A product series with Sokariba Lawson

On today's episode, I spoke with a seasoned product manager with 2years active product management experience.

She considers herself to be an impact oriented product manager with a strong commitment to leading highly projects that catalyze the growth and development of young minds.

She currently works a product manager at Lana Healthcare

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.

Keep learning, keep evolving and stay agile because our landscape is a fast paced one. You become obsolete the day you stop learning.- Sokariba Lawson

• Can we meet you ??

My name is Sokariba Lawson. Great to be here.??????

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

Well over 2 years now (actively)

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

I'll give it a 5 ??

I love my job so much because it's not a routine or a ritual role. It's very challenging and I love challenges, I love thinking on the spot, I love solving problems, most importantly, I just love it when an idea becomes a reality that customers love.

Now does it mean, they're no down days? Like everything in life, they are. They're days I question my decisions or ask myself “Who sent me?” but then because I have a strong Why I always bounce back.

• So people say there’s money in Tech is it true ? It's a yes and a no thing?

Does that translate to Product management? Yes, it does translate to Product Management but like I say it's a yes and no thing. Like almost every other career path, they're people who earn way more and they're others who earn way less. Same thing is applicable to tech

However, the average pay in tech on a normal day and in normal circumstances or conditions is GOOD! Let me end it there ??

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

Things can easily spiral out of control. How will I do my due diligence and time to show the product demo to my stakeholders I'm seeing bugs ??

• ?Will you pick being a PM to other professions ? Yes, I would except you're offering to office of the President of the Republic of Nigeria or the Executive Governor of my state ??

As a PM? how do you manage time ?

Now this question is a thing but I'll keep it as simple as possible?

I ensure all tasks I focus my energy on are high impact tasks and sometimes I look out for low effort and high impact tasks

I always ask myself, what's the repercussion of not doing this? The answer determines if it's a Do, Delegate, Delay or Delete

Another method I recently learnt is the MIT method: This is focusing on 3 major tasks (high impact) when my energy level is high. I deep work to finish this for the day and once these are done I feel my day is complete

Another technique I use that's not so frequent is the Pomodoro technique but I usually use this when I'm wearing out but still need to get somethings done

P.S: They're still days life happens and those days are a good number of days ?? but hey, we prioritize ruthlessly regardless.

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

1. I'll say first check for transferable skills you already have from your previous job experiences if you had any and then package them using PM keywords.
2. Build a portfolio: The job market is evolving as more PMs come into the space and so having a portfolio right now is a great way to get hiring managers to notice you.

Note: Someone said “build your portfolio as an MVP” which leads me to my favourite saying which I just concluded a series on “Turn your life into a product and let your portfolio be that MVP. Hiring managers want to see how good your “product sense” is

1. Build publicly on either LinkedIn, Twitter or both cos that's where you're target audience or some say customer avatar or ICP are (technical recruiters and hiring managers). Take us on a journey of your transitioning, your learnings and show why you're the best fit for the job.
2. Network! Network!! Network!!! With both junior, senior and “your mates” (for the lack of better words) colleagues and recruiters.
3. Lastly, research ideal places you'd like to work and reach them. Keep reaching and soon someone will take a chance on you.

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

Keep learning, keep evolving and stay agile because our landscape is a fast paced one. You become obsolete the day you stop learning.

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

Oh! I work on impact projects as a Youth Development and Empowerment Strategist. Basically, I design impactful programs and initiatives that help in developing the minds and skill sets of young people especially those in low income communities.

Asides that, I'll love to serve in God's house. I call myself God's errand girl. That means, I'm whatever God wants me to be at any time He wants me to.

I am so grateful for your time Sokariba Lawson, 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.