EDITOR’S NOTE:
Boryana Atanasova is a Group Product Manager at Ocado Technology, a company building the future of online retail through world-class systems at the intersection of robotics and IoT, cloud platforms, big data, machine learning, software development, and beyond.
In under 500 words, she shares:
How she got into product management…
How she starts her mornings for maximum productivity…
Some of her sources of learning…
And more…
Enjoy!

“How did you get into product management?”
Product management found me! I was deeply entrenched in project and process management when I took the role of an agile coach for a brand-new product development team in my previous job. Despite the corporate setting, there was an exciting start-up vibe, where everyone wore multiple hats. It was in this dynamic environment that I was captivated by the "product management bug," falling head over heels for this ever-evolving field.
“How do you start your mornings at work?”
My mornings at work kick off with a ritual that I hold near and dear to my heart - a cup of tea and a cozy chat with my remarkable team of product managers. This daily rendezvous isn't just about caffeination; it's a shot of enthusiasm and inspiration. As part of my morning routine, I always remind myself to answer one crucial question: "Why am I enjoying myself today?" And often, it's my fantastic team that provides the answer – not just today, but every day!
“What do you know about product management now that you wish you’d known when you first started?”
Here's the secret sauce: you don't need to be fluent in Engineering to be a successful product manager. If you're from a non-engineering background, diving into the technical world of product management might seem daunting. But here's the scoop: engineers are some of the most approachable folks you'll meet. They're fantastic at explaining things; all you must do is ask! Don't let the jargon intimidate you – embrace the learning process.
“What did your biggest product failure teach you?”
The courage to euthanize a beloved product. Sometimes, you birth a product, nurture it, and watch it grow, only to realize that it's not serving its purpose anymore. It takes a unique kind of bravery to say goodbye. But, ultimately, our mission is to deliver value, and that might mean ripping off the band-aid for the greater good.
“What’s the #1 thing that has helped you shorten your product management learning curve?”
The unsung heroes in my journey have been my remarkable team. They've instilled in me that curiosity is the compass that leads to conquering any new challenge. So, ask, explore, and be relentlessly curious when in doubt.
“How do you stay updated on the best practices in product management?”
My quest for product management excellence never wanes. I recently completed Teresa Torres' master class on continuous discovery habits, which was transformative. But that's not all; being part of a large organization has its advantages. We frequently attend product conferences, absorbing wisdom from leaders like Georgie Smallwood, Yi Wei Ang, and Jessica Hall. It's not just about listening to inspirational talks; it's also about connecting with fellow PMs worldwide and broadening our horizons. Within our organization, we have a wealth of product colleagues who generously share insights, creating forums for idea exchange and knowledge sharing.