Key Insights
Transferable Skills are Your Career Passport
Many professionals box themselves into one area of expertise, thinking their skills are only applicable to that specific domain. However, Amit’s journey demonstrates that many skills, such as planning, execution, risk management, and communication, are transferable across various roles and industries. By recognizing and highlighting these transferable skills, professionals can open themselves up to new and exciting career opportunities, even if they require a pivot from their original career path.
Vulnerability and Curiosity: The Power Duo of Growth
Entering a new field often requires checking your ego at the door. Amit emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and acknowledging that you won’t have all the answers. Asking questions, even if they seem basic, is crucial for learning and growth. Paired with curiosity, this approach allows you to absorb new information, build relationships with colleagues, and ultimately accelerate your success.
Meaningful Impact Goes Beyond the Bottom Line
Amit’s commitment to community involvement, from supporting Computer for Schools Alberta to mentoring young professionals, highlights the importance of giving back. His actions demonstrate that meaningful impact extends beyond career achievements and can create a ripple effect in the lives of others. By investing time and resources in causes we’re passionate about, we can build stronger communities and inspire future generations.
Episode Highlights
A Strategic Approach to Career Shifts
Amit details his methodical approach to transitioning from a successful IT career into the world of product management. He emphasizes the importance of structured self-reflection, using a spreadsheet to list his strengths, weaknesses, and areas he wanted to further develop. This process helped him identify the need for a career shift and the steps required, including pursuing an MBA, to achieve his goals. Amit’s experience provides a practical roadmap for anyone considering a career change, emphasizing that thoughtful planning and upskilling are crucial for success.
“So what I did was, I built a spreadsheet and wrote down three columns. The first column was what am I really good at? What do I feel I do well at? What do people say I do well at? The next column was, what do I feel I’m not good at or haven’t had an opportunity to flex the muscle for? And then the third column was, what do I feel I’m good at, but it’s not really adding to my career or helping me progress or learn something new.”
Embracing Vulnerability as a Leader
Amit, reflecting on his transition to a new field, emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability as a leader. He encourages listeners to be comfortable admitting when they don’t have all the answers and to view asking questions as a strength, not a weakness. Amit’s perspective challenges the traditional view of leadership, promoting a culture of continuous learning and open communication.
“When you don’t know all the answers, the learning that I had was you need to be vulnerable. You need to ask questions, even if they may put you in a position where you feel like you don’t know.”
Building a Product Management Team with an Ownership Mentality
Amit shares how he fostered a culture of ownership and accountability within his product management team at TELUS. Instead of simply managing products, he encourages his team to view themselves as “CEOs” of their respective areas. This approach empowers team members to take full responsibility for their products’ success, driving greater engagement and innovation.
“We’re accountable, and we act as a CEO to ensure that we manage our products as if they were our own business. And that’s kind of the vision, the mantra that our team has.”
The Importance of Networking and Mentorship
Amit emphasizes the importance of networking and finding mentors for career advancement. He advises young professionals to view every interaction as an opportunity to build meaningful connections. Having mentors who can offer guidance, support, and sponsorship is crucial for navigating the complexities of the business world and achieving long-term success.
“Focus on your network, build relationships, open the doors. It helps you in your career. And, I got good advice from a previous leader that every opportunity you have with somebody that you’re interacting with is an opportunity for you to build a network with them.”
