A product series with Amelia Leigner

On today's episode, I spoke with a seasoned product manager. She comes with over 5+years of experience in product management.

She helps companies ideate, launch, and grow products that people love to use. Her passion for understanding user needs started by building programs to support migrants with medical and educational services in Shanghai, China. Seeking a more fast-paced and innovative role, She transitioned to tech to make a broader impact—and she haven’t looked back since.

She currently works as the Fractional CPO for SeekInvest, a fintech startup that empowers financial advisors to acquire and retain clients through personalized investment strategies. She has works with various brand like Foxbox Digital , Ambir Technology Inc

She's currently the founder of Amazon Amelia LCC

Let's meet her, shall we ?

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

Focus on building strong relationships with your development team and stakeholders.- Amelia Leigner

• Nice to meet you.? Please state your name?

???????Hi ?? I’m Amelia Leigner?

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

Currently I serve as the Fractional Chief Product Officer (CPO) at SeekInvest, a fintech startup that empowers financial advisors to acquire and retain clients through personalized investment strategies. I started my career as a Program Director in the nonprofit sector, and transitioned into tech/product 8 years ago.

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

I’d say a solid 4.5. Working in product is incredibly fulfilling because you get to bring ideas to life, nurture them, and watch them grow. However, it can also be really challenging and stressful, especially when you’re making key strategic decisions that shape the future of your organization.

• People often say there’s money in tech—do you think that’s true? Does that translate to Product management??

There’s money in solving problems that people are willing to pay to have fixed. Solving problems is what product management is all about.

• What's one thing you don't like about being a PM?

The role of a product can be a bit vague and loosely defined compared to other positions in an organization. This sometimes leads to taking on more work and responsibility than I can realistically handle.

• ?Would you pick being a PM over other professions??

As someone who loves seeing the big picture, articulating a vision, and crafting strategy from insights, while also diving into the tactical details needed to execute, there’s no better job in the world for me.

• As a PM, how do you manage your time?

I’ve learned to take control of my calendar by blocking off time for deep work, taking walks, and ensuring I eat a healthy lunch. If I don’t intentionally carve out this time, my day would be overrun with back-to-back meetings. It’s crucial to structure my day so I can approach both strategic and tactical work with a fresh mind.

• ?What advice would you give to someone who wants to pivot into product management with no experience?

Take a coding bootcamp. You don’t need to know how to code, but you need to understand the principles behind it. Read Product Management in Practice, The Mom Test and Continuous Discovery Habits. Check out the agile resources from Mountain Goat Software. And feel free to message me on LinkedIn if you want further advice!?

• What advice would you give to a new PM starting out?

Focus on building strong relationships with your development team and stakeholders. As a product manager, you often have to lead without formal authority, and having solid relationships is crucial to making that happen.

• ?What do you do outside of work? What are your hobbies?

I love cooking, listening to music, taking long walks with my dog, and watching trashy reality TV (my guilty pleasure—don’t tell anyone!). I also love to travel and experience different cultures. Currently I’m working from Mexico City. Would love to connect with any entrepreneurs or technical leaders here, so please don’t hesitate to reach out!

I am so grateful for your time Amelia Leigner it really means alot to me and my audience. I hope someone reading this would be prepared for what 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.