights and experiences in the world of product management.

Millie Zah | 00:22–02:23

Thanks so much, Nicole. I’m really excited to be here. My background is actually a mix of business management and art — a bit of an unusual combination. I started out in marketing and growth, which slowly evolved into product management. Over time, I realized that growth is really just another side of product.

Later, I got involved with the Royal College of Art, where I learned more about architecture, design, and accessibility — especially designing for people with disabilities. It taught me to think deeply about how users experience the products we create. That creative empathy still guides my product thinking today.

Discovering Creativity in Product Management

Millie Zah | 02:23–03:28

I never saw myself as “creative” at first, but I’ve realized that product management requires creativity. There are different types of product managers — technical, commercial, and customer-centric — and I definitely lean toward that customer-focused, UX-driven side. It’s about curiosity, blue-sky thinking, and understanding people.

Inspiration Through Growth and Globalization

Millie Zah | 03:28–05:05

What inspires me most right now is **globalization** — creating products that resonate across languages, cultures, and regions. At DAZN, our boxing proposition started in the UK, US, and Canada, but now we’re expanding into places like Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

The challenge is making sure that while the core offering stays consistent, each market gets a localized, culturally relevant experience. It’s exciting to see how one idea can branch out globally yet feel personal to each user.

Designing for Diverse Markets and Accessibility

Millie Zah | 05:05–06:39

Designing for new markets means more than translation — it’s about **accessibility, cultural nuance, and local habits**. For example, text alignment and button placement differ for right-to-left languages like Arabic. Even small details like where users expect to find a login button make a huge difference.

Those challenges force us to rethink our assumptions and build products that truly include everyone.

Lessons from Adapting Products in Saudi Arabia

Millie Zah | 06:39–07:43

Saudi Arabia was an eye-opening market. We had to move fast — signing major contracts while learning as we built. We couldn’t do as much research upfront as we wanted, so we iterated live, learning from users post-launch. It’s been a great reminder that even under pressure, adaptability and listening are key.

Building and Motivating Global Product Teams

Millie Zah | 07:43–09:18

Managing global teams starts with understanding motivations. I make sure my teams — designers, engineers, stakeholders — all know *why* we’re entering a market. Once everyone understands the purpose, collaboration becomes easier. Motivation fuels great outcomes.

Finding Joy in Growth and Seeing User Impact

Millie Zah | 09:18–10:57

The best part of product growth is seeing people actually use what you’ve built. I love scrolling through social media and seeing fans talking about features we’ve launched — especially during big boxing events. That tangible connection between product and audience is what keeps me going.

The Excitement of Global Product Launches

Millie Zah | 10:57–11:39

Launch days are my favorite. There’s so much energy leading up to them, and then seeing the excitement from people outside the company makes all the work worthwhile.

Hiring for Soft Skills and Curiosity

Millie Zah | 11:39–13:19

When hiring, I look for **soft skills** first — curiosity, communication, and ownership. Technical skills can be taught, but passion and initiative can’t. I value candidates who take responsibility for their learning and ask great questions.

What Millie Looks for in Product Managers

Millie Zah | 13:19–14:36

Even if someone isn’t strong in an area like public speaking or presentation, what matters is their willingness to improve. Self-awareness and a growth mindset stand out to me far more than perfection.

Advice for Women in Product Management

Millie Zah | 14:36–17:39

Treat your career like a product — identify problems, set goals, and iterate. When choosing where to work, consider the **type of environment** and **stage of company** that fits you best. Startups, mid-size businesses, and enterprises all offer different learning experiences.

Be intentional about where you can thrive, whether that’s flexibility, mentorship, or structure.

Becoming More Self-Aware and Asking the Right Questions

Millie Zah | 17:39–19:35

I’ve learned to ask better questions in interviews — about structure, teams, and company culture. Understanding whether you’ll have support and alignment helps you make better career decisions.

Treating Your Career Like a Product

Millie Zah | 19:35–21:34

Just like in product management, keep asking “why.” Why am I in this role? Why does this matter to me? Reflecting regularly helps ensure your career evolves intentionally — not just reactively.

How to Connect with Millie Zah

Millie Zah | 21:34–22:02

You can find me on **LinkedIn** — just search “Millie Zah.” I love mentoring and connecting with others in the product space. Please reach out!

Closing Thoughts and Thank You

Nicole Tieche | 22:02–End

Thank you so much, Millie, for sharing your story and wisdom with us today. And thank you to our listeners for joining *Productside Stories*. Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with trailblazing women in product management.