Who Thrives in Product Management, According to a Senior Product Manager at Amazon
Hema, a Senior Product Manager at Amazon, identifies "cross-functional leadership" and "being always on their toes," understanding technology trends and competitor activities, as crucial for success in the product management industry. This necessitates building consensus and navigating situations where "you do not have a lot of power" to achieve product goals.
Cross-functional Leadership, Problem-Solving, Technology, Strategic Thinking, Communication
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Hema Chalamalasetty
Senior Product Manager
Amazon
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
UCLA Anderson, MBA
Engineering - Chemical
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
International Student, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Cross-functional leadership skills are essential for success.
2. Staying updated on technology trends and competitor activities is crucial.
3. Proactive problem-solving and the ability to build consensus across teams are vital.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
People who are always on their toes and can multitask, demonstrating strong cross-functional leadership, tend to thrive in this role. As a product manager, you frequently encounter problems where you lack direct authority. You must collaborate with different departments to find solutions.
Often, your needs aren't a top priority for others. You need to build a strong case, convince them, and gain their buy-in. Ultimately, these challenges are your responsibility to address.
Therefore, strong cross-functional leadership skills are crucial. Being constantly aware of technology trends and new product releases from competitors is also vital. Staying informed about external developments allows you to bring diverse perspectives to your product and its future.