In this blog post from our "Behind Our Solutions" series, we sat down with Iryna Ananko, Product Owner and Team Lead for Qmatic Experience Cloud, to learn more about her approach to product development, what inspires her in her professional life, and the role of AI in Qmatic's offerings.
Iryna brings a unique mix of technical expertise, strategic focus, and a collaborative mindset to Qmatic. She is known for her ability to prioritize and balance requirements, ensuring that her team stays sharp and focused. She also has a special talent—she never takes notes!
When asked about her favorite feature in Qmatic Experience Cloud, Iryna's response is just as customer-centric as one would hope. "As the product owner for the entire solution, my focus is always on improving the product as a whole to better meet our customers' needs," she said. "Customers typically don't think about individual features—they focus on completing their everyday tasks. In a way, I try to think like a customer, ensuring that whatever improvements we make provide real, practical value in their day-to-day operations. But of course, I am always excited about each new feature release that enhances our application."
For Iryna, encouraging team collaboration and facilitating knowledge sharing are crucial to achieving success. She believes that when team members work together and openly exchange ideas and expertise, it not only strengthens relationships but also leads to more innovative solutions for customers. "I try to create a positive and creative atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and collaborating. Our joint efforts make a real difference for our customers, and I am trying to convey this message," she explains.
When asked about a memorable moment in product development, Iryna recalls developing Service Combinations in Qmatic Experience Cloud, a feature that allows users to select and edit the services that can be combined when booking multiple services. "What made this moment truly special was after we completed the feature. I prepared a funny speech highlighting each team member's contributions to the project," she recalls. "As I was delivering that speech, I realized just how incredible the teamwork had been. It hit me what a great example of perfect collaboration it was. That awareness made the memory meaningful, and it remains one of my favorite experiences of a true team effort."
When asked about the impact of Qmatic's products, Iryna paints a vivid picture. "Imagine the chaos that people would have without our solution. It's almost unthinkable now!" she exclaims. "We create solutions that you don't realize how much you need until you have it—and then you can't imagine living without it." This sentiment resonates deeply. Today, when customer experience can make or break a business, Qmatic's solutions are not just convenient—they're mission-critical.
Looking ahead, Iryna is enthusiastic about the possibilities of AI and machine learning at Qmatic. "We have extensive experience in Customer Journey Management, and combined with customer journey data, our system has the ability to identify trends and predict demand," she explains. "This will enable businesses to plan their resources effectively and anticipate workload fluctuations."
Iryna's sources of inspiration bring us back to her customer-centric mindset. "One of my main sources of inspiration comes from receiving feedback directly from our customers," she said. "I believe that direct feedback—whether positive or negative—works best. In fact, sometimes negative feedback can be even more inspiring."
When wrapping up the interview with Iryna, she left a strong impression of a person committed to her customers, her team, and the evolution of Qmatic's products. Under her guidance, it's clear that Qmatic isn't just building software—it's shaping the future of customer experience.