Becoming The Product

Becoming The Product

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Becoming The Product episodes

  • From Idea to MVP: A Practical Guide for Aspiring PMs

    In this episode of Becoming the Product, Naya is joined by expert guest Dele Tosh to break down the practical steps of transforming a product idea into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Together, they discuss how to validate ideas before investing significant resources, using no-code tools for early testing, and the importance of staying close to your users during the development process. Dele shares his experiences and insights on the essential considerations for defining the scope of an MVP and selecting features that deliver the most value to early users.

    Listeners will gain valuable tips on how to use platforms like Google, FlutterFlow, and AI tools to build quickly and efficiently, as well as the key metrics to track once the MVP is live. Whether you’re an aspiring product manager or a solo entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable advice on how to go from concept to launch while navigating the challenges of creating a successful product.

    29 min
  • Celebrating a Year: Reflections and Future of Becoming The Product

    In this special anniversary episode of Becoming the Product, Naya reflects on an incredible year of podcasting. From launching the very first episode to winning an APVA Award in the Career and Entrepreneurship category, Naya shares the highs and lows of her journey. She talks about the challenges of staying consistent, overcoming imposter syndrome, and navigating technical setbacks, while also celebrating the supportive community that has grown around the podcast. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on the past year and a celebration of how far the podcast has come.

    As Naya looks ahead to the future of Becoming the Product, she shares her next steps and plans to further engage with her listeners. She also provides valuable tips for those looking to start their own podcast or share their journey online, emphasizing the importance of finding your purpose, embracing imperfections, and building consistency. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode offers a deep dive into the lessons learned and the exciting possibilities for the future.

    13 min
  • Navigating Parenthood and Product Management with Chika

    In this episode of Becoming the Product, Naya is joined by Chika, a product manager and mother of two, to explore the unique challenges of balancing parenthood with a demanding product management career. Chika shares her inspiring journey, from facing rejection during her pregnancy to transitioning into product management after starting her career as a virtual assistant. Her story sheds light on the realities of working in tech while raising a family, offering practical strategies for other parents navigating similar challenges.

    Chika discusses the importance of setting boundaries, using tools like calendars, and prioritizing tasks to stay organized. She also opens up about the value of asking for help and building a supportive network, emphasizing that no parent should feel the need to go through it all alone. Whether you're a parent balancing family and career, or simply interested in hearing how others make it work, this episode is full of valuable insights and heartfelt advice.

    33 min
  • Mastering Personal Growth for Aspiring PMs

    In this episode of Becoming the Product, host Naya dives into personal growth strategies essential for aspiring and established product managers. She emphasizes that product management goes beyond technical skills, such as building features or managing teams; it requires constant learning, adaptability, and leadership. Naya shares her personal journey of how building a consistent learning routine, whether through webinars, newsletters, or PM communities, has helped her stay updated with industry trends. She also highlights the importance of soft skills like communication and empathy, as they complement the technical expertise needed to thrive in the field.

    Naya also explores key techniques to foster continuous personal growth, including developing a growth mindset, mastering time management, expanding your network, and practicing self-reflection. She explains that embracing feedback, networking with peers and mentors, and scheduling time for personal development all contribute to long-term success. Whether you're just starting or looking to advance your career, this episode provides actionable insights for anyone eager to elevate their skills and mindset in product management. Tune in to discover how these strategies can help you unlock your full potential.

    12 min
  • Harnessing Curiosity: Segun's Journey from Social Media to Product Management

    In this episode, Naya sits down with Segun, a former social media manager who successfully transitioned into product management.

    Segun shares the challenges he faced during his career change, including applying to over 200 jobs before landing his first product role.

    He emphasizes the importance of consistency, putting yourself out there, and turning your knowledge into valuable content to showcase your skills.

    Segun also discusses how his social media experience has positively influenced his approach to product management and quality assurance.

    He explains how social listening and customer research from his digital marketing days translate to effectively gathering user feedback and identifying product issues. 

    Tune in to learn Segun's top tips for making a smooth career transition and leveraging transferable skills.

    21 min
  • Learning by Doing: What Bootcamps and Courses Didn’t Prepare Me For

    In this episode of Becoming the Product, host Naya dives into the realities of product management that bootcamps and courses don't fully prepare you for. While theory gives you a solid foundation, it’s in the real-world application that the true learning happens. Naya shares personal experiences about adapting to new tools, managing stakeholders, and dealing with changing priorities—all skills that weren’t covered in formal training.

    Tune in to learn why "learning by doing" is essential for product managers and how Naya overcame practical challenges in her first role as a Growth Manager. If you're an aspiring product manager, this episode is for you!

    11 min
  • Balancing Books and PM Bootcamps: Esther's Student to PM Journey

    In this inspiring episode of "Becoming The Product," host Naya interviews Esther, a young product manager who successfully juggled her final year of university studies with a demanding product management fellowship. Esther shares her journey from discovering tech through a boot camp to landing a spot in the Women Techsters Fellowship, all while completing her English degree.

    Listeners will gain valuable insights into Esther's time management strategies, the challenges she faced (including a broken laptop and network issues), and how she overcame them. Esther's story highlights the importance of discipline, prioritization, and determination in pursuing a career in tech. She also discusses how her experience balancing multiple responsibilities has shaped her skills as a product manager, particularly in areas like prioritization and deadline management.

    18 min
  • Reflecting on a Year: My Journey into Product Management

    In this reflective episode of Becoming the Product, Naya takes us through her transformative journey over the past year as she transitioned from a developer to a product manager. From the initial decision to pivot into product management to navigating the challenges of bootcamps, volunteering, and landing a growth manager role at a startup, Naya shares her experiences, lessons learned, and the strategies that helped her succeed. This episode is perfect for anyone considering a career change into product management or currently navigating their own transition, offering practical insights and inspiration from Naya's personal story.

    Tune in as Naya discusses the importance of continuous learning, effective communication, and the power of networking and mentorship. She also opens up about the struggles of balancing multiple responsibilities, the value of embracing failure, and the excitement of stepping into a new role. Whether you're just starting out or well on your way, this episode provides valuable takeaways to help you on your journey

    14 min
  • Outcome-Oriented Product Management: Insights from Doja

    In this episode of "Becoming the Product," we discuss the world of outcome-oriented product management with our special guest, Doja. With a rich background in managing multiple product lines across various industries, Doja shares invaluable insights on focusing on outcomes rather than just output. We explore the importance of aligning product goals with business objectives, the role of cross-functional teams in driving success, and how to measure the true impact of your product efforts.

    Don't miss out on these practical tips and strategies that can elevate your product management game. Subscribe to our newsletter for more expert advice and exclusive content straight to your inbox!

    18 min
  • Landing My New Role: The Application Process and Interview Tips

    In this episode of Becoming the Product, I take you through the unique application process that led me to my current role. I share how I leveraged my community connections, approached unconventional application questions using the STAR method, and navigated the interview stages without relying heavily on my CV. This episode is packed with actionable tips, from optimizing your CV for impact to mastering the art of storytelling in interviews, all tailored for aspiring product managers.

    If you're gearing up for a job search or looking to refine your interview strategy, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Becoming the Product newsletter for more insights, resources, and updates on upcoming episodes.

    15 min

About Becoming The Product

From the publisher's feed

Becoming the Product is an APVA-nominated podcast on work, reinvention, purpose, and building a meaningful life.