doing it my way by beata matras

Stop seeking external validation for your goals - trust yourself

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Guest Overview:

Elena Zhukova is a co-founder of OKR Poland with over 20 years of experience helping companies across Europe and the USA build and implement effective strategies.

She has introduced OKRs to 20+ organizations in various industries and is passionate about empowering founders to create businesses that bring them happiness and freedom.

Episode focus:

In this episode, Elena shares her insights on how OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) can transform businesses and empower teams.

From overcoming implementation challenges to applying OKRs in a meaningful way, Elena provides practical advice for aligning goals with business strategy and personal success.

Key topics covered:

Timestamps:

00:00 intro and guest overview

01:30 Elena’s career milestones and journey with OKRs

06:10 what makes OKRs special compared to other frameworks

10:15 common challenges in implementing OKRs

19:15 how OKRs can be easily applied in companies

26:35 practices for getting started with OKRs

29:50 myths about OKRs and how to avoid them

36:40 what leaders should consider when using OKRs

38:10 can OKRs be used in personal life?

41:55 how to get started with OKRs

45:25 how can leaders support their teams in adopting OKRs

53:40 top tips for maintaining motivation and focus when working with OKRs

01:00:45 the future of OKRs and upcoming trends

01:06:05 final advice and closing thoughts

Mentions and links:

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CNxve0md8xk

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🍵 Enjoying the content? Buy me a tea!

If you’ve found value in the discussions and insights shared in my podcast, consider supporting me by buying me a tea! Your support helps me keep creating and sharing more content.

🔗 ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/doingitmywaybybeatamatras⁠⁠ 🍵

Thank you! And until next time.. keep doing it your way :)

When I make music, people relate to the songs because there's pain in the work environment.

The songs are funny because they’re true, and sometimes, laughter helps us see things differently.

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🎙 Guest Overview:

Adam Janosch is an Agile Consultant with a unique twist - he's also a musician and rapper who uses his musical talents to make Agile principles more accessible.

Adam’s background in engineering, combined with his love for music, enables him to deliver a fresh perspective on Agile project management and product development.

From rapping at conferences to inspiring teams, Adam brings creativity and energy to everything he does.

✨ Episode Focus:

This episode explores how Adam blends his passion for music with Agile practices to inspire teams, create engaging workshops, and bring a creative spin to product management.

We dive into Adam’s journey from engineering to Agile consulting and his approach to using music as a form of expression and engagement in professional settings.

🔍 What you will learn:

⏰ Chapters ⏰:

00:00 intro and guest overview

01:00 Adam’s journey from engineering to Agile consulting and music

02:40 how music serves in Adam’s career

06:15 talent as the unique selling point

09:05 how to blend passion with work

10:40 lessons from music that apply to Agile practices

16:10 challenges of blending music and Agile consulting and how to overcome them

23:00 Adam's experiences with rapping and work

24:55 feedback and managing expectations when you blend your passion and work

30:00 Adam's future goals and personal projects

32:00 closing advice and where listeners can find Adam online

Links:

Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://youtu.be/cr8TKJlsOu4⁠⁠

Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/doingitmywaybybeatamatras/episodes/From-Engineering-to-Agile-Rapper-How-to-combine-your-passion-with-work--Adam-Janosch-e2p8rnk⁠

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🍵 Enjoying the content? Buy me a tea!

If you’ve found value in the discussions and insights shared in my podcast, consider supporting me by buying me a tea! Your support helps me keep creating and sharing more content.

🔗 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/doingitmywaybybeatamatras⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍵

Thank you! And until next time.. keep doing it your way :)

As Product Managers, we are not specialists, but we’re surrounded by them, and that can feed into self-doubt. It’s okay to not have everything figured out; be kind to yourself in the process.

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🎙 Guest Overview:

⁠Keji Adedeji⁠ is a Product Leader with 12+ years experience doing product in B2B, B2B2C and B2C organisations in edTech, customer engagement, travel e-commerce, video consumer insights industries.

She is focused on building a product organization that empowers product managers to excel and deliver their best work.

In addition to her leadership role, Keji is deeply involved in building product communities and advancing the craft of product management.

✨ Episode Focus:

In this episode, Keji shares her journey in product management, focusing on overcoming imposter syndrome, building empowered product teams, and navigating leadership challenges.

She discusses the importance of self-compassion, designing career progression intentionally, and how organizations can better support diverse leadership.

⏰ Chapters ⏰:

00:00 Introduction and guest overview

01:10 Keji’s career journey and key milestones

08:30 Product Director role at Financial Times

12:30 managing the demands of Senior Product role

17:30 Product Manager's Gremlins - imposter syndrome, self-doubt and others

44:15 female leaders' challenges

49:00 inclusivity in the workplace

54:06 building and leading effective teams

58:57 advice for product managers and leaders

1:00:38 closing remarks and where to connect with Keji

🔍 What you will learn:

Links:

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🍵 Enjoying the content? Buy me a tea!

If you’ve found value in the discussions and insights shared in my podcast, consider supporting me by buying me a tea! Your support helps me keep creating and sharing more content.

🔗 ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/doingitmywaybybeatamatras⁠⁠⁠ 🍵

Thank you! And until next time.. keep doing it your way :)

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hZfHvwQzRvk

Product management is about understanding the people you work with and the people you're building for

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🎙 Guest Overview:

Ahmad Afzal is the Director of Product at Dtek.ai with over six years of experience in product management across diverse industries.

As a passionate advocate for ADHD awareness, Ahmad shares how his diagnosis has shaped his professional career and offers practical advice on job hunting, product management, and the future of AI in the workplace.

✨ Episode Focus:

This episode explores Ahmad's unique approach to job searching through a product management lens, strategies for managing ADHD in the workplace, and the impact of AI on product management.

⏰ Chapters ⏰:

00:00 introduction and guest overview

01:25 Ahmad’s journey into product management

07:47 productizing your job search

13:57 planning and prioritizing during the job search

18:29 go-to-market and execution of strategy for job seekers

22:26 networking and nurturing professional relationships

33:03 managing ADHD in the workplace

43:25 common struggles of ADHD professionals

50:04 tips for maintaining focus and motivation

54:05 product management and AI

01:01:45 closing advice and upcoming projects

01:03:56 where to connect with Ahmad

🔍 What you hear about:

-how to apply product management principles to streamline your job search

-effective ways to manage ADHD at work and leverage it as a strength

-the importance of AI in product management and leadership

-how to maintain motivation and productivity in fast-paced environments

- Check out Ahmad LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahfzal/

- Ahmad's deck on job hunting in MENA region

- Explore more episodes: https://linktr.ee/doingitmywaybybeatamatras

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🍵 Enjoying the content? Buy me a tea!

If you’ve found value in the discussions and insights shared in my podcast, consider supporting me by buying me a tea! Your support helps me keep creating and sharing more content.🔗 https://buymeacoffee.com/doingitmywaybybeatamatras 🍵

Thank you! And until next time.. keep doing it your way :)

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5IpA5BKCg-w

Self-confidence often starts with accepting our own imperfections

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🎙 Guest Overview:

Weronika Jankowska-Tofani is a Certified Leadership Coach and Founder of The Women Leadership Academy.

With over 14 years of international experience, she has dedicated her career to helping women overcome challenges, develop emotional intelligence, and achieve balance between their professional and personal lives.

✨ Episode Focus:

Insights on how women can navigate leadership roles and strategies for emotional intelligence development, self-confidence building, and how to lead authentically.

⏰ Chapters ⏰:

00:00 introduction and guest overview

01:30 Weronika’s journey in leadership and key milestones

05:00 leadership challenges

16:15 energies in business

20:55 women in leadership

22:45 self-awareness and emotional intelligence

29:10 practical tips for achieving work-life fulfilment

35:40 key takeaways and closing remarks

🔍 What's in the episode:

Links:

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🍵 Enjoying the content? Buy me a tea!

If you’ve found value in the discussions and insights shared in my podcast, consider supporting me by buying me a tea! Your support helps me keep creating and sharing more content.

🔗 ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/doingitmywaybybeatamatras⁠⁠ 🍵

Thank you! And until next time.. keep doing it your way :)

__

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cXN4GFtOaD8

In winemaking, just like in product management, it's all about balancing creativity and data

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🎙 Guest Overview:

Konrad Bujak is a leader with a sense of humor, and an experienced builder of companies and products from scratch.

With experience at tech giants like Cisco and AppDynamics, Konrad has honed his skills in building products and leadership.

Beyond his professional achievements, Konrad is also a passionate winemaker, managing a vineyard in Poland, where his love for blending art and science truly shines.

✨ Episode Focus:

This episode delves into how AI and the Shape-Up methodology are impacting product management. Konrad shares his unique insights into leading product teams, the advantages of adopting Shape-Up, and how personal passions like winemaking can enhance your professional skills.

⏰ Chapters ⏰:

00:00 introduction and guest overview

01:05 Konrad’s journey into AI and product management

03:15 introduction to the Shape-Up methodology

14:40 Shape-Up and scope/ requirements changes

23:50 AI in Shape-Up and product management

27:00 AI’s impact on leadership

32:05 AI’s impact on product management

42:25 insights into Konrad’s winemaking and its influence on product management

49:00 key takeaways and advice for product management

50:15 closing remarks and where to connect with Konrad

🔍 What you will learn:

Links:

🍵 Enjoying the content? Buy me a tea!

If you’ve found value in the discussions and insights shared in my podcast, consider supporting me by buying me a tea! Your support helps me keep creating and sharing more content.

🔗 ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/doingitmywaybybeatamatras⁠⁠ 🍵

Thank you! And until next time.. keep doing it your way :)

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Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SJtGXrrwVhY

Networking can be uncomfortable, but it’s instrumental for professional growth

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🎙 Guest Overview:

Natalie Choufani is a Digital and Product Specialist with 13 years of experience, including a significant tenure at Meta.

At Meta, she honed her skills in data-driven strategy, collaborating with diverse teams to bridge the gap between big ideas and practical applications.

Natalie’s expertise lies in transforming insights into actionable strategies, helping businesses enhance their digital presence and achieve growth.

✨ Episode Focus:

This episode explores the impact of taking a career break, the unique experiences of working at Meta, and the lessons Natalie has learned about enterpreneurship, work-life balance, personal growth, and navigating high-stress environments.

⏰ Chapters ⏰

00:00 introduction and guest overview

02:00 Natalie’s background and journey in tech and media

03:25 experiences and lessons learned at Meta

08:15 impact of taking a career break on professional life

12:30 challenges and benefits of career breaks

14:40 procrastination as a choice

17:20 tips for professionals considering a career break

24:00 high stress environments vs work-life balance

33:05 interviews and job seeking

39:05 advice for people looking for “the job”

40:55 closing remarks and where to connect with Natalie

🔍 What you will learn:

Links:

—

🍵 Enjoying the content? Buy me a tea!

If you’ve found value in the discussions and insights shared in my podcast, consider supporting me by buying me a tea! Your support helps me keep creating and sharing more content.

🔗 ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/doingitmywaybybeatamatras⁠⁠ 🍵

Thank you! And until next time.. keep doing it your way :)

"True leadership is about balancing between forceful decision-making and engaging, supportive communication"

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🎙 Guest Overview:

Igor Mróz is an experienced project manager, lecturer, and founder of Zero BS Management. With a background spanning corporate environments and startups, Igor strips away the fluff and focuses on what truly matters in project management - clear goals, transparent communication, and effective processes.

✨ Episode Focus:

In this episode, we explore why so many projects fail and how leaders can adopt a practical, no-nonsense approach to management. Igor shares his journey from corporate burnout to creating Zero BS Management, offering strategies for focusing on what truly drives project success.

🔍 What you’ll hear about:

⏰ Chapters ⏰:

00:00 intro and guest overview
01:30 Igor’s journey begins
08:40 the risks of buzzwords
15:20 motivating employees
17:30 why projects fail
30:45 project delays explained
38:30 the cost of no ownership
43:38 owner vs sponsor
44:55 when acceptance is key
51:15 relationships in management
54:40 leadership and success
01:04:44 are leaders generalists
01:11:02 the power of balance
01:13:10 PM to entrepreneur skills
01:22:00 future goals and closing

Links:

🔗 Igor Mróz on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/igormroz/⁠

🔗 Zero BS Management: ⁠https://zerobs.pl/⁠

🔗 Podcast series and social media: ⁠https://linktr.ee/doingitmywaybybeatamatras⁠

🔗 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oDkK3CzESB8

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If you’ve found value in the discussions and insights shared in my podcast, consider supporting me by buying me a tea! Your support helps me keep creating and sharing more content.

🔗 https://buymeacoffee.com/doingitmywaybybeatamatras 🍵

---Thank you! And until next time.. keep doing it your way :)

“Network is everything. Surround yourself with like-minded people - it makes all the difference”

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Guest Overview:

Magdalena Okrzeja is a tech expert with a career spanning 15 years in software engineering and business intelligence. After working at companies like GE Healthcare and Qualtrics, Magdalena co-founded tech start-up, driven by a passion for building AI-driven sales optimization platform and navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Episode Focus:

The journey of transitioning from a corporate career to founding a tech start-up. Magdalena shares her experiences and advices on overcoming challenges and the importance of resilience.

We also discuss her perspective on the evolving role of women in tech entrepreneurship and the ongoing challenges they face in the venture capital space.

What you’ll hear about:

Chapters:

(00:00) intro and guest overview

(01:34) how Magda’s entrepreneurial journey began

(03:50) what are the 'must-dos' or essential steps to transition from idea to execution

(05:17) the realities of startup life

(09:50) building a supportive network and staying resilient

(19:05) skill needed to survive your startup journey

(21:18) how to balance the demands of start up and learning

(25:50) surprises and new lessons on the start up journey

(30:06) juggling multiple roles as a founder

(35:35) the evolving role of women in tech and entrepreneurship

(40:32) advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

(42:25) future goals and closing thoughts

Links:

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/U0zWh7QFd8E

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3b8d5jQnxGohg7Wr5wwPAA

"Every little step we take as women in tech contributes to making the future easier for others"

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Guest overview:

⁠Alejandra Hernandez Segura is the Associate Director of Discovery Data Engineering, based in Utrecht, Netherlands.

With a solid background in bioinformatics and data engineering, Alejandra leads a team that contributes to pioneering cancer treatments.

Beyond her technical expertise, she is deeply committed to empowering women in tech, actively participating in communities like R-Ladies Utrecht.

Episode focus:

Alejandra’s professional journey as a leader in data engineering and tech, discussing challenges such as imposter syndrome, biases in the workplace, and achieving work-life balance.

The conversation provides practical insights on leadership, community support, and the evolving role of women in technology.

Duration: Approx. 50 minutes

What's in the episode:

Links: