A product series with Oluwasegun Kolawole

On today's episode, I spoke with a seasoned product manager. He has spent over 13 years in Product Management.

He has worked with brands like GreenLab Microfactory , Univelcity SEAMFIX EduAI Hub CholatrekNG

Her currently works at Scylla as the Senior Technical Product Manager

He is an experienced Product Manager and Entrepreneur with a strong background in Computer Science and Product Management. With a track record of working on impactful projects for renowned brands and organizations like MTN , airtel , NIMC, Nigeria Judiciary, and the 世界银行 , he brings extensive expertise to the table.

His agile approach to project delivery has resulted in successful and scalable applications, consistently delivering high-quality results. As an EdTech ambassador, he has trained over 10,000 individuals across multiple Nigerian states and collaborated with prestigious institutions such as NIMR and 联合国儿童基金会

Let's meet him, 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.

When it comes to managing my time as a product manager, one approach that stands out for me is the use of to-do lists.- Oluwasegun Kolawole

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

???????

Oluwasegun Kolawole

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

I have worked as a PM for six years and I currently work as the Technical product Lead at Creos

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

Scale - 5

I love my job as a product manager for one key reason: the deep satisfaction of seeing the tangible impact of every second I dedicate to my work. Knowing that the efforts I put into solving problems directly improve people's lives brings me a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose.

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

Absolutely, it's true. While we often talk about loving our jobs for various reasons, just like the sense of fulfillment I mentioned earlier, there’s no denying that one of the biggest motivations is that it pays the bills. If the compensation weren't substantial, it would be challenging to maintain the high level of commitment required. The goal is to solve problems, but the real drive comes from knowing that doing so brings significant rewards, including a secure paycheck.

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

While I enjoy my job as a product manager, one aspect I find challenging is the constant need to attend impromptu meetings which are out of your control. In certain work environments, this can lead to frequent burnout, especially when you're not given the autonomy to lead the product as you see fit. When you’re forced to follow a direction that doesn’t align with your inner motivation, it can drain your energy and lead to ongoing burnout.

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

No, but If I am not a PM, maybe I am running a business then

• As a PM? how do you manage time?

When it comes to managing my time as a product manager, one approach that stands out for me is the use of to-do lists. It is the most common, yet effective. Additionally, I focus on creating systems around my work to streamline processes. For instance, I prioritize writing effective documentation rather than relying on explaining product information to people instantaneously, this will eat into your time as you have to keep repairing the same process. I consider these systems my "sources of truth," other examples such as using flow diagrams to represent complex use cases, thoroughly documented user stories and acceptance criteria, and recording videos for explanations that might need to be repeated.?

These practices help me reduce the number of meetings I attend, as I ensure that every product information shared doesn’t end with just one person. If I have to explain something to one person, I’ll always record it to share with others. I also make it a point to say NO to requests that aren't high-priority and to meetings that I can afford to miss. Additionally, I implement a systemized reporting structure within the team and practice segmented-leadership, where I manage a smaller group within a larger team. This approach reduces the number of direct interactions I need to have and optimizes my time management.

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

I have a video where I explained what anyone who does not have experience can do to enter product management, it is on my channel. But then, I will still share here?

You need to understand that you can enter product management from any role by ensuring to bring in transferable skills. The two important skills in product management are leadership(soft) and technical? skill. If you understand what it takes to be a leader, it helps you in driving people towards achieving a goal. Then I would say you should learn the technical skills of a PM such as Product strategy, Product roadmap, Business model, Marketing, Agile methodology, Scrum, documentation skill, Product launch, Product Analytics etc. All these can be learned from a bootcamp. I prefer that an aspiring PM goes through a bootcamp rather than? a crash course.?

Product management requires good mentorship if you want to rise fast enough in this space. Pick up an internship or personal project to build experience and put yourself out there.?

• What’s your advice for new PM’s starting out

For new PMs that are coming, the space is becoming increasingly saturated but there are still jobs, yet very competitive.? focus on the following;?

1. Find your leverage that helps you stand out amidst others. This could be industry knowledge for the space you are entering. For an instance, if you are in the health industry and you want to transition into product management, you can easily use your industry knowledge as your leverage.
2. Jumping on trending technologies. As an aspiring PM, it is good to jump on trending and emerging technology such as AI, VR, Blockchain etc. Companies building product using these technologies need PMs who have a good knowledge of these technologies, the interesting part is that we don’t have too many people in those space yet, you can jump on trending technologies to give yourself that competitive advantage.?

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

I do Music, Watch football and I read / watch podcasts?

I am so grateful for your time Oluwasegun Kolawole 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.