If you are willing to put in the hard work, this will work I joined Intentional Job Search when I decided that product management was for me. I landed two roles as Director of Product after having worked in consulting for most of my career. The program was critical in helping me get there, especially with the mindset training to enable me to put in the hard work, the emphasis on effective narration, and the mock interviews with the coaches from some of the top product led companies. I continue to work with them through the product leader blueprint program. I highly recommend this program but also want to tell you that it takes real dedication and work to get the results you want.

A Journey to reignite my desire to FAANG: Navigating Career Transitions and Challenges After seven fruitful years at Microsoft, I embarked on a new adventure, stepping into a director role at Salesforce. However, life had other plans in store for me – a lengthy commute, the joys (and challenges) of parenthood with a newborn, and the unforeseen impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Seeking a change that aligned better with my evolving priorities, I set my sights on a company I could see from my window. Yet, as the initial wave passed and my second newborn arrived, a familiar ambition stirred within me – the desire to return to the world of FAANG. Despite the ease of receiving calls from top companies, I quickly realized that the landscape of product management had transformed. The market was saturated with advertisements from schools and coaching centers, while companies introduced new interview formats, making the path to reentry seem daunting. It was during this pivotal moment that I discovered IJS – a beacon of hope in my quest to regain my interview prowess. Armed with newfound knowledge and insights, I honed my skills, determined to showcase my abilities at the highest level. The journey was not without its challenges. In a harsh market climate, where FAANG companies were tightening their belts, securing offers that matched my leveling and expertise proved elusive. However, through perseverance and the support of IJS, I navigated through final interview loops, inching closer to my goal. Ultimately, I made a strategic decision to join a company that offered me the opportunity to reignite my professional drive while prioritizing time with my family. This role serves as a stepping stone, propelling me forward in my ongoing pursuit of a coveted position within the FAANG realm. As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for IJS coaches, the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the unwavering support from IJS community that propelled me forward. Though the path may have been winding, each step has brought me closer to realizing my aspirations in the ever-evolving landscape of tech.

Great Experience I have worked in B2B SaaS and MarTech for over ten years. I always seek opportunities that challenge me and help me grow professionally. I wanted to succeed, so I joined the Intentional Product Manager and their Product Leader Blueprint program. I learned a lot from them. They gave me new ways to think and work better in product management. The Product Leader Blueprint program focused on improving my strategic thinking and communication skills, which are crucial for any product leader. This approach was very enlightening. It taught me the importance of thinking like a CEO, taking full responsibility for my role, and creating a story that connects with customers and colleagues. However, my journey didn't stop there. Faced with a career transition, I was at a crossroads, striving to secure my dream job in a highly competitive market. The Intentional Job Search program was my next stop. Through a meticulously structured approach that emphasized crafting and perfecting my narrative for interviews, I could navigate the complexities of the job market with precision and confidence. The program's focus on engaging deeply with the content and leveraging the coaches' expertise was a game-changer for me. The rigorous practice sessions and the constructive feedback truly prepared me to stand out in the final rounds of interviews, transforming potential opportunities into solid job offers. Landing my dream role at Twilio is a significant achievement for me. I'm particularly excited to work in the Segment side of the business, focusing on data and applications. This opportunity is a testament to the efficacy of the Intentional Product Manager programs. They gave me the skills and strategies to succeed in my field. They also supported me and guided me through the competitive job market. If you are considering joining the Intentional Product Manager program, here is my advice: trust the process, fully commit, and stay open to the journey ahead. You will improve your product management skills with strategic insights, practical tools, and personalized coaching. This will help you achieve significant career milestones.

Aggressive and 'salesy' approach Unfortunately my experience with Shobhit was not a good one. It started off well with Shobhit answering my questions honestly and transparently, providing details of the program and a fair price. However when it came to actually making a decision, he emailed me agressively with a very 'salesy' tone that I must make the decision 'today'. 'Today' for me was a Sunday I was spending with my family for the Super Bowl. The next morning he informed me his offer was rescinded. When I exchanged emails with him he told me I did not display enough urgency for him (keep in mind, I'm spending the day with my family on a Sunday and still discussing the financials with my wife). Overall I believe in his business was what Intentional Product Manager is trying to achieve. However the aggressive approach is not for me. I prefer an approach based on 'trusting' a product. Shobhit's approach felt like a poor display of empathy, a lack of understanding of his cusotmer, and ironically enough, bad product management..

Highly recommend IJS I highly recommend the Intentional Job Search as a structured and supportive program for anyone looking for their next product role. I started the program with a year of Product Manager experience. However, I felt like I had done more program manager work than product management. The program helped me build up confidence while I practiced with both my peers as well as seasoned product managers in both Sam and Shobhit. The initial six weeks of the program gave me a great foundation based on updating my resume, working on a job search strategy and practicing stories for interviews. Overall the combination of the community and gave me the confidence necessary to find my product role. I am now a product manager at Teachable and am excited to be here, and happy to have partnered with Sam and Shobhit in my journey!