If you book a session with me - please check the mentoring club chat in advance! The URL on the invites isn't working well, so i'll share a link in the chat instead. ---------- Hey! I'm Ramona & I'm a Senior Product Manager with ~10 years of product & tech experience across the music & travel industries. I'm currently working in a startup as the first full time PM building out a social travel marketplace. Previous companies I've worked at include DICE FM, Sofar Sounds & Google. My career has predominantly focused on B2B2C & B2C product builds serving multisided marketplaces in small to mid-size companies & teams. I'm comfortable navigating ambiguity, often working directly with C-Suite throughout my career to build out strategies, influence decision making, increase confidence through research & experimentation & ultimately drive product execution & market launch alongside designers & engineers. I'm energised by the prospect of problem solving & driving ambitious product builds in industries I care about & can directly see the tangible impact the products make. I've been lucky to centre my career around industries i'm excited by - music & travel being 2 spaces I spend a considerable amount of energy thinking about - both through the lens of a product manager & the lens of a consumer/musician/traveller. I'm excited by the opportunity to drive alignment between teams, providing clarity & supporting the creation of cohesive cross-team strategies that compliment each other. Looking forward to connecting & learning from each other. Hit me up!
My Mentoring Topics
- Navigating product when you're the only PM in the business (early start up)
- How to get started with 0-->1 products
- Moving from an early to mid-stage high growth start up & what to expect
- Handling being a woman in tech
- Gaining trust + influencing stakeholders
- Frameworks to conduct research, user testing and requirements gathering
- Agile development & taking products from concepts to scale
- MVP product planning
- Being true to yourself at work
- Managing mental health in demanding workplace
- Applying a product marketing mindset
D.
27.October 2024Ramona was an incredible mentor, offering invaluable insights drawn directly from her extensive experience in Product Management. She not only shared her personal journey but also provided me with concrete, actionable steps tailored to my transition into Product Marketing. Her guidance was practical and easy to understand, making me feel more confident in navigating this new path. I gained clarity on areas I was struggling with and left our session with a clear plan to move forward. I’m definitely planning to schedule another session soon. Highly recommend Ramona to anyone seeking genuine, actionable advice in their product journey!
M.
26.April 2024It was an absolute pleasure meeting Ramona! Listening to her journey as a Product Manager applying agile methodologies in the music tech industry was an eye opener. As a new Agile Project Manager it's now much clearer for me how best to leverage my skills to get my foot in the door. :-)
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INSPIRED - 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.
ViewThe Art of Gathering - How We Meet and Why It Matters
Priya Parker
Key Facts or Insights from "The Art of Gathering - How We Meet and Why It Matters" Importance of Purpose: Every gathering should have a distinct purpose, which goes beyond the stated reason for the meeting. Role of the Host: The host is not just a logistical role, but a strategic one, determining the success of the meeting. Power of Exclusion: Not everyone should be invited to every gathering; being selective can create a more focused and productive environment. Setting Rules: Ground rules set the tone for a gathering and guide behavior. Creating a Temporal World: A successful gathering creates a unique moment in time, separate from daily routine. The Concept of Pop-up Rules: These are rules that are applicable only for the duration of the meeting or gathering. The Importance of Venue and Atmosphere: The location and environment of the gathering play a significant role in its outcome. Closing the Gathering: How a gathering ends is as important as how it begins. Embracing Conflict: Not all conflict is bad; handled well, it can lead to growth and innovation. Value of Spontaneity: Allowing for unplanned moments can bring life and authenticity to a gathering. Reflective Conclusion: A post-gathering reflection can provide critical insights for future gatherings. Analysis and Summary Priya Parker's book, "The Art of Gathering - How We Meet and Why It Matters" is a thought-provoking exploration of the way we come together, whether it be for business meetings, social events, or family get-togethers. Her insights, drawn from her work as a facilitator of high-stakes gatherings, offer practical advice and strategies to make our gatherings more meaningful, productive, and enjoyable. The Importance of Purpose is a core concept in this book. Parker argues that many gatherings fail to realize their full potential because they lack a clear, compelling purpose. This goes beyond the stated reason for the meeting, whether it's to brainstorm ideas, celebrate a milestone, or negotiate a deal. The purpose is the deeper, underlying reason why we're coming together, and it should inform all other aspects of the gathering, from who's invited to how it's structured. The Role of the Host is another crucial element. As Parker explains, the host's responsibilities extend far beyond logistical tasks like organizing the venue and sending out invitations. The host is also responsible for setting the tone of the gathering, guiding its flow, and ensuring that the purpose is fulfilled. This requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a willingness to take charge. Contrary to conventional wisdom, Parker argues for The Power of Exclusion. Too often, we invite people to gatherings out of a sense of obligation or a desire to be inclusive. But this can lead to diluted conversations and a loss of focus. Being selective about who's invited, based on the gathering's purpose, can create a more potent and productive environment. Setting Rules is another strategy Parker recommends for effective gatherings. Ground rules can help guide behavior, establish norms, and create a safe space for open dialogue. These aren't necessarily formal rules, but can be as simple as setting expectations for participation or maintaining confidentiality. Parker also introduces the idea of Creating a Temporal World. A successful gathering, she argues, creates a unique moment in time, separate from our daily routines. This can be achieved through rituals, themes, or simply by setting the gathering in a special location. Similarly, The Importance of Venue and Atmosphere is another key insight from the book. The choice of location, the arrangement of the space, the sensory elements – all these factors can significantly affect the mood and outcome of the gathering. Closing the Gathering is as important as how it begins. A thoughtful, deliberate ending can leave participants with a sense of closure and fulfillment, as well as clear next steps or action items. Not all conflict is bad, and Embracing Conflict can lead to growth and innovation. Parker suggests that hosts should not shy away from conflict, but rather, they should know how to manage it effectively to ensure it leads to positive outcomes. The Value of Spontaneity is often overlooked in gatherings. While planning is important, allowing for unplanned moments can bring life and authenticity to a gathering. These moments can spark creativity, deepen connections, or simply make the gathering more fun and memorable. Finally, the Reflective Conclusion is a powerful tool for continuous learning and improvement. By reflecting on what worked and what didn't, hosts can gain critical insights for future gatherings. In conclusion, Parker's book offers a fresh, innovative approach to the art of gathering. Her insights and strategies can help us transform our meetings, parties, and other gatherings from mundane to meaningful, and from forgettable to unforgettable.
ViewThe Lean Startup - How Constant Innovation Creates Radically Successful Businesses
Eric Ries
Key Facts and Insights Emphasis on Experimentation over Elaborate Planning: The Lean Startup methodology promotes experimentation over detailed planning, which allows businesses to adapt and innovate continuously. Customer Feedback over Intuition: Ries emphasizes the importance of customer feedback in shaping products and services rather than relying solely on intuition. Iterative Design: The methodology encourages iterative design, which involves making small changes in products based on customer feedback and observing the results. Minimum Viable Product (MVP): This concept is central to the Lean Startup approach, focusing on creating a basic version of a product to test market hypotheses. Validated Learning: Ries introduces the concept of validated learning, where startups learn from each iteration through rigorous testing and adjustment. Innovation Accounting: This is a method to measure progress, set up milestones, and prioritize work in a startup environment. Build-Measure-Learn Feedback Loop: This is the core component of the Lean Startup methodology, which emphasizes the iterative process of building, measuring, and learning. Pivot or Persevere: Ries introduces a decision-making process in which a startup decides whether to pivot (make a fundamental change to the product) or persevere (keep improving the current product). Continuous Deployment: The Lean Startup methodology encourages continuous deployment of updates to the product, based on the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop. Lean Management: The Lean Startup approach also extends to management, with streamlined processes and decision-making strategies. In-depth Analysis of "The Lean Startup" "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries is a game-changing book that has reshaped the way businesses think about innovation and growth. Drawing upon his own experiences, Ries presents a new approach for startups to achieve their goals by focusing on continuous innovation and customer feedback. One of the key points in the book is the emphasis on experimentation over elaborate planning. Traditionally, businesses have relied on detailed and lengthy business plans. However, Ries argues that in the rapidly changing business landscape, these plans can quickly become obsolete. Instead, he advocates for a culture of experimentation, where ideas are tested, and changes are made based on the outcomes. This approach allows businesses to adapt to changes and seize new opportunities more effectively. A second key insight from the book is the importance of customer feedback. Ries suggests that businesses should not merely rely on intuition or assumptions about what customers want. Instead, they should engage with customers, seek their feedback, and use this information to shape their products and services. This is an integral part of the iterative design process advocated by Ries. The concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is central to the Lean Startup methodology. Rather than spending extensive resources developing a perfect product right from the start, Ries suggests starting with a basic version of the product, testing it in the market, learning from customer feedback, and making modifications accordingly. The MVP helps businesses to test their market hypotheses with minimal resources. Ries introduces the concept of validated learning, which is a process of learning from each iteration of the product. Through rigorous testing and adjustment based on customer feedback, startups can learn valuable insights about their product and the market. A significant concept in the book is innovation accounting, a method to measure progress, set up milestones, and prioritize work in a startup environment. This accounting system is designed to provide startups with a clear measure of their progress and inform decision-making processes. The Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop is another core concept in the Lean Startup methodology. Startups are encouraged to build a product, measure how it performs in the market, learn from the outcomes, and then build again. This iterative process fosters continuous improvement and innovation. Ries also introduces a decision-making process in which a startup decides whether to pivot or persevere. If a product is not meeting its objectives or gaining traction in the market, the startup may decide to pivot, i.e., make a fundamental change to the product. If the product is showing promise, the startup may decide to persevere and keep improving the product. Continuous deployment of updates to the product is another strategy advocated by Ries. Based on the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop, updates are made to the product and deployed continuously. This approach ensures that the product is always improving and adapting to customer needs and market changes. Finally, the Lean Startup approach extends to lean management, with streamlined processes and decision-making strategies. The goal is to create an organization that is adaptable, efficient, and focused on continuous innovation. In conclusion, "The Lean Startup" presents a new approach to business, emphasizing agility, customer feedback, and continuous innovation. It provides a roadmap for startups looking to achieve success in a rapidly changing business landscape.
ViewAtomic Habits - the life-changing million-copy #1 bestseller
James Clear
The book "Atomic Habits" by James Clear is a must-read guide for anyone seeking to cultivate good habits, break bad ones and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. As a professor with many years of experience in the field of behavior change and habit formation, I find Clear’s work an insightful and practical contribution to the growing body of literature on the subject. Key Facts and Insights Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement: The smallest habits, when consistently practiced, can lead to significant transformations over time. Focus on systems, not goals: Clear argues that the system of actions we follow is more important than the goal we are striving for. The Four Laws of Behavior Change: Clear presents the laws of Cue, Craving, Response, and Reward as the fundamental process of habit formation. Environment matters: Our surroundings play a massive role in shaping our habits and behaviors. Identity-based habits: The most effective way to change your habits is to focus on who you wish to become, not what you want to achieve. Making habits attractive: The more appealing the habit, the more likely it is to become ingrained. Use habit stacking: Pairing a new habit with an existing one can make it easier to adopt. Make habits easy: The easier a habit is to start, the more likely it is to stick. Immediate rewards: Habits are more likely to become ingrained if they are immediately rewarding. Continuous improvement: Focusing on getting 1% better each day can lead to significant growth over time. Tracking habits: Keeping track of habits helps maintain consistency and creates a visual cue to prompt action. In-Depth Analysis 1. The Power of Atomic Habits: The book begins by introducing the concept of atomic habits, which are small, routine behaviors that, when practiced consistently, can lead to significant changes in our lives. This concept is reminiscent of the Kaizen approach in Japanese management theory, which emphasizes continuous improvement through small, incremental changes. 2. Systems vs Goals: Clear posits that focusing on systems rather than goals is more beneficial to long-term success. This echoes Peter Drucker's management by objectives (MBO) approach, which emphasizes the importance of process over outcome. While goals are about the results we want to achieve, systems are about the processes that lead to those results. 3. The Four Laws of Behavior Change: Clear presents the Four Laws of Behavior Change - Cue, Craving, Response, and Reward - as the basis of habit formation and modification. This model is similar to B.F. Skinner's Operant Conditioning theory, which also uses cues (antecedents) and rewards (consequences) to shape behavior. 4. Environment and Habits: Clear emphasizes the importance of environment in shaping our habits, an idea supported by numerous studies in environmental psychology. By manipulating our environment to make good habits easier and bad habits harder, we can influence our behaviors more effectively. 5. Identity-Based Habits: Clear suggests that habits are more likely to stick when they align with our self-identity. This is consistent with the Self-Perception Theory by Daryl Bem, which posits that people infer their attitudes and beliefs from observing their own behavior. 6. Making Habits Attractive and Easy: Clear suggests making habits attractive and easy to start. He advises to use 'temptation bundling' and 'habit stacking' to make new habits more appealing. This is in line with the Premack's Principle, a psychological concept that suggests more probable behaviors will reinforce less probable behaviors. 7. Immediate Rewards and Habit Tracking: Clear stresses the importance of immediate gratification in habit formation. This is consistent with the concept of 'delay discounting' in behavioral economics, which suggests that people are more likely to choose immediate rewards over delayed ones. Habit tracking is recommended as a method to provide this immediate gratification and visually cue action. In conclusion, "Atomic Habits" offers a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for understanding and shaping our habits. It serves as a bridge between academic research and practical application, offering readers actionable strategies to transform their habits and, thereby, their lives.
ViewThe Squiggly Career - The No.1 Sunday Times Business Bestseller - Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career
Helen Tupper, Sarah Ellis
Key Insights from "The Squiggly Career" Traditional career paths are no longer the norm: In the modern workplace, linear progression up a single career ladder is increasingly being replaced by 'squiggly' careers - those with twists, turns, and sideways movements. Embrace your 'super strengths': These are the things you do exceptionally well, with little effort. They are unique to you and can be leveraged to your advantage in your career. Understanding your values is essential: Knowing what you care about most can guide your career decisions and help you find purpose and satisfaction in your work. Confidence matters: This is not about being the loudest in the room, but about having the self-belief to take risks, bounce back from setbacks, and put your ideas forward. Networking is about building relationships: It's not just about collecting business cards. Building genuine, reciprocal relationships can open up opportunities and provide support throughout your career. Future-proof your career: With the workplace constantly evolving, it's important to stay adaptable, keep learning, and be ready to reinvent yourself. Designing your career: This is about actively shaping your career, rather than simply reacting to what comes your way. It involves setting your own goals and finding your own path. Detailed Analysis of "The Squiggly Career" "The Squiggly Career" by Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis challenges the conventional wisdom around career progression. It argues that the traditional career ladder is becoming obsolete, and that careers today are more 'squiggly' - full of twists, turns, and lateral movements. This is a significant shift in the way we think about careers, reflecting the disruptive forces at play in the modern workplace, from technological advancements to changing societal values. At the heart of this book is the idea of 'super strengths'. These are the skills and abilities that come naturally to us, that we excel at without much effort. Identifying and nurturing these super strengths is key to finding success and satisfaction in our careers. This concept aligns with the theory of positive psychology, which emphasizes the importance of focusing on our strengths rather than trying to fix our weaknesses. The authors also emphasize the importance of understanding your values, which can act as a compass guiding your career decisions. This is reminiscent of Simon Sinek's 'Start With Why' theory, which asserts that understanding your 'why' - your purpose, cause, or belief - is the key to feeling fulfilled and motivated. Confidence is another key theme in "The Squiggly Career". However, rather than equating confidence with outspokenness or bravado, the authors define it as having the self-belief to take risks, bounce back from failures, and put forward your ideas. This nuanced understanding of confidence resonates with the concept of 'psychological safety' in the workplace, which is about creating an environment where people feel safe to take risks and voice their thoughts without fear of punishment. Networking, according to Tupper and Ellis, is not just about making superficial connections for personal gain. Instead, it's about building meaningful relationships based on mutual support and respect. This aligns with the idea of 'social capital' - the idea that our relationships and networks can be a valuable resource, both personally and professionally. The authors also urge readers to 'future-proof' their careers by being adaptable, continuously learning, and being ready to reinvent themselves. This reflects the reality of today's rapidly changing workplace, where skills and roles can become obsolete almost overnight. It aligns with the concept of 'lifelong learning', which is increasingly seen as essential in the modern world. Finally, "The Squiggly Career" promotes the idea of 'designing' your career, rather than just reacting to what comes your way. This involves setting your own goals, finding your own path, and not being afraid to deviate from the traditional career ladder. This is a powerful message, encouraging individuals to take control of their careers and carve their own path to success. In conclusion, "The Squiggly Career" offers a fresh perspective on career development, encouraging readers to embrace uncertainty, leverage their strengths, and actively design their own path. It provides valuable insights for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.
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J.
18.November 2024I had an incredible session with Ramona! She shared invaluable insights on navigating the product management space, providing clear and actionable advice that has boosted my confidence in approaching challenges within my career. Her ability to break down complex topics and offer practical strategies for stakeholder management, research, and prioritization was truly impressive. Ramona's approachable and supportive demeanor made it easy to ask questions, and her guidance felt highly tailored and impactful. I left our session feeling inspired and equipped to take the next steps in my journey. Highly recommend her as a mentor!