A product series with Joseph Aladenika

With over a decade of experience, He have excelled as a Product Manager, Product Designer, and Business Analyst, specializing in driving product strategy and enhancing user experience.

Currently, He's the Product Manager; Data and Applications, at one of the UK’s most prominent charities dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities. In this role, I am at the forefront of rethinking how data can improve the quality of life for people living with learning disabilities, striving to make the United Kingdom the best place in the world for them to have happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Throughout his career, He has completed demanding assignments for prestigious clients such as Bang & Olufsen , KPMG , and Sterling Bank .

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.

Keep learning and stay proactive. Always keep an eye on career progression and seek opportunities to grow. - Joseph Aladenika. MBA, MSc, SPOC?, FIMC, arpa, CSSGB

• Can we meet you?

I am Joseph Aladenika, a Product Manager specializing in Data and Applications at Mencap Royal Society. I’m originally from Ondo State, Nigeria and have a strong passion for leveraging technology and data to drive impactful solutions.

How long have you been a PM, and how do you work at the moment as a PM?

I've been a product manager since 2018, with a background in business administration. I have previously worked as a UI/UX designer/researcher and business analyst. My journey into product management has been shaped by my diverse experiences across different industries, allowing me to develop a strong foundation in strategy, problem-solving, and user-centered thinking.

At Mencap, I lead a cross-functional team of Data Engineers, Analysts, and Software Developers, managing data-driven products that enhance internal system collaboration, streamline business processes, and support Personal Support teams in delivering high-quality care. My role involves developing team and product roadmaps, prioritizing features and backlog items, leveraging data insights to drive decisions, and optimizing internal workflows and third-party integrations.

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

I’d rate my job 4.5 out of 5!

I love that it allows me to blend analytics, user experience, strategy, and systems thinking to drive real impact. At Mencap, every decision I make directly improves the quality of life for people with learning disabilities; whether by enabling better healthcare, independent living, or meaningful activities. As an empathetic person, knowing that my work contributes to someone's well-being and independence is incredibly fulfilling.

The 0.5 deduction? Product Management is demanding. The role involves long meetings, aligning teams, and making tough trade-offs between short-term fixes and long-term goals. Balancing priorities across C-suite executives, peers, and development teams can be challenging, but the impact makes it all worthwhile.

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

Yes! That’s true, tech can be lucrative, and Product Management is one of the higher-paying roles in the tech industry. However, PM salaries depend on experience, industry, and location. While roles at FAANG companies and top startups offer high salaries, entry-level PM roles might not start at six figures, with the right growth path, you’ll get there sooner than you think. That said, PMs with strong business acumen, data skills, and leadership qualities can earn well, especially as they grow into senior and leadership roles. The real key? Keep learning, master a domain, prove your value, and position yourself for leadership. PMs have a clear path to Director and C-suite roles; so, play the long game and make your mark!

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

One of the toughest parts of being a Product Manager is the sheer mental gymnastics required daily. The role demands constant context-switching, balancing strategy, execution, and stakeholder management, all while ensuring the product vision stays on track.

As an introvert, the continuous meetings, interactions, and stakeholder communications can be draining. I have to lead discussions, align teams, negotiate priorities, and keep everyone informed, all while making quick, strategic decisions. There’s little room to retreat and recharge, making it overwhelming at times.

Another challenge is being an absolute generalist. A PM needs to understand tech, business, design, and user needs all at once. I frequently switch between different projects, applying diverse perspectives to each, while navigating technical, operational, and strategic complexities.

Then there’s accountability. When a product succeeds, the team gets the credit (rightfully so). But when things go wrong? The PM takes the fall. It’s part of the job, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Despite these challenges, the impact and satisfaction of creating meaningful solutions make it all worthwhile.

Will you pick being a PM over other professions? Definitely, apart from PM being a dynamic leadership role that keeps me engaged, constantly learning, and evolving, Product Management aligns with my skills and passions; strategy, innovation, and problem-solving. It allows me to work at the intersection of technology, business, and user experience.

However, if I were to pivot, I’d explore Solutions Architecture, Consulting, IT Project Management. These areas also focus on scalability, digital transformation, and strategic decision-making, which align with my strengths and interests. Whether in PM or another leadership capacity, my goal remains the same, driving innovation and creating value.

• As a PM, how do you manage time?

Interesting question! At this point in my career, multitasking has become second nature as I balance work and real-life responsibilities. Managing time effectively is crucial, and I approach it with a few key principles.

First, I’m comfortable delegating tasks and following up where necessary, offering guidance while ensuring progress. Empowering others not only improves efficiency but also fosters collaboration and accountability within the team.

I also practice the Boulders, Pebbles, and Sand method constantly reminding myself of what truly matters. I prioritize the most important tasks (boulders), manage smaller yet significant tasks (pebbles), and fit in minor tasks (sand) where possible. This structured approach helps me break down work into manageable steps, ensuring I stay on top of my to-dos.

Most importantly, I strive to keep a clear mind and focus on my health, career, family, and personal growth. I’m still learning to say "no" at the right time to avoid becoming overwhelmed, but recognizing limits and setting boundaries has been a valuable lesson in maintaining balance.

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

If you're looking to pivot into Product Management with no experience, a great starting point is structured learning. I recently came across a comprehensive PMP prep course on Udemy by Andrew Ramdayal, and after going through it, I can confidently say that if you dedicate 35 hours to studying it, you'll gain solid project management knowledge, which is highly transferable to product management and is critical knowledge for transitioning into Product Management.

Beyond learning, volunteer for projects that require strategic thinking, stakeholder management, or problem-solving, and build a portfolio of product-related work. Then, apply, network, pray, and stay persistent, with the right effort (and maybe a little luck), you'll find the right opportunity.

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

For new Product Managers starting, my advice is simple: Keep learning and stay proactive. Always keep an eye on career progression and seek opportunities to grow.

If you're coming from a non-technical background, try to develop some technical competencies, whether in cloud computing, engineering, or data. AI is transforming the industry, so embrace it, learn it, or risk being left behind.

Beyond skills, visibility matters. Engage with the industry through LinkedIn, online communities, or local meetups. Being part of an active PM network; especially with peers in similar roles across different organizations, will give you valuable insights, support, and opportunities to level up your career.

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

Outside of work, TV is my go-to companion, especially since I work from home. You’ll often find me watching a documentary, tech podcast, or even a Bollywood drama.

On weekends, I like to hang out with friends, either virtually or in person. I’m also a big football fan, so if there’s a Premier League or Champions League match, you can bet I’m watching!

Beyond entertainment, I love learning new things; whenever I’m bored, I try to pick up a new skill or a course or explore something different. I also spend time catching up with my team in Nigeria, mentoring others, or engaging in speaking opportunities outside of work.

I am so grateful for your time Joseph Aladenika. MBA, MSc, SPOC?, FIMC, arpa, CSSGB 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.