Micro-Interview: Ivan Damyanov, Sr. Product Manager | Loren Networks
💬 "Initially, I wish I had understood the value of starting small and simple rather than attempting to build a rocket from day one."
INTRO NOTE:
Ivan Damyanov is a Senior Product Manager at Loren Networks, a company specializing in telecommunications, innovative technical solutions, system integration, and IoT technology. The company has a strong focus on corporate solutions in the ICT and Energy fields.
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?”
My journey into product management culminated in diverse experiences that ultimately led me to discover my true passion. As I navigated through various roles in my career, each step provided invaluable lessons and insights, shaping my understanding of different aspects of business. However, it wasn't until about six years ago, when I stepped into the role of a Product Manager within the aircraft maintenance industry, that I truly found my calling.
With each project, I became increasingly drawn to the art and science of product management, continuously honing my skills and expanding my knowledge base. This journey has reaffirmed my passion for product management and equipped me with the expertise and determination to drive transformative change and deliver value in every endeavor.
“How do you start your mornings at work?”
My mornings at work typically kick off with a casual catch-up with colleagues by the coffee machine, where we discuss recent football games or Formula 1 races. After fueling up with that magical first cup, I dive into the day's priorities. I start by reviewing my to-do list, identifying the most critical tasks, and then sifting through emails in my inbox to ensure I'm up to speed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
“What do you know about product management now that you wish you’d known when you first started?”
What I've come to realize about product management since I first started is the paramount importance of prioritizing customer needs over complex solutions.
Initially, I wish I had understood the value of starting small and simple rather than attempting to build a rocket from day one.
Focusing on incremental progress and continuously iterating based on customer feedback can help us achieve more meaningful and successful outcomes. This approach fosters greater customer satisfaction and allows for more efficient scaling as we refine and expand our product offerings over time.
“What did your biggest product failure teach you?”
My most significant product failure taught me the invaluable lesson of challenging assumptions, even under pressure to deliver a feature.
It underscored the importance of open-mindedness and actively seeking diverse perspectives and insights to inform decision-making.
By embracing this mindset and diligently gathering as much information as possible, I learned to navigate challenges more effectively and make informed decisions that pave the way for success.
“What’s the #1 thing that has helped you shorten your product management learning curve?”
Maintaining discipline, embracing challenges, and staying relentlessly focused on my goals have been the most impactful factors in accelerating my learning curve in product management.
“How do you stay updated on the best practices in product management?”
I stay updated on product management best practices by dedicating time weekly to read articles and newsletters from sources like Product Coalition. Additionally, I actively engage in online communities like LinkedIn groups, where recent discussions on agile methodologies provide practical insights.