Quick Responder

Walter Lee

Former Head of Product @ Stessa
5.0
(16 reviews)
10+ years of product management at startups, ex-software engineer
United States of America Active yesterday Usually responds in half a day

Services

$200 / month

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  1. 1 Free 7-day trial
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  2. 2 Ongoing calls + chat
    2 calls per month, unlimited Q&A. Replies in 2 days.
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MentorCruise summary

Walter is a former Head of Product at Stessa. He has 20 years of experience in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, including leading product at three startups and starting his career as a software engineer at Google. He helps product managers clarify their role on a team, improve cross-functional relationships, and move from engineering into product management.

Based on 11 verified mentee reviews

  • Reviewers often praise his practical, actionable advice and fresh perspective on product and management challenges.
  • Mentees value his patient, encouraging style and the time he takes to understand their goals.
  • Several reviewers credit his detailed feedback with improving resumes, work positioning, behavioral interview strategies, and career plans.

About

I've been working in San Francisco and Silicon Valley for the last 20 years. I was Head of Product at 3 startups, ranging from 3-guys-in-a-garage to a Series D startup. I have always done a mix of hands-on PM work and managing other product managers. Before that, I started my career as a software engineer at Google, where I transitioned to product management.

I am currently on sabbatical, spending more time with my family (I'm a new dad) and deciding what's next. I have always enjoyed coaching my teammates (not just my direct reports but also indirect reports and peers), and now I'm enthusiastic about helping out others here.

If you need some questions answered right away, but aren't ready to commit to a full mentorship, please see my "One-Off Sessions" and book an Introductory Call.

Specific topics I especially enjoy talking about:
- Identifying how a PM can best contribute to their particular team, by matching strengths and weaknesses to find complements
- Adding just enough process to prevent chaos without hurting agility
- Resolving personality conflicts
- Changing career from engineering to product management
- Forging relationships with cross-functional stakeholders, especially Marketing, Sales, Customer Success
- Managing your stock options (disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor)

What mentees say

5 out of 5 stars

Walter is very nice, gentle and experienced mentor! We had great time chatting about work and life. He listened to my problems and challenges at works, and offer me suggestions and guidance that is right for my situation.

lin

Lin

Standard Plan • 1.5 years

5 out of 5 stars

Walter is a great mentor, would highly recommend. Brings tons of great frameworks, is a great listener and is very motivational. Genuinely cares deeply and has a sense of humor.

James

James

Standard Plan • 3 months

5 out of 5 stars

Walter is a great mentor- he takes the time to truly understand your objectives and helps formulate plans forward. His experience in product is clear, and his suggestions should be taken to heart. It's always a pleasure talking to him, and he is effective in communicating insights both from a tactical and strategic perspective. I've been working with him for several months now, and his value to me with regards to organizing my thoughts/ being a soundboard for ideas is huge.

Shahab

Shahab

Standard Plan • 5 months

Shahab wrote 1 more review for the same mentorship

5 out of 5 stars

Shahab

Shahab

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What happens when you start

You tell Walter your goals. They see exactly what you want to work on before session one.

You meet within days. Walter reviews your application and books your first session, usually within a day or two.

You leave with a plan. Concrete next steps and a weekly rhythm from your very first week.

Start your mentorship