EDITOR’S NOTE:
Svetoslav is Head of Product, Risk and Compliance of Paysafe - a company that connects merchants and consumers around the world through seamless payment processing, digital wallet, and online cash solutions.
Note: ProductTank Sofia will be hosting a unique event together with the Paysafe team titled “Building fintech products while keeping fraud at bay”. Find more info and subscribe here.
In under 500 words, he shares:
How he got into product management…
How he starts her mornings for maximum productivity…
Some of his sources of learning…
And more…
Enjoy!

“How did you get into product management?”
As someone working on the operational side, I've always found it fascinating to delve into the process of creating the product features that I want to use in my daily work. Initially, I held a position as a payment product manager, where I focused on integrating and facilitating new payment features for the company's clients. Later, I was presented with the chance to transition into the realm of risk product development.
“How do you start your mornings at work?”
The first task on my agenda is to review the performance dashboards and address any urgent issues that may have arisen. Following that, I take a glance at my calendar to get a clear understanding of the schedule for the day. Lastly, I make it a priority to catch up on emails and chat conversations.
“What do you know about product management now that you wish you’d known when you first started?”
The foundation of any company lies in its business and stakeholders. The technology and product strategy are designed to align with and support the overall vision of the business and stakeholders. Recognizing this connection is crucial in comprehending the role of products within a company. It highlights how the product function contributes to the larger objectives and goals of the organization.
One of the most valuable skills for a product professional is the ability to actively listen and understand the problem at hand. This skill is essential for achieving success in the role. Additionally, gathering and evaluating relevant data is crucial for making informed decisions.
Reflecting on my own product journey, I realized that I may have placed too much emphasis on delving deeply into the technological aspects of product development in the early years of my career. Upon reflection, I acknowledge that it would have been more advantageous to prioritize other aspects of the role. For instance, I should have concentrated on tasks like planning and delivering the roadmap in a way that is easily understandable for a broader audience. It would have been beneficial to emphasize the significance of the presented roadmap's structure and how it aligns with the Business OKR and KPIs.
“What did your biggest product failure teach you?”
- Always have your own performance dashboards at hand
- Make sure you communicate well, both verbally and in writing
- Align with stakeholders prior to broadening communication of your roadmap
“What’s the #1 thing that has helped you shorten your product management learning curve?”
Listen and understand the problem, then ask the right questions.
“How do you stay updated on the best practices in product management?”
Networking with fellow product professionals and staying updated through blogs and newsletters are excellent strategies for continuous learning and growth in the field of product management. Engaging with a community of like-minded professionals can provide valuable insights, best practices, and opportunities for collaboration.
Furthermore, the Internet is a vast resource for product management materials. It's essential to have a clear understanding of the specific areas of interest or topics to explore. By knowing what to look for, one can leverage the wealth of information available online to enhance their knowledge and stay up to date with the latest trends and practices in product management.
Here are some of my sources:
https://www.pymnts.com/
LinkedIn: John Cutler; David Pereira, and Dr. Mario Lenz