Building an Associate Product Manager program at Miro - Thor Mitchell (Product Executive-in-Residence, Balderton Capital)
Dec 4, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Thor Mitchell, Chief Product Officer at Balderton Capital and former VP of Product at Miro, shares his insights on establishing a robust Associate Product Manager program. He emphasizes the vital role of soft skills in candidate selection and the significance of mentorship in nurturing talent. Thor also explores the importance of diversity in leadership, highlighting how both introverts and extroverts contribute to team dynamics. With innovative recruitment strategies and structured training, he illustrates the pathway to fostering future product leaders.
Thor Mitchell emphasizes the necessity of structured APM programs to nurture fresh talent and bridge the skills gap in tech.
The selection process for APM candidates focuses on assessing essential soft skills, creativity, and engagement with Miro's tools through innovative methods.
Deep dives
Tor Mitchell's Career Journey
Tor Mitchell discusses his professional evolution, transitioning from being Chief Product Officer at a UK fintech startup to becoming VP of Product at Miro. His role at Miro involved navigating the challenges of hyper-growth during the pandemic while focusing on developing the product ecosystem, which included partnerships and integrations. After spending time in Amsterdam, Tor has returned to the UK and joined a venture capital firm called Bolderton Capital, where he helps startups with coaching and mentorship. His varied experiences illustrate the dynamic nature of product management and the value of adaptability in career growth.
The Associate Product Manager Program
Mitchell shares insights into establishing an Associate Product Manager (APM) program at Miro, modeled after the successful structure used at Google. The program aims to recruit fresh graduates to foster their development through structured rotations across different teams, enhancing their skill set in product management. This initiative acknowledges the value of bringing in new talent and providing them with mentorship, coaching, and hands-on experience. By cultivating a supportive environment, the program effectively bridges the talent gap and prepares APMs for impactful roles in tech.
Essential Qualities for APM Candidates
When selecting candidates for the APM program, attention is directed towards soft skills that cannot be easily taught, such as passion for technology, strong communication abilities, and a collaborative spirit. Tor emphasizes the importance of assessing a candidate's extracurricular activities, showcasing their self-motivation and team dynamics. Furthermore, a unique approach to the application process includes candidates creating a Miro board to present themselves, which also assesses their creativity and familiarity with the product. This innovative method allows for a deeper understanding of candidates while helping them engage with the company’s tools.
Challenges and Learnings from Implementing the APM Program
Mitchell reflects on the operational challenges faced while implementing the APM program, most notably in managing timely recruitment and budget processes. He underscores the significance of having a dedicated program manager to streamline organization and relationship-building with educational institutions. Recognizing the importance of clear communication surrounding the application cycles enhances the chances of attracting high-quality candidates. Overall, the experience highlights the need for thorough planning, strong executive support, and a commitment to continuous improvement within the program's structure and execution.
We welcome back Thor Mitchell, who shares his journey from being a CPO at CrowdCube to becoming a VP of Product at Miro, where he established an Associate Product Manager (APM) program. Thor discusses the importance of structured APM programs, the qualities to look for in candidates, and the benefits of bringing fresh talent into companies.
Featured Links: Follow Thor on LinkedIn | Miro | Apply for one of Miro's graduate programs
Our Hosts Lily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She’s currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She’s worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath.
Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury’s. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group’s Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He’s the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager’s Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon’s music stores in the US & UK.
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