The author reflects on childhood dreams of becoming a doctor, which changed after struggles with organic chemistry, leading to pursuing a Master’s in Library and Information Science.
Library work involved early tech innovations like putting card catalogs 'in the cloud,' providing a foundation for future product management skills.
Working in various libraries unknowingly built the author's toolkit for product management, focusing on information architecture and accessibility.
Transitioning from libraries to comedy, the author spent a decade building an improv theater and school, further honing product management skills.
Joining an edtech startup in 2020 marked the author's official role as an 'Accidental Product Manager,' utilizing previous experiences to tackle product challenges.
Applying library science knowledge to an edtech setting, the author approaches content organization from a human-centered perspective rather than relying solely on AI tools.
The author's diverse background proves beneficial in product management, allowing for a unique perspective to bridge technical capabilities with human needs.
Embracing a non-traditional path, the author finds strength in asking 'stupid' questions and translating between different disciplines, like in improv scenes.
The author demonstrates that unconventional experiences can be a competitive advantage in product management, highlighting the value of diverse skills and perspectives.
Success in product management is attributed to embracing individuality and diverse experiences, rather than conforming to a predetermined path.