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Building successful products requires more than just a great idea. It demands a deep understanding of customer needs, a clear vision for the future, and the ability to execute effectively.
But how do you cultivate these essential skills and navigate successful product management?
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Amit Sharma, Vice President of SMB Product and Services at TELUS, to gain insights into his approach to product leadership.
Amit’s 20+ year career in IT, combined with his current role at TELUS, provides a unique perspective, bridging the gap between technical expertise and strategic product vision.
In this article, we’ll delve into Amit’s wisdom, exploring how his IT background informs his product management principles. As we do this, we’ll uncover key takeaways on transferable skills, the importance of product ownership, navigating the SMB market, building high-performing teams, and the value of continuous learning.
The Power of Transferable Skills
Amit Sharma’s career trajectory highlights a crucial truth: your IT background is not a limitation but a springboard into product management. He emphasizes that the skills honed in IT — planning, vision, execution, risk management, and stakeholder management — are not only transferable but essential for product success.
While the focus may shift from internal projects to external customers, the underlying principles remain the same. These skills form the bedrock of effective product leadership, enabling you to successfully bring a product to market.
He explains the importance of meticulous planning: “If you’re going to launch a product or enhance a product, you have to plan. You have to know all the steps from 1 through 30. Who has to do what? How much money you need? How are you going to execute on it?”
This rigorous approach, honed through years of managing IT projects, becomes invaluable when applied to the product lifecycle, ensuring a structured and well-defined path to market.
Furthermore, Amit stresses the significance of a clear product vision and roadmap: “You need to have a vision. You need to innovate and develop roadmaps of where are you taking your product?”
This forward-thinking mindset, combined with effective resource management,”allows product managers to anticipate future market trends and allocate resources strategically.
He also notes the importance of managing risks, a skill critical in both IT and product management, enabling you to proactively identify and mitigate potential roadblocks.
Owning the Product: The CEO Mindset
Amit champions a powerful concept within his product team: the idea of each product manager acting as the CEO of their respective products. This approach fosters a sense of deep ownership and accountability, driving product success.
He explains that while product managers may not be directly involved in every aspect of the product’s lifecycle, they are ultimately responsible for its overall performance. This CEO mindset encourages proactive leadership, strategic thinking, and a relentless focus on achieving results.
He emphasizes this accountability, stating, “We are accountable for the success of our products. We manage our products as if they were our own business.”
This sense of ownership transcends simply managing tasks; it instills a deep understanding of the product’s market, its customers, and its overall contribution to the business. It encourages product managers to think beyond individual features and consider the broader strategic implications of their decisions.
This philosophy fosters a culture of ownership within the team, driving them to not only meet but exceed expectations. It encourages proactive problem-solving, strategic collaboration with stakeholders, and a deep commitment to delivering exceptional customer value.
By embracing this mindset, product managers can transform their roles from functional managers to strategic leaders, driving innovation and achieving sustainable product success.
Amit’s role at TELUS focuses on serving the SMB (Small and Medium Business) market in Canada, a segment with a unique set of challenges and opportunities.
He highlights key pain points faced by SMBs, including attracting and retaining talent, navigating cybersecurity threats, dealing with inflation, and embracing digital transformation. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing products that truly meet the needs of this market.
He points out that “49% of SMBs are really struggling” with talent acquisition and retention. This insight underscores the need for products that streamline operations, improve efficiency, and empower SMBs to do more with limited resources.
He also notes the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, stating that “48% of SMBs have experienced a cyber incident in the past year.” This alarming statistic highlights the critical need for secure and reliable technology solutions tailored for the SMB market.
Furthermore, Amit acknowledges the impact of inflation, stating that “74% of SMBs are really worried about inflation.” This concern translates into a heightened focus on affordability and value. He emphasizes that while price is a factor, SMBs also prioritize “differentiated products and experiences” that provide tangible benefits and help their businesses thrive.
Finally, he notes that “55% of SMBs are planning to invest in more digital technology,” signaling a growing demand for solutions that enable e-commerce, AI integration, and other digital advancements. By understanding these distinct challenges and opportunities, product managers can develop targeted solutions that empower SMBs to overcome obstacles and achieve sustainable growth.
Building a High-Performing Product Team
Amit believes that a strong product team is essential for driving innovation and achieving product success. He fosters a collaborative environment where team members feel empowered, accountable, and driven by a shared vision. He shared his aspiration for his team: “I want our team to be known as the gold standard for product management at TELUS.” This ambitious goal sets a high bar and inspires the team to strive for excellence.
He fosters a collaborative approach where team members work together, sharing ideas and supporting each other to achieve common goals. This collaborative spirit, coupled with a focus on continuous improvement, enables the team to adapt quickly to market changes and deliver exceptional results. By empowering his team, Amit creates a high-performing product organization that drives innovation and delivers valuable solutions for TELUS customers.
The Importance of Continuous Learning
Amit emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and professional development, viewing it as crucial for both individual and team success. He himself pursued an MBA while working full-time and managing family responsibilities, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. He believes that a curious mindset and a willingness to ask questions are essential for growth.
He advises, “Be curious. If you’re not asking a question, you’re not going to open up opportunities.” This simple yet powerful statement underscores the value of seeking knowledge and challenging assumptions. He believes that curiosity fuels innovation and allows product managers to stay ahead of the curve. He further emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and seeking guidance, acknowledging that “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.”
This commitment to continuous learning extends beyond formal education. He encourages his team to actively seek out new information, stay informed about industry trends, and constantly expand their skillsets. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, Amit ensures that his team remains adaptable, innovative, and well-equipped to tackle the challenges of product management.
Takeaway
Ultimately, success in product management hinges on continuous growth, a willingness to learn, and a deep understanding of your customer. Embrace these principles, and you’ll be well on your way to building impactful products and leading successful teams.
If you found these insights valuable, be sure to tune into the full episode of Behind the Growth for an even deeper dive into Amit’s journey and a conversation you won’t want to miss!
Link to podcast
Navigating Career Transitions in IT & Product Management
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