Here's something I think folks will be surprised to hear from a salesperson... I do not believe a great product can be built by interviewing or speaking to customers. This is why sales should never, ever lead the product roadmap. What I believe/have learned is... 1. The founder is the visionary (holds a unique insight) and subject matter expert on how to solve a problem -- this is why everyone focuses on technical founders 2. The market is well-informed and experienced in its problems, which can help inform messaging, positioning, and prioritization. Hint: Never ask someone with an ongoing problem how to solve it; if they knew, it wouldn't be a problem. Customer conversations are incredible for understanding how the problem is manifesting: growing, widening, and/or its direct implications, but never feedback on the product. If you are to take product feedback, it is best to come from paying customers. Sales is unbelievable at understanding market reality and project management, but sales nor the market will ever give a startup vision, BUT they will provide you with where there is clear alignment to reality.