Accidental Product Manager — 1
As the name suggest, it’s a small story behind a product manger (me) who got in the role by mistake but it turns out life was always preparing me for the role.
Being a product manager requires a diverse skill set, making it a role that can’t be fully prepared for through conventional programs or courses. In an era where market demands often favor specialisation, “Product Management” stands out as a role that falls under the umbrella of generalisation. While one can acquire the fundamentals of product management and touch upon project management through courses, transitioning from a good to a great product manager necessitates hands-on experience across various domains. This practical knowledge is best acquired through the journey of becoming a product manager, rather than relying solely on formal education. Today after intensively working in the product management for last 1 year, it turns out at every turn my whole life was preparing me to be a product manager. As a product manager, I am fortunate enough to work with cross functional teams of Technology, Marketing, Sales, Operations and Domain (Industry Experts). Every single vertical I am working with, happen to be there some way or the other in the part of my joruney.
Becoming a successful product manager involves a harmonious blend of creativity, a perfectionist mindset, and adept problem-solving skills. These three elements synergize to shape an outstanding product manager, emphasizing the importance of a balanced combination of these traits in the role.
No one is born with such blend of apptitude nor experience in cross functional teams, it is only possible with hardship life journey as entrepreneur or a series of life experiences that gradually prepare individuals for such roles.
For me, the journey of preparation in becoming a product manager began with a more artistic touch, as if orchestrated by the universe or heavenly forces.
In 2008, when I was in 4th or 5th grade, the release of the first Iron Man movie ignited my curiosity about the intricacies of movie design and special effects development. This curiosity led me into the captivating world of VFX and video/image editing software, an exploration fueled solely by my inquisitive nature. As a result, I became acquainted with two powerful software tools, After Effects and Photoshop.
This enabled me to create a few videos using keyframes, engage in object tracking while wielding a lightsaber, and manipulate images with Photoshop, immersing myself in a magical and mysterious digital realm. While it may seem trivial now, for a 6th-grade student at that time, it was a captivating world filled with enchantment and curiosity.
This early exposure played a pivotal role in securing a position as a video editing intern in FabHotels, providing me with the opportunity to connect with diverse individuals, ultimately opening doors and creating opportunities in my later life. This experience also positioned me as the right person to collaborate with designers for UX/UI & Marketing Material in my subsequent career, where I gained a comprehensive understanding of their language and could make business-related decisions with a sharper focus.
After immersing myself in video and image editing during the initial years, my curiosity took a more profound turn, especially regarding Iron Man. This inspired me to delve into the intricacies of crafting computer systems, robots, and the entirety of the Iron Man suit. This exploration prompted a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in computer systems. Subsequently, I ventured into the realm of operating systems such as Mint, Ubuntu, Kali, and Arch Linux. This introduction to the world of operating systems opened doors to Unix programming and command-line interfaces. During my early days, around 6th or 7th grade, anyone working with a command-line interface seemed like a computer genius or hacker — a notion that often brought a playful laugh today. These tools enabled me to further comprehend the construction of operating systems.
This drive for knowledge led me to pursue formal education in operating system development. It all started with a Facebook advertisement promoting a workshop on crafting one’s own operating system. As a curious 8th grader with an insatiable appetite for exploration, I eagerly applied for the two-day workshop at HackVeda. When I first arrived, the organizers were intrigued to see me accompanied by my dad, finding it amusing and jokingly asking if he needed a chauffeur. Little did they know, they had underestimated my age, assuming I was a college freshman.
Subsequently, I unveiled my laptop, a cherished gift from my father since the 6th grade — the Acer Aspire 4738Z.It proudly housed multiple operating systems, a notable achievement during an era when dual-booting was regarded as quite sophisticated. At that juncture, I, a young enthusiast with four operating systems on my device, remained incognito about my 8th-grade status.
Throughout the two-day workshop, I unabashedly posed what may have seemed like the most naive questions, unintentionally causing some irritation among the participants. It wasn’t until the workshop’s conclusion, during a casual inquiry about everyone’s academic year, that I revealed my true standing as an 8th-grade student. The revelation left everyone momentarily speechless, and I found myself celebrated in a unique manner — a story for another day.
Reflecting on an incident from my 8th grade, I recall cracking my neighbor’s WiFi password thanks to my introduction to Kali Linux. This enabled me to access the internet during our stay in a rented home while our house was under construction. This experience not only facilitated learning about networking and cybersecurity but also enhanced my proficiency in working with command-line interfaces (CLIs). The skills acquired proved beneficial later on during the development of secure web applications, as well as in my comfort with managing servers and setting up systems on cloud computing platforms.
Like any computer enthusiast, I found myself delving into the realm of programming at some point in my life. For me, this exploration began in the early stages of 9th to 10th grade, eventually evolving into formal education during the 11th and 12th grades. While today’s generation often starts with Python as their initial programming language, I take pride in having delved into the intricacies of computer science through C++. There’s a unique depth of understanding that comes from a foundation in C++ that sets programmers apart.
Without intending to diminish the value of Python or any other language, I’ve always felt that C++ programmers tend to have a certain edge. Returning to my story, fueled by curiosity and strong logical reasoning, I excelled in programming.
Interestingly, this inquisitiveness didn’t just set the stage for my technological exploration but also unfolded unforeseen opportunities that sparked an interest in Biology during my 11th and 12th grades. As the renowned Steve Jobs once expressed, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” At the time, delving into the study of biology might not have seemed logical, but its relevance became apparent when I secured a job as a product manager. In this role, dealing with bioreactors became a part of my responsibilities, and my prior formal education in Biology proved invaluable, enhancing my understanding of the terminology and contributing to my clarity in the field.
Reflecting on the past, my technological journey began with a curious exploration into the world of technology, gradually intertwining with my other passion — being a stage performer. Engaging in annual day functions, hosting events, and participating in inter-school competitions not only broadened my horizons but also introduced me to a new dimension of self-confidence and stage presence.
This dual interest and experience paved the way for me to assume the role of co-curricular head. In this position, I shouldered various responsibilities, including inspiring junior students and maintaining positive relationships with key figures in the school’s administration, such as the Principal, Vice-Principal, and Heads of Departments (HODs). The multifaceted nature of this role allowed me to not only contribute to the development of the school’s co-curricular activities but also fostered essential connections with the school’s leadership team. This later proved invaluable in my career, providing me with insights on effectively collaborating with top leadership and unraveling the nuances of working in positions of power.
It wasn’t just about understanding algorithms and coding; it was about learning how to carry myself in diverse and sometimes challenging situations, effectively communicating my ideas in an engaging and interesting manner. This dual journey not only enriched my technical skills but also honed my abilities as a performer on the stage of life.
Throughout my journey, I have encountered exceptional teachers and mentors in my school life. I’ve always been keen on learning from successful individuals by emulating their behaviors and adopting the positive habits they possess. Among the noteworthy mentors are my chemistry, physics, and computer science teachers. It’s not to discount the contributions of other teachers, but rather to highlight how their teachings extend beyond formal education.
For instance, my chemistry teacher imparted the skill of crafting easily memorizable notes. While this proficiency has been advantageous throughout my college years, it continues to serve me well today in creating comprehensive Product Requirement Documents (PRDs). The physics teacher taught me the art of simplifying complex scientific concepts and establishing symbolic connections with the real world for better comprehension. This approach to simplification has proven advantageous in elucidating intricate problems and conveying straightforward solutions by tying them to real-world scenarios. On the other hand, my computer science teacher instilled in me the ability to develop algorithms and mentally test various cases. This method of algorithm design remains beneficial in my work even today.
So far, I’ve outlined how my school education and journey played a crucial role in shaping me into a product manager. However, the story of the universe doesn’t conclude here; stay tuned for the next chapter, where I’ll delve into how my college experiences, coupled with industrial exposure, continued to mold and refine my journey towards becoming a accidental product manager.
