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About the Book
Chapter 3 of 8 now published!
"What’s Your Problem?: Break into product management and build your career through mentorship" is not your ordinary career guide; it is a roadmap, a mentor in print, a transformative journey from software developer to product manager, drawn from the deeply personal and professional experiences of author Aaron Kesler.
Is it possible to leap from being stuck in the minutiae of codes and bugs to envisioning and executing big-picture strategies? Can you pivot from a technical role to a managerial one? How can you use your technical background as a springboard for a thriving career in product management? This book answers all these questions and more.
Using a candid, conversational approach, Kesler takes you through his journey from coding at a startup to leading teams and managing product launches for a range of businesses. His insights offer a fresh perspective on the essence of product management - it's not just about technical know-how, but also about recognizing and solving the right problems, connecting with people, and cultivating a forward-thinking mindset.
This book is an invitation to examine the problems you face, learn the art of solving them, and most importantly, leverage your existing skills to build a successful product management career. Along the way, you'll discover the vital role of mentorship, the value of empathizing with customers, and the importance of nurturing connections.
Whether you're a software developer looking for a career change, a new entrant into the tech industry, or an aspiring product manager, this book offers valuable lessons, practical strategies, and the motivation you need to propel your career forward.
If you're ready to get out of the weeds and start addressing the bigger issues, "What’s Your Problem?" is the mentor you've been looking for. The next chapter of your career starts here.
About the Author
Aaron Kesler is a product management expert, mentor, and the author of "What’s Your Problem?: Break into product management and build your career through mentorship". Born out of his own experience and evolution from a software developer to a product manager, his work has been driven by a simple principle: just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should.
Aaron's story started in the trenches of software development, dealing with codes, bugs, and customer issues. He co-founded a company with his college roommate and eventually led teams of developers, managing the production of applications for organizations of all sizes, from healthcare giants to newly-funded startups. Yet, amidst all these, he found his true calling in problem-solving and strategy setting, away from the technical details and into the bigger picture.
From earning over $100k annually to leading the charge in product management, Aaron’s career trajectory is a testament to his belief in continuous growth and improvement. His goal is to help others navigate this often challenging, yet rewarding, career path. Whether it's finding and solving the root of a problem, leading a team, or managing a career, he has distilled his experiences into a repeatable process.
Through his book, Aaron shares insights from his personal journey, from the highs of entrepreneurial success to the lows of uncertainty and the search for purpose. He recounts his evolution from a fresh college graduate to a successful professional navigating the complex and dynamic world of product management.
Aaron's passion extends beyond his work. He is an avid advocate of mentorship, understanding the pivotal role it has played in his career. In addition to his professional achievements, Aaron has a strong commitment to helping others discover their career paths and reach their full potential.
This book is not just an account of Aaron's life and career, but a handbook for those ready to step out of the minutiae, eager to handle the bigger picture, solve more significant problems, and build a rewarding career in product management. His journey from being a barista to a product manager is a testament that, with the right mindset and guidance, anyone can chart their own path to success.