Are you tired of one-size-fits-all careers? In this episode, Naya shares how she moved beyond the traditional product path and built a portfolio career that reflects her real life and values. Timestamps & Highlights: [00:00:00] – Intro: nervous, excited, and ready to unpack it all [00:01:10] – Feeling boxed in by a single job title [00:02:01] – What a portfolio career actually is [00:03:45] – How life changes (marriage, motherhood) led to redefining work [00:04:41] – Building proof through c...
Jul 07, 2025•9 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this season opener, I’m reflecting on how Becoming the Product has evolved, from a way to break into product management to a framework for building a career (and life) on your own terms. I share how launching a podcast, building mini-courses, pivoting careers, and trusting the process helped me stop waiting for permission and start designing a portfolio career. If you've ever felt like you're more than just a job title, this episode is for you. Timestamps [00:00:00] – Welcome to Season 3 &...
Jun 30, 2025•7 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In this season finale of Becoming the Product , Naya reflects on her first 180 days as a Growth Manager, sharing key lessons and milestones in her journey. From building confidence in project scoping on Nifty to validating problem statements and taking on her first go-to-market (GTM) task, Naya discusses how these six months have shaped her approach to product management. She recounts how early challenges in understanding company tools and culture evolved into skills she now confidently applies,...
Oct 28, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode of Becoming the Product , Naya shares her exciting journey to securing second place in the Enyata Buildathon, a competition where she used no-code tools to create an innovative solution for freelancers. Naya takes listeners behind the scenes of how she almost didn’t apply, but eventually submitted her project, "Gig Secure"—an AI-powered digital marketplace that connects gig workers to affordable micro-insurance. From outlining her project plan in Nifty to building the MVP using t...
Oct 21, 2024•14 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode of Becoming the Product , Naya is joined by expert guest Dele Tosh to break down the practical steps of transforming a product idea into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Together, they discuss how to validate ideas before investing significant resources, using no-code tools for early testing, and the importance of staying close to your users during the development process. Dele shares his experiences and insights on the essential considerations for defining the scope of an MVP and...
Oct 14, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 20
In this special anniversary episode of Becoming the Product , Naya reflects on an incredible year of podcasting. From launching the very first episode to winning an APVA Award in the Career and Entrepreneurship category, Naya shares the highs and lows of her journey. She talks about the challenges of staying consistent, overcoming imposter syndrome, and navigating technical setbacks, while also celebrating the supportive community that has grown around the podcast. This episode is a heartfelt re...
Oct 07, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode of Becoming the Product , Naya is joined by Chika, a product manager and mother of two, to explore the unique challenges of balancing parenthood with a demanding product management career. Chika shares her inspiring journey, from facing rejection during her pregnancy to transitioning into product management after starting her career as a virtual assistant. Her story sheds light on the realities of working in tech while raising a family, offering practical strategies for other par...
Sep 30, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 66
In this episode of Becoming the Product , host Naya dives into personal growth strategies essential for aspiring and established product managers. She emphasizes that product management goes beyond technical skills, such as building features or managing teams; it requires constant learning, adaptability, and leadership. Naya shares her personal journey of how building a consistent learning routine, whether through webinars, newsletters, or PM communities, has helped her stay updated with industr...
Sep 23, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In this episode, Naya sits down with Segun, a former social media manager who successfully transitioned into product management. Segun shares the challenges he faced during his career change, including applying to over 200 jobs before landing his first product role. He emphasizes the importance of consistency, putting yourself out there, and turning your knowledge into valuable content to showcase your skills. Segun also discusses how his social media experience has positively influenced his app...
Sep 16, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this episode of Becoming the Product , host Naya dives into the realities of product management that bootcamps and courses don't fully prepare you for. While theory gives you a solid foundation, it’s in the real-world application that the true learning happens. Naya shares personal experiences about adapting to new tools, managing stakeholders, and dealing with changing priorities—all skills that weren’t covered in formal training. Tune in to learn why "learning by doing" is essential for pro...
Sep 09, 2024•11 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this inspiring episode of "Becoming The Product," host Naya interviews Esther, a young product manager who successfully juggled her final year of university studies with a demanding product management fellowship. Esther shares her journey from discovering tech through a boot camp to landing a spot in the Women Techsters Fellowship, all while completing her English degree. Listeners will gain valuable insights into Esther's time management strategies, the challenges she faced (including a brok...
Sep 02, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In this reflective episode of Becoming the Product , Naya takes us through her transformative journey over the past year as she transitioned from a developer to a product manager. From the initial decision to pivot into product management to navigating the challenges of bootcamps, volunteering, and landing a growth manager role at a startup, Naya shares her experiences, lessons learned, and the strategies that helped her succeed. This episode is perfect for anyone considering a career change int...
Aug 26, 2024•14 min•Season 2Ep. 13
In this episode of "Becoming the Product," we discuss the world of outcome-oriented product management with our special guest, Doja. With a rich background in managing multiple product lines across various industries, Doja shares invaluable insights on focusing on outcomes rather than just output. We explore the importance of aligning product goals with business objectives, the role of cross-functional teams in driving success, and how to measure the true impact of your product efforts. Don't mi...
Aug 19, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode of Becoming the Product , I take you through the unique application process that led me to my current role. I share how I leveraged my community connections, approached unconventional application questions using the STAR method, and navigated the interview stages without relying heavily on my CV. This episode is packed with actionable tips, from optimizing your CV for impact to mastering the art of storytelling in interviews, all tailored for aspiring product managers. If you're ...
Aug 12, 2024•15 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode of Becoming the Product , Naya sits down with Eno, a product management expert, to discuss practical strategies for staying relevant in the ever-evolving field of product management. Eno shares her unconventional journey into product management, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, networking, and mentorship. Eno Peters is an accomplished product manager with a robust background in EdTech and a recent transition into the sustainability sector. Leveraging expertise i...
Aug 05, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode of "Becoming the Product," Naya discusses the contrasting worlds of traditional banking and tech startups. Drawing from her personal journey, she highlights the stark differences in work cultures, decision-making processes, and daily routines. Naya shares practical tips and personal anecdotes on how to adapt and thrive in a startup environment, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, continuous learning, and collaboration. Exciting News! Our podcast, "Becoming the Product," ha...
Jul 29, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Oyindamola, an accomplished product manager who transitioned to freelancing. In this episode, Oyin shares valuable insights into the world of freelancing, the challenges and rewards, and practical tips on how to build a successful freelance career. Whether you're considering freelancing or looking to enhance your current practice, this episode is packed with actionable advice and personal anecdotes that you won't want to miss. 🎉 Exciting News! I am thr...
Jul 22, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode of "Becoming the Product," host Naya shares a reflective journey of her first 60 days as a growth manager at a startup in Lagos, Nigeria. Naya discusses her experiences, progress, and the adjustments she's made, offering valuable insights and lessons learned. Key Discussion Points: Transition from onboarding and training to handling significant tasks. The importance of qualitative research and confidence-building in ideation and hypothesis validation. Overcoming imposter syndrome...
Jul 15, 2024•12 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode of "Becoming the Product," host Naya dives deep into the world of user feedback with Fumnanya, a seasoned Product Manager. Together, they explore how to effectively gather, analyze, and apply user feedback to drive product success. Fumnanya shares his experiences and strategies for leveraging data to understand user needs, making informed decisions, and fostering continuous improvement in product development. Tune in to discover practical tips and real-world examples that can hel...
Jul 08, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In this episode of "Becoming the Product," I discuss the essential concept of personal branding for product managers. Discover what personal branding means in this role, why it's crucial in today's competitive market, and how you can effectively build and maintain your unique brand. I'll cover key strategies like defining your personal brand, creating a strong online presence, networking effectively, and sharing your knowledge. Plus, I'll provide actionable tips and worksheets to help you start ...
Jul 01, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode of "Becoming a Product," host Naya welcomes Adenike, a Technical API Product Manager, to discuss her journey from marketing to mastering API product management. Adenike shares her unique career transition story, emphasizing the importance of technical knowledge for product managers and offering practical advice for those looking to make a similar switch. From understanding the nuances of APIs to the significance of continuous learning, Adenike's insights are invaluable for aspiri...
Jun 24, 2024•17 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Join Naya in this episode of "Becoming the Product" as she shares her journey through the first 30 days as a Growth Manager at a Nigerian startup. From the challenges of onboarding and training to her experiences in customer interactions, project management, and operations, Naya provides insights into the highs and lows of her new role. Tune in to hear about the company's mission, the services they offer, and Naya's strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and ensuring success in her new posi...
Jun 17, 2024•14 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode of Becoming the Product , host Naya sits down with Valentine Eke, who shares his journey of transitioning from a user research role to product management and offers practical advice on overcoming imposter syndrome. Valentine emphasizes the importance of mentorship, community support, and gaining real-world experience through volunteer roles. He provides actionable steps to build confidence, such as celebrating small wins and continuously practicing product management skills. Whet...
Jun 10, 2024•20 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Season Two Premiere: Reflecting on My Journey and Embracing New Challenges Welcome to Season Two of Becoming the Product ! In this exciting premiere, I reflect on my incredible journey from launching this podcast to landing my first role in product management. I'll share the milestones and challenges I faced, from interacting with my first guests to becoming a growth manager at a startup. I discuss my strategies for thriving in my new role and how I stay relevant in the competitive field of prod...
Jun 03, 2024•8 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In the heartfelt season finale of Becoming the Product, host Naya takes us on a reflective voyage through her personal evolution in the world of product management. Since launching the podcast in October 2023, Naya has been candidly documenting her six-month mission to secure her first PM role—a goal she's fiercely pursuing as the journey unfolds. Join Naya as she recounts the pivotal moments of her transition, from completing the prestigious DCTP bootcamp to placing fifth in the Hello PM case s...
Apr 01, 2024•5 min•Season 1Ep. 59
In this week’s episode of Becoming the Product, join host Naya as she welcomes the multifaceted Adeyinka Adedoja to share her transformative journey from product manager to entrepreneur. Adeyinka unravels the challenges and revelations she encountered while pivoting from a career in finance and data science to launching her venture in the travel tech space. Tune in to discover how Adeyinka's stumble into a product management boot camp with Colab ignited her passion for design thinking and strate...
Mar 25, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Embark on a candid journey with Naya in this introspective episode of Becoming the Product, where she delves into the trials and triumphs of the product management job search. Transitioning into a new career can be daunting, but Naya's six-month quest to secure a role in the industry is a testament to her dedication and strategic approach. Listen in as Naya shares the valuable lessons learned from participating in boot camps, leveraging her eight-year banking background to target fintech roles, ...
Mar 18, 2024•9 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Dive into the cutting-edge world of AI Product Management in this fascinating episode of Becoming the Product. Host Naya welcomes Aish, an AI product manager with a rich background in computer science and a journey from software development to the nuanced field of AI in product management. Aish shares her insights on the transition from a technical role to one that requires a balance of technical expertise and user-centric focus. She demystifies the path to becoming an AI product manager, emphas...
Mar 11, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode of Becoming the Product, linda and I discuss the world of product management within the banking sector, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities faced by professionals in this dynamic field. Join us as we uncover key insights, best practices, and strategies for success. From developing innovative financial products and services to navigating regulatory frameworks and customer demands, product managers in banking play a crucial role in driving growth and enhancing the cus...
Mar 04, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In 'Becoming a Product,' host Naya takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through the essential documents crucial for landing a product management job: the resume, portfolio, and cover letter. Drawing from my experiences and extensive research, I provide invaluable insights and actionable strategies to help you make a strong first impression in the competitive job market. From crafting a tailored resume to building a standout portfolio and writing a compelling cover letter, each episode equi...
Feb 26, 2024•14 min•Season 1Ep. 22
