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Sharad Goel

AMA: Homebase VP Product, Sharad Goel on Product Management Career Path

May 11, 2023 @ 10:00AM PT

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  1. There are different frameworks to prioritize the product backlog. How practical is the use of such frameworks? How to manage top management expectations?

    Sharad Goel
    Sharad Goel

    Carta VP Product, Upmarket & Private Equity • 3y

    The various frameworks are just guidance to help you think through the various approaches. There is no silver bullet; however, using a single framework helps to make decisions in a clear consistent manner. I don't prescribe a single framework to every squad in my team but when they use one framework they stay consistent unless the team is ready to get more sophisticated. I recommend keeping this simple because the more dimensions to your framework, the more assumptions you are making and the les ...Read More

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  2. What are your thoughts on fully remote product teams? Can they work long-term?

    Sharad Goel
    Sharad Goel

    Carta VP Product, Upmarket & Private Equity • 3y

    I don't believe those can work effectively - the nature of product is that it is very cross functional in nature and that requires a lot of interaction and I have found technology to be a constant barrier here. Nothing beats a good old fashioned whiteboard discussion or scribbling together on a design board.

    Is there a healthy hybrid model - yes because there are periods when you need to focus on getting stuff done by yourself.

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  3. How do you effectively split your attention between contributing individually and coaching your PM's? Do these two priorities ever conflict with each other?

    Sharad Goel
    Sharad Goel

    Carta VP Product, Upmarket & Private Equity • 3y

    It depends on the role you want to play and the need of the company. In my current role given the size of my organization I cannot be an IC on any feature. So you need to decide your need and what you want and based on that decide the split.

    My recommendation is to be clear on setting expectations with yourself (and others)- sometimes managers feel like they can IC in "extra time" - it usually comes at the cost of burning out yourself or delivering a sub-par product experience, or both.

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  4. What's the career path for a 5yr experienced Product Manager to become a leader? What are the steps to prepare oneself for the next step, i.e., becoming a Sr./Director/VP of Product or CEO?

    I have worked as Product Manager for the last 5 years collaborating closely with Eng, Design, and Business in both startup and corporate environments.

    Sharad Goel
    Sharad Goel

    Carta VP Product, Upmarket & Private Equity • 3y

    There is no one path:) These are the things I can recommend: Constantly solve new problems and learn new things - if you are comfortable in a role then its time to change. Don't limit yourself to just product - you need to understand other functions and how they relate to your product and customer. If possible do a tour of duty in those functions. Be open to feedback and reflect on that constantly to see how you can improve Work for someone who is at that role and that you respect and learn from ...Read More

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  5. What metrics do you use to justify a pay raise?

    Sharad Goel
    Sharad Goel

    Carta VP Product, Upmarket & Private Equity • 3y

    You need to determine what is your value in the market. I encourage you to constantly determine that by talking to external recruiters. Also ask your company to share benchmark data on where you are compared to where the benchmarks are - these are readily available and every company should be investing in these.

    476 Views
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