Nice People Spotlight: Liz Jones

This month’s Nice People Spotlight shines on Liz Jones, Beta Test Coordinator, whose role sits right at the intersection of product, engineering, sales, and marketing. Since joining Nice just over a year ago, Liz has become a go-to connector across teams, helping keep beta programs on track and making sure the right information gets to the right people at the right time.

From coordinating testers in the field to sharing insights with internal teams, Liz plays a central role in turning real-world feedback into meaningful improvements the business can act on. She’s known for managing a lot of moving pieces (often with the help of her trusty sticky notes) and for her collaborative, approachable style. Whether she’s working with teams or connecting with customers, Liz helps keep everyone aligned and moving forward, making her a driving force behind successful product launches at Nice.

How did you land at Nice, and how long have you been part of the team and in your role?

I was introduced to Jim Poder, who shared the opportunity for the role of Beta Test Coordinator, and after speaking with him, we found it was a good fit. I’ve been here a little over a year, and about eight months into my role, I also began working with the Marketing team, compiling insights from beta testers and partners for use in marketing messages, as well as contributing to other marketing projects.

People may not fully understand what your role is. How would you describe what you do as a Beta Test Coordinator? What does a typical day look like behind the scenes?

That’s a great question, because when people hear my job title, the next thing they ask is either, “What is that?” or “Oh, so you test products?” Nope, but I can see why they might think that.

For context, a beta test is when a product is given to a small group of real users before its full release so they can use it in everyday situations and provide feedback. The goal is to find bugs, identify improvements, and make sure the product works well for customers before it becomes widely available.

My job is to coordinate the steps in this process and act as the hub of information and communication between the testers in the field and the teams at Nice who are working to bring these products to market. I make sure people have the documentation, product, instructions, and channels they need to provide feedback and receive support.

On any given day, I’m talking with RSMs, on the phone with beta testers, and meeting with the Engineering and Product teams to share feedback and work through issues.

Beta testing can get complex with many moving parts, feedback loops, and unexpected challenges. How do you stay on top of the coordination and keep things running smoothly?

Sticky notes. I use way too many sticky notes. In addition to my Excel trackers, OneNote notebooks, slide decks, and calendars, I have sticky notes all over my desk.

Right now, my high-priority tasks are written in teal ink. So, if you have a 911 for me, just let me know it’s a “Status Teal,” and I’ll prioritize it.

Collaboration seems to be a big part of what you do. Has anyone influenced how you approach teamwork or communication in your role?

Collaboration is a huge part of beta testing. In this role, I work directly with many teams. Engineers join me on calls with testers to address issues. I work with the RSM team to connect with and follow up with testers, who are also their customers. I have regular conversations with Marketing as we discuss what testers are saying about these products, and I meet with the Product team to share feedback, insights, and suggestions.

I also can’t count the number of times Partner Support, Logistics, and Shipping have stepped in to help. Thank you to all of these hardworking teams!

What’s an important value or trait you’ve developed in this role that’s helped you succeed?

I think being organized, and finding new ways to compile and share feedback in a useful, efficient way, has been incredibly valuable. I also genuinely like working with people. I enjoy collaborating with different teams on each beta test, and the connection with testers makes this a great role.

Is there anything you’ve learned at Nice or in your role that’s changed how you work or think?

Absolutely. Working with people across the organization has broadened my perspective on the goals of beta testing. Here’s what I mean. It takes multiple teams and many talented people to launch a new product, and each group sees it a little differently. The Product team asks, “What is the vision and purpose?” Engineering asks, “How do we build this, and how do we solve the issues?” Marketing considers, “What are the best ways to communicate the product’s value?” And Sales has the face-to-face customer relationships and a strong pulse on what customers are looking for.

Viewing the beta program through each team’s lens has expanded how I think about testing. It has encouraged me to look for a wider range of feedback, not just whether the product works, but how people feel about it overall and whether it’s something they are excited to adopt in their business or daily life.

What’s something about your job that people might not expect or know about?

There are a couple of things. First, in my conversations with beta testers, I don’t just get feedback on our products. I also get to know them. I hear about fishing trips with grandkids, houses they’re remodeling, and upcoming family vacations. We have great customers, and those great customers make great beta testers. Getting to know them has been an unexpected highlight.

Second, I think some of my own life experiences have helped me in this role. I like to joke that all the times I got in trouble in school for talking too much have finally paid off. But truly, talking with people is a big part of my job, and I enjoy it. 

Also, years of making sure my kids did their chores and homework have, in a way, prepared me for this role. At the end of the day, we’re asking beta testers to follow through on their commitment to install the product and provide feedback in a timely manner. So, in essence, part of my job is making sure they get their homework done ;)

Outside of work, where are we most likely to find you? What do you enjoy doing when you’re off the clock?

You’ll often find me on a bike or in my garden. As a family, we road bike and mountain bike, and I also enjoy gardening and adding to my collection of houseplants. There’s an ongoing conversation in my household about, “How many houseplants are too many?” and I think the answer is, “There is always room for one more.” But I might be alone in that opinion :)