On July 19th, TechWalk, brings tech professionals together for a unique blend of networking, knowledge sharing, and, of course, walking.
At the heart of this week's event is the co-host, Stephanie Thomas. As a Product Marketing Manager at LinkedIn, Stephanie is a force to be reckoned with in the tech world. Her insights, experience, and approach to her career offer valuable lessons for those looking to excel in the industry.
Discovering Absolute Truths: Advocating for Yourself in the Tech World
Stephanie's wisdom in the tech realm revolves around a hard-hitting truth: "Look out for yourself because no one else is going to." In a world where ambition and advancement are key, this mantra cuts through the noise. Whether negotiating for a raise or addressing workplace conflicts, taking charge of your own journey is essential. This pragmatic approach is a reflection of Stephanie's experiences, shaped during her time in Sales at Oracle.
For Stephanie, understanding others' perspectives is vital. She recognizes that people act in the interest of their projects and goals. This mindset fuels her ability to communicate effectively, be it for cross-functional support or advocating for recommendations.
Pathways to Excellence in Product Marketing
Stephanie's journey in Product Marketing Management unveils crucial advice for aspiring professionals. She highlights the transition from a technical focus to a customer-centric model. Becoming a subject matter expert entails understanding not just the product, but also the customer and market dynamics.
"Jobs to be Done" is LinkedIn's approach, aligning with customer priorities. Stephanie underscores the importance of soft skills like cross-functional collaboration and relationship building. Her interactions span from engineering to Sales, necessitating an understanding of varied motivations for influencing decisions across the organization. Alongside soft skills, hard skills like organization, competitive intelligence, and asset creation round out the toolkit.
Networking and Beyond: Stephanie's Strategy
Stephanie's approach to networking is rooted in her experience at Oracle. She advocates working at a large company for a few years, forging connections that stand the test of time. These relationships prove invaluable for job openings and referrals.
As for her dream networking event, Stephanie's vision perfectly aligns with her dynamic personality. A blend of competition and movement, where workout meets networking, is her ideal scenario. Think "Rumble & ROI" or "Barry's & Business KPIs." Stephanie believes that physical activity unlocks authenticity, fostering connections that matter.
Digital Influencers: Who to Follow
Stephanie's favorite LinkedIn accounts offer insight into her interests. HubSpot's marketing content and blog are must-follows for marketers. Tomer Cohen, LinkedIn's CPO, combines executive acumen with engaging content, particularly in the AI sphere. And from the tech-sales-turned-therapist corner, Jenn Hourani offers timely reminders of what truly counts.
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