TEI 014: How to Break Into Product Management or Change Industries

Global Product Management Talk is pleased to bring you episode 014 of...

The Everyday Innovator with host Chad McAllister, PhD.

The podcast is all about helping people involved in developing and managing products become more successful, grow their careers, and STANDOUT from their peers.

Our Guest: Lee Martucci is a marketing professional and certified New Product Development Professional (NPDP) with over 25 years of experience with numerous roles in product management, from telecommunications and cell phone services to building materials. He is currently helping GAF. You likely know this company if you have been involved in building, repairing your roof, or walking through Home Depot or Lowes, where their roofing shingles and sealants are sold.

Highlights from the discussion include:

• How to get your start in product management and overcome the classic catch-22 – job descriptions require prior experience as a product manager.
• A job description is a wish-list and you need to learn how to position your experience to best meet the job description.
• One way to switch industries as a product manager.
• How to frame the lack of industry experience as a real benefit to a future employer by having fresh eyes that lead to valuable innovations.
• Learn product management from others, experts who author credible books and provide training, and professional organizations, such as PDMA, AIPMM, and meetups.
• Observing customers and interviews are important tools for understanding customers’ preferences and finding new insights about problems.
• Partners have keen customer insights that can lead to successful new products.
• Recognizing growing trends in an industry and market and timing trends correctly can position new products for great success.