A product series with Stella Abu

On today's episode, I spoke with a seasoned product manager with four years. Currently, She's a product leader at Coopvest Limited , a company building digital financial products focused on empowering cooperatives in rural Nigeria.

She has prior experience in Banking and Tech startups for over 8 years where she had worked as Head of product at Cooperative Mortgage Bank (CMB) , Programs manager at Nobellum and she worked at Product management coach Codevixens

Let's meet her, shall we?

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

Don't worry about having no experience. Learn the fundamentals of Product management concepts.- Stella Abu

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

My name is Stella Abu.

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

It’s been an interesting journey in banking and tech startups for over 8 years, but technically, I’ve been a Product Manager for about four years. Currently, I am a product leader at Coopvest Limited, a company that is very close to my heart. We are building digital financial products focused on empowering cooperatives in rural Nigeria.

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

?I’d say it is a 5 because every day feels like I am working towards something bigger than myself, and It is fulfilling being part of a team of young brilliant people passionate about creating impact.?

I also love the job because it is not just about building products, it’s about creating solutions that solve real problems, unlocking opportunities for people, and seeing the direct impact on their lives. Yes, I feel the weight of the responsibility as the leader of the team, but knowing what we are doing truly makes a difference motivates me to do more.

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

People say this a lot, and to a large extent, I agree that there is money in Tech, but only if you are willing to put in the effort. Tech is fast-paced, always changing with new technologies, so staying relevant requires constant learning and upskilling. The reward comes when you can provide value for in-demand skills consistently.

This is also true for Product management. It is a dynamic field where the value you bring is tied to how you navigate the product and business side. The best PMs are not just following up with product features or communicating with stakeholders about the ‘why’ of the product, they understand the business landscape, the users, and the market. They make informed decisions that impact revenue, and customer satisfaction, and drive the company's overall success. So those who can bridge the gap, offering both strategic insight and product expertise, tend to be the most successful. However, success is not handed to you, you have to be hungry to learn, adapt, understand your users and their problems, and consistently add value.

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

One of the challenges of being a PM, especially in Fintech, is keeping up with the ever-changing market. While this brings growth opportunities, the constant shifts in customers' needs and market expectations require me to frequently reassess our strategy. It is compelling but also demanding, as I have to ensure our users consistently get value while determining what needs to be done differently to stay ahead.

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

Absolutely! Being a PM has shaped me in ways I never anticipated. One of the most valuable things it has taught me is resilience. The core of my role is solving problems, not just for customers, but also internally when managing high stakeholders' expectations with limited resources and time constraints. You learn to see challenges as opportunities for growth, which is a powerful mindset.?

Also, the interpersonal and technical skills I’ve developed are invaluable. From managing stakeholders, making tough product decisions, leading cross-functional teams, and being accountable for the product's success or failures, these experiences have shaped my career. I would say being a PM and managing a Startup, has helped me develop an ownership mentality and propelled my growth in ways I don't think any other profession could. So yes, I would choose this path again.

• As a PM? how do you manage time?

It is tough juggling a lot of things. Meetings often consume a large portion of my day. Whether it is tracking the team’s tasks, aligning them to the recent market situations, or handling stakeholder meetings. To stay productive, I have learned to adapt to the Eisenhower Matrix technique. It helps me prioritize what is urgent and important, while I schedule the important but not urgent tasks for later.? I also make efforts to limit meetings when possible. If the information can be shared through emails or a quick update on Slack or WhatsApp, I prefer those methods to save time. It is about being productive rather than busy and respecting not just your time but the team’s time.?

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

First, I’d say, don't worry about having no experience. Learn the fundamentals of Product management concepts. Take courses, read books, listen to podcasts, and get a mentor. When I first started working on Fintech Products, I did not have the ‘product sense’ perfect for my role. However, over time, I learned by executing strategies from my mentors, PM resources, users' data, and feedback.? I was actively looking for ways to improve the digital products I was building and solve my user's problems sustainably.?

For context, product sense is about understanding user needs and pain points, and then building viable solutions that benefit both the users and the business. With no experience, if you want to enhance product sense, you can start by evaluating the products you use daily.? Ask yourself, If I were the PM of this product, what would I improve? The more you train your mind to think about viable solutions, the sharper your product sense becomes.?

Additionally, you can leverage transferable skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Learn to listen actively, express your ideas clearly, and be open to feedback. If possible, take on product-related tasks in your current role or volunteer for product roles to gain hands-on experience executing the PM fundamentals you have learned. And remember, empathy is key. You need to care about your users, your team, and the product.?

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

Product management is not a linear path, so embrace your journey. Talk to your users, understand their problems, observe your competitors, and think about how you can make their lives easier. The more you practice, research, and validate, the better you will get at finding opportunities and building viable solutions.?

Most Importantly, build a strong relationship with your team. As a PM, you are not just managing a product, you are leading people. Empathy and good communication are crucial, it helps you create a collaborative environment where everyone is aligned with the vision.?

And finally, don't be afraid to make mistakes. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and iterate. I know, that because I have made a lot of mistakes that taught me valuable lessons, what I do well is keep growing, keep evolving, and stay committed to delivering value.

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

This is a tough question. Honestly, It feels like my hobbies have taken a back seat recently but I am working on finding more balance. ?? Right now, if I am not working, I enjoy reading, either for exam preparation or pleasure. My favorite activity outside work, however, is spending quality time with my family. My two daughters keep me engaged the most. My eldest loves telling me stories about her favorite heroes and their adventures. My youngest, on the other hand, is always eager to tell me what her sister has been up to. It is such a joy to be with them, and those moments remind me that no matter how busy life gets, I can still create memories that truly matter.

I am so grateful for your time Stella Abu 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.