Micro-Interview: Sonya Vrabcheva, Director of Product Management | Quantive
💬 "even if you flawlessly execute the product development, skipping essential homework and idea validation can quickly turn success into a substantial failure"
Sonya Vrabcheva is a Director of Product Management at Quantive - a leading strategy execution software and services company inspired by the OKRs methodology.
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?”
Starting my professional journey as a QA specialist in a product-focused company, I noticed a common thread between the QA and product manager roles. Both require a shared curiosity and a relentless pursuit of understanding the "why" behind each need.
So, moving into product management felt like a natural progression for me. Looking back, I'm glad I took the chance to do something I love, and that helped me grow.
“How do you start your mornings at work?”
My mornings begin with a thorough review of new emails, Slack messages, reminders, and a calendar check for the day and the week ahead. One of my daily rituals involves crafting a to-do list, a practice I find extremely beneficial in setting the right tone for the workday. It's interesting that I prefer the tactile experience of writing the to-do list on paper, as handwriting improves my memory and helps me to stay focused on priorities.
“What do you know about product management now that you wish you’d known when you first started?”
Coming from my background, initially, it felt instinctive to collaborate closely with design and engineering teams on my PM journey.
However, what I didn't immediately grasp was the importance of connecting with other vital teams, including Success, Marketing, and Sales.
Regardless of a company's size, regular communication with these teams is crucial for gaining deeper insights into customers, prospects, and the broader market landscape.
“What did your biggest product failure teach you?”
The most significant lesson from my major product failure is the recognition that even if you flawlessly execute the product development, skipping essential homework and idea validation can quickly turn success into a substantial failure.
Every phase of the product management journey holds inherent value, emphasizing the importance of navigating each step – from initial discovery to success measurement – for a truly impactful end result.
“What’s the #1 thing that has helped you shorten your product management learning curve?”
The key to speeding up my product management learning was diving in without fearing failure. I firmly believe that books, articles, and lessons provide foundational knowledge, but genuine learning comes from hands-on experiences.
“How do you stay updated on the best practices in product management?”
I stay updated on the latest product management best practices by following product experts on LinkedIn and participating in Product Management communities. This enriches my social media feed with diverse product discussions, allowing me to delve into interesting cases and scenarios. Additionally, I’m trying to make time for webinars and podcasts such as the Product Podcast, Lenny’s Podcast, and the Product Hunt Radio.
However, what helps me the most is the privilege of being part of an exceptional team, which adds a lot to my never-ending learning journey.