AB #013: New Job, Finding a Mentor, CPH calls
AB #013: New Job, Finding a Mentor, CPH calls
I'm back baby! 💥
In today’s bento…
👨🏽💻 I’m starting a new role (as a full-time employee!!)
🍽️ Heartwarming Italian in freezing Copenhagen
🌱 Building a fruitful mentorship experience
New Year, New Job, New Beginnings 🎢
2023 was a b*tch.1
You can read all about it here.
That is why I’m super pumped 2024 is starting on a bang. 💥
There you have it!
I’m excited to join Atlassian (JIRA, Confluence, Trello, Loom) as their very first Product Management Evangelist. 🥳
What is an Evangelist anyway?
Sounds a bit biblical, I know. 😅
The role of an Evangelist, though it may sound contemporary, actually takes a leaf from the book of traditional evangelism – it's all about spreading the 'good news', except here, the news concerns technology. Let's swiftly traverse its journey:
The concept of a tech evangelist sprouts in the 80s, largely credited to Guy Kawasaki at Apple. His mission wasn't just to sell the Macintosh computer; it was to cultivate a community that believed in it.
Fast forward a bit, and the role morphs. It's not just about pushing products anymore; it's about championing platforms and ecosystems. Tech evangelists start to focus on the bigger picture, connecting a suite of products and services.
Here's where it gets really interesting. Tech evangelists become the linchpin between a company and its users. They're out there, mingling with the community, gathering insights, and ensuring that feedback flows back to improve the product. And unlike traditional sales roles, they're not after quick deals. They're in it for the long haul, nurturing trust and relationships.
And let's not forget, they're the thought leaders, the ones setting the trends and offering sage advice. Whether it's through blogs, speeches, or social media, they're the voice people listen to.
In essence, the Tech Evangelist role is a fascinating blend of advocacy, community nurturing, and thought leadership. It's about making tech not just accessible but also meaningful, ensuring that it resonates with people's needs and aspirations.
🏞️ Worthy Eateries
If you’re looking for an idea of a city getaway for half-term and you’re not necessarily opting for winter sun, I would shortlist Copenhagen.
The city has so much to offer, from long outdoor walks/bike rides/boat trips to an amazing cultural agenda.
Even better if you can explore the city with some locals.
This was our case about a year ago (and we did not have the kids!!).
I guess you should know me a bit better by now.
I had already book this amazing, recently Michelin starred restaurant.
This is the first time I actually eat in a contemporary Italian restaurant.
Most Italian restaurants I’ve been to (mainly across Italy and in London) tend to be traditional in every way even if sometimes the decor can be quite modern.
BRACE is somewhat different, positively.
The menu features some really tasty treats
Deep fried lobster claws in shiso leaf and agrodolce green tomato sauce
Bronze-drawn linguine with langoustine, rose petals and piment d’espelette
Beef bavette with burrata cream and peanut xo sauce
Poached Norwegian halibut with cauliflower cream and black garlic
We were 4 diners and we really enjoyed the food, the staff were super friendly and the setting was really thought through.
I love open kitchens and this was just perfect.
I will warn you tho, like most restaurants in Copenhagen, the bill can be quite steep. We were (almost) fully prepared but…be ready! 😬
BRACE is currently closed as they’re preparing their next phase “Brace 2.0” so keep an eye out for the re-opening.
Product x Food: If you’re a die-hard foodie and would enjoy an exceptional meal with other foodies like Damien, Louisa, Antoine, Véronique and me, please let me know by replying to this email.
I want to get a sense of how many readers here could be part of a group dining experience. 💛
Building a fruitful mentorship experience
I consider myself lucky to have been exposed to some really great human beings and product/tech leaders who have taught me so much about myself and their craft through a mentorship experience.
Here are concrete examples of people I’ve asked to mentor me
Mike Smith (Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Meta)
Ramki Sankaranarayan (Nokia, Verizon, BT, Barclays)
This did not happen overnight. I had help from others and it also happened mostly in the UK where mentoring is much more widespread, normalised and part of the working culture.
I thought I’d share a few tips that have been successful for me, hoping that they will be for you too…
Tip #1: Be clear, concise and compelling
When reaching out, be concise, respectful, and specific. Share your admiration for their work, clearly state your objectives, and express why you believe they would be an ideal mentor. Remember, this is not just about what you can take but also what you can give back in this potential relationship.
Here’s an example you can use
Subject: Be my mentor, please! 🙏🏽
Hi Mike,
I’ve been following you for a while now and really appreciate your crisp views on product.
I operate in [insert sector/vertical here] and I believe I could really learn from your experience andI’m certain I can gain a lot from your experience, specifically
growing the product team from Y to Z at Acme Inc
launching products in new geographies at The Company
etc.
I appreciate your time is precious and I promise to make the best use of it.
Here’s what I had in mind (completely flexible of course)
A monthly 45 minute online video call where I bring a specific topic I’m currently trying to navigate (e.g. how to align team members around high integrity commitments).
After each meeting I would send you notes from our session, including next steps and action items.
Of course, we’ll make it so that you don’t have any further work following our calls.
How does that sound?
Thank you for considering my request.
I’m crossing all my fingers. 🤞🏽If there’s anything I can do to help, in any way, I’d love to. Do let me know.
Looking forward to your response.
Take care,
Axel
N.B.: Mentorship is not usually paid per se.
However, say the session is happening over a meal, I’d pay for that as a mentee. It’s the least I can do.
Tip #2: Document everything
Your mentoring sessions will certainly be even more helpful to you if you document them well but they are potentially as helpful to your mentor.
Offering to share the work product from your mentoring sessions will certainly bring a higher value perception to the person using their time to help you navigate your complex work situations.
I would even go as far as saying this could make for some great content you can share online to help others (as long as it’s OK with everyone involved).
Tip #3: Just do it.
Most mentors (often with impressive track records) say that they don’t necessarily get a lot of requests for mentorship.
This is likely due to the fact that people are too intimidated to ask.
So just go for it.
Worst case, the person will not reply or say they cant do it, leaving you in the exact same position you’re in now.
Some might refer you to someone else in their network. You never know.
Bt the way you should check out what the guys at Bloom have set up.
Not a sponsored post in any way. I don’t even know them. I just appreciate what they’re doing.
💡 If I can help with any intros, let me know.
Want to help by contributing (long form written content)? Drop me a note.
Peace out! ✌🏽
📣 I’m looking for sponsors for the podcast.
Drop me a note if you want to know more!
Except for the birth of our beautiful baby boy. 🐣