17 years at PayPal working in 10 different roles with Prashanthi Ravanavarapu | Product Executive at PayPal | E229

The Product Podcast

In this episode of the Product Podcast with Prashanthi Ravanavarapu, Product Executive at PayPal, we unlock the secrets to becoming a transformative product leader. Our guest takes us on her journey from the data team to leading customer experience initiatives at PayPal, showcasing the power of internal mobility for personal and organizational growth.
We chat about how product management can address global challenges like poverty and hunger and why human-centered design is crucial for making meaningful, impactful products.
Get ready to hear about building high-performing "missionary teams" where passion for the mission and customer alignment drive success. Our guest also shares fascinating anecdotes from her background as a shot putter, illustrating how discipline and dedication translate to powerful leadership.
We also dive into justice-driven product design, emphasizing the creation of inclusive and equitable solutions that tackle systemic issues and foster diversity.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that promises to elevate your leadership skills and inspire lasting social impact. Don't miss out on this insightful episode!
Formula for navigating internal mobility effectively:
1. What are my unique strenghts?
- Identify the skills and capabilities that set you apart.
- Reflect on past roles and projects where you have excelled.
- Consider feedback from peers and mentors to gain insights into your core competencies.
2. What are my interests?
- Think about the areas within the organization that excite you.
- Align your career aspirations with your passions.
- Explore opportunities that not only challenge you but also keep you motivated and engaged.
3. What’s the business gap?
- Look for gaps or unmet needs within the business that align with your strengths and interests.
- Conduct a thorough analysis to understand where your skills can add value.
- Develop a business case that demonstrates how your unique strengths and interests can address these gaps and contribute to the company's success.
The ingredients to unlock talent in people are discussed extensively. Here are the key components highlighted:
1. Purpose and Passion
2. Empathy and Understanding
3. Proactive Problem-Solving
4. Supportive Leadership

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Brought to you by:
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Credits:

Host: Carlos Gonzalez de Villaumbrosia
Guest: Prashanthi Ravanavarapu

Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Athletes succeeding in business (00:04:03)

3. Over 17 years at PayPal (00:04:31)

4. How to move internally in a company? (00:05:47)

5. The 2 keys of social impact (00:09:37)

6. The ingredients to unlock talent in people (00:13:00)

7. You can no longer just lead people (00:15:54)

8. What makes a great product leader? (00:17:01)

9. What happens when customers interact with your product (00:21:09)

10. The ability to build high-performance teams (00:29:20)

11. How does Prashanthi acquire the knowledge? (00:34:25)