Different Roots, Same Destination

Happy Monday everyone! Happy to introduce our guest author Abigail Birmingham, Product leader at Waste Dynamics, to the Cleveland Product Newsletter this week. Lots going on in the Cleveland Product community this week, so let’s get to it!

Article of the Week

It's incredibly rare for someone to kickstart their career in product. Instead, product managers often hail from diverse backgrounds, such as engineering, design, or marketing. And guess what? That's what makes this field AMAZING! This diversity creates a rich tapestry of skills and experiences, contributing to the dynamism of the profession. One common starting place is in design. With complementary skills, it can be an obvious career path, however there are some key stepping stones on the path that, if missed, can keep you from progressing.

I have discovered five keys to a successful transition, including stepping back from the user, embracing the problem space, and preparing to inspire and lead. Whether you're a creative designer, a tech-savvy engineer, or a growth-minded marketer, harness your existing skills and embark on your own remarkable product management adventure. So if you've ever wondered about making the leap, check out this personal journey from a designer to a product manager, highlighting this path where creativity and logic collide!

Product Jobs of the Week

The Product roles at Cleveland companies keep rolling in!

• Trailhead Biosystems - Product Manager, iPSC Derived Cells

• Binary Defense - Product Marketing Manager

• Tranzonic - eCommerce Product Manager and Product Owner, Product Information Management

Upcoming Events

• Wednesday - Product Lean Coffee @ Van Aken Market Hall

• November 16th - Lay of The Land with Jeffrey Stern (virtual)

About the Author

My name is Shawn Leitner. I started the Cleveland Product networking group in 2017, which helps to cBonnect Product professionals around Cleveland, providing them with a forum to network, learn, and share stories. For my day job, I'm a Product Consultant & Coach for Pathfinder Product and help clients implement strong Product practices so they can create products that their teams love building and their customers love using. Connect with me on LinkedIn or feel free to attend one of my events either virtually or in-person. Always up for meeting for a cup of coffee also!