Micro-Interview: Angel Kurtev, Product Lead | Dreamix
💬"I have learned the hard way that a functional MVP, which serves a core need, is more valuable than a comprehensive solution delivered months later."
INTRO NOTE:
Angel Kurtev is a Product Lead at Dreamix, a bespoke software development company focused on the fintech, healthcare, and aviation industries (editor’s note: Dreamix was recently acquired and is now part of Synechron).
In under 500 words, he shares:
How he got into product management…
How he starts his mornings for maximum productivity…
Some of his sources of learning…
And more…
Enjoy!
“How did you get into product management?”
I started as a junior product manager in a telecommunication company soon after graduating from university. I learned and practiced many business skills but sought something more techie. I liked being in the intersection between business and technology very much, and after the telco sector, I decided to pursue a PM role for software products.
I started 8 years ago as a business analyst in a software services company, and currently, I am in Dreamix as a product lead for a major product group of one of our partners. I work with POs of 5 scrum teams weekly and meet clients from Australia to North America.
“How do you start your mornings at work?”
I start my day by reading "the newsletter" - all emails from last night and early morning. Usually, I have planned my daily schedule from the previous day, so in the morning, I might try to fit in one or two more urgent tasks that have come from "the newsletter.”
I have more headspace in the first half of the day, so I usually prioritize design sessions or writing/reviewing longer documents.
“What do you know about product management now that you wish you’d known when you first started?”
Effective product management is not only about knowing the product, the clients, the business, and the industry; it also requires solid skills in sales, negotiations, and management to align all internal and external stakeholders.
Also, use the 5 Why strategy more. It might sound trivial, but what people say they want usually differs from what they really want or need.
“What did your biggest product failure teach you?”
I have learned the hard way that a functional MVP, which serves a core need, is more valuable than a comprehensive solution delivered months later.
Clients tend to disagree that a minimal MVP is enough until they see it. People develop this skill with experience, but it is much easier if you get your core product value right.
“What’s the #1 thing that has helped you shorten your product management learning curve?”
For B2B SaaS products - to work with the implementation team and to configure the product for a real client.
In other words, I need to keep close to clients to see how they use and test the product myself.
“How do you stay updated on the best practices in product management?”
Being a father of three boys, I don`t have much time to keep up to date with best practices. Still, I usually read posts and discussions in the ProductTank Sofia Facebook group, follow SVPG content, and follow Shreya Doshi on X. I talk to friends in the industry and participate in discussions in the product club at Dreamix. I am always curious about new tools, so I test many, although I use a few daily.