Transition into Product Management: How to Succeed as a Product Manager

In the first episode of the year, I sit down with Babajide Dalley to talk about his journey into product management and what it really takes to succeed in the role.

Babajide shares how he transitioned from customer support to technical support, and eventually into product management, breaking down the practical steps he took along the way. We discuss why he chose product management, how he upskilled through certifications, and how he pitched himself internally to team leads to secure a PM role.

This episode also explores:

• What transitioning into product management looks like in real life

• How to work effectively with developers as a PM

• Staying ahead and delivering impact as a product manager

• Problem-solving in product management

• Essential tools every product manager should know

• Using AI to improve productivity and decision-making as a PM

Whether you’re trying to break into product management or grow in your current role, this conversation offers clear, actionable insights to guide your journey.

🎧 Listen now and start the year with clarity and direction.

In this episode of The Unspoken Podcast: The PM Series, I sat down with Omowumi Akinleye, a Technical Product Manager with deep experience in fintech, payments, digital banking, wallets, and credit products.

Omowumi shared her journey into product management and what helped her make a successful transition. We talked about how her background in customer support and technical roles shaped her product mindset, and how clear communication, customer research, and data-driven decision-making play a huge role in building effective products.

She also walked us through her experience building and scaling fintech solutions, including virtual accounts, transaction processing, dispute management, onboarding flows, lending, savings, and internal tools. We discussed how PMs can work effectively with engineering teams, manage complex third-party integrations, and prioritize features in highly regulated environments.

This episode is especially valuable for anyone looking to transition into Product Management, grow as a Technical PM, or build products that drive financial inclusion and real business impact.

🎧 Tune in to learn what it truly takes to break into PM and thrive.

In this episode of The Unspoken Podcast: The PM Series, I sat down with Efrat Guli, a Product Manager who brings a thoughtful and people-centered approach to product leadership. Efrat walked us through her personal story and how emotional intelligence has shaped her career and decision-making as a PM.

We discussed how she effectively uses AI tools in her day-to-day workflow, the risks and challenges of managing both hardware and software products, and how she approaches management prioritization. Around the 38-minute mark, we dove into empathy one of the key traits that defines strong product leaders and later explored how emotional intelligence (EI) impacts teamwork and leadership.

Efrat also shared practical lessons on communicating with different people across an organization, active listening, and staying persistent when challenges arise.

This episode is full of insights on the human side of product management the mindset and skills that help you lead teams, build trust, and drive real impact.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how emotional intelligence can help you become a better product manager.

In this episode of The Unspoken Podcast: The PM Series, I had an interesting conversation with Oluwapelumi Kehinde, and his story truly stands out. It’s unique because of his perspective and growth journey, yet familiar because, like many of us, he took different career paths before finding his place in product management.

Pelumi has explored data analytics, product design, operations, and software engineering before falling in love with product management. He shared how he got into the field, the value of joining communities, and how he landed his first gig and PM role through connections made in the Product Manager Africa community. He also spoke about collaborating with developers, especially for non-technical PMs, and the importance of understanding systems and frameworks rather than learning to code.

One of my favorite takeaways from Pelumi was this quote:

“You’re not in charge — you’re here to help build out the founder’s vision and ensure the product is delivered. You can brainstorm, make suggestions, and help the team make the right decisions.”

He also shared practical tips on transitioning into product management, prioritizing product features, and why collaboration and communication are key to working effectively with engineers and designers.

Tune in to this 38-minute episode to learn how to grow, transition, and succeed in your product management journey.

In this episode of The Unspoken Podcast: The PM Series, we sit down with Afolabi Sokeye, a product manager with over three years of experience, to talk about what it really takes to start and grow a career in product management. Afolabi shares his journey from his early days to landing his first official PM role and breaks down what product management truly means.

He explains the different types of product managers — by domain, experience, and industry — and highlights the importance of joining communities, volunteering, and building in public to gain real experience. Afolabi also talks about the value of curiosity, communication, and continuous learning in shaping a successful PM career.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is filled with simple, practical lessons that can help you move forward in your product journey.

👉 Free Product Management Courses:

• Google Project Management Certificate (Coursera)

• Product Management Foundations – Reforge (Intro modules are free)

• Product Management 101 – Product School

• Introduction to Digital Product Management – University of Virginia (Coursera)

🌐 Communities to Join:

• Mind the Product Slack Community

• Product Tank Lagos

• ProductDive Community

• PMHQ Community (Product Manager HQ)

Tune in, take notes, and get inspired to start your own PM story.

Getting into Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is no small feat—let alone on the first attempt! In this episode of The Unspoken, we sit down with David, whose determination, strategy, and preparation helped him achieve this remarkable milestone. David shares his journey—how he navigated the application process, discovered the right open-source project, and stood out from thousands of applicants.

Whether you’re aiming for GSoC yourself, exploring open-source contributions, or just need motivation to pursue your goals, David’s story is packed with practical tips, insights, and inspiration to help you succeed.

🎧 Tune in to uncover the unspoken truths behind David's success!

You can also follow up on David story in this blog post:

https://vinyldavyl.hashnode.dev/google-summer-of-code-getting-selected-my-time-my-experience-my-journey

Osita James, a powerhouse in the startup world. As the managing partner of Blackcrest, a pioneering law firm dedicated to nurturing startups across Africa, Osita brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. With a proven track record of facilitating multimillion-dollar funding rounds, Osita is a go-to authority on navigating the intricate legal landscape of entrepreneurship. Tune in to hear his invaluable perspectives on startup success and the journey of building thriving businesses in Africa.