Path into Product

Today’s guest, Diana Cameron, followed a winding, creative path to product management. From web design to fine arts to mass communication, and even a sprinkling of film production, she finally transitions from customer experience to product management.

Send me your success stories: [email protected]

Find me, your host, on LinkedIn.

Follow Path into Product on LinkedIn.

Today’s guest was a stunned business analyst who, when he was invited to join a new product management group at a company, did NOT ask: what’s product management? Nope, his first question  was a lot more practical than that.

Today’s guest is my friend and mentor, Kyle Jacobsen. Kyle has over 20 years experience in product management, from entry-level all the way up to head of product.

We cover a wide range of topics: what product management was like 20 years ago (spoiler: a LOT different than now), the non-linear path of success, how “product manager” is actually a misnomer , and more

Kyle's website: https://www.kylejacobsen.me/

Send me your success stories: [email protected]

Follow Path into Product on LinkedIn.

What do product managers, toddlers, and the Backstreet Boys have in common? The answer to that riddle is what drives my guest on Path into Product today. Meet Emily Holcomb, a senior product strategy manager with over 6 years experience. Today she shared how curiosity and questions lead her along the path from a part content manager, part business analyst to full product manager.

Send me your success stories: [email protected]

Follow Path into Product on LinkedIn.

Becoming a product management professional has never been more difficult. Just look at any entry-level job posting on job boards, and you’ll see hundreds of applicants within hours. That is an incredible amount of competition! No wonder we call it “breaking” into product!

But becoming a product manager is not impossible. 

The Path into Product podcast is here to help you find your path into a fulfilling product management career. If you are an aspiring PM, or maybe you’re only considering product management as a career, then you will hear stories from real, down-to-earth professionals about how they broke into product. I’ve interviewed dozens of product professionals, and I’ve found that there’s no single way to become a product professional, and you’d be surprised at how random some of these paths into product can be. My guests will walk alongside you, sharing their lessons learned, like a seasoned mentor showing you the ropes. No more wondering how to become a product manager.

I’m Aaron Airmet, a senior product manager with over 7 years experience in software product management. Join me as we dive deep into real professional’s real stories. I promise you will find your own Path into Product. Hit that subscribe or follow button, and listen today.

I'd love to hear from you! Email me at [email protected]

Dan Barker, a self-described "recovering developer" found his way into product after various software developer and consulting roles. As a deep reader and experienced professional, Dan is very knowledgable about the craft of product management. He provides several recommendations for aspiring PMs—including several books to read.

Have feedback for the show? Email us at [email protected].

Chris Campos gained a love for business and customer relationships while working in the family business. He fell in love with products while working in an Apple Store. Now he’s a director of product at Ramsey Solutions. Hear his story, insights in how to become a product manager, and his recommended books for aspiring product managers.

Have feedback for the show? Email us at [email protected] or take our survey:  https://forms.gle/STu2RYuM7qxG8fY47

Logan Cottle has changed his mind about product management being a “cush” job. He was headed down the road of dentistry when a simple question began a journey into technology companies. First, starting as a Customer Success Manager, he gained a love for data and analytics and slowly made his way into product management. Logan’s story is a perfect example of making deliberate and iterative steps toward a career in product. 

Have feedback for the show? Email us [email protected] or complete our survey: https://forms.gle/STu2RYuM7qxG8fY47

In episode 21, Sarah Dethloff shares her unconventional path into product. With a background in journalism, Sarah decides to follow somewhat of a family path into teaching. After spending two years with Teach for America, she winds her way from "product lite" into her first "real product" role. Sarah's story is a perfect blend of accidentally falling into product management, finding a job based on family needs, luck, and talent. Her story will resonate with so many of you. Sarah is now Head of Product Strategy at Campfire. 

Have feedback for the show? Email us [email protected] or complete our survey: https://forms.gle/STu2RYuM7qxG8fY47

Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia recognized a gap. Trained in computer science, he was told he'd be an engineer. Later, in business school, he realized that the program was very high level. Could there be something in the middle, that bridged technology and business? Bridging that gap became the genesis of Product School, a community and training program that Carlos founded and runs to train the next generation of product managers.

Carlos discusses a wide-range of product management topics, including:

Check out Product School's free resources: productschool.com

Have feedback for the show? Email us [email protected] or complete our survey: https://forms.gle/STu2RYuM7qxG8fY47

Reza Shirazi found himself in project managment roles, but always felt like something missing. Years later, while discussing his skillset with a new manager, the manager said, “Oh I get it, you’re a product guy.”

Reza, originally from Pakistan and India, felt like he had found a home in product management. He takes a principles-first approach to product, and is thrilled by the endless learning, curiosity, collobaration with other experts, and impact that a product management can bring.

Have feedback about the show? Email us at [email protected].