Sheila Hara
Sr. Director, Product Management, Barracuda Networks
About
With a robust background spanning over decade and half, Sheila Hara stands out as a Senior Director of Product Management at Barracuda. Her approach, rooted in creativity and collaboration, is driven by data and customer feedback, guiding the stra......more
Content
Sheila Hara
Barracuda Sr. Director, Product Management • February 1
In a product management interview, my favorite question came up: "What is the best product you have ever used, and why?" I took a creative approach and presented myself as the product. I detailed my skills, experiences, and the unique value I could bring to the team, framing my abilities and pote......Read More
417 Views
Sheila Hara
Barracuda Sr. Director, Product Management • February 1
In the field of product management, there isn't really a "typical" career path. Product management is highly flexible. Some product managers may transition into related fields like marketing, sales, or even corporate strategy. Others might find their niche in a particular stage of product manage......Read More
415 Views
Sheila Hara
Barracuda Sr. Director, Product Management • February 1
The most surprising aspect of transitioning from a Product Manager to a Director role was the significant shift in the nature of customer feedback I encountered. While I appreciated gaining more context and visibility at the strategic level, I found that my interactions with customers became pre......Read More
402 Views
Sheila Hara
Barracuda Sr. Director, Product Management • February 1
If you're a non-IT professional looking to start a career in product management, it's important to recognize and leverage your transferable skills. Many skills that you might have developed in other roles can be extremely valuable in a PM position, even if they don't seem directly related at firs......Read More
388 Views
Sheila Hara
Barracuda Sr. Director, Product Management • February 1
apologies for the long read, in advance When considering the growth of Product Management competence within an organization, it's crucial to strike a balance between nurturing internal talent and bringing in fresh perspectives from the broader market. Both approaches have their unique advantages......Read More
386 Views
Sheila Hara
Barracuda Sr. Director, Product Management • February 1
In situations where you're frequently assigned project management tasks instead of product management responsibilities, it's important to proactively address the issue: 1. Communicate Clearly: Have a candid conversation with your manager about your role and the type of tasks you're being as......Read More
383 Views
Sheila Hara
Barracuda Sr. Director, Product Management • February 1
As a Product Manager, selling 'no, not now' to stakeholders involves clear communication and strategic reasoning. Transparency is key! Explain the rationale behind prioritizing other tasks or projects, focusing on data and the overall product strategy. Emphasize how current priorities align with......Read More
381 Views
Sheila Hara
Barracuda Sr. Director, Product Management • February 1
As a hiring manager, I've found that the best product management candidates share a common trait: intellectual curiosity. They possess a relentless desire to learn, explore new ideas, and understand the 'why' behind user needs and market trends. This curiosity drives them to continuously seek imp......Read More
379 Views
Sheila Hara
Barracuda Sr. Director, Product Management • February 1
As a Product Manager, when assessing a new opportunity at a different company, I use a three-pronged framework: alignment, growth, and impact. 1. Alignment: Does the company’s vision, culture, and product align with my personal and professional values? 2. Growth: Will this role offer oppo......Read More
370 Views
Sheila Hara
Barracuda Sr. Director, Product Management • February 1
To overcome domain hiring bias in product roles, emphasize the transferability of your PM skills and your aptitude for learning in your resume. Highlight experiences that showcase your adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and your knack for quickly grasping new domains. Stress on your track r......Read More
368 Views
Credentials & Highlights
Sr. Director, Product Management at Barracuda
Knows About Product Management Skills, SMB Product Management, Enterprise Product Management, Tec......more