# Jon Odo on Roadmaps

- Show: [The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast)
- Published: 2022-05-11
- Length: 56m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-05-11-jon-odo-on-roadmaps
- Listen: https://agileembeddedpodcast.com/episodes/jon-odo-on-roadmaps-1pf2NgwZ

## Summary

Jon Odo, Practice Lead for Product Ownership at Liberty Mutual and former robotics engineer at GBO, explains that roadmaps are alignment tools rather than static plans, emphasizing the need to distinguish between hardware constraints and software flexibility. He argues that embedded roadmaps must explicitly state technical limitations, such as chip speeds or field of view, to manage high-stakes financial decisions and supply chain risks. Odo advocates for creating multiple, audience-specific roadmaps—one for engineers detailing board spins and another for executives focusing on margins and feature shipping—to ensure all stakeholders understand the product's purpose and priorities.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-05-11-jon-odo-on-roadmaps#t=0) Introduction: Jon Odo and his career at Liberty Mutual and GBO
- [4:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-05-11-jon-odo-on-roadmaps#t=267) Roadmaps as alignment tools vs. static plans
- [9:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-05-11-jon-odo-on-roadmaps#t=544) Hardware constraints and hard dollars in embedded roadmaps
- [13:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-05-11-jon-odo-on-roadmaps#t=794) Distinguishing roadmaps from product backlogs
- [20:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-05-11-jon-odo-on-roadmaps#t=1215) Creating multiple roadmaps for different audiences
- [27:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-05-11-jon-odo-on-roadmaps#t=1658) The bricklayer story and connecting work to purpose
- [36:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-05-11-jon-odo-on-roadmaps#t=2205) Vision, mission, and roadmap hierarchy
- [41:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-05-11-jon-odo-on-roadmaps#t=2515) Who writes roadmaps: accountability vs. responsibility
- [50:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2022-05-11-jon-odo-on-roadmaps#t=3047) Designing effective, collaborative roadmaps

## Topics

- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises, early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Liberty Mutual (company)
- GBO (company)
- MIT media lab (other)
- Kismet (product)
- Jeff Gable (other)
- Luca (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 10: Semiconductor Investor Mindsets](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2023-03-13-episode-10-semiconductor-investor-mindsets) (The Circuit)
- [S2 E3: Strategic Planning for Hardware Success with Pete Blake](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2023-12-25-s2-e3-strategic-planning-for-hardware-success-with-pete-blake) (The Builder Circle)
- [122: Glue a Board to Your Resume](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-10-21-122-glue-a-board-to-your-resume) (Embedded.fm)
- [Focus, Dammit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-10-25-focus-dammit) (The Amp Hour)
- [S7E19 Ryan Schoonmaker | How to Take A Structured Approach to Solving Engineering Problems](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-05-01-s7e19-ryan-schoonmaker-how-to-take-a-structured-approach-to-solving-engineering) (Being an Engineer)

## Citing this page

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