Ashok Jaipal - Associate Product Manager @ Onsurity

I am NIT Trichy 2022 graduate and working with Onsurity as Associate Product Manager. I have previously interned with Enkash, Manch Technology. I also founded an edtech startup during my college days but we failed!

What does your typical day look like?

Starting with stand up, I take updates from stakeholders about the product progress. Communicating with clients and vendors to discuss project details and requirements. Resolving any conflicts or issues that arise within the project team. Then mid day, i generally try to brainstorm on new products which are in my bucket. Second half of the day, goes to some meetings and writing documents like PRDs, GTM Strategies.

Why did you choose to become a product manager? How do you see things differently than the rest?

As I am a ex-founder, this role always excites me. I chose to become a product manager because I have a strong interest in developing and launching innovative products that solve real-world problems. I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which makes me well-suited for managing complex projects and coordinating with cross-functional teams.

I see things differently than the rest because I am able to think creatively and outside of the box. I am also able to take a holistic view of the product development process and identify areas for improvement and optimization. I am a strong communicator and collaborator, which allows me to effectively lead teams and ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal.

What's the one thing that you absolutely love about your job?

One thing that I absolutely love about my job as a product manager is the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and industries. This allows me to constantly learn and grow, and keeps my work exciting and challenging.

I also enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes from launching a successful product and seeing it make a positive impact on users and the market. Additionally, I value the opportunity to work with and lead diverse teams, and to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcomes for our products.

What are some of the cool things that you are working on currently?

Currently, I am working on several exciting projects, including the development of a new dashboard for a leading healthcare provide, AI bots for customer support. These projects allow me to utilize my skills in project management, product strategy, and user experience design to deliver innovative solutions that drive business growth and improve customer experiences.

What are some of the emerging trends in your industry that excite you? And why?

Some of the emerging trends in the healthcare industry that excite me include the increasing use of telemedicine, the growth of personalized and precision medicine, and the rise of digital health solutions. I am excited about the increasing use of telemedicine because it allows patients to access medical care remotely, improving convenience and accessibility.

This trend is particularly important during the current COVID-19 pandemic, as it allows patients to receive care without risking exposure to the virus. The growth of personalized and precision medicine is also exciting because it allows healthcare providers to tailor treatments and therapies to individual patients, improving outcomes and reducing the risk of adverse reactions.

Finally, the rise of digital health solutions is exciting because it allows patients to track and manage their own health data, improving self-awareness and empowering them to take a more active role in their own care. Overall, these trends are driving innovation and improving the quality of care in the healthcare industry, and I am excited to see where they lead.

Do you follow any product/prioritization frameworks when making decisions? If yes, what are some of the top frameworks that you recommend and why?

Yes, We as a team, generally work on MoSCoW method and RICE method to prioritize any product or feature.

Top Frameworks which I recommend

1. The Kano model, which prioritizes projects based on their ability to satisfy customer needs and desires.

2. The MoSCoW method, which categorizes projects as must-have, should-have, could-have, or won't-have, based on their importance and feasibility.

3. The RICE method, which prioritizes projects based on their potential impact, confidence, and effort required.

4. The Pareto principle, which suggests that a small number of projects will account for the majority of the benefits, and therefore should be prioritized.

5. The KJ method, which uses affinity diagrams to group and prioritize projects based on their strategic alignment and potential impact.

What’s the one tool you couldn’t do your job without, and which very few people know about?

There are many tools in the market and most of the product managers know about these tools. For brainstorming, I use whimsical. Whimsical has a lot of great feature which help any product manager to develop good products.

Whimsical - Work Better, Faster, TogetherWhimsical combines whiteboards and docs in an all-in-one collaboration hub.Whimsical Logo

What's something that you learned/realized recently in your work journey that you wish you knew earlier?

Always prioritize your work. As a PM, you will have a lot of things in your bucket. You just have to learn prioritizing the right features.

If you don't mind sharing, what's the one mistake you've done and will advise others not to repeat?

I didn't prioritize my work and was waiting for business team's call. Just talk to business team and prioritize the work.

What are some of your biggest inspirations that help you get up and do your best work?

Positive Mindset – Keeping a positive attitude and outlook on life can help me stay energized and productive.

What would you recommend to people who want to start their careers in your space?

If you are interested in starting a career in product management, here are a few things you can do to get started:  

1. Develop a strong understanding of the principles of product management, including the core concepts, frameworks, and techniques used by product managers.

2. Gain experience in relevant areas, such as project management, market research, customer relationship management, and product development.

3. Build a network of contacts in the product management community, through networking events, online forums, and professional organizations.

4. Pursue relevant education and training, such as a certificate or degree program in product management or a related field.

5. Consider seeking out internships in product management, to gain practical experience and build your skills and knowledge.

6. Try to do case studies on startups or on problem statements. Overall, the key to starting a successful career in product management is to develop a strong foundation of knowledge and experience, and to be proactive in seeking out opportunities to learn and grow.