A product series with Dr. Bart Jaworski

On today's episode, I spoke with a seasoned product manager with over 20 years experience working with 微软 , OLX , Great Product Manager Course: www.drbartpm.com , idibu . Currently, He is a Senior Product Manager The Stepstone Group

Let's meet him, shall we?

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

Get the experience, certificates won’t cut. You need to work in a company that has PMs and work tooth and nail to earn the promotion.- Dr Bart Jaworski

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

???????Hi, I’m Dr Bart!?

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

Somewhere between 8 and 9 years. I’m currently a Senior Product Manager at Stepstone, the biggest European job board.

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

Can I say 6? Let’s say 3! There are times when it’s a 6, there are times when I’m considering a career change to a dog walker or something.

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

Well, it doesn’t buy you yachts and at least European PMs won’t be able to go beyond the “richer” middle class without some serious side hustles or successful investments. The story would be different in Silicon Valley, but not sure how it translates to actual social status given the absurd cost of living there.

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

Widely understood limitations. Whether that’s due to politics, time, or budget, you can’t concentrate enough on the future as one should, but it’s always at least a semi “here and now” crisis to handle. That’s why I product manage my teaching, mentoring, and content creation business in a more relaxed way.

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

Well, I always dreamt of being an actor or a comedian, I might have chosen those careers instead if they paid better. On the other hand, I would be away from home much more often and I love my family and dislike travel.

• As a PM? how do you manage time?

I make lists, lists, lists, and, just in case I forget, lists. I list my tasks on pieces of paper, Trello, a notepad, you name it. However, if I have limited time, I focus on the three most important to-dos and try not to feel bad if I skip less-priority items.

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

Get the experience, certificates won’t cut. You need to work in a company that has PMs and work tooth and nail to earn the promotion. There are other niche ways to do break-ins, but the promotion route is the only one reliable in the long run.?

• What’s your advice for new PMs starting?

Learn to say no and focus on the top 3 priorities to achieve. Also, you don’t need to attend all the meetings on your calendar. If they don’t contribute to the top 3, you should consider not attending.?

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

Well, now it’s just raising my almost one-year-old. I can visit my building’s gym from time to time late in the evening, and you will catch me playing Diablo IV as my guilty pleasure.

I am so grateful for your time Dr Bart Jaworski 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.