Tolulope Lawal

"Building the Future, One Intentional Step at a Time" With the start of the new year, I reflect on the lessons learned over the past year—in my role as a Product Manager and in my personal life. One theme resonates clearly: intentionality. Whether balancing stability and growth in product development or managing priorities in life, I’ve seen how much progress can be made by focusing on what truly matters. This year, I’m setting my sights on a few key things: 1. Building with Purpose: Every product decision will be tied to a bigger vision, ensuring it creates user value and aligns with the strategy. 2. Living Intentionally: Inspired by lessons from "I Will Teach You to Be Rich," I want to carry the idea of intentional spending—money and time—into how I work and live. 3. Balancing Priorities: As a husband, father, and professional, I want to focus on what makes the most significant difference, whether family time, meaningful work, or self-improvement. The new year isn’t just a time for resolutions—it’s a time for reflection and direction. It’s about building better habits, products, and relationships with the same care and focus I bring to my work. Cheers to a year of purposeful development—for our products, team, and the lives we influence.

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🚀 Product Discovery Insights: Week 2 Reflections from the Product Space PM Fellowship 🚀 This week, I dove deep into product discovery—a process focused on understanding users' needs and validating our ideas before full-scale development. Here are my top three insights on what it means to build with purpose: 1️⃣ Listen to the User, Not Assumptions Discovery begins with listening. I learned that effective product managers seek to understand user pain points through methods like empathy mapping and user interviews, moving beyond assumptions to uncover the “why” behind user needs. The magic happens when we ask “why” multiple times, peeling back the layers to find real problems. 2️⃣ Validate Fast and Iterate Often Rapid prototyping was another key takeaway. By testing ideas quickly with low-fidelity models, we can gather feedback early, learning what resonates without investing too many resources upfront. Tools like Figma and MVPs are invaluable here, giving us a feedback loop that aligns with user needs. 3️⃣ Competitor Analysis: Spotting the Gaps and Opportunities In product discovery, understanding the competition reveals crucial insights and opportunities. By analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, we can define a unique value proposition that meets users’ needs and stands out in the market. 💡 Takeaway: Product discovery is all about asking the right questions, testing early, and always centering on real user needs. With the right insights, we can build products that not only function well but also resonate deeply with users. Thank you Akhil Yash Tiwari, and Sonia Vora, for your incredible guidance and inspiration this week! #ProductManagement #PMFellowship #UserResearch #ProductDiscovery #Innovation

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What I Wish I Knew When I Started 🚀 Starting out as a product manager felt like diving into the deep end. Over time, I’ve picked up lessons that I wish someone had handed me on Day 1. Here are my top takeaways for anyone just starting out: 💫 Embrace Ambiguity: You won’t always have all the details. Learning to thrive in uncertainty is a skill worth mastering early. 💫 Perfection is the Enemy of Progress: Launching a good MVP beats waiting for the “perfect” product. Iterate, learn, and improve as you go. 💫 It’s Okay to Ask for Help: No one expects you to have it all figured out. Seek guidance, network, and learn from others who’ve been in your shoes. 💫 Prioritize Ruthlessly: You can’t do everything, and neither can your team. Focus on the work that drives the most impact. 💫 Feedback is a Gift: Whether from your team, stakeholders, or users, feedback is how you grow. Seek it actively and listen without defensiveness. If you’re just starting out, I hope these help! And if you’re further along in your journey, what’s one piece of advice you’d share with your younger self? Let’s learn together! #30DaysOfLinkedIn #ProductManagement #GrowthJourney

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Dear Aspiring Product Managers, I hope this letter finds you well. Last week, I delved into "The Release of Power" by Bishop David Oyedepo and found some powerful insights relevant to product management. Summary: The book emphasizes that Christianity without power is unfulfilled. It outlines power sources such as being born of God, God's word, prayer, the name of Jesus, faith, testimonies, giving, spreading the gospel, the Holy Spirit, and impartation. The key message is that Christians are empowered to lead, with Satan already defeated. Insights for Product Managers: 1. Embrace Your Identity:Just as being born of God grants access to spiritual power, recognizing your unique strengths and potential is crucial for leadership. 2. Continuous Learning:The Bible is a source of power for Christians. Similarly, staying informed and constantly learning enhances your ability to lead effectively. 3. Consistent Planning:Regular prayer releases spiritual power. In the same way, consistent strategic planning and reflection empower you to navigate challenges. 4. Utilize Your Tools:The name of Jesus holds unbeatable power. As a product manager, leveraging the right tools and resources can help you overcome any obstacle. 5. Confidence in Decisions:Faith in the blood of Jesus helps overcome challenges. Confidence in your strategic decisions will similarly guide you through tough times. 6. Share Successes:Testimonies strengthen faith. Sharing your successes and lessons learned with your team fosters a culture of continuous improvement. 7. Foster Generosity:Just as giving unlocks blessings, fostering a culture of support and generosity within your team can lead to greater overall success. 8. Clear Communication:Sharing the gospel builds spiritual strength. Clearly communicating your vision strengthens your team’s alignment and motivation. 9. Empower Your Team: The Holy Spirit empowers believers. Empowering your team with autonomy and trust enhances their performance and innovation. 10. Learn from Experts:Impartation involves receiving power from anointed teachings. Similarly, learning from industry experts and mentors can significantly boost your professional growth. Living with Power: Living with the awareness of your leadership capabilities and the power you hold as a product manager is essential. Just as Christians are called to recognize their spiritual authority, you are called to lead with confidence, resilience, and a commitment to continuous improvement. I hope these insights from "The Release of Power" inspire you to harness your strengths and lead with confidence in your product management journey. Keep believing in yourself and your potential to make a significant impact. Yours in Product Management, Temitope O.

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⭐️ Building Girls In Tech RDU: A Product Manager’s Approach ⭐️ As a Product Manager, my core mission is to identify user needs and craft impactful solutions 💡. When co-founding the Girls In Tech RDU Networking Group, I applied the same structured, user-focused approach to create a community that truly resonates. 🔍 The Process: ✅ Understanding the User Through user research, I connected with women in tech across RDU to understand their experiences and challenges with existing tech networking opportunities. Key insights included: -A lack of in-person, women-focused tech groups in RDU. -High costs of attendance discouraging participation. -Formal events limiting genuine networking time. ✅ Analyzing the Market I conducted market research to explore existing women-focused tech groups, their offerings, and engagement strategies. This analysis helped me shape a unique value proposition for Girls In Tech RDU, ensuring we stood apart by addressing unmet needs. ✅ Defining the Vision The vision for Girls In Tech RDU was clear: create a low-cost, high-value networking experience for women in tech, tailored to the RDU area. ✅ Prioritizing Features Key elements of the event design included: -Location: A woman-owned venue, reinforcing the focus on supporting women across sectors. -Cost: Free registration to eliminate barriers. -Time: A convenient 6–8 PM slot for professionals. -Event Format: Casual, floating networking, maximizing authentic conversations. -Marketing: A compelling, inviting campaign through social media (LinkedIn, Facebook) to attract the right audience. ✅ Product Launch Our inaugural event was met with overwhelming success. Attendees loved the low-cost, women-centered environment and expressed a strong desire to return. We collected feedback through post-event surveys to continue refining future experiences and improve engagement. ✅ Continuous Growth We’re committed to evolving Girls In Tech RDU by continuously listening to our “users” and delivering experiences that resonate. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling journey to apply my PM expertise to empower women in tech in the RDU area 😌 Become a member of our Facebook Group today, to know about our future events: https://lnkd.in/ecMyhdA6 #ProductManagement #PMLife #ProductManager #Tech #Innovation #WomenInTech #Product #GirlsInTechRDU #OpenToWork

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Do you know you can learn practical PM skills in just 2 months? I did it with Product Space, PM Fellowship cohort! If you wish to grab yourself some real experience at product management and are looking to transition in to PM roles, I'd urge you to check out Product Space 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝗺𝘆 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝟭𝟭 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝗲. Here's why I'd recommend it : 1.𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: I have always been able to connect with the mentors personally. For me, that's a big deal since I like go beyond what's taught in sessions and there hasn't been a day I have not been able to reach out to a mentor for clarification on my doubts. 2. 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬: I have worked on numerous assignments that helped me understand how exactly it'd be to become a PM. 3. 𝐂𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: I have connected with some of the best and like-minded individuals who have experience working in different sectors, shared their experience and have learnt and grown together. 4. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩: Placement support is crucial. What's also crucial is that your can discuss your career aspirations with mentors who help you out in any way possible. Whether you're a complete beginner or an existing PM looking to refine your skills, I would say do check out their PM Fellowship program.   It's an amazing way to gain the knowledge, experience, and network you need to succeed in product management. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁! 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗹 - 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝟭𝟬% 𝗼𝗳𝗳 I had an incredible journey! Happy to connect to share my experience. #ProductManagement #PMFellowship #CareerTransition #Learning #Networking #ProductSpace

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Transitioning into Product Management -- Tips to navigate easily. Recently,I had the privilege to attend Omolara Osiyemi - CMKtr, ACIM webinar where she emphasized on the tips and steps to take to transition into product management. The key takeaways: -Technical skills are important to be a product manager, but the soft skills goes a long way to make the process easy too. -Understand that you have to start small...you are knowledgeable than you think, start from where you are. -Having a foundational knowledge about product management, from the keywords to the tools, frameworks and processes widens your knowledge and helps you grow. -Build your portfolio, this helps showcase the problems you have solved and how you relate with the problems rather the solution. -Learn to network, your network is your net worth. It connects you with like minds that helps you grow. -To ace interviews you need to have a product sense for product execution. -Your current career path won't stop you from transitioning if you really want to, ... Your passion for satisfying users and solving their problems is one of the keys to prepare you for your new role/ path. -Challenges are inevitable, the imposter syndrome will try to stop you from showing who you really are..try to overcome and figure out what unique skill you have. -Learn to ask questions and volunteer to develop and build your skills with real life projects. Many of us are eager to become product managers, but not many of us are ready to go through the grooming process into becoming good Product Managers. There are so many resources you can access, start today. #transitioning #ProductManagement #learning #product #productmanager #growth

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Founders often swing between slapping together untested products or creating feature-bloated behemoths. The trick isn't just launching and learning from an MVP—it's about delivering value right from the start! Take a page from Thomas Edison’s playbook. He didn’t invent the light bulb; he perfected it. Edison transformed viable but impractical inventions into valuable, lasting solutions. That’s the essence of MVE—making products not just functional but truly invaluable. Think of MVE as the gourmet version of MVP. Instead of just serving a functional appetizer, MVE is the full-course meal that leaves your users craving more! 🌟So, why settle for viable when you can aim for valuable? Let's create products that shine brighter and last longer. 💡✨ #ProductManagement #MVE #Innovation #UserExperience #StartupSuccess #EdisonDidItBetter

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To everyone starting out in tech or product management, this one's for you! The journey into this field might feel overwhelming at first—there's so much to learn, and it often feels like you're playing catch-up. But here’s the truth: everyone starts somewhere. Take one step at a time, embrace the learning process, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The real growth comes from experimenting, making mistakes, and learning from them. Surround yourself with a community that lifts you up and pushes you to do better. I’ve been there too (still am, sorta 😅), and what helped me the most was staying consistent, leaning into curiosity, and not giving up, even when things got tough. You’re exactly where you need to be, and with time and persistence, you’ll see the progress you’re working so hard for. Keep pushing, keep growing, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. #Tech #ProductManagement #GrowthMindset #LearningJourney #StayInspired #Encouragement #UnscriptedandunchartedpodcastwithOfure

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IT'S MY TURN TO RANT TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let’s get real for a second—there’s a side of product management no one talks about. It’s the part that stretches you thin in ways you didn’t expect, both mentally and emotionally. 1. The Never-Ending Mental Load: You’re the brain behind every move, always trying to figure out how to make things better. Even when you’re “off,” your mind keeps spinning with ideas, problems, and solutions. It’s like the switch never flips off. Exhausting? Absolutely. 2. Handholding When You Shouldn’t Have To: There’s nothing more draining than having to hold someone’s hand through tasks they should already be on top of. Instead of focusing on the big picture, you end up babysitting, guiding them step by step when your energy is already spread thin. 3. Stakeholders vs. Vision: You’ve got stakeholders with their own ideas, but their vision doesn’t always align with where the product needs to go. Navigating those conversations while staying true to the product’s vision? Let’s just say it takes a lot of patience and energy. 4. Speaking Everyone’s Language: Communication—it sounds so simple, but it’s anything but. Every day, you’re switching between talking to backend devs, frontend devs, designers, marketers…each speaking their own ‘language.’ And you’re expected to make sure everyone understands each other perfectly. Not as easy as it sounds. 5. Wearing Too Many Hats: One minute you’re knee-deep in product testing, the next you’re writing content, or even handling customer feedback. Some days it feels like you’re doing everyone’s job just to keep things running smoothly. It’s a constant juggling act. 6. Balancing Work and Life: Let’s be honest—how do you even balance your work life with your personal life when you’re already stretched so thin? It’s a real challenge to keep your personal brand alive while also giving 110% to your job. And don’t get me started on mental well-being. 7. Unrealistic Expectations: And then, of course, there’s the pressure to deliver. “We need this product in two months.” Sound familiar? You’re expected to move mountains in record time, and somehow you’re supposed to keep your cool through it all. It’s a wild ride. I’ve been through this before, shoutout to internships like HNG Tech, so I’ve seen the pressure firsthand. But seriously, how do you manage your mental health when you’re dealing with all of this and working remotely? I’m genuinely curious—how do you guys cope? Drop your thoughts below because we could all use a little support. 🖤 #productmanagement #mentalhealth #worklifebalance #RealTalkPM #productjunkie #pmstruggles

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💡 Self-Reflection on my Product Management Journey in 2024 💡 The past four months have been a transformative period in my product management journey, one filled with lots of growth, learning, and tangible accomplishments that I’m most grateful for. I’m currently reflecting on this phase and I am proud of the strides I’ve made in solidifying my skills, embracing the challenges, meeting amazing people in the process, coaching others and delivering impactful results.   ✔️ I completed 3 product management Internships - This year, I secured and successfully completed 3 internships in a short span of time, some of which I worked on simultaneously and each of them presented unique challenges which taught me valuable lessons.   ✔️ Built an MVP - As a product manager, I volunteered and participated in an agricultural hackathon and led a passionate team to the creation of an AgricNexus MVP app for farmers; a revolutionary app that seeks to connects farmers with buyers of farm produce, offers crop health monitoring, and integrates training features for local farmers. This project was deeply meaningful to me, as it combined my interest in technology with my strong desire to create social impact.   ✔️ Launched an E-commerce platform -The launch of RenergyHub was another milestone in my journey. This project required me to leverage my skills in product design, product leadership and management, cross functional collaboration with the UI/UX designers, front-end, and back-end engineering. I worked tirelessly with my team to ensure we created a seamless user experience while ensuring the platform’s functionality met business objectives. The successful completion of this project was a testament to my ability to juggle multiple tasks and yet deliver quality results under tight schedules.   📌 My Key Takeaways 📌 Adaptability is Key: Balancing internships, personal projects, work and hackathons taught me to adapt quickly to new challenges and manage my time effectively. Collaboration Drives Success: Whether working with developers, designers, or stakeholders, I learned that effective collaboration is at the heart of every successful product management and I can’t thank all of the team I had the pleasure of working with enough. Continuous Learning: Each experience enriched my knowledge in P.M, from solving real- life P.M problems, to mastering agile practices, and refining my skills in building user-centric products.   👓 Looking Ahead: As I move forward into 2025, I aim to build on these experiences by taking on more challenging projects, further developing my technical expertise, and deepening my understanding of user needs. These four months have reaffirmed my passion for product management and my commitment to driving innovation through thoughtful, impactful solutions. This journey has been nothing short of fulfilling, and I am excited to see where my skills and determination will take me next.

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Highly recommend this course for anyone looking to learn about product management!

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🛤 The Importance of Roadmaps in Product Management Hi, I am Fortress Okechukwu.A product and project manager. One of the most valuable tools I’m learning about in product management is the roadmap. Think of a roadmap as a strategic plan that outlines where a product is headed, why, and how it’ll get there. It’s not just a list of features or tasks—it’s a guiding vision that aligns teams and stakeholders around a common goal. Why Roadmaps Matter: Clarity and Focus: A roadmap provides a clear direction, helping everyone understand priorities and the big picture. Alignment: By communicating the product vision and priorities, roadmaps keep all teams aligned and reduce miscommunication. Adaptability: While it provides structure, a roadmap also allows for flexibility, so we can adjust as user needs or market conditions change. What I’m Learning: Creating a roadmap involves balancing strategic goals with realistic timelines. I’m exploring tools like Trello and Asana to map out high-level goals and dive into actionable steps. It’s a powerful way to visualize progress and keep everyone moving toward the same destination. #ProductManagement #Roadmaps #StrategicPlanning #LearningJourney #ProjectManagement

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Reflecting on My Journey as a Product Manager Happy Monday, LinkedIn community! As the week kicks off, I find myself reflecting on my journey as a Product Manager. When I first stepped into the role, I was filled with excitement and a little bit of apprehension—what would it mean to lead projects, coordinate teams, and ensure timely delivery? Each challenge has not only helped me grow but has also taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, communication, and the importance of stakeholder engagement. While my posts might not see the high engagement I hope for, I remind myself that growth is a journey. Everyone’s experience is unique, and I believe in sharing mine to inspire or connect with others who might be on a similar path. I’m eager to learn from you all as well! What experiences have shaped your journey in project management? Any tips for fostering more connections and engagement? Let’s start a conversation! Here’s to a fruitful week ahead, and to all the PMs out there navigating their paths—let's continue to support and uplift each other! 🙌 #Pm #GrowthMindset #Community

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Notes like these really brighten my day! Product market fit is my sweet spot across any industry! I would love the opportunity to share these insights again with Amazon Black Business Accelerator! #productmarketfit #agiledevlopment #business

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🌟 Excited to share a major milestone in my product journey! 🚀 Just wrapped up the inaugural cohort of Product Sense by pmcurve, and WOW, what a game-changer! 🎉 This experience has been nothing short of transformation, equipping me with invaluable insights into what it truly means to lead in product management across any industry or product type – whether it's a productivity app, attention-grabbing platform, or transactional tool. Through this immersive program, I've honed my ability to uncover problems, evaluate product concepts, craft robust strategies, and execute killer go-to-market plans. And let me tell you, I never expected to be writing a 6-page thesis on a product idea, let alone having the opportunity to pitch it to seasoned founders of successful product companies! 😄 Massive kudos to Deepak Singh for spearheading this initiative and curating such a unique curriculum, blending elements from pilot training to human physiology. It's truly been a masterclass in product leadership. But perhaps the greatest reward has been joining a vibrant community of like-minded product managers, leaders, and founders, all united by a shared commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. 🌊💼 #ProductSense #ContinuousLearning #ProductLeadership #PMCurve #ProductSense1Cohort

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👨🏻‍💻 Excited to share my second post in the product management series! In this latest entry, I delve into the "10 Skills Every Product Manager Should Cultivate" to thrive in this dynamic role. From strategic thinking and crafting compelling product visions to mastering market research and embracing a customer-centric approach, the skills required to excel as a product manager are diverse and essential. I also discuss the importance of technical expertise, Agile methodologies, and data-driven decision-making—skills that empower product managers to make informed decisions and maintain the competitiveness of their products. Leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability are key to effective product management. These qualities enable influencing without authority, navigating complex challenges, and adapting to changing market conditions. Dive into the complete blog to explore each skill in detail and learn how to apply them to enhance your product management expertise Let's discuss the most crucial or challenging skills for a product manager in the comments below! #productmanagement #productstrategy #productvision

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As I reflect on my journey in product management, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences and challenges that have shaped my career. From leading cross-functional teams to delivering impactful products, the journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to bridge the gap between customer needs and business goals. Whether it’s driving product growth, improving user experiences, or collaborating with talented teams, every day brings a new challenge and a new chance to innovate. I’m passionate about leveraging data and insights to make informed product decisions and continuously enhance the value we deliver to our users. The dynamic nature of product management keeps me motivated to learn, grow, and adapt to the ever-evolving tech landscape. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in product development, and I’m always eager to connect with fellow professionals who share this passion. Here’s to the future of product management and the incredible journey ahead! 💡 #ProductManagement #Innovation #Tech #GrowthMindset #Leadership

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