Shubham Pitale
Product Manager
I joined Karkhana.io 4.5 years ago. I didn’t know it then, but I was about to start an amazing journey. I joined as a Sourcing Engineer. What caught my attention from the very beginning was the company’s unique culture. They encouraged us to embrace challenges and bridge any gaps we encountered. It didn’t matter which department we belonged to; everyone was empowered to step up and contribute, which fueled a sense of purpose and ownership.
During those initial years, I dove deep into the world of sourcing and manufacturing, working on more than 60 projects in various industries such as Automotive, Telecommunication, Medical, and UAV. From metals to plastics, I gained hands-on experience with different materials. Collaborating with over 50 suppliers, I learned the intricacies of procurement and the challenges that both buyers and suppliers face. This period of growth, both professionally and personally, laid the foundation for the next chapter of my journey.
One day, after finishing my work, I noticed two of my colleagues in a meeting room, looking thoughtfully at a board. I was curious, so I walked in and asked them what was going on. They were working on a problem, so I offered to help. They liked my idea and asked me to work on it with them. We worked hard, and by the next week, we had solved the problem. After that, I helped out a few more times and started wondering what exactly their job was. So, I talked with them and learned about their work. I was really interested, and when I looked into it, I realized that I could be a part of their team. So, I spoke to their manager and told him I was interested in working with them. He asked me some questions and thought I would be a good fit. In particular, he said my experience working with suppliers for the past 2-3 years would be really helpful for their current project—a product designed specifically for buyers and suppliers.
And that’s how I started working in product management. I was now working for two teams—Product and Manufacturing. I worked on projects in the morning and did product tasks at night. I did this for a couple of months. Then, one day, Sonam (CEO) called me for a one-on-one. She had noticed that I was working in both teams. She asked me how I was managing my time and which team I liked working for the most. I told her I wanted to work for the Product team. She was okay with that. But she also said that I should talk to the managers of both teams about my decision and talk to HR because my move to the Product team would leave an empty spot in the Manufacturing team. So, I was given a month to move completely to the Product team. In the meantime, I also helped the team find someone to take my place.
During the transition into my role as an Product Manager, I had the opportunity to experience an exponential learning curve. It was an exciting and challenging time as I navigated the intricacies of product management. I am immensely grateful for the support and guidance I received from Sumit (PM), who went above and beyond to ensure my success in this new role.
My manager recognized the importance of equipping me with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel as a Product Manager. He took extra effort to teach me the core concepts of product management, patiently explaining the ins and outs of the role. From market research and competitor analysis to defining product strategies and roadmaps, Sumit provided invaluable insights that accelerated my learning. I vividly remember our one-on-one sessions where he shared his experiences and real-life examples, making the learning process engaging and practical. He encouraged me to ask questions, explore different approaches, and think critically about the product’s lifecycle. His mentorship not only deepened my understanding of product management but also imparted in me a sense of confidence to take ownership and make informed decisions. Building upon my diverse background in sourcing and manufacturing, I now had the opportunity to take ownership of an entire product and shape its lifecycle. As an APM, I brought a fresh perspective, considering not only the technical aspects but also the subtle nuances of supplier relationships. It was a chance to merge my knowledge, skills, and passion into a singular purpose.
Looking back on my transformative journey at Karkhana.io, gratitude and admiration overwhelm my heart. The company’s culture of flexibility, empowerment, and continuous learning has profoundly influenced my professional growth. Karkhana.io is not just an organization; it’s a community that believes in the potential of its employees and provides them with a platform to excel.
I wholeheartedly encourage each and every one of you to seek out an environment like Karkhana.io.
