Why did you decide to become a mentor?
At 15Five, I was introduced to the concept of Zone of Genius (first coined in The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks). Through reflection, practice and hard work, I’ve learned that my Zone of Genius is coaching people and helping them achieve breakthrough success. Coaching is the work that gives me energy and allows me to get into a state of flow effortlessly.
I am fortunate to be a mentor and coach and work with various Product Managers with different backgrounds and experiences. I learn so much from my clients. Each session is an opportunity to understand a different perspective on Product Management and our challenges.
How did you get your career start?
I started as a Frontend Engineer for several years. I joined a company called iQmetrix back in the late 2000s. We needed prioritisation and a clearer understanding of what our customers require. So I started to fill that gap by spending more time with customers and working with our team to prioritise based on the value and impact for our users. I hadn’t heard of the term Product Management and didn’t know what I was doing, just that it was important for our team to function.
At one point, I had an existential crisis where I realised I wasn’t an engineer anymore, I wasn’t a designer, and I wasn’t a BA … ultimately, I didn’t know what I was. Then, months later, I was at a conference talking with someone, and after describing what I do, he said to me, “Oh, so you’re a Product Manager”. I later googled the term and realised there was a whole world based on what I was doing.
Like many of you, I read “Inspired by Marty Cagan” and realised what I had been doing by trial and error had a method and that I, too, was a Product Manager.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
There are three challenges that clients usually come to me with:
1 - Getting hired
Many of us find it’s time to make a change and find a new company, but often we’ve been out of practice in applications and interviews. It can be a very daunting proposition to send out applications and go into interviews. Both generally lack any sort of feedback that can help us learn and adapt. I work with clients to give them essential feedback on their resumes, cover letters, and interview answers. Coupled with a structured approach to managing your hiring process, I help clients with the confidence to get their ideal next role.
2 - Career Vision and Strategy
Many of us go through our careers with time as the only catalyst for change and promotion. We accumulate enough experience to take on new responsibilities and get promoted. However, only some of us take the time to understand, vision and plan our careers. Few of us truly know what we want our careers to be, especially at any level of detail. If we can create that clear vision of what we wish our careers to be, then it’s likely that we’ll get there. I work with my clients to develop a clear vision and strategy for their careers. Helping them shape their futures and achieve their goals.
3 - Growing a team
Lastly, I have clients that are themselves, product leaders. Being a product leader is daunting; most product leaders are excellent Product Managers but struggle with leadership and people management. I share strategies and tactics with my clients to help them support their teams’ growth and thriving.
What’s been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
I’ve had a few over the years, but one that springs to mind was a client from MentorCruise when we started working together; he said he regularly had anxiety and fear in his role as a Product Manager. As a result, he struggled with a lack of confidence that he was doing the right things and could lead his team.
After working together, I gave him the honest feedback he needed to unlock his potential and give him confidence in his abilities. Over a few months, I saw him accomplish great things. His confidence grew, and he was able to improve his skills and deliver real value for his company.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
For me, mentorship is an opportunity to meet Product Managers and Product Leaders worldwide. Each with their own unique experiences and perspectives. I am constantly learning and growing through coaching others.
I’ve enjoyed mentoring Product Managers and Leaders with various backgrounds and challenges. Through each one, I’ve learned something new and gained new perspectives on our challenges.