Navigating the Maze: The Struggles of an Introverted Product Manager

Finding Your Voice.

Today’s Guest Post is a short interview with Tomisin Agbaje, a product manager at SeamlessHR. With over 4 years of product experience, Tomisin has worked on several products in fintech, FMCG, Edtech, and Public Sector. Tomisin loves watching movies, cooking, hanging out with friends, and the gym.

As product managers, our responsibilities extend beyond managing products and outcomes. We also face the complex task of navigating human relationships, influencing stakeholders, and effectively communicating the status of our products. While some may find these aspects come naturally, for introverted product managers, they can present unique challenges.

In this brief interview, we delve into the experiences of Tomisin, an introverted product manager, as we uncover the hurdles, personal growth, and strategies employed in this dynamic role.

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Fumnanya: Hello, Tomisin! Thank you for speaking with me. Can you share your journey as an introverted product manager and what sparked your interest in this role?

Tomisin: Thank you for having me. Throughout my life, I've identified as an introvert, finding comfort in quieter settings. However, I recognized the need for impactful decision-making and wanted to contribute more to product development.

My transition from a product specialist, where I dealt with customer challenges, to product management was driven by my curiosity and desired to make critical product decisions.

Fumnanya: That's fascinating! As an introverted product manager, what strategies do you employ to thrive in a role that requires constant communication and collaboration?

Tomisin: One of the biggest challenges for me as an introvert is managing the energy drain caused by extensive communication and collaboration. To mitigate this, I've been fortunate to have an extroverted and enthusiastic engineering manager/technical lead throughout my career.

We leverage digital platforms like Slack or Teams to discuss tasks and requirements, allowing me to find a balance in team dynamics. However, I'm aware that assertiveness is key to influencing decisions, and that's an area I'm actively working on.

Fumnanya: Finding that balance is crucial. How do you prioritize self-care and set boundaries to recharge your energy while managing collaborative demands?

Tomisin: It took some trial and error, but I've learned the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. I prioritize alone time throughout the day to recharge and gather my thoughts.

Open communication with my team helps me balance face-to-face interactions and written communication, which allows me to articulate my ideas effectively. Additionally, having a trusted friend to bounce ideas off of has been invaluable.

Fumnanya: Effective communication plays a significant role. Have you encountered difficulties expressing your ideas or gaining visibility as an introverted product manager?

Tomisin: Absolutely. Being introverted often means having a quieter presence in meetings or brainstorming sessions, making it challenging to have my ideas heard. However, I've learned to prepare in advance, ensuring I have a clear understanding of my thoughts and ideas.

Finding allies within the team who can amplify my ideas when necessary has also been instrumental. Striking the right balance in preparation is crucial, as being over-prepared can lead to nervousness.

Fumnanya: Building relationships and finding allies is a valuable strategy. How do you approach networking and relationship-building as an introvert?

Tomisin: Networking events can be overwhelming for introverts, so I've discovered that smaller, more intimate gatherings or one-on-one conversations suit me better. I focus on finding common ground and shared interests when building relationships. It's important to remember that networking extends beyond events and can be nurtured through meaningful connections with colleagues, stakeholders, and industry peers.

Fumnanya: That's a refreshing perspective. Have you encountered any specific challenges in terms of career growth as an introverted product manager?

Tomisin: Advancing into a leadership role poses unique challenges for introverts, as traditional leadership styles often emphasize extroverted qualities. To overcome this, I've had to showcase my strengths, such as deep analytical thinking and empathy.

Seeking mentors and joining communities where I can learn from other introverted leaders has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. I'm still navigating this path and continually learning along the way.

Fumnanya: Thank you for sharing valuable insights. What advice would you give to aspiring introverted product managers?

Tomisin: Embrace your introversion as a strength rather than a weakness. Honour your need for solitude while finding effective ways to collaborate with others. Openly communicate your needs to your team and seek support when necessary. Remember there's no one-size-fits-all approach, so experiment with different strategies and discover what works best for you.

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Thank you for reading.

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