Biggest Challenges Faced By A Director Of Product At Tittle
Joshua's biggest challenge as Director of Product at Stiddle is the constant prioritization required in a fast-paced environment, "things are pulling you apart in every direction at all times," further complicated by the need to constantly learn new technical concepts despite lacking a traditional engineering background. This learning process, while initially daunting, has revealed a talent for translating complex technical information into accessible insights for others, highlighting the adaptability required for success in this role.
Project Management, Problem-Solving, Communication, Overcoming Challenges, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Joshua Han
Director of Product
Stiddle
UC Berkeley
N/A
Political Science, American Studies
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Balancing competing priorities and limited resources is a constant challenge.
2. Adapting to new technologies and environments is crucial, requiring continuous learning and overcoming imposter syndrome.
3. Effective communication and simplification of complex technical information are essential skills for success in a product leadership role.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
For me, something consistent across being a founder and a product manager is that things pull you in every direction at all times. As a founder, you ensure the wheels are still on the car and you can drive straight. You make sure your product doesn't break, it's performing well, operations are running smoothly, and you have the necessary funds.
As a product manager, you're constantly asking yourself which priority to focus on, given limited time, resources, and talent. I think that's one of the biggest challenges. Realizing there's never a perfect solution for all the different stakeholders or facets of the business is difficult, especially for a perfectionist.
You have to accept that you're working with fast-moving, evolving problems. Accepting these two things—the constant demands and the need for imperfect solutions—are some of the biggest challenges.
Another challenge is constantly having to learn something new. In my current role at Tittle, I studied political science and have no engineering background. I don't know how to code, nor am I an electrical or mechanical engineer.
Being in a startup with brilliant founders who are software and AI engineers, I was initially afraid. The founders are younger than me, and I had no technical knowledge, only hearing buzzwords online. I worried if I was intelligent or capable enough to make a difference without looking foolish.
After just a week or two in this new role, I realized I am capable of understanding technical terms and simplifying them for others. I believe that's my talent. It's different and difficult every time I enter a new environment, and it involves dealing with imposter syndrome.
Despite not having the traditional background or knowledge, it's also one of the most fun aspects of the role.