Michael Youmans here, also known as “The Product Dude”. I TRY to write a semi-monthly blog that provides insight into the product management world and how all of us crazy people navigate it. Also, check out the podcast series, in which air dates can be found in the Schedule section!

ABOUT ME

I’m based in the United Kingdom by the lovely English seaside. Originally from the United States, I moved to London in 2017 to help manage product strategy within a company that dealt with Data Governance and security. My passions include wedding photography, content creation, and drone videos themed to Synthwave music.

When some wild-eyed, eight-foot-tall maniac grabs your neck, taps the back of your favourite head up against the barroom wall, looks you crooked in the eye, and asks you if you paid your dues; you just stare that big sucker right back in the eye, and you remember what ol' Michael Youmans always says at a time like that: "Have you paid your dues, Mike? Yessir, the check is in the mail."

-Jack Burton

After graduating with a degree in computer programming, I spent some time in general management. During the financial crisis of 2007 in the US, companies weren’t hiring individuals without real-life experience in my chosen field. Over time, I became more intrigued to get back into tech, landing my first role in a cyber security-based company. When I was at college, surprisingly, the course I loved the most was based on programme/project management. This was the moment I was somehow destined for product management (queue the white light).

Today, I help lead product strategy for a company based in Toronto called NowVertical Group with a focus on vertical intelligence. I have had an amazing career spanning over 10 years from being a product owner to leadership. I truly believe product management stretches beyond our current industry and skill set. Our experience as PMs teaches us that our way of life is necessary for company growth, no matter where we end up. Hell, you can even use the PM skillset in your day-to-day life!