OhHello Ep. 113: Lida Tohidi on Tech Careers, Coaching High Performers, Leading Intentionally

Jeremy Bloom and Lida Tohidi explore the intersection of product management and coaching, discussing the importance of balancing work and personal well-being. Lida shares her journey from being a med school dropout to a successful product manager and coach, emphasizing the need to recognize burnout and set boundaries. They delve into the fears that many professionals face in the tech industry and the significance of human connection in overcoming these challenges. Lida also highlights effective mentorship strategies and the lessons she has learned from her own mentors, concluding with a call to action for listeners to pause and reflect on their own lives.

Takeaways

• Lida transitioned from med school to tech, finding her niche in product management.
• Balancing technical skills with coaching is essential for success.
• Burnout is a common issue in tech, and setting boundaries is crucial.
• Many professionals feel an impending sense of doom due to an unsustainable work pace.
• Intentionally slowing down can lead to better outcomes.
• Effective mentorship involves accountability and co-creating goals.
• Lida emphasizes the importance of human connection in tech roles.
• Taking breaks and resting is vital for long-term productivity.
• Self-reflection and pausing can enhance personal well-being.
• Trusting your team is essential for effective leadership.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:37 Balancing Product Management and Coaching

05:17 Recognizing Burnout and Setting Boundaries

07:58 Traits of Successful Leaders

11:07 Effective Mentorship and Guidance

13:41 Lessons from Mentors and Personal Growth

16:32 Final Thoughts and Advice