Ha Nguyen, a seasoned Silicon Valley product leader, then co-founding partner at Spero Ventures, Chief Experiences Officer at Swimply, and now Managing Partner at NextStep, a fractional & advisory COO consulting firm, shares her perspective, lessons learned, and journey through the ranks with us today.  

Ha's journey underscores the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and leveraging networks in navigating a product management career. She highlights the significance of being proactive, driving outcomes, and having the courage to ask for opportunities and support from leadership. Ha's experience showcases how excelling in one's function, seeking opportunities for growth and expansion, and being ready to pivot when necessary can lead to transformative career shifts, such as her transition from a VP of Product role to venture capital. 

Continuous product discovery is proven critical through Ha’s story, even as companies scale, emphasizing the need to maintain customer contact and understanding throughout growth phases. Ha Nguyen's advice on driving impact, seeking expanded responsibilities, and being willing to walk away when opportunities for growth are limited resonates with the team at Product Science Group. By prioritizing personal growth, seeking supportive environments, and proactively shaping their career paths, product developers and leaders can make strategic decisions that propel their careers and products forward. 

Resource Links: 

Follow Ha Nguyen on LinkedIn 

Visit NextStepFwd, Ha’s Consulting website 

Join the NextStep Substack 

Follow Holly on LinkedIn 

Visit the Product Science Group website 

Explore Product Science Workshops and Courses 

Quotes from Ha Nguyen: 

(00:05:45) "I felt like I was ready to sort of increase my scope and my impact, albeit at a smaller company. However, I really wanted to have more influence over the direction of the company, not just the direction of our products." - Ha Nguyen 

(00:09:39) "Be incredibly good at what you do. Startups give you the opportunity to have expanded scope, work for a great boss who's supportive of your career. Don't be afraid to ask. And then finally, if. If they're not going to support you and what you need, then you might need to make the decision to walk." - Ha Nguyen 

(00:28:47) "When you build the network and people have seen that you have been putting the hours in to build what I call the labor of love projects, it, it's just easier because when you need to reach out to folks for anything they want to help you, they'll pick up the phone and they'll help you." - Ha Nguyen 

Lab Notes:  

Lab Note 605.1: As a company grows, you must intentionally create structure for continuous product discovery. (00:31:46) 

Lab Note 605.2: Raise your hand to access new opportunities. (00:33:03) 

Lab Note 605.3: There are varied perspectives on work-life balance and startup life. (00:34:07) 

Lab Note 605.4: Fractional product work is a great fit for creative people who thrive in ambiguity, but it’s not accessible or right for everyone. (00:36:38) Lab Note 605.5: Invest in your network throughout your career and it will pay dividends. (00:40:27) 

View the transcript and the ⁠full episode description on the Product Science Podcast website here.⁠