Congratulations, Mish, on your two-year anniversary and your promotion to Head of Program Management! ??

Hi Mish, it's so nice to see you. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Congratulations on your two-year anniversary and your new promotion. We’d love to learn more about your journey at Immutable.?

Of course! My journey at Immutable has been incredibly rewarding and transformative. I first joined 2 years ago as a Program Manager, where my focus was on supporting the product planning process and delivering strategic projects for the PED function.

Over time, I began to take on broader responsibilities, including optimising our delivery workflows, streamlining the product planning process, implementing scalable frameworks to drive successful project execution and shipping the Immutable zkEVM chain. All of these opportunities led me to my next promotion as the Senior Program Manager.?

No one day is the same which is why I love the role! We’re shipping from 0 to 1, which means moving fast, pivoting according to customer and market signals and being agile. On a typical day/month, I will oversee and manage rituals for our strategic programs of work, ensuring our program roadmaps align with our larger company objectives. I will communicate with all levels of the organisation to update on program progress, unblock risks or dependencies and recut delivery plans based on strategic pivots.

This recent promotion to Head of Program Management enables me to continue shaping the future of program management at Immutable and scale our approach even further. I am excited to be a part of PED leadership and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, helping Immutable reach new heights as a leader in blockchain and gaming.

What are the key differences in your new role compared to your previous one, and what excites you the most about this new challenge?

As a Senior Program Manager, I focused primarily on overseeing specific programs, ensuring that each one stayed on track, met its goals, and facilitated alignment across teams. I was directly involved in the day-to-day project execution, working closely with stakeholders to manage risks and dependencies and remove blockers.

Now, as Head of Program Management, my responsibilities' scope and strategic impact have significantly expanded. I’m responsible for overseeing and defining the program management function at Immutable. My role has shifted from hands-on program execution to a strategic leadership position. I am focused on building and refining the systems, frameworks, and processes that enable the program management function to excel.?

One of my key priorities is to develop scalable frameworks and processes that can grow with the company. I aim to create an environment where our teams can work more efficiently and stay focused on delivering impactful outcomes.

Building a stronger feedback loop between product, engineering, design, GTM, and ELT will also be key to driving success in the next 6-12 months. This will ensure we stay agile and iterate to address the requirements of developers, gamers, and end-users as we build and scale our product portfolio and blockchain solutions.

Ultimately, my goal is to build a resilient program management function that not only helps us build and deliver groundbreaking products but supports our vision which is to create the world’s most valuable network for games by building the #1 gaming wallet and chain.

What excites me most about this new challenge is the opportunity to shape the program management function at a company that’s at the forefront of innovation in blockchain and gaming. I get to work with an exceptionally talented team and have a real impact on how we build and deliver our products. This role lets me bring in new ideas, adapt industry best practices to our unique culture, and create an environment where we continuously improve our product development process.?

I love that—it's so well deserved. In what ways has your experience at Immutable contributed to your professional growth, and what aspects of your journey have been the most fulfilling?

From the beginning, the company has fostered a culture that values learning, innovation, and collaboration, where every team member is empowered to make a difference. My leadership team has been incredibly supportive of my career growth, encouraging me to step outside of my comfort zone at every turn. They have also given me the space to lovingly speak my mind and challenge processes and ways of working.?

The most rewarding part of being in this role is being given the trust and opportunity to stretch myself and take on opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to at another company. I have had the opportunity to work on the most critical projects for the business and be a part of some of the most exciting and cutting-edge moments in the blockchain and gaming industry. This includes building and shipping the Immutable zkEVM chain, getting a front-row seat on the Studio side of the business supporting the launch of GOG and building more efficient cross-functional engagement with GTM to bring the voice of customers more deeply into the product planning process.?

Career progression can be tricky in a start up. What advice would you give to others who are looking to advance their careers?

My biggest piece of advice is to take ownership of your growth and seek out opportunities to learn and level up, even if it means stepping outside of your comfort zone. You have to back yourself and continually seek out and ask for opportunities.

Another key is to focus on relationships and communication. Building trust and fostering open, collaborative relationships across teams can have a huge impact on your career. It makes it easier to gain buy-in, build alliances, and influence outcomes, qualities that are essential as you progress and move up the chain.?

Finally, stay adaptable. Companies and industries evolve quickly, so it's crucial to be able to pivot and learn new skills. Embrace change as an opportunity and approach every role or project with a growth mindset.

Each of these strategies has helped me along the way, and I believe they’re universal principles for anyone looking to advance, regardless of their field. Be proactive, build strong connections, and stay open to new challenges; each of these will keep you moving toward your goals.

Thanks, Mish, some great insights there. Congrats again, and thanks for your contributions. We are lucky to have you!