I am delighted to introduce myself as a mentor in this esteemed mentoring club. My name is Ali Asghari, PhD, and I bring with me a diverse background in engineering and software product management, coupled with a passion for empowering individuals to reach their full potential. Throughout my career journey, I have had the privilege of working in various technical and leadership roles, gaining invaluable experiences that have shaped me into the mentor I am today. From engineering complex solutions to guiding software product development, I have honed my skills to understand the intricacies of problem-solving and project management. However, my passion for mentoring goes beyond just technical expertise. As an empathic listener, I strongly believe in the power of understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level. In this mentoring club, I am committed to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment where everyone feels empowered to seek guidance, share their aspirations, and develop both personally and professionally.
My Mentoring Topics
- Software Product management
- Agile & Lean
- Leadership & Management
- Emotional Intelligence
J.
3.October 2023Thank you for the conversation today. I appreciated your time and perspective.
G.
15.September 2023H.
21.August 2023I am truly grateful for the guidance and mentorship provided by Ali. His extensive knowledge across various fields is truly impressive, and his caring approach made the learning experience exceptional. His guidance has been invaluable in shaping my growth. Thank you for being an outstanding mentor.
J.
1.August 2023great mentor, nice and supportive, also a great listener willing to help you find out what you need to achieve your goals, truly enjoyed talking to him.
R.
1.August 2023I had a fantastic time and found my session with Ali very informative and supportive. Ali is very knowledgeable about product management and has a true passion for his work. Even if he is not an expert in a particular field you are interested in, he helps guide conversation and goes above and beyond to provide you with the resources to step you in the right direction. Overall, amazing person and mentor.
N.
25.July 2023I had a great session. he cleared all my doubts.he was super helpful and humble. he is the perfect mentor. he provided all the steps for my preparation.I am short of words to say thank you. thank you so much sir for all the help and guidance.looking forward to meeting you soon:)
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Dare to Lead - Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
Brené Brown
Key Facts from "Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts" Leadership is not about titles or power, but about the courage to lead with vulnerability. Embracing vulnerability is crucial for courageous leadership, contrary to the common belief that vulnerability is a sign of weakness. Trust is built in small moments and is the backbone of connection and leadership. Clear and honest communication is key to successful leadership, and this includes having difficult conversations. The concept of “rumbling with vulnerability” is introduced as a method to face fear and uncertainty. There is a difference between being a knower and being a learner, and a good leader should be a learner. Leaders should always operate from a place of values, and ensure their team does the same. Effective leaders do not avoid tough conversations, they lean into them with empathy and understanding. Leadership requires a constant commitment to personal and professional growth. Leaders must be willing to give feedback and be open to receiving it as well. Understanding and addressing shame and empathy is vital for healthy team dynamics. Detailed Summary and Analysis "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be a courageous leader. The book challenges many conventional notions about leadership, such as the association of leadership with power and authority. Instead, Brown emphasizes that leadership is not about titles or power but about the courage to lead with vulnerability. This vulnerability, she insists, is not a sign of weakness but a necessary ingredient for courageous leadership. A crucial insight from the book is the importance of embracing vulnerability. In a society that often views vulnerability as a flaw, Brown's emphasis on its importance is a significant shift. She introduces the concept of “rumbling with vulnerability”, which she defines as having the courage to face our fear and uncertainty, to lean into our discomfort, and to have difficult conversations. This concept encourages leaders to show up and be seen, even when there are no guarantees, which is a testament to true bravery. Another significant aspect of the book is the emphasis on trust-building. Brown argues that trust is built in small moments and is the backbone of connection and leadership. The acronym BRAVING, introduced in the book, stands for Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault, Integrity, Non-judgment, and Generosity, and outlines the elements of trust. Understanding and implementing these elements can significantly enhance the trust within a team. Communication is another key theme in "Dare to Lead". Brown stresses the importance of clear and honest communication in leadership, including having difficult conversations. According to her, effective leaders do not avoid tough conversations; instead, they lean into them with empathy and understanding. This can be a daunting task, but it is essential for maintaining transparency and trust within the team. "Dare to Lead" also emphasizes the importance of being a learner, not a knower. Brown elaborates on the difference between the two, explaining that knowers feel the need to provide answers, while learners ask questions. According to her, a good leader should always be a learner, constantly seeking knowledge and understanding. This insight challenges the traditional notion of leadership as being the one with all the answers, and instead promotes a more collaborative and inquisitive approach to leading. Furthermore, Brown emphasizes that leaders should always operate from a place of values. Leaders should identify their core values and ensure that their actions align with these values. Additionally, they should also encourage their team members to identify and align with their values, fostering a value-driven work environment. Lastly, the book explores the concept of shame and empathy, and how understanding and addressing these can contribute to healthier team dynamics. Brown argues that empathy is the antidote to shame and encourages leaders to foster an empathetic environment. In conclusion, "Dare to Lead" provides a comprehensive guide on how to be a more courageous, empathetic, and effective leader. By embracing vulnerability, building trust, communicating clearly, being a learner, operating from a place of values, and understanding shame and empathy, one can truly lead with their whole heart.
ViewRange - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
David Epstein
Key Facts or Insights from "Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" The 'Tiger Woods' model of early specialization is not the only route to success. In fact, those who diversify their experiences and skills can often outperform those who specialize early. Generalists are more adaptable and innovative. Their broad knowledge base allows them to draw from different fields and create novel solutions to problems. Learning broadly and slowly in the early stages can lead to better performance in the long run. This is contrary to the popular belief that fast and focused learning is superior. Specialization can lead to 'cognitive entrenchment'. This is a situation where experts become so embedded in their field that they are unable to think outside of it. Applying knowledge from one field to another (lateral thinking) is a powerful tool for innovation. Real-world problems are often 'wicked' as opposed to 'kind.' Unlike kind problems, wicked problems cannot be solved with a single, well-defined solution. Generalists, with their wide-ranging skills and experiences, are better equipped to tackle such challenges. Cultivating a growth mindset is crucial. It is important to be open to learning and developing new skills throughout life. Sampling period - Experimenting with a variety of interests and disciplines before settling on a focus area is beneficial. Failure is a part of the learning process. It provides valuable lessons and insights that can lead to success in the future. The concept of 'active open-mindedness'. It is a mindset that encourages curiosity, questioning, and a willingness to consider multiple perspectives. The 'outside view' or 'reference class forecasting'. This involves looking at a problem from a broader perspective, considering similar situations, and using that information to make more accurate predictions. In-depth Analysis and Summary In "Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World", David Epstein challenges the conventional wisdom that early and narrow specialization is the key to success. Instead, he argues that generalists—those who have a wide range of skills and experiences—are better equipped to excel in today's complex and rapidly changing world. Epstein's arguments are not just theoretical. He substantiates them with numerous case studies and empirical evidence from various fields, including sports, music, science, and business. This makes his arguments more compelling and relatable. The first key insight from the book is that the 'Tiger Woods' model of early specialization is not the only route to success. This is a reference to the famous golfer who started his training at a very young age and quickly rose to the top of his field. While this model might work in certain fields with well-defined rules and clear paths to success, Epstein asserts that it is less effective in complex and unpredictable environments. In such spaces, those who diversify their experiences and skills can often outperform those who specialize early. This is because generalists have a broader knowledge base that they can draw upon to come up with innovative solutions. The second key insight is about the importance of learning broadly and slowly in the early stages. This contradicts the common belief that fast and focused learning is superior. Epstein suggests that dabbling in different fields and taking the time to explore various interests can be beneficial in the long run. This 'sampling period' allows individuals to discover what they are truly passionate about and where their strengths lie. It also gives them the versatility to adapt to changing conditions and demands. Another interesting concept that Epstein discusses is 'cognitive entrenchment'. He explains that when individuals become too specialized, they tend to get stuck in their ways of thinking and find it hard to approach problems from new angles. In contrast, generalists are less likely to fall into this trap as they are used to integrating knowledge and ideas from different areas. This makes them more creative and adaptable. The book also emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset and 'active open-mindedness'. These are mindsets that encourage curiosity, continuous learning, and the willingness to consider multiple perspectives. Epstein argues that these qualities are crucial in today's complex and uncertain world where the ability to learn and adapt is more valuable than ever. Finally, Epstein introduces the idea of the 'outside view' or 'reference class forecasting'. This is a strategy that involves looking at a problem from a broader perspective, considering similar situations, and using that information to make more accurate predictions. This approach can help individuals and organizations avoid common pitfalls and make better decisions. In conclusion, "Range - How Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" provides a fresh perspective on success and achievement. It challenges the traditional emphasis on early specialization and highlights the value of breadth, diversity, and adaptability. As an experienced professor, I believe that this book offers valuable insights for educators, parents, students, professionals, and anyone else interested in understanding the complexities of learning and performance in the modern world.
ViewINSPIRED - How to Create Tech Products Customers Love
Marty Cagan
Key Insights from "INSPIRED: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love" Emphasizes that product management is a team sport, advocating for a cross-functional team approach. Illuminates the importance of discovering the right product to build before diving into the development. Reveals the role of product managers as the discoverers of the product, not simply project managers. Encourages adopting an outcome-based rather than output-based approach to product development. Highly recommends the application of prototyping and testing techniques to validate ideas before committing to full development. Asserts the necessity of continuous product discovery for sustainable success. Advises on how to establish a customer-centric culture in a tech organization. Reinforces the value of learning from product failures, not just successes. Insists on the importance of strong leadership in product management. Underlines the need for strategic alignment between the product team and the larger organization. Stresses on the significance of a shared product vision within the team. Deeper Analysis of the Book "INSPIRED: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love" by Marty Cagan, a Silicon Valley product management veteran, is a veritable guide for tech entrepreneurs, product managers, and those aspiring to create successful tech products. Starting with the assertion that product management is a team sport, Cagan underscores the necessity of collaboration among cross-functional teams. This aligns with the concept of Collective Ownership in Agile methodologies, where everyone in the team is responsible for the quality and success of the product. The book extensively discusses the role of product managers, distinguishing them from project managers. Cagan positions product managers as the discoverers of the product. This involves understanding customer needs, exploring market opportunities, and working closely with the product team to create a product that aligns with the business objectives and customer expectations. One of the notable principles that Cagan advocates for is an outcome-based approach over an output-based one. This shift in focus from simply delivering features to achieving desired outcomes is a core tenet of modern product management, emphasizing on value creation rather than just activity. In "INSPIRED", Cagan also emphasizes the importance of continuous product discovery. This is about constantly seeking to understand customers, experimenting with solutions, and validating ideas before committing to full-scale development. The principle resonates with the Lean Startup methodology, particularly the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop. Prototyping and testing are other key aspects that Cagan discusses. He advises product teams to validate their ideas with low-fidelity prototypes, conduct usability tests, and gather feedback to refine the product. This aligns with the principle of Fail Fast, Fail Often in Agile, which encourages learning through quick experiments and iterations. An essential part of creating tech products that customers love, according to Cagan, is establishing a customer-centric culture. This involves prioritizing customer needs and feedback in the product development process, which is a fundamental principle of Human-Centered Design. Cagan also acknowledges that not all product initiatives will succeed. He encourages teams to learn from product failures and to leverage these learnings to improve future products. This resonates with the concept of a Learning Organization, where failure is seen as an opportunity for learning and growth. Underpinning all these principles, Cagan stresses the importance of strong leadership in product management. He insists that leaders should inspire, guide, and empower their teams to do their best work, which aligns with the concept of Servant Leadership in Agile. Lastly, Cagan highlights the need for strategic alignment and a shared product vision. This implies that all efforts of the product team should be directed towards achieving the strategic goals of the organization, and everyone on the team should understand and be committed to the product vision. In conclusion, "INSPIRED: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love" is a comprehensive guide that offers invaluable insights and practical advice on how to create successful tech products. It should be a must-read for anyone involved in product management, as it encapsulates the collective wisdom of one of the most experienced product managers in the tech industry.
ViewEMPOWERED - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products
Marty Cagan
Key Insights from "EMPOWERED - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products" by Marty Cagan Transformation from ordinary to extraordinary: The book emphasizes that ordinary people can produce extraordinary products when empowered with the right tools, knowledge, and environment. Product teams: Cagan emphasizes the importance of autonomous, cross-functional product teams for creating innovative products. Leadership role: The book highlights the role of leadership in empowering teams and fostering a conducive environment for innovation. Product vision: Cagan underscores the significance of a clear, compelling product vision as a guiding light for product teams. User-centric approach: The book promotes a deep understanding of users, their needs, and their problems as key to creating valuable products. Risks and failures: Cagan discusses the importance of embracing risks and learning from failures in the product development process. Continuous learning: The book advocates for continuous learning and improvement both at the individual and team level. Role of technology: Cagan emphasizes the crucial role of leveraging technology to create innovative solutions. Product discovery: The book details the process of product discovery as a means to validate ideas before development. Product delivery: Cagan outlines the importance of efficient product delivery mechanisms for successful product development. Detailed Analysis and Summary "EMPOWERED - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products" by Marty Cagan is a compelling read that delves into the nuances of creating extraordinary products. The book's central theme is the idea that ordinary people can produce extraordinary products when provided with the right tools, knowledge, and environment. This concept resonates with my years of research and teaching in product development, where I've witnessed the transformative effect of empowerment on individuals and teams. One of the key concepts that Cagan discusses is the importance of autonomous, cross-functional product teams in the innovation process. In my experience, this approach fosters collaboration, allows for diverse perspectives, and accelerates the product development cycle. Cagan goes a step further to discuss the role of leadership in empowering these teams. The book argues that leaders should not merely manage but inspire, mentor, and create an environment conducive to innovation. This aligns with the transformational leadership theory, a concept I frequently reference in my lectures. Another critical insight from the book is the import of a clear, compelling product vision. According to Cagan, this vision serves as a guiding light for product teams, providing direction and fostering alignment. This concept is deeply rooted in goal-setting theory, which emphasizes the significance of clear, challenging goals in driving performance. At the heart of Cagan's approach to product development is a user-centric approach. The book promotes a deep understanding of users, their needs, and their problems as the key to creating valuable products. This aligns with the principles of user-centered design and human-computer interaction, topics I frequently delve into during my lectures. Cagan also discusses the importance of embracing risks and learning from failures in the product development process. This aspect resonates with the concept of a learning organization, where failure is seen not as a setback but as an opportunity for learning and improvement. On the topic of learning, the book advocates for continuous learning and improvement both at the individual and team level. This idea echoes the principles of continuous improvement and lifelong learning, which are foundational to personal and professional growth. Cagan also emphasizes the crucial role of leveraging technology to create innovative solutions. The book points out that technology isn't just a tool but a source of product innovation when used creatively and strategically. Lastly, the book details the processes of product discovery and product delivery. Product discovery involves validating ideas before development, while product delivery focuses on bringing these validated ideas to life. These concepts align with the lean startup methodology and agile development practices, which advocate for iterative development and continuous feedback. In conclusion, "EMPOWERED - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products" by Marty Cagan offers invaluable insights into the process of product development. It presents a compelling case for empowering individuals and teams, fostering a user-centric approach, embracing risks and failures, and leveraging technology for innovation. In doing so, it provides a comprehensive guide for anyone involved in product development, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
ViewProduct Management in Practice - A Real-World Guide to the Key Connective Role of the 21st Century
Matt LeMay
Key Insights from "Product Management in Practice" Product Management is a connective role: LeMay emphasizes that the product manager has to be the glue that holds the various teams and stakeholders together, ensuring seamless communication and coordination. The Product Manager's role is not clearly defined: Unlike most roles in an organization, the product manager's role is nebulous and varies from company to company. This calls for a high level of adaptability and flexibility. Understanding customer needs is crucial: The book emphasizes the importance of deeply understanding the customer's needs and wants. This understanding should inform every decision a product manager makes. Data is essential but not everything: While data-driven decision making is vital, LeMay cautions against over-reliance on data and emphasizes the importance of intuition and human judgement. Effective communication is key: The role of a product manager involves managing stakeholders, teams, and customers. Effective communication is, therefore, paramount in managing expectations and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Product management is about problem-solving: LeMay highlights that product managers should be great problem solvers, focusing on identifying and addressing customer pain points with innovative solutions. Continuous learning and improvement: The book stresses that the field of product management is constantly evolving, and product managers must continuously learn and adapt to stay relevant. The importance of empathy: Empathy for customers, team members, and stakeholders is vital in the role of a product manager. It aids in understanding perspectives and making informed decisions. Product management is cross-functional: LeMay emphasizes that product management by nature is cross-functional, requiring collaboration across various teams within an organization. There is no one-size-fits-all approach: The book underlines that product management practices should be adapted to the specific context and needs of the organization. Product management is leadership without authority: Product managers often lead teams without formal authority. This requires a different leadership style that relies on influence rather than command. Detailed Summary and Analysis "Product Management in Practice" by Matt LeMay offers a comprehensive guide to the dynamic role of product management in the 21st century. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the connective role of a product manager, which LeMay defines as the "glue" that binds all aspects of product development and marketing. LeMay's assertion that the role of a product manager isn't clearly defined is quite accurate. As a professor dealing with this subject for years, I've observed that the product management role is fluid and varies across organizations. As such, it requires adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to embrace ambiguity. A key insight from the book that resonates with my understanding of product management is the importance of understanding customer needs. The customer is the nucleus around which all product development activities revolve. LeMay emphasizes the need for product managers to immerse themselves in understanding customer needs and using this understanding to guide all decisions. The book also delves into the role of data in product management. While acknowledging the importance of data-driven decisions, LeMay warns against the pitfall of relying solely on data. This aligns with my belief that while data can provide valuable insights, it cannot replace human intuition and judgement, which are crucial in decision-making. Effective communication is another crucial aspect of product management that LeMay highlights. As someone who has seen many product development projects unfold, I can affirm that communication is the lifeline of any project. A product manager must be able to articulate ideas clearly, manage expectations, and ensure alignment among all stakeholders. The book also emphasizes that product management is essentially about problem-solving. Product managers should focus on identifying customer pain points and addressing them with innovative solutions. This resonates with the teaching of design thinking, where problem identification and empathetic solution design are key components. LeMay underscores the importance of continuous learning and improvement, implying that product management is a journey rather than a destination. This aligns with my belief that in an ever-evolving field like product management, continuous learning is the only way to stay relevant. The book also touches on the importance of empathy, cross-functionality, adaptability, and leading without authority. These are all vital and often underemphasized aspects of product management that I have found to be true in my many years of experience in the field. In conclusion, "Product Management in Practice" is an insightful guide that demystifies the complex, dynamic role of product management. Its practical, real-world approach makes it a valuable resource for both aspiring and experienced product managers. LeMay's insights align with my own understanding and experiences in the field, and I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in understanding the multi-faceted world of product management.
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F.
21.August 2024I recently had my first mentoring session with Ali, who’s a pro in product management, and it was an eye-opener! He shared some great insights on how to switch to product management and gave me practical steps to ensure a smooth transition. He took the time to get where I came from and gave me personalized advice that boosted my confidence to take the next steps. I’m so thankful for his support and would recommend him to anyone looking to get into this field. Thanks, Ali!