Why did you decide to become a mentor?
Choosing to become a mentor was an important decision for me, deeply influenced by my own experiences in navigating the fields of career progression, product management, and the exciting yet challenging world of startups. I always search for solutions to problems that I felt have been already solved by other. So, I had the fortune of being guided by knowledgeable mentors in product management early in my career. Additionally, my interactions with a variety of managers, both exceptional and not so great, offered invaluable lessons. Frequent discussions with startup founders & participating in the Antler startup program added to my learning, helping me understand the ecosystem more deeply. However, being a mentor isn't a one-way journey. While I share my experiences and insights, I also gain a lot from my mentees. Their unique experiences, the challenges they face, and their ambitions continually inspire me and contribute to my personal growth. When I initially stepped into the mentorship role, I expected to experience the satisfaction of aiding others in their paths. What I didn't fully anticipate, though, was the extent to which it would enrich my own journey. Mentorship for me is a never-ending cycle of learning and personal development, and above all, it's about nurturing lasting and meaningful relationships that inspire positive change and success.
How did you get your career start?
My career in tech kicked off in Spain when I joined a traineeship program in the Information Technology Department at a European Union Agency. It was a challenging yet exciting experience that introduced me to the nuances of IT project management and software delivery lifecycle. Here, I was fortunate to be mentored by Melanie, an exceptional professional whose guidance and influence are foundational to my career. Melanie was more than just a mentor; she was a true guide who navigated me through the early stages of my career. Her mentorship extended beyond technical skills to encompass insights into industry dynamics, effective communication, and organizational networking. Her ability to instill confidence and promote a growth mindset was truly inspiring. The lessons she imparted and her unique approach to nurturing my development triggered a passion for continuous learning and exploration within me. Thanks to her I kept on working on software products. Following my tenure at the European Union Agency, I had the privilege of being mentored by Damien, a former product manager at Facebook, now Meta. Damien's mentorship was instrumental in enhancing my product management skills, particularly in the areas of data management, problem-solving, grid analysis, and decision making. His ability to break down complex concepts and present them in a practical, digestible manner was incredibly impactful. Furthermore, his focus on data-driven decision making and leadership significantly shaped my approach to product management. Damien's mentorship style, which intertwined personal stories with sharp, timely questioning, always kept me engaged and inspired. It was through him that I fully realized the profound impact a mentor could have by asking the right questions at the right time. It was this combination of experiences and impactful mentorship from Melanie and Damien that steered me deeper and deeper towards product management. Their guidance not only inspired me to continue learning and growing, but also kindled the desire to pay it forward. This led me to choose the path of mentorship, with the hope of positively impacting others' careers as Melanie and Damien did for me.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
Mentees typically approach me seeking guidance across three key areas: career progression, product management, and startup mentorship. Regardless of the focus, I am dedicated to providing personalized mentorship tailored to the mentee's unique aspirations and objectives. In the sphere of career development, mentees often require advice on navigating their professional journey, including transitioning into or advancing within the tech sector. They are looking for strategies to refine their skills, make impactful networking connections, and successfully tackle interviews and negotiations. For those seeking new opportunities, I help devise effective job search strategies and tactics, providing them with the tools to not only find the right roles but also excel in them. For mentees focused on product management, their needs often revolve around understanding industry best practices, honing their data-driven decision-making skills, mastering problem-solving techniques, dealing with product team, dealing with tension, and dealing with stakeholders. I share practical insights and lessons from my own experiences and mentors like Damien, helping them to decode complex concepts and apply them in real-world contexts. Those seeking startup mentorship usually need strategic guidance on startup accelerators, validating business ideas, product strategy, and team building. My experience interacting with founders and navigating startup ecosystems comes in handy as I provide them with valuable advice and direction. Irrespective of the specific area, all my mentees can expect an environment that fosters support, honesty, and inspiration. I emphasize open communication, constructive feedback, and continuous learning. Recognizing that each mentee is unique, and so is their journey, I customize my approach to mentorship to align with their specific goals and preferred learning style. By providing tailored guidance, my aim is to empower my mentees, build their confidence, and inspire them to attain their professional dreams.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
One memorable mentorship success story involves a product owner at a large corporation, let's call him Thomas. He had a solid background in the tech industry, but he faced challenges incorporating user feedback and business logic into product decision-making. His struggles were not due to a lack of effort or ability, but rather a lack of experience, strong stakeholders opinions, and exposure in dealing with all product topics without having focus and product approach. It was more spontaneous than intentional. Together, we crafted a tactical approach to gradually introduce user feedback, competitive analysis, and business logic into product decision-making. We worked on real-world scenarios, strategizing how to collect, interpret, and apply user feedback in a way that would inform product development without disrupting ongoing processes. We also brainstormed ways to present this feedback and the resulting decisions to stakeholders in a way that was insightful yet non-intrusive. Over time, Thomas began to see the results of these efforts. His stakeholders, seeing the value and logic behind the changes, became less resistant and more engaged in the process. They felt involved in the change rather than being dictated to, which made a significant difference in their response. Thomas's story is a favorite of mine because it highlights how tailored mentorship can equip professionals with the right tools to navigate complex corporate environments and lead successful product initiatives. It's a reminder of the difference strategic mentorship can make and why I am so passionate about what I do.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Becoming a mentor has enriched me in countless ways, professionally and personally. It's more than just teaching others; it's a journey of mutual growth, learning, and evolution with my mentees. Each interaction brings fresh insights, new perspectives, and an opportunity to see the world differently. Professionally, guiding individuals from diverse backgrounds has sharpened my leadership skills and problem-solving abilities. Each challenge a mentee brings is a new puzzle to solve, promoting innovation and creativity in my approach. On a personal level, mentoring has fostered a deep sense of fulfillment and boosted my self-confidence. Witnessing my mentees conquer their challenges, achieve their goals, and flourish under guidance is truly rewarding. It's a reminder of the transformative power of mentorship and the ripple effect it can have on individuals and their careers. For you as a mentee, this means you can expect a mentor who is continuously learning, adapting, and evolving. My experiences as a mentor make me better equipped to understand your challenges, guide you through them, and celebrate your victories with you. Together, we will navigate your professional journey, learn from each other, and strive to reach your goals. In essence, my growth as a mentor translates into a more effective and empathetic guide for you.