Employee Spotlight - Meet Sarah!

In this Employee Spotlight, we introduce Sarah! Sarah has been with Dispatch since 2020, starting as a User Experience Designer, and was most recently promoted to Sr. Product Manager in the latter half of 2022. Learn about her people-first approach and the advice she has for other professionals.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in Product Management?

My approach has always been centered around prioritizing people. My desire to address user needs propelled me toward seeking impactful solutions. My affinity for data and organizing work allowed me to effectively prioritize the features that would make the most difference in the lives of users.

2. Do you face any unique challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field?

Working in a male-dominated field presents unique challenges, such as being the only woman in the room. Asserting oneself in a position without seeing other women in that role can be challenging. Although listening is imperative to my job, ensuring that I am heard and not dismissed is crucial. Coming to the table with assertiveness and making meaningful contributions to the discussion is essential. Additionally, it's important not to take on more than what is expected in the job role as women in my field can be given more responsibilities while being paid less than their male counterparts who may be doing less.

3. What advice do you have for young women looking to become Product Managers?

Continually striving to learn every facet of a business is crucial in product management. This role necessitates versatility, and exposure to Marketing, Sales, Data, and business leaders provides a valuable foundation for successfully managing products and teams. Additionally, I would urge you to view organization as an essential tool in your arsenal. Effective product management hinges on comprehensive organization, which facilitates a clear understanding of the work scope, ensures timely release dates, and prepares you for future feature development.

4. What does a typical day in your role look like?

A typical day in product management is varied and fast-paced. It often begins with reviewing the product backlog and refining requirements to ensure that the team is aligned with the product roadmap. This is usually followed by meetings with cross-functional teams, including development, design, marketing, and sales, to discuss progress, identify bottlenecks, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Throughout the day, product managers also review metrics, such as usage data and customer feedback, to make informed decisions about the product's future direction. Time is also set aside for communicating with stakeholders, responding to urgent issues, and planning for upcoming releases. Product managers must be highly organized, skilled at communication, and able to adapt to shifting priorities to be successful in this role.

5. So far, what accomplishments are you most proud of here at Dispatch?

I take great pride in my contributions to the success of our product, Connect, where I spearheaded initiatives to expand our user base and transform it into a high-revenue product through customer engagement. My involvement in user interviews and data sourcing was particularly rewarding, as it allowed me to identify promising opportunities to drive growth. I am eager to apply this same level of passion and expertise to other areas of Dispatch and help advance our company's overall objectives

6. Which Dispatch core value resonates with you the most?

People First because this approach is crucial because it serves as a constant reminder to prioritize others and the impact of our work on our company, colleagues, and customers. It is essential to recognize that our work is essential and necessary because it fulfills a need for someone. We must never forget this fundamental truth.