E40 From a PhD in Chemistry to Managing Products in Startups
Following his studies in Chemistry at UCL and Oxford, Nijat Hasanli earned a PhD in Chemistry and today works in a clinical trials startup.
If you've ever wondered how an academic journey can take a fascinating turn into the dynamic world of startups, today's blog post is for you. Nijat, Head of Product Management at Lindus Health, talks about his journey on TLDL’s 40th episode.
A Unique Path: From Chemistry to Startups
You might be surprised to learn that Nijat's background isn't your typical startup story. With an undergraduate and Ph.D. in Chemistry, Nijat's academic journey might seem far removed from the startup ecosystem. But as he explains, his love for sciences, especially chemistry, started during his school days.
The Startup Bug
Despite his interest in chemistry, Nijat found himself drawn to the startup space. But what exactly about startups intrigued him? It wasn't just about creating new companies; it was about identifying sectors ripe for disruption and making a meaningful impact with innovative ideas.
His first work experience with startups was in climate action, looking into investment research and exploring solutions in high-emitting industries like steel and cement. Nijat developed a passion for early-stage startups as he started looking for opportunities that were not yet part of the mainstream but had the potential to create significant change.
The Role of a Product Manager
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly does a Product Manager (PM) do? Nijat refers to Ben Horowitz’s article, “Good Product Manager/Bad Product Manager”, where a PM is compared to the CEO of a product. This role involves identifying user problems, assembling the right team, and making critical decisions to deliver customer value. While technical skills are essential, Nijat emphasises the importance of understanding user needs and crafting solutions that resonate with them.
Lindus Health: A Deep Dive
Nijat's current role at Lindus Health provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of clinical research. As the company aims to revolutionise the clinical trial process, Nijat's responsibilities have evolved from defining the product vision to strategising its execution. While metrics like user retention and conversion rates are crucial in many PM roles, Nijat's focus lies in optimising the efficiency of clinicians using their platform.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring PMs
For young professionals aspiring to become PMs, Nijat offers invaluable advice. Instead of learning the processes and methodologies, focus on understanding the problem you're solving. Dive deep, ask the right questions, and demonstrate your passion and commitment. Whether you're applying to a startup or a large corporation, aligning with the company's culture, values, and mission is crucial.
Wrapping Up
Nijat’s story and tips encourage you to look into the startup space. You can find more stories like his on the Too Long; Don’t Listen podcast. If you’re interested in startups you can also read my latest blog: “The Truth About Working In Startups”.