According to a recent article, the Product Manager is the fourth most valuable corporate job. Unfortunately, there is little agreement on what a person in that position is responsible for, what skills they need, and how they should be evaluated. Given that uncertainty, it’s no surprise that the career path for a Product Manager also lacks clarity and consistency.

We have assembled a panel of Product Management veterans to explore how one can enter the profession, what it takes to be successful and advance, and to what types of senior positions a seasoned Product Manager can aspire. There will be significant interaction with the audience to make sure your specific career questions will be addressed.

Panelists:

Susannah Axelrod, Director of Product Management at Puppet Labs, Inc.

Susannah has over 15 years of Product Management experience from Intel, Intuit, Sage Software, and Thomson Reuters. She is known for combining the voice of the customer, competitive and market research into real, actionable roadmaps and strategies. Susannah has an MBA from the Wharton School.

Pamela Jones, Principal at Jones Partners Executive Search Firm

For more than 20 years, Pamela's firm has recruited board members, C-level executive team members across all functions, and critical contributors to execute on projected growth plans of start-up, emerging, and transitioning technology (high tech, healthcare, and agriculture) companies nationwide. She has served on the boards of Oregon Public Broadcasting, Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, Technology Association of Oregon, and other community organizations.

Olaf Kowalik, Director of Product Management at Janrain

Previously, Olaf was Vice-President of Product Management & Development at Waggener Edstrom, and previously held management positions at Point B, RealNetworks, and Ernst & Young. In April, Olaf led a popular session at ProductCamp PDX titled, “Product Management Interviews: Asking the Right Questions and Giving Great Answers.”

Matthew Lange, Senior Director, Product Management at Northwest Evaluation Association

Matthew has over 27 years of experience in the software industry while working in the Aerospace, Construction and Education markets. Matthew’s Product Management experience spans over 15 years, including both C-level and leadership-level management roles.

The Product Development and Management Association (PDMA) is the premier global advocate for product development and management professionals. The Oregon chapter's mission is to help local professionals and organizations to identify, develop, and launch more innovative and profitable products and services through cross-industry collaboration, thought leadership, and the sharing of best practices and practical knowledge. For more information about the Oregon Chapter of the PDMA, please contact: David Nash, Chapter President, at [email protected].

We encourage everyone in Oregon who is interested in the Product Development Manager's Association to become a member of the National PDMA. For a great explanation on the benefits of membership in the PDMA, click here.

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN VENUE TO LUCKY LAB MULTNOMAH

Schedule:

6:00 – 6:30pm: Gathering / Networking / Refreshments**

6:30 – 6:45pm: Announcements (upcoming events, who’s hiring, etc.)

6:45 – 7:30pm: Panel Discussion

7:30 – 7:45pm: Q&A / Open discussion

7:45 – 8:00pm: Networking

Cost:

$10 on-line registration prior to the event **

$15 at the door

A discount is available for PDMA members.

To register online, click the website link above.

** Note: This is a no-host event. The complete Lucky Lab food and drink menu is available. Grab a cold ale & bite to eat - and bring a friend or colleague to add to the discussion.