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Shadi, Head of Product at Postal: Advize Career Interview
A Head of Product at Postal, Shadi, offers a fascinating career journey starting with a business administration degree and evolving through sales and partnerships.
Their current role prioritizes data analysis, customer interaction, and effective communication to drive product development.
Success, according to Shadi, requires humility, strong organizational skills, and resilience, especially in navigating the ever-changing landscape of product management.
The work is collaborative and impactful, involving influence across multiple teams. Shadi emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships and developing a thick skin.
For aspiring product professionals, internships and associate product manager roles are suggested, highlighting the value of practical experience and continuous learning.
Ultimately, Shadi's journey underscores the power of interpersonal skills and a genuine care for others in achieving career success.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Shadi Majzoub
Head of Product
Postal
Cal Poly
N/A
Business Management & Admin
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Head of Product at Postal
Shadi's career journey began with a business administration degree from Cal Poly, focusing on accounting to gain "pragmatic learnings" in an unfamiliar field. This foundation, combined with a consistent focus on building "authentic and true relationships" and understanding what motivates others, propelled their rise from entry-level roles at MINDBODY through sales, partnerships, and ultimately, into a decade-long product management career culminating in their current Head of Product position at Postal.
Main Responsibilities of a Head of Product at Postal
Shadi's main responsibilities as Head of Product at Postal involve prioritizing "the most important things" for product development, considering current and prospective customers, market trends, and competitor analysis. This prioritization requires gathering input from various sources and effectively communicating the "why" behind decisions to build team conviction and deliver high-quality products efficiently.
A Day in the Life of a Head of Product at Postal
A Head of Product's day at Postal involves deeply analyzing data to understand "how the product is functioning" and customer sentiment, then synthesizing this information with direct customer interaction – "being in a customer call" – to prioritize the product development team's backlog and shape future product development. This approach highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making coupled with a strong customer-centric focus.
Most Important Skills For A Head Of Product At Postal
Shadi, Head of Product at Postal, emphasizes the importance of "humility and a genuine care for people," combined with strong organizational skills and the ability to quickly learn and adapt, citing that many crucial product skills are learned "on the job" through resourcefulness. Effective communication and persuasive argumentation, including knowing "when to push, when to pull," are also key to success in their role.
Favorite Parts of Being a Head of Product at Postal
Shadi, Head of Product at Postal, most enjoys the collaborative nature of the role, stating "working with a bunch of different people and different kinds of personalities, um, and learning about how to motivate them." This highlights a preference for a dynamic work environment and a focus on impactful leadership through communication and mentorship.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Head Of Product At Postal
Shadi, Head of Product at Postal, finds the biggest challenge in their role to be the "never done" nature of product work, viewing this not as a challenge but as the "biggest opportunity". This constant iteration, fueled by real customer data, allows for continuous improvement and learning, making the work perpetually engaging despite its demanding pace.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Product Management Industry As A Head Of Product
Shadi, Head of Product at Postal, enjoys the "continuous work" and ability to be a "multiplier" across teams, maximizing efficiency and impacting the organization by acting as a "thought leader" on improvements for development, design, marketing, sales, and support. This impactful role allows Shadi to significantly contribute to various organizational functions.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Product Management Industry According To A Head Of Product At Postal
Shadi, Head of Product at Postal, identifies resilience as a key trait for success in the product industry, emphasizing the need to "push through" both positive and negative feedback without complacency or taking setbacks personally. This ability to maintain an "even keel" and consistently strive for improvement is crucial for navigating the industry's inherent challenges.
What a Head of Product at Postal Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Product Management Industry
Shadi, Head of Product at Postal, emphasizes the crucial role of resilience for product professionals, noting that they often become "scapegoats," bearing responsibility for both successes and failures. The best product leaders, Shadi explains, "put those things on their shoulder and kind of insulating the team from it," highlighting the need for thick skin and the ability to separate work from personal identity.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Product Managers At Postal
Shadi, Head of Product at Postal, recommends seeking "product management internships," citing programs like Intuit's rotational internship as a way to explore different areas of product management. Alternatively, entry-level "associate product manager roles" offer a good starting point, allowing junior hires to "help build out a small team and to own like little sections of the product".
Significant Career Lesson From A Head Of Product At Postal
Shadi's most significant career lesson centers on recognizing "the humanity of those folks," regardless of seniority; this approach, which involves humbly seeking advice and collaboration, breaks down artificial barriers and fosters stronger working relationships.
College Experiences That Helped a Head of Product at Postal Succeed
Shadi, Head of Product at Postal, emphasized the importance of not only demonstrating competence ("put in my best work") but also cultivating positive relationships with peers and professors, highlighting that "the folks who stick around...are the ones who others want to be around." This interpersonal approach, according to Shadi, is a key factor in career success and longevity.
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