A product series with Olatunji Fagbore

Happy New Week from me to you. This is the second edition of the series this year. I am very excited to share with you another great Product Manager. So continue reading.

On this week's episode, I spoke with a seasoned product manager with over 5 years of experience as a Product Manager.

Currently, He works as a Product Manager/Product Owner Consultant with all facets of product management driving customer research, market research, and product growth and leading 12+ cross-functional teams to plan, prioritize, build, and manage world-class products with a transaction value of $144m+ annually solving which solves local and global challenges.

He has strong expertise in ed-tech, fintech, transportation and logistics, enterprise, e-commerce & retail, data, health-tech, and event management Industries for both new & existing products.

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.

Learn by Doing: While theory is important, hands-on experience is invaluable. Don’t be afraid to dive into projects, make mistakes, and learn from them. - Olatunji Fagbore

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

Hello, I am Olatunji Fagbore

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

I have over 5 years of experience as a Product Manager. Currently, I work as a Product Manager/Product Owner Consultant.

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

I would give a rating of 5/5 because I truly enjoy turning ideas into reality, solving problems, applying critical thinking, and being creative—skills that are essential for a Product Manager. While there are many skills a Product Manager needs, these are what drive and inspire me. Additionally, I find meeting and interacting with people incredibly fulfilling.

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

From my perspective, there is potential to make money in any field if you excel and consistently provide value. This applies not just to tech but to any industry. The key factor to consider is the estimated market value of the niche you choose to focus on. Technology, in particular, is a field with significant projected financial opportunities, which is why it’s often associated with this idea.

In conclusion, there is certainly money to be made, but it also means that companies are willing to pay a premium when you bring exceptional value and something extra to the table.

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

Many might say "nothing" here, but the truth is that working with people can be challenging. This holds true across all fields and in every part of the world. It’s crucial to understand others, recognize when to exercise patience, and know how to influence without authority while motivating everyone to achieve a shared goal. It may sound straightforward on paper, but in practice, it’s much more complex.

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

I would choose to be a Product Manager. The reason is simple: a product isn’t limited to software—it can be hardware or even value created through service support. No company in the world exists without a product or service. To me, being a Product Manager means unlocking value for businesses and people.

For example, I recently launched a book, Dad in the Mirror: Recognizing the Reflection of Fatherhood https://www.amazon.com/Dad-Mirror-Recognizing-Reflection-Fatherhood/dp/9787679044/, using the product development process to take it from idea to market.

• As a PM? how do you manage time ?

Time management can be as straightforward as utilizing the Eisenhower Matrix and time-blocking techniques.

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

My advice would be to start by taking a training course. After that, follow mentors you can learn from and dive into practical experience—don’t be afraid to take the leap!

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

For new Product Managers starting out, my advice would be:

Focus on Learning: Build a strong foundation by learning the key skills of product management, such as customer research, prioritization, and communication. Take courses, read books, and stay curious.

Find a Mentor: Seek out experienced PMs who can offer guidance and share their experiences. Mentors can help you navigate challenges and avoid common mistakes.

Learn by Doing: While theory is important, hands-on experience is invaluable. Don’t be afraid to dive into projects, make mistakes, and learn from them.

Stay Organized: Product management requires juggling many tasks. Use tools and processes to stay organized and manage your time effectively.

Be Adaptable: The product landscape is constantly evolving. Be open to feedback, stay flexible, and adapt to new information or changing circumstances.

Have Patience and Persistence: Building great products takes time. Stay persistent, even when things don’t go as planned, and be patient with yourself as you grow into the role.

Technology can be both overwhelming and distracting. It’s essential to build your knowledge to a solid level, practice consistently over a defined period, and steer clear of the "shiny object syndrome."

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

I enjoy playing Fantasy Premier League, watching movies, conducting research, watching football, and public speaking.

I am so grateful for your time Olatunji Fagbore 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.