What A Product Manager At Levi Strauss Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Product Management
Kanika, a Product Manager at Levi Strauss & Co., wishes someone had emphasized the importance of proactively asking questions and seeking help early in their career, stating "ask as many questions [and] read as much as possible." Negative performance reviews served as crucial learning experiences, highlighting the value of seeking guidance before challenges become overwhelming.
Project Management, Communication, Problem-Solving, Resilience, Overcoming Challenges
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kanika Kapoor
Product Manager
Levi Strauss & Co.
Punjab Technical University
UCLA Anderson school of management- MBA
Engineering - Electrical
Apparel, Beauty, Retail & Fashion
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Took Out Loans, Immigrant
Video Highlights
1. Ask questions early and often, don't wait until problems become complex.
2. Negative feedback is valuable and can help you grow as a product manager.
3. Proactively seek help and resources from your manager to set yourself up for success
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
I think before becoming a product manager, I wish someone had told me about the things needed to thrive in that role. These are things I learned through experience, sometimes with feedback that wasn't the best. That really helped me grow.
To be completely candid, out of the three years at PayPal and my prior job at GE, I had about six half-yearly reviews. One of them was definitely negative. This reset the button for me to look at my skillset and what I should be doing better, rather than continuing on a path of complacency.
The things I mentioned earlier, like how you can thrive, I really wish someone had told me to ask questions early on and not be scared. If I needed help from my bosses, I wish I'd known to ask them sooner, before things got too complex or deadlines approached.
If I had started problem-solving early on, it would have really helped me and my engineers. So, I advise asking as many questions as possible and reading extensively about the product. Even if documentation isn't available, be brave enough to ask your manager for it. It's their job to provide it or guide you to set yourself up for success.