OL: Tell us your name.
DCU: David Udeagu.
OL: What do you do?
DCU: I work as a lead product manager at a Tech company.
OL: How long have you done this?
DCU: 5 years.
OL: What did you study in school Vs. What do you do now?
DCU: International relations Vs Technical product manager.
OL: Do you like your job?
DCU: Yes
OL: Why?
DCU: It’s challenging, makes me use my brain more and it is fun.
OL: What gets you excited about your typical work day?
DCU: The idea of creating something impactful.
OL: Do you have a morning routine?
DCU: Yes.
OL: Do you think they are important?
DCU: I think so, Yes.
OL: I don’t have a morning routine. My next question is Work from home or the office?
DCU: Home. Don’t ask me why.
OL: Okay, but what drives you crazy about your job?
DCU: Managing different personalities but most importantly those who aren’t willing to meet you halfway.
OL: Yeah, that can be…annoying. How long is too long at a particular job?
DCU: 2 years.
OL: Why!
DCU: You have to keep searching and building yourself. You are the career, not the company.
OL: Do you think people should always negotiate their salaries?
DCU: Yes
OL: Really?
DCU: Always be aware of your value, and as you bring more value to the company, make sure your pay reflects your hard work.
OL: Wow! So, did you negotiate your current salary?
DCU: Yes
OL: Have you ever lost an offer because you negotiated the company’s offer?
DCU: Yes.
OL: That’s crazy. Maybe you dodged a bullet. How did that make you feel?
DCU: Disappointed. But like all things, if it’s not for you, cry and move on.
OL: Would you take a great salary at a toxic workplace?
DCU: No
OL: Me neither.
DCU: I can’t sell my peace of mind.
OL: Yeah. So, What company values do you look out for when applying for work or interviewing?
DCU: Good compensation and generally people culture.
OL: How do you know it’s time to change workplaces?
DCU: If it becomes too toxic and then becomes a problem for my mental health, or if my needs aren’t being met financially
OL: Should people participate in office politics?
DCU: Yes. Play the game but be better at it.
OL: Hmmm. My next question is, What makes a great boss?
DCU: Empathy and knowing how to make your best resource work for you. And having an innovative approach to things.
OL: That’s on point. Do you use any digital work tools?
DCU: Yea. Notion.
OL: I’ve never heard of Notion. You learn every day. How do you stay productive?
DCU: I plan my day.
OL: How do you relax?
DCU: I sleep and I read (Laughs).
OL: Are you learning anything at the moment?
DCU: Data science – postgrad.
OL: That’s big. If you were to choose a different life, what would that be?
DCU: I would be a writer.
OL: I would be Oprah’s heir. Or any of the British royals.
DCU: (Laughs).
OL: OK. Coffee or Tea?
DCU: Are you serious right now? (Laughs). Coffee for work hours and tea to relax.
OL: I’m a coffee person. Ok. Last comment. Leave a stick-it note for your younger self.
DCU: Breath. And develop patience.
David Udeagu is an experienced product professional with career marks with companies like Nairabet, Heckerbella and Bold FTC. He is passionate about product growth and user experience & has led the development and deployment of a number of software applications in various sectors of Nigeria, including the financial sector. He’s pursuing a post-graduate degree in Data Science at John Hopkins.
If you are interested in breaking into product management, connect with him on Linkedin.
