# How the R&D Org at Twilio Drives Business Strategy and Transformation w/ Inbal Shani #257

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-engineering-leadership-podcast-743839/how-the-r-d-org-at-twilio-drives-business-strategy-and-transformation-w-inbal-shani-257
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-engineering-leadership-podcast-743839/how-the-r-d-org-at-twilio-drives-business-strategy-and-transformation-w-inbal-shani-257.md
Podcast: [The Engineering Leadership Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-engineering-leadership-podcast-743839)
Published: 2026-05-05T19:50:55+00:00
Episode link: https://sfelc.com/podcasts
Audio file: https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/afp-942744-injected.calisto.simplecastaudio.com/4d87e711-78c0-43f3-9633-fa05520e07f2/episodes/3791c4e8-f07c-4e08-86c5-fb31358e7375/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=4d87e711-78c0-43f3-9633-fa05520e07f2&awEpisodeId=3791c4e8-f07c-4e08-86c5-fb31358e7375&feed=Z8Dl_qAv
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-engineering-leadership-podcast-743839/episodes/how-the-r-d-org-at-twilio-drives-business-strategy-and-transformation-w-inbal-shani-257
Duration seconds: 2839

## Resource

Inbal Shani (CPO and Head of R&D @ Twilio) deconstructs the transformation of the R&D org at Twilio! We explore the shift from a GM-led model to a unified platform strategy and “why structure must always follow strategy.” Inbal shares her framework for moving from output-focused metrics to input goals, prioritizing “time-to-value,” and the nuances of measuring AI products. We discuss using "R&D roadshows" as a strategic company transformation tool and why engineering leaders must master product positioning. We also dive into mental models for future-proofing your business, from "working backwards" to solve customer problems, to embedding systems thinking into the DNA of your engineering team, and critical questions to identify and optimize decisions around your company’s moat.

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## Transcript

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