Sometimes Product Owners Might Have to ‘Just Get It Done’ to Move the Projects Forward

Starting My Journey

Aum graduated from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Engineering, specifically the Information and Communication Engineering (ICE) program at Chula International School of Engineering. Since the name of her degree may be complicated for some, she simplified it by saying that she studied computer engineering. Her education focused on software development, which prepared her for a career as a software developer.

With a broad tech degree, she explored different roles to find her ideal path. She landed a system change coordinator job at a major energy company, where she enjoyed meaningful work and communication, solidifying her non-traditional career path.

After working in a few different jobs, she eventually found herself at Seven Peaks, the leading software company in Thailand. Although she knew they developed digital products, she was still unsure about how her role as a product owner would fit into their software development process.

Embracing the Product Owner Role

Entering the product owner role presented an interesting challenge: defining its unique space within the company compared to other established roles like "designer." This initial ambiguity, however, quickly paved the way for the enriching experience of collaborating with diverse international colleagues. Leading a remote team across different regions initially brought concerns about communication and delivery, but the supportive and professional work environment fostered success for her and the team.

Overcoming Project Challenges

She found that product owners need to align stakeholders by scrutinizing client requirements, coordinating teams, and adapting strategies to evolving demands. They negotiate partial deliverables, align diverse perspectives, and overcome obstacles to maintain effective communication in a hybrid work environment.

The "Just Get It Done" Mentality

As a product owner, her "Just Get It Done" mentality becomes vital when achieving a perfect solution feels impossible. It demands prioritizing project completion, even if personal preferences or ideal outcomes are sacrificed. Ultimately, even though we are aware of its limitations, we must accept them and carry out the task at hand.

Unrealistic client demands, tight deadlines, and conflicting needs are frequent challenges. Honesty and transparency are essential, but managing stakeholders' expectations even more requires developing a plan for the next step. Recognizing limitations and collaboratively finding feasible solutions is key.

However, it is equally important to recognize individual team concerns and collaborate to find feasible solutions. Proactive issue resolution leads to a smoother journey for everyone, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders.

A Project Worth Remembering

She had the opportunity to manage a project for a Chinese EV manufacturer. In this project, she worked in a newly created domain. The unclear requirements required her to have direct client interaction.

This not only clarified objectives and solved issues but also revealed the importance of personal interaction, which fostered effective collaboration. The successful project completion underscores the power of clear communication and cultural sensitivity in bridging communication gaps.

Plans for Personal Development and Growth

Psychology studies, fueled by a long-held interest in human behavior, will equip her with valuable skills—empathy, communication, and conflict resolution—to enhance her effectiveness as a product owner. 

Applying these already through stakeholder interactions, Aum sees reduced stress and smoother collaboration. Balancing her studies necessitates efficient time management, but the goal isn't just a degree; it's her personal fulfillment and professional growth. Product management, leveraging her communication, coordination, and leadership skills, aligns perfectly with her future aspirations.

Words for Aspiring Product Owners

For aspiring product owners, Aum thinks the key lies in mastering the human touch. Unlike technical skills, success hinges on navigating stakeholders with strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills—abilities AI currently struggles to replicate.

While understanding software development helps, it's not mandatory. However, "speaking the language" of your team through core development knowledge fosters smoother collaboration. Ultimately, discipline reigns supreme. 

From managing your workload to coordinating with others, effective time management keeps the project engine humming. She found that product ownership is more than technical knowledge; it's about harnessing the human element to drive projects forward with both strategy and empathy.

Parnchanok (Aum) Skulbenja, Product Owner at Seven Peaks

Aum brings to the table three years of experience in the field of systems and business analysis. For two years, she has worked as a successful product owner in the e-commerce industry. She excels in system design, team collaboration, project management, and facilitating design thinking workshops for both internal and external audiences.