Product Therapy: October Updates 🍂
The fall foliage is coming.
I’m back this month serving major back-to-school energy - quite literally going to school and hustling my tail off juggling a concoction of projects. I hope some of these updates inspire ideas and/or give you something to read on your commute.
Networking Connecting
This month, I wrote about networking and hosted a gathering about social anxiety + networking (in my beloved OGC community). I feel really passionate about the topic because I’ve witnessed the transformation, in myself and others, that happens when people just start talking to people.
In our post-pan world, we’re all a bit more socially awkward. Going to a work conference or attending a social gathering wasn’t always easy. But after years of living behind screens, our social muscles have atrophied and it feels tougher now, even for the extroverts among us.
I’ve personally found that the discomfort is worth pushing through.
Nothing beats a conversation that shifts your day.
When you find someone on the same path as you and you can share, vent, rejoice (hello fellow consultants and coaches). Or when you have a so-so networking call that ends up inspiring an idea that you wouldn’t have had if you hadn’t gotten on the phone.
A few months ago, my husband and I walked into a party where we didn’t know anyone but the hosts. As I nervously sipped my spritz in the corner, I quietly wondered if I remembered how to engage with other people. I panicked and asked my husband if I was incapable of meeting new people. He suggested I be patient. Soon after we migrated over to the food table, we found ourselves in conversation, and eventually laughing, with a group of people. And when we had to leave, we found ourselves bummed to depart.
I observe that impatience in a lot of people I meet and I’ll pass on the suggestion: have more patience and trust that your social muscles will come back. Because it has to come back. In person connection is, after all, essential to our lives.
Some cool product things
I am stoked to join the Women in Product PM Cooperative as a facilitator this Fall. I’m eager to inspire change and growth in other product managers.
The irony of it all was that I wasn’t willing or ready to pay for a coach of my own when I was struggling professionally. After I joined the group in 2022, I discovered how much I loved helping others. This led to mentoring and that led to coaching and here we are.
Unfortunately the deadline to apply is closed but I know they will be running this program again soon.
Rich Chen and I connected years ago when I was collaborating with The Product School. Since then, Rich has gone on to create Product Gym and most recently Boss Foundry. He invited me onto his YT page to share more about my transition from corporate life to building my business. Check out the conversation here.
Some good reads:
The be-do-have mindset by fellow coach and friend Kelly Liu
Your path to leadership doesn’t start with you by Elena Verna
Deconstructing Negative Self Talk by yours truly (in case you missed it!)
Glue Work by Tanya Reilly (a topic I’m passionate abt, thanks Mandy for the article!)
Some product jobs:
I know people here so I can make a referral - lmk if you know anyone!
Product Roles at BentoBox (with in office expectations in NYC)
Senior Product Manager – focusing on a new product
Product Manager – focusing on intelligence and/or integration products
I don’t know people here but I saw a cool PM level role at Figma.
Some cool non product things
📺 A show: At the risk of exposing myself fully, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City is absolutely delivering this season. Run don’t walk to Utah, people ❄️
✍️ A poem: I met a woman this last weekend who reminded me of the existence of this wonderful Rumi poem, The Guest House. 🏠
🎧 A podcast: This episode of Lenny’s may have caused some listeners to have an existential crisis, but I found it to have some good POVs.
🍜 A bite: It’s officially soup season and I couldn’t be more excited. This thai-inspired chicken noodle soup is one of my favorites.
Thanks for reading! Enjoy this unedited picture I took on my phone :)
