"Learning from peers was my primary motivation for joining PLA"

Meet Amanda Horbert, an Agile Coach whose career has been defined by driving meaningful change and elevating team performance. With over eight years of experience under her belt, Amanda is a force for transformative progress in organizations. Her expertise spans process improvements, team coaching, and mastering OKR implementation.

Amanda’s passion for aligning teams with company objectives was most recently showcased during her time as Senior Product & Tech Talent Development Lead at Dojo in London. There, she honed her ability to optimize team performance and foster collaboration, setting the stage for her next career chapter. Starting this January, Amanda will transition full-time into product operations—a move that reflects her commitment to shaping the future of cross-functional alignment in the product space.

In this case study, we’ll explore Amanda’s involvement with PLA, where she shared her unique insights and experiences. From her time in Agile coaching to her forward-looking journey into product operations, Amanda’s story offers an inspiring blueprint for professionals navigating the intersection of people, processes, and product. Let’s hear from Amanda how she’s making her mark.

Community engagement

Learning from peers was my primary motivation for joining PLA. I enjoy staying up to date with industry discussions and gaining insights from the experiences and knowledge shared by fellow professionals in the field. This community provides a platform to engage with like-minded individuals and expand my understanding of product operations.

The online meetups have been particularly valuable. They cover topics highly relevant to current challenges and developments I see in my company. Participating in these events has allowed me to gain new perspectives and learn from the insights shared by other members.

The community has a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. Members are open to sharing their experiences and insights, which contributes to a supportive environment where everyone can learn from one another.

Attending events

As I prepared to start a new role as a senior product operations manager, I was eager to strengthen my understanding of the core principles and best practices of the field. Attending the Product Operations Core Live event provided a valuable opportunity to learn from experts and gain insights that will help me excel in my new position.

The session on data categorization was particularly impactful. The framework presented for grouping different types of data provided a clear and structured approach to managing and leveraging data within product operations. This perspective will undoubtedly enhance my ability to work with data effectively in my role.

The event met my expectations. Given the comprehensive agenda, I anticipated a broad overview of various topics without delving too deeply into the specifics. The event delivered just that, offering a valuable high-level introduction to numerous aspects of product operations.

The trainer's insights into the roles and responsibilities within product operations were highly enlightening. While most of the resources were familiar to me, the context provided by the trainer's perspective allowed me to see them in a new light and better understand their application in my work.

The breakout session on change management was particularly memorable. The opportunity to learn from other participants' experiences with resistance to change provided a wealth of practical insights and strategies for addressing this common challenge in product operations.

Networking and connections

I connected with two fellow participants from the course on LinkedIn, expanding my professional network within the product operations field. I was also able to reconnect with an old colleague who shared something in the community.

The event offered valuable networking opportunities. Focusing exclusively on product operations made it possible to engage with professionals who share my passion for this specific area, fostering meaningful connections and knowledge sharing.

Resources and tools

Within the community, I've found the shared articles particularly helpful. These resources offer insights and perspectives on a wide range of topics relevant to product operations, allowing me to stay informed about current trends and best practices.

The OKRs and Balanced Scorecard frameworks are highly applicable to my new role. These tools will enable me to set effective goals, measure progress, and ensure strategic alignment across the organization.

Professional growth

The Product Operations Core Live event has provided me with a broader perspective on the various aspects of product operations and enhanced my understanding of the role's core responsibilities. Engaging with experts and peers has exposed me to new strategies and best practices, allowing me to grow as a professional in the field.

The sessions on change management and data categorization offered valuable insights into the challenges I've encountered in my work. Learning from others' experiences and the strategies they've employed has given me a fresh perspective on addressing these issues in my new role.

Contributions and outcomes

I actively participated in breakout sessions and discussions, sharing my experiences and insights. By engaging in these conversations, I connected with other professionals, fostering a collaborative learning environment and generating new ideas that we can all apply in our work.

This event stands out due to its focus on product operations specifically. This specialized approach allows for in-depth discussions and learning opportunities that may not be possible at more general events. The supportive and collaborative atmosphere encouraged genuine knowledge-sharing and networking among attendees.

Reflections and recommendations

Anyone interested in attending the event should come with an open mind and a willingness to engage with fellow attendees. Be prepared to share your own experiences and learn from others, as this collaborative approach is key to getting the most out of the event.

Joining this community or attending similar events provides a unique opportunity to connect with other product professionals and stay current on industry trends. These experiences can help individuals grow in their careers and contribute to developing product operations as a field.

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"Learning from peers was my primary motivation for joining PLA" - Amanda Horbert