Coming into Product Leader Blueprint Coming into Product Leader Blueprint, I had been in product management for roughly a year. I was essentially self-taught, and wanted to hone my skills to reach that next level. I had not come across too many programs specific to product management so I was excited to find Intentional Product Manager. I felt that the guided curriculum combined with the peer mentorship and coaching elements of the program made this the ideal opportunity for me. I was not disappointed. There are many different books and resources for product management, but Shobhit helps you cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. If you are on the fence about this program, I would encourage you to take the leap!

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.

For Product Managers Looking to Level Up I am currently in one of the Intentional Product Manager courses and with the material and personalized coaching they provide it is helping me address the things holding me back from the next level in my career. I have had 3 offers since joining the class!

Have a playbook for the chaos. Most product managers would agree that this career can be an overwhelming one. I felt that the job was managing me rather than the other way around. I felt like a firefighter and had several conversations with myself, asking if I was even fighting the correct fires. My time with Intentional Product Manager addressed this issue and so much more. It drove home the idea that intentionality is what has the most impact. During this program, I made significant changes that greatly affected my schedule and gave me more time to focus on vital tasks. What I implemented has stayed with me. It has allowed me to go from constantly being on edge, waiting for the subsequent fire to appear, to living in a perpetual state of calm. Thanks to Product Leader Blueprint, I no longer have to feel frantic every day. I know that even when a fire does come, I now have the tools to handle it calmly and effectively which is super helpful because I am now a co-founder in a startup.