A product series with Gloria Ojukwu

Today, we will be reading from a product professional with 7 years of experience in the bag. She is a value-driven Senior Product Manager and product leader with a strong track record of transforming ideas into customer-centric and profitable solutions.

With expertise in EdTech, PropTech, FinTech, and HealthTech, she has led global technical product teams, bringing SaaS and non-SaaS products to life.

Her background spans Software Development, UX, and Community Building, and she is passionate about empowering women and youth in tech.

As the founder of HerTechTrail Foundation, she has trained over 22,000 women and collaborated with organizations like Google Developers Group , Andela , and Atlassian to equip 5,000+ youths with tech skills

Let's meet her, shall we?

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

Don’t wait for “official” experience before applying for jobs.- Gloria Ojukwu

• Can we meet you? Please state your name.

Hi, I’m Gloria Ojukwu! I’m a passionate Product Manager who thrives on turning ideas into impactful solutions.

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

I’ve been in the product management space for over seven years, helping businesses build user-centric products. It’s been a journey of learning, innovation, and impactful problem-solving.

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

Without a doubt, a solid 5! Product management allows me to bring ideas to life, shaping them into solutions that solve real-world problems. I love the flexibility it offers—I can drive impact from anywhere, without being confined to a single location or routine environment. The constant learning and the ability to bridge technology and user needs make it incredibly fulfilling!

• So people say there’s money in Tech. Is it true? Does that translate to Product Management?

Absolutely! Tech is a booming industry, and Product Management plays a crucial role in it. Companies are always looking for talented PMs who can build and scale successful products, and with the right skills, it’s a rewarding career both intellectually and financially.

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

I wouldn’t say I dislike it, but one of the toughest aspects is having to say “No.” As a PM, you have to make hard decisions, balancing stakeholder requests, business goals, and user needs. While it's not always easy, it’s a necessary skill to ensure product success.

• Would you pick being a PM over other professions?

It depends on the profession, but in most cases, yes! Product Management keeps me engaged, challenges me intellectually, and allows me to make a real difference in people’s lives.

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

? Proper Note-Taking & Documentation – Writing things down ensures I don’t miss important details and can always reference them when needed.

? Prioritization – Not everything is urgent. I focus on high-impact tasks that drive product and business goals.

? Breaking projects into bite-sized tasks – Large projects can be overwhelming, so I divide them into manageable chunks and execute them systematically.

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

1. The best way to break in is to get hands-on experience. Here’s how:
2. Volunteer for startups, non-profits, or even freelance projects.
3. Work on personal projects—identify a problem, create a solution, and document your process.
4. Write about your insights—a blog about your product-thinking approach, case studies, or lessons learned.
5. Network—connect with other PMs, join communities, and seek mentorship.

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

Don’t wait for “official” experience before applying for jobs. Many PMs start from unconventional backgrounds. Get involved, work on small projects, and showcase your ability to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate with teams. The more you immerse yourself, the faster you’ll grow.

• What do you do outside of work? Any hobbies or activities?

When I’m not busy with product strategy, I love painting and content creation. These allow me to express creativity differently, and surprisingly, both hobbies complement my work as a PM by sharpening my storytelling and visual communication skills!

I am so grateful for your time Gloria Ojukwu it means a lot to me and my audience. 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, join our community. Are you 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 building amazing products and doing their best work changing lives one product at a time.