At Foster Moore, we are very proud to have Kerstin Littin as our Director of Product Management. Joining us early in her career as a UI Designer, Kerstin has grown into a leadership role, where she excels at building high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement. Her expertise in user experience design and passion for technology allows her to bridge the gap between technical concepts and customer outcomes.
Kerstin leads a talented team at Foster Moore, ensuring that our products exceed client expectations while continuously pushing the boundaries of registry management. Throughout her career, she has empowered product managers, owners, and designers to collaborate and deliver innovative, world-class solutions.
In this interview, Kerstin shares insights into her journey, her approach to product management, and the strategies she uses to keep our registry solutions at the cutting edge. She also discusses her passion for leadership, personal growth, and her contributions to initiatives that aim to make a positive impact on the world.
Join us as we explore Kerstin's journey, leadership philosophy, and her vision for the future of product innovation in the registry space.
Q & A with Kerstin Littin: Customer-centric Innovation
Kerstin, you have over 20 years of experience in Registry Solutions, what first inspired you to pursue a career in registries, product management, and innovation?I’ll be honest, initially, I found the concept of registers a bit dry, but once I understood the impact they have on underpinning economies, I became fascinated. The realization that these systems work for everyone—from governments to businesses and citizens—really sparked my passion. The challenge of making complex processes simpler and more intuitive for users was something I quickly grew to love. I found that the registry space, while seemingly niche, has such far-reaching potential, and I wanted to be part of that transformation.
What excites you most about your current role as Director of Product Management at Foster Moore?The biggest motivator is working with such an incredible team. We're a close-knit group that thrives on collaboration and supporting each other. The opportunity to work on innovative projects that have a real-world impact, especially in making registries more efficient and user-friendly, is deeply rewarding. There's never a dull moment, and the challenge of anticipating future needs keeps me driven.
How has your background in UI/UX design shaped your approach to product management?Coming from a UX/UI background, I've always been user-centric in my approach. I quickly realized that successful products aren’t just about the technology behind them but about solving real problems for users. The focus on empathy and creating intuitive and, ideally, delightful experiences is something I bring to my product management role. Design thinking is at the core of how I approach product strategy, and it helps me ensure that we meet user needs in every phase of development.
You’re known for your customer-centric approach to product development. How do you gather raw, unfiltered customer feedback, and how does it inform your product strategy?I believe in direct, honest feedback from our users. We hold user groups where we sit down with customers and listen to their pain points, assumptions, and suggestions. These sessions help validate or challenge our assumptions, and the feedback directly influences our product decisions. We also co-design with customers, which ensures we're not just solving problems but doing so in the most effective way possible.
In your opinion, how important is product documentation and training to the successful implementation and adoption of a product or platform?An important milestone was the launch of our platform 'Verne' and the various products accompanying it, including, more recently, our Occupational Licensing product. It's been fantastic to see the positive feedback and the impact it's having on our clients, particularly in New Zealand. The project not only reflects innovation in registry management but also demonstrates how technology can drive business.
As a leader, how do you foster a culture of innovation and creativity while ensuring that products maintain high-quality standards?Innovation thrives when people feel empowered to ask 'what if' and 'why not'. I encourage my team to think outside the box and explore new ideas, but I also ensure we have clear goals and guardrails in place to maintain high standards. It’s all about striking the right balance between freedom and accountability. Innovation doesn’t have to be at odds with quality—when you have the right processes in place, both can thrive together.
What do you believe are the key qualities a product manager must have, especially in the complex and rapidly changing registry space?Curiosity is key. A great product manager is always asking questions about the market, customer needs, and how to improve. Staying ahead of trends, understanding the regulatory landscape, and integrating customer feedback into the product strategy are also crucial. Being able to see the bigger picture and think systemically is important as well, especially in a space where registries often integrate with multiple platforms.
How do you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new product management methodologies and innovations? Are there any specific resources or strategies you rely on?I make sure to stay connected with the broader product and registry community through podcasts, meetups, and networking events. I also keep up with industry publications and research papers. Engaging with peers and thought leaders in the field helps me stay ahead of emerging trends and methodologies, which I can then bring back to my team to keep us on the cutting edge.
What technology developments or trends are you most excited about in the registry world?I'm particularly excited about the potential of machine learning to detect fraudulent activity and monitor risk within registries and digital identity verification technology. Interoperability across jurisdictions for better risk monitoring and anti-money laundering efforts is another exciting area of development.
You spent some time in Toronto, helping establish Foster Moore’s office and working on projects for the Canadian Government. How do you reflect on your time in Canada, and what do you miss most about it?Toronto will always hold a special place in my heart. I miss the diversity and the constant buzz of the city, as well as the four seasons! We spent a lot of time on the water, boating and sailing with the family, and that connection to nature was really grounding. I also miss the sports culture—Blue Jays games, Raptors games, and, of course, Maple Leafs matches! Also, heading to St. Lawrence Market early on a Saturday morning for an eggplant Parmigiano sandwich—such a special memory!
Balancing these commitments is challenging, but I’m passionate about each of them. I set clear boundaries and prioritize my time to ensure I can contribute meaningfully to each initiative. Powrsuit is important to me because it helps close the gender leadership gap, while Eco Guardians is a cause close to my heart, especially in raising awareness about ocean pollution. Being part of communities like Women in Business and TechWomen allows me to support others in their journeys and be supported in return.
Powrsuit is a career accelerator for women. What motivated you to become a founding member, and how do you believe it can help close the gender leadership gap?
Throughout my career, I’ve seen both external and internal barriers that women face in leadership roles, particularly in tech. Powrsuit provides the tools and confidence women need to step into leadership positions. It's not just about addressing external barriers, but also about empowering women to back themselves and overcome self-doubt. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of an initiative that helps make this happen.
After a long day at work, how do you unwind and disconnect? Do you have any hobbies or activities that help you reset?
Turning off my phone and spending time with my family is my way of unwinding. We love long walks with our dog, boating, sailing, and fishing—anything that connects us to nature and grounds us. Family time is my reset button, and it keeps me energized and ready to tackle the next day.
Kerstin Littin is not only an exceptional product leader, but also a true source of inspiration to everyone at Foster Moore. Her dedication to customer-centric innovation, her relentless work ethic, and her focus on supporting and mentoring her team make her an invaluable leader within our organization.
Kerstin leads with empathy, empowering those around her and driving meaningful change across our product team, and the company as a whole. We are very fortunate to have her in our team, and we are excited to see how her leadership continues to shape our future.