A product series with Abubakar Hassanat

On today's episode, I spoke with a seasoned product manager with over 3 years of experience building innovative products and managing projects across diverse sectors, including Health-tech(Onehealthng ), HR-tech, Ed-tech, Government-tech, and currently exploring the Fintech space (Roqqu ).

She's driven by a desire to create impactful products that address real-world problems and elevate the user experience.

Let's meet her, shall we?

NB: In this newsletter, you will come across acronyms like PM, PMing, and other terminologies that would be used interchangeably in this article.

Start with self-reflection—understand your strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness is a powerful tool for success - Abubakar Hassanat

• Can we meet you?? Please state your name?

I’m Abubakar Hassanat, a passionate Product and Project Manager with over 3 years of experience building innovative products and managing projects across diverse sectors, including Health-tech, HR tech, Ed-tech, and government tech, and currently exploring the Fintech space. I hold a background in Healthcare and Customer Success Management. Over the years, I have honed my expertise in Business Management, Customer Success, and Product Growth. I’m driven by a desire to create impactful products that address real-world problems and elevate the user experience.

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• How long have you been a? PM and where do you work at the moment as a PM??

I have been working in tech for over 3 years. I am currently a Product Manager at Roqqu, Additionally, I run my own educational platform, FUSE Varsity, which is dedicated to empowering individuals with in-demand skills for the future of work.

• ?On a scale of 1-5, how much do you love your job?? And why do you love it so much?

On a scale of 1-5, I would rate my love for my job as a solid 5. I’ve always been passionate about creating impact through knowledge sharing, and my role as a Product Manager allows me to do just that. I love that I get to build products that not only solve critical problems in our daily lives but also make a tangible difference in the communities we serve. Being at the forefront of innovative conversations, learning new things, and connecting with inspiring people every day makes my job incredibly fulfilling.

• So people say there’s money in Tech is it true? Does that translate to Product management??

Yes, there are significant opportunities for financial growth in tech, and this extends to Product Management as well. However, success and financial rewards are often tied to your ability to navigate and progress up the career ladder. This means continuously upskilling, delivering impactful results, and taking on more strategic roles. The key is not just getting into tech, but being able to grow within it.

• ?What is one thing you don’t like about being a PM?

Hmm, that's a tough one! But if I had to pick, I’d say the lack of ownership in some organizations can be frustrating. Sometimes, depending on the company culture, you may not have full autonomy over your ideas or the direction of product features. This can happen in environments where decision-making is more "top-down" or what we call “oga-driven” and heavily influenced by senior management, making it challenging to fully execute your vision as a Product Manager.

• ?Will you pick being a PM to other professions??

Genuinely, no. I’ve always viewed Product Management as a versatile skill set that can be applied across various roles and industries. While I enjoy being a PM, I believe the core skills I’ve developed—such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, and stakeholder management—are valuable in any professional setting. So, it’s not just about the title but the broader impact I can make with these skills.

• As a PM? how do you manage time?

For me, effective time management is crucial. I rely heavily on to-do lists to structure my day. I start by writing down all my tasks and then prioritize them based on urgency and complexity. I make sure to allocate time for breaks to avoid burnout and maintain productivity. This approach helps me stay organized and ensures I focus on the most critical tasks throughout the day.

• ?What can someone who wants to pivot into PMing do with no experience?

First, I’d say start with self-reflection—understand your strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness is a powerful tool for success. Next, learn the foundational concepts of Product Management, such as product development, user research, and roadmapping. Build your skills through activities like product teardowns, analyzing case studies, and participating in active volunteering. You can even create your own opportunities by working on small projects or personal initiatives. It may seem overwhelming, but the experience you gain is invaluable and will set you apart in the field.

• What’s your advice for new PMs starting out?

My advice would be to know why you’re transitioning into Product Management. Having a clear purpose will sustain you through challenges. Build meaningful connections, join professional communities, and don’t be afraid to build in public—share your learning journey and projects online. Create a personal roadmap for your career development, and hold yourself accountable to it. Most importantly, take breaks when needed to avoid burnout. This approach has been crucial in helping me navigate my own career!

• ?What do you do outside of work? Hobbies or activities?

Absolutely! I enjoy swimming and I’m a huge fan of superhero characters, so I love watching superhero movies, reading comics and mangas, and playing video games. Lately, I’ve also been exploring a new hobby: dining out in serene environments. I find it incredibly soothing and it’s become a way for me to relax and recharge.

I am so grateful for your time Hassanat Abubakar it means a lot to me and my audience. I hope someone reading this will be prepared for what is to come. Thank you!

So if you are pivoting to tech and want to make a difference then join our community. If you are new to product management and looking to accelerate your career in tech? Join our growing community on Telegram, "All Things Product" (https://lnkd.in/eQjtJjEJ ), to connect with experienced professionals, gain valuable insights, and access top-notch resources!

Stay tuned till next time as we feature more existing personalities who are building amazing products and doing their best work changing lives one product at a time.