Can I transition into product management from a different field or industry?

Yes, it is possible to transition into product management from various different field or industry by leveraging different skill sets and continuous learning.

What are the benefits of a career in product management?

Product management offers intellectually stimulating work, excellent salary prospects, and significant career growth opportunities. It allows individuals to work on innovative projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and make a meaningful impact on a company’s success.

What are the career growth prospects for product managers?

Product management provides ample opportunities for career growth. As you gain experience and develop your skills, you can progress from entry-level roles to senior or executive positions.

Pushpalatha Lakkala Unleashing Product Leadership - A Journey from Non-Managerial Roots to Product Manager

June 24, 2023
Alumni Stories
15 min read

Pushpalatha Lakkala – Product Manager, Practo

Discover how Pushpalatha Lakkala, a dedicated product manager at Eclon Software Technologies, embarked on a transformative journey of growth and empowerment toward product leadership. She shares her experiences and the invaluable support she received from the Institute of Product Leadership (IPL) and its Career Labs. From her initial role as a startup founder to her transition into product management, Pushpalatha’s story highlights the power of self-discovery and skill development and the profound impact it can have on one’s career. Discover how IPL deepened her understanding of product management concepts while helping her refine her communication and presentation skills.

Key Takeaways:

Pushpalatha’s transition from being a startup founder to a product manager was facilitated by the Institute of Product Leadership (IPL).
This blog explores how IPL expanded her knowledge of product management concepts and provided a comprehensive perspective on the role.
Here we will also delve into how IPL refined her communication and presentation skills, and how Career Labs module at IPL empowered her.

"IPL actually has been an eye-opener for me in a lot of things, not just about the concepts, but helped me groom myself for interviews to present my thought process in a very distinct manner."

In this article

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From Startup Founder to Product Manager

Pushpalatha’s journey from being a startup founder to becoming a product manager showcases her remarkable transition and the role played by the Institute of Product Leadership. Initially, as the founder of Kampali, her own startup facilitating nature getaways, she possessed a passion for product management that led her to explore new avenues. Joining Eclon Software Technologies as a product owner, Pushpalatha dove headfirst into the world of product management. However, it was her association with IPL that truly accelerated her growth. IPL became her guiding light, providing her with a deeper understanding of product management concepts, techniques, and strategies. This institute also went beyond theory, offering practical guidance and mentorship to help her develop into a competent product manager.

Enriching Knowledge at IPL

Pushpalatha attributes a significant part of her growth and development to her experience at the Institute of Product Leadership (IPL). IPL served as a valuable platform that not only expanded her knowledge of product management concepts but also provided her with a deeper understanding of the field. During her time at IPL, she gained insights into evaluating situations, problem-solving, and empathizing with users. The institute’s curriculum and teachings exposed her to the multifaceted nature of the role, enabling her to approach product management with a more comprehensive perspective.

Refining Communication and Presentation Skills

IPL not only deepened her understanding of product management concepts but also helped refine her communication and presentation skills. The institute recognized the importance of effectively articulating ideas and thoughts in the professional world. Through mentorship from experienced professionals like Mr. Christian Mallur and Cairn Arsenal, Pushpalatha received guidance on how to present herself with confidence and clarity. These mentors not only helped her identify her strengths but also provided constructive feedback to overcome her lack of confidence.

Empowering through Career Labs

One standout aspect of Pushpalatha’s product management certification program was Career Labs. This module focused on self-discovery and understanding the value proposition of product management. It equipped her with the ability to analyze job descriptions, identify her strengths, and further align her strengths with the job requirements, boosting her overall confidence and preparedness for interviews. It helped her gain valuable insights into the intricacies of product development, and understanding customer needs, and market dynamics.

Looking to take your career to the next level in product management? Look no further than the Institute of Product Leadership, your ideal destination for comprehensive courses and guided mentorship.

About the Author

Pushpalatha Lakkala – Product Manager, Practo

Pushpalatha Lakkala is an experienced Product Manager with over 10 years of experience in product management and entrepreneurship. She has an expertise in financial and risk management, stakeholder management, and personal and organizational values.

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