Welcome to Product Sensei - From Derek

Hi, I am Derek, one of the co-founders of Product Sensei. I remember stepping into the digital product world as if it were yesterday. Fresh out of college, I joined a business resiliency company as a Quality Assurance Engineer working on their digital SaaS product. It felt like I was a freshman on the first day of collegiate football practice all over again—intimidating, overwhelming, and humbling. The voices in my head were loud: What am I doing here? Everyone around me is so far ahead. How will I ever catch up?

My first experience in the technology world was well...terrifying! Yet, my biggest challenge wasn’t just learning the craft of product development—it was trying to find my place. I understand how hard it can be to find your footing in the technology industry. It's fast-paced and can feel like a speeding train that you have to jump on if you want to keep up. As a result, I found it difficult to find the time to develop my craft and mentorship to provide me with guidance.

My Journey

Well, to be honest I always felt out of place. I didn't want to be an engineer because I knew I would never be strong enough technically to be successful in that role. I didn't consider myself a "business" person because finance was like a second language and I couldn't stand Excel sheets. I found myself in the middle, which felt hopeless. However, what I found is the middle can be a powerful place.

My superpowers were listening to people, building trust and empathy, and understanding systems. I became a Scrum Master then an Agile Coach and now a Product Operations Lead. I have one of those jobs that's hard to explain to people and I love that. My path wasn't straightforward and I don't belong to product or engineering...It's perfect.

Why Product Sensei?

Have you ever felt like you're working tirelessly to succeed, but you aren't getting the opportunities that you want? Do you look for resources and all you find is lessons from companies that aren't like the one you are at? Do you find it impossible to find mentorship that can help you truly be more effective in your role? That’s why I started Product Sensei—to provide people with the same guidance that helped me. This blog isn’t about jargon-filled theories or unattainable ideals. It’s about real-world lessons for building great products without the b&*#s$!@.

Here, we won’t cater to senior leadership or C-Suite executives. We won't tell you stories about or advise you to mimic what companies in Silicon Valley are doing because most of us don't work at places like that. Instead, we’re building a space for anyone passionate about creating products people love—even when the environment feels frustrating and complex. If you’re struggling to find your path in the tech or product world, you’re in the right place.

Here’s what you can expect:

     •           Actionable Insights: Practical advice you can use today, whether you’re building your first team or scaling in a complex organization.

     •           Organizational Dynamics Expertise: Lessons on fostering collaboration, tackling conflict, and building high-performing teams in fast-paced environments.

     •           Career Guidance: Honest, no-nonsense advice for navigating your career in product operations, from earning credibility to advancing as a leader.

     •           Authenticity: Stories that reflect the real-world challenges and successes of working in product—from someone who’s still learning and growing, just like you.

The Product Sensei Community

We want this blog to be more than just another website you visit. We aim to create a community where product professionals—especially those exploring operations roles—can connect, learn, and grow together. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned pro, this space is for you. Let’s break down the silos of experience and create a shared understanding of what it takes to build exceptional products and teams.

I’ll share insights from the field, but I also want to hear from you. This blog is as much yours as it is mine.

Let’s Build Together

If this resonates with you, I invite you to join me on this journey. Here’s how you can get involved:

     •           Subscribe: Sign up for updates and never miss a post.

     •           Engage: Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—I’d love to hear your perspective.

     •           Connect: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for more tips and discussions about product, product operations, and career growth.

A photo of Co-Founder Derek Schatz

Hey! I'm Derek, the co-founder of Product Sensei.

I've discovered that creating software products can be both tough and exasperating. I aim for this blog to provide genuine insights that simplify the complexity and hopefully help you discover something new.

Welcome to the community!