Christina Tsui

I was listening to Marc Randolph, one of the co-founders of Netflix, sometimes back on a 2 hour podcast, where he gave some inside scoop on the early days of Netflix, the challenges faced, and how they were able to find their way to the global success that Netflix is today. At the centre of that was the importance of quick and cheap experimentations to validate assumptions, which I've always been a big fan of. This ideology was actually further stressed with his book title "That will never work". Ideas are just but mere Ideas and assumptions, it's the least of the things that should get glorified. You'll never know whether or not it makes sense ahead of time until you've tested it, so finding a way to rapidly test the idea therefore becomes extremely important. An interesting practical example was when he was approached by a young woman trying to build a solution that could aid women to borrow each other's dresses, then she was ready to drop out of college and hire people to start building the solution. 😃😃 However, Marc interestingly only advised her to get a sheet and a marker, write something around "Please knock if you'd like to borrow any of my dresses for an outing" and then paste it on the door to the dormitory. Sweet! 🙂🙂 This approach is what Michael Seibel, the Managing Director of Y Combinator called 'doing things that don't scale'. Many times, people think validating a hypothesis has to be expensive and time consuming. If it is, trust me, you're doing it all wrong. Testing and experimentation is necessarily not to save you from making mistakes, because you actually can't do without them. They are meant to actually save you from making expensive ones. Coming from someone (Marc) who has built two multi-billion dollar companies and a couple of others, I'm not sure you can go wrong with this.

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🎉 DevFest Bronx 2024 : A Day of Innovation and Insight! 🚀 Today, I had the incredible opportunity to attend DevFest @ Bronx, an event that brought together brilliant minds from the tech world to explore the future of development, technology, and responsible careers in Tech A.K.A Innovate. Connect. Celebrate. Special thanks to Christelle Scharff for sharing this event with me—it was truly an inspiring experience! The sessions were packed with insights and knowledge. Some of the highlights: Gemini: One Year Later by Allen S. Firstenberg A deep dive into how Google Gemini has evolved over the past year and its impact on the future of development. The innovation here is mind-blowing! I’m hopeful that, by the same time next year, we’ll be seeing even more incredible innovations in the world of AI and development. 🌟 Navigating the NYC Tech Job Market by Brendan collins A fantastic walkthrough of how students can approach career opportunities in the fast-paced NYC tech scene. Essential tips for anyone looking to make their mark in the city! 🗽 The Future of Android, Kotlin, and Everything by Kevin Galligan A fascinating look at how Multiplatform is bridging the gap between native and cross-platform mobile development. Exciting times ahead for mobile developers! 📱 Unlocking the Power of Kotlin for Android Development by Christelle Scharff I was especially excited for this one, as its was presented by Prof. Schraff! The session showcased Kotlin's full potential for Android development, while also acknowledging the challenges. Despite the learning curve, it's clear why Kotlin is becoming a go-to for modern app development. 🔥 Responsible Tech Careers by Alexandra Feldhausen A thought-provoking session that explored diverse pathways into Responsible Tech careers. A must for students interested in making a positive impact through tech! 🌍 I'm truly inspired by the innovation and community at DevFest. Huge thanks to all the speakers and organizers for making this event a success! Let's keep pushing the boundaries of technology and shaping the future of development! 💡 #DevFest #TechInnovation #AndroidDevelopment #NYCTech #ResponsibleTech #Gemini #MobileDevelopment #CareerGrowth

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🚀 Sharing my response for one of the most popular interview questions for product management interviews: “What is your favorite product and why?” One of my favorite products is Google Maps. As someone who frequently travels for both work and leisure, I rely on it for navigating unfamiliar cities and optimizing my routes. When I need to get from point A to point B efficiently, I require a reliable and user-friendly solution that adapts to my needs. Accurate data and real-time updates are also high priorities for me. Here’s what I love about Google Maps: ➡️ User-Centric Design: The intuitive interface allows me to search for locations and get directions with just a few taps, making it accessible for everyone. ➡️ Comprehensive Data Integration: Google Maps combines real-time traffic updates, public transit information, and user-generated content, helping me make informed travel decisions. ➡️ Safety Features: The app provides reliable route options and alternative suggestions, enhancing my sense of security when navigating new areas. ➡️ Offline Maps: The ability to download maps for offline use is a lifesaver when traveling to areas with spotty internet coverage. ➡️ Ride Options: The integration with ride-sharing services, allowing me to seamlessly transition from navigation to booking a ride. ➡️ Personalized Recommendations: Google Maps suggests restaurants, attractions, and other points of interest based on my preferences, making my exploration more enjoyable. ➡️ Using Google Maps has significantly improved my travel experience, allowing me to focus on my meetings or adventures without worrying about getting lost. That said, there are a few areas for potential improvement: ▶️ Offline Features: Enhancing offline capabilities, like offering more detailed maps or points of interest, would be beneficial for travelers. ▶️ Customizable Preferences: Allowing users to save route preferences (e.g., avoiding tolls or highways) could personalize the navigation experience even further. ▶️ Public Transport Notifications: Adding real-time notifications for public transport delays or changes would enhance planning and adaptability for users relying on transit. Overall, Google Maps exemplifies effective product design by prioritizing user needs and continuously innovating. I’d love to hear your thoughts—what’s your favorite product and why? #ProductManagement #Interviews #GoogleMaps #UserExperience #Innovation #FavoriteProduct #ProgramManagement #InterviewTips

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Top Product Manager Resume Templates to Get You Noticed I know it's tough out there. The news is filled with stories of layoffs and hiring freezes. It's a challenging time to be looking for a job As a product manager, your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers. And let's be real, it's not easy to stand out in a crowded job market. 🤯 That's why I'm sharing two top resources for product manager resume templates that can help you increase your chances of getting hired. 🚀 ▶ Get instant access to 20+ editable resume templates, crafted by experts at Resume.io to help you showcase your skills and experience. (Link in comments) ▶ Get instant access to resume templates used by FAANG product managers, and learn how to tailor your resume from Zety IT(Link in the comments) Remember, having a strong resume is just the first step. Make sure to: ✨ Tailor it to each job you're applying for ✨ Don't be afraid to reach out to your network for help and advice ✨ Practice your storytelling skills to nail those interviews Stay positive, and you will get through this tough time! 💪 Like and share this post if you found it helpful! Follow me, Chaitanya Athukuri, for everyday insights on business case studies and product management! #ProductManagement #JobSearch #ResumeTemplates #GetHired #productmanager #careergoals #jobsearchtips

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Reflecting on Product Camp Atlanta As a mid-level product manager, I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to the Atlanta community for organizing an incredible Product Camp last week. I know I’m a bit late in sharing this, but I felt it was important to highlight the fantastic connections and insights I gained. We kicked off the day at SCAD University with coffee, donuts, and fruit—definitely the best fuel for some engaging discussions! The format was unique: everyone pitched their ideas, and the top-voted ones were chosen for breakout sessions. I had a great time pitching my ideas, even if they didn’t make the cut. It was inspiring to see so much creativity! Here are a few highlights: 1. You’re Pitching Ideas Wrong: Our opening speaker Alex Freemon shared some great tips on keeping presentations engaging. A key takeaway? Sometimes, less really is more! 2. From Corporate PM to $24 million dollar consultant: One standout session was led by Jackie Flake who shared her journey from Senior PM to becoming her own boss as a Product Consultant and sharing tips for folks looking to do the same and what’s were the hardaches and highlights or her journey. 3. PowerPoint Karaoke led by Jason Brett This was a fun twist! Imagine getting random slides and having to create a presentation on the spot—it sparked a lot of creativity and laughs! 4. Product Manager in the Hot Seat!: The final session led by Todd Ague featured insights on navigating tough managerial decisions. Definitely some valuable takeaways there! Having spent the last eight years in product management, I truly appreciated the connections made at Product Camp. I’d love to connect with everyone I met, so feel free to reach out! Thanks again to everyone involved for making this event such a success! Here’s to more learning and collaboration in our field! #ProductCamp #ProductManagement #Networking #Learning #Community #Atlanta #SCAD #Product404 #ProductCoffee

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50 Product Managers and Counting! Today marks a huge milestone for me as a mentor and coach! I'm incredibly proud to announce that 50 of my students have landed Product Management roles in the last 8 months. Seeing their dedication, growth, and eventual success has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. So, how do we do it? Real-world simulations: Forget dry lectures! We dive headfirst into simulated product scenarios, tackling challenges and making decisions just like a real PM team. Industry insider secrets: I share the tricks of the trade, the unspoken rules, and the insider knowledge that can only be gained through years of experience. Personalized mentorship: Every student gets individual attention, feedback, and guidance tailored to their strengths and goals. Ready to join the next cohort? I'm fired up to start working with a new group of aspiring Product Managers. If you're passionate about tech, driven to succeed, and ready to roll up your sleeves and learn by doing, then I want to hear from you! DM me "PM" to learn more and secure your spot. Let's build the next generation of product leaders together! #ProductManagement #Mentorship #Training #LearnByDoing #TechCareers #AchievementUnlocked

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Fintech news🚨: Wells Fargo and Rent-Rewards Card Bilt Rewards Deny Troubles Despite Reported $10M in Monthly Losses Wells Fargo and Bilt are denying reports that their co-branded credit card relationship is in trouble. The banking giant teamed with the FinTech startup in 2022 on a card that let users pay their rent while earning rewards points. However, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Sunday (June 16), citing current and former employees, that Wells Fargo is losing as much as $10 million a month on the program. The report says the bank’s executives made projections on revenue sources — such as the likelihood of customers carrying balances — that ended up being wrong. Now, the report said, Wells Fargo has ceased bidding on new co-branded card initiatives, executives it had hired for such programs have departed, and its new cards won’t involve partners. (An exception being an already-announced Wells-Expedia deal.) According to WSJ, Wells Fargo has been negotiating its arrangement with Bilt, and has said it doesn’t plan to renew its contract — scheduled to end in 2029 — unless things change in its favor. Representatives for both companies denied the relationship is in doubt when reached for comment by PYMNTS. “There has been no conversation among decision-makers to exit the Bilt agreement,” a Wells Fargo spokesperson said. “To suggest otherwise is false.” The bank added that the partnership was typical of all new card launches, in that “it takes multiple years for the initial launch to pay off.” Wells Fargo declined to comment when asked by PYMNTS about other claims from the WSJ story, such as the bank’s revenue projections and its reported abandonment of co-branded card initiatives. Bilt, meanwhile, says it is “committed to a long-term partnership with Wells Fargo,” with CEO Ankur Jain echoing the same on Twitter Sunday. The news comes at a time when — as PYMNTS wrote last month — co-branded cards may be facing an existential crisis. “General-purpose credit cards dominate the consumer credit card landscape,” that report said. “In fact, about 2.5 times more consumers hold general-use credit cards than either co-branded credit or store cards, with substantially wider gaps among lower-income consumers and those in younger age groups.” In addition, cardholders who own both types of cards tend to reach for general-use cards more often, with 61% saying they frequently use their general-use card, per PYMNTS Intelligence research. Co-branded card owners are more likely to pay their balances off each month, with 52% doing so compared to 49% of general-purpose card holders. Still, co-branded cards still have their fans, as they are relatively more popular among older consumers and people who earn more than $100,000 per year. 👉 Subscribe for more news https://lnkd.in/d94JgWBU Source PYMTS #fintech #cardpayments #payments

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🚀 Exciting News! 🚀 Just started an awesome Product Management fellowship with Product Space So pumped to be learning all about building great products. We've already tackled some cool stuff in the first two sessions, like figuring out what people really need and how to make products they'll love. ✨ One session focused on the basics of product development, like understanding the market and user journeys. Basically, how to make something users actually want, not just something that exists. ✨ The other session was all about user segmentation, which basically means figuring out who your different user groups are and what makes them tick. It's all about creating experiences that resonate with everyone, not just a one-size-fits-all approach. Super excited to keep learning and growing with Product Space! I'll share more as I dive deeper into the world of product development. Stay tuned! #ProductSpace #education #TechieLife #BuildingCoolStuff #CustomerFeedback #ProductManagement #productmanager #fellowship #designthinking #agile

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Attention New York product managers still struggling on the job hunt. We are hosting a product manager meetup on December 3rd at 6:30 PM EST focused on solving your favorite problem which is cracking the code to generating 10+ product manager interviews a week. 2024 flew by and most of you still don't have a product manager. Let's change that. RSVP in the link below and let's get you this job. https://lnkd.in/gsEDuQD3 PS Please come on time and dress to impress. Just joking!!! Come casual and comfortable. #productmanagement #productmanagementjobs #productmanagementcareers #productmanagementtransition #productgym #speedtolead

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Attention New York product managers still struggling on the job hunt. We are hosting a product manager meetup on December 3rd at 6:30 PM EST focused on solving your favorite problem which is cracking the code to generating 10+ product manager interviews a week. 2024 flew by and most of you still don't have a product manager. Let's change that. RSVP in the link below and let's get you this job. https://lnkd.in/gsEDuQD3 PS Please come on time and dress to impress. Just joking!!! Come casual and comfortable. #productmanagement #productmanagementjobs #productmanagementcareers #productmanagementtransition #productgym #speedtolead

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Attention New York product managers still struggling on the job hunt. We are hosting a product manager meetup on December 3rd at 6:30 PM EST focused on solving your favorite problem which is cracking the code to generating 10+ product manager interviews a week. 2024 flew by and most of you still don't have a product manager. Let's change that. RSVP in the link below and let's get you this job. https://lnkd.in/gsEDuQD3 PS Please come on time and dress to impress. Just joking!!! Come casual and comfortable. #productmanagement #productmanagementjobs #productmanagementcareers #productmanagementtransition #productgym #speedtolead

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When it comes to product acquisition and adoption strategy, one of the areas that I think is majorly overlooked is strategic partnerships. Everything is not just about going about it all alone, you've got to find a way to strategically position yourself and form an alliance. I saw one recently and I felt it really hit home - the partnership between Cleva (YC W24) and AltSchool Africa. AltSchool Africa specializes in training Africans who are interested in tech skills, with a lot of them with a high chance of securing international gigs which would require you to have an easy to use USD account. On the other hand, Cleva (YC W24) helps you get set up very quickly with your USD account set up and transactions. Looks like Romeo found Juliet. Although for some weird reasons, I feel this kind of partnership should also have Andela in it because I feel they're even a much bigger name and a better aligned business here. But again, I don't have an insight to the behind the scenes of this whole thing, so all thoughts are completely mine. That being said, partnerships can be dicey. It's either successful or not. But I think Cleva will need to also have a clearcut retention strategy in place here. Go and look for your own business Romeo too, don't allow partnership loneliness to injure you.

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Why Every Product Manager Should Use Their Product More Than Their Customers Do Happy new month to all the incredible Product Managers out there! As we kick off a new month, I want to share an insight that has shaped my approach to product management. Often, we PMs get caught up in the cycle of building and launching new features, moving swiftly from one project to the next. In this rush, we sometimes forget to use the very product we’re creating. I’ve been guilty of this myself, what my team lead humorously calls “shooting and forgetting 😀 .” But over time, I realized that actively using our product, immersing ourselves in the customer's seat provides invaluable insights. Here’s why I think it’s crucial to use your product more than your customers and how this practice can elevate your role. 1. Gain Firsthand Product Experience: Using your product more than your customers allows you to directly experience its strengths and weaknesses. You’ll uncover hidden pain points and unexpected delights that might not surface in customer feedback. This firsthand experience helps you understand the product inside out, making you better equipped to improve it and ensure every feature truly adds value. 2. Stay Connected with Product Evolution: By continually using your product, including older features, you stay connected with its evolution. This helps you identify opportunities for optimization and integration, ensuring the product remains cohesive and relevant. 3. Anticipate Customer Needs Proactively: Being a frequent user of your product allows you to anticipate customer needs and questions before they arise. You start thinking like your customers, identifying potential confusion points, and addressing them proactively. 4. Improve Cross-Functional Collaboration: Using your product extensively not only benefits you but also enhances collaboration with engineering, design, and support teams. When you understand the product from both technical and user perspectives, you can more effectively communicate necessary improvements and advocate for the customer experience. Speaking of actively engaging with our products, I'm proud to highlight the efforts of my team and I at SpacePointe Inc. in building Ekikart POS, a comprehensive business management solution designed for today and tomorrow. As we step into this new month, I’m excited to see how Ekikart POS continues to evolve and empower businesses! Kindly check us out at www.ekikartpos.com   As Product Managers, our role is not just to build products but to deeply understand them. By using our products more frequently than our customers, we gain unique insights, anticipate needs, and drive continuous improvement. Let’s build products we’re not just proud of but that our customers truly love! Wishing everyone a happy and successful month ahead. Let’s be the most passionate users of our own creations!

Attention New York product managers still struggling on the job hunt. We are hosting a product manager meetup on December 10 at 6:30 PM EST focused on solving your favorite problem which is cracking the code to generate 10+ product manager interviews a week. 2024 flew by and most of you still don't have a product manager. Let's change that. RSVP in the link below and let's get you this job. https://lnkd.in/gsEDuQD3 PS Please come on time and dress to impress. Just joking!!! Come casual and comfortable. #productmanagement #productmanagementjobs #productmanagementcareers #productmanagementtransition #productgym #speedtolead

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