Trailblazing Women in Product Management: Namrata Sarmah

Introduction and Welcome to Trailblazing Women in Product Management

Nicole Tieche | 00:00-00:26

Hi, everybody. I’m Nicole Tieche, your host of our segment, *Trailblazing Women in Product Management.* Today, our guest is **Namrata Sarmah**, Chief Product Officer and Founder and CEO of **Women in Product UK**. I’m very excited to have her share her experiences and insights in product management with us today. So, welcome, Nam.

Namrata Sarmah | 00:26-00:32

Thank you so much, Nicole. I’m really glad to be here.

Nicole Tieche | 00:32-00:44

Great, thank you. And I love breaking the ice and just getting a little bit of a peek into the history that brought you into product management. How did you get started?

Namrata’s Journey from Software Engineering to Product Management

Namrata Sarmah | 00:44-02:15

So, my story is not very unconventional, unfortunately. My career started as a software engineer, so I was still very much part of the tech ecosystem. I did my computer science engineering during my undergrad and started working as a software engineer early in my career. My work was global in nature and took me to different countries as well.

Then I had a little change in career when I did my MBA back in 2011. I graduated in 2012, and in the UK, it’s a one-year MBA. That’s when I ventured into product management. But it was not a thing here then — product management was not really a defined job. Project management was very popular. Somehow, I found my footing in companies with loosely based product functions, and that was the beginning.

Most of my early bosses were CTOs, so I’ve always been part of the tech organization.

The Evolution of Product Management in the UK

Nicole Tieche | 02:15-02:39

Interesting. So maybe you were paving the way a bit in terms of defining product management in the UK. That’s exciting. Looking from where you started to where you are today, what’s inspiring you in product management, especially there in the UK?

Namrata Sarmah | 02:39-03:39

Yeah, we’ve come a long way! In 2012 — more than a decade ago — there was no real product discipline. Now, the CPO role is quite popular; many companies have one. That shift alone shows progress.

What excites me most is the emergence of different flavors of product management. It’s no longer about managing features — it’s more generalist and strategic. Product managers today work closely across the organization, often shaping company vision. In fact, many PMs today will become CEOs in the future. That evolution inspires me, especially because product management in the UK used to be seen as delivery-focused — and now it’s changing.

How Product Management Became a Strategic Discipline

Nicole Tieche | 03:39-04:04

It seems more strategic and holistic across the company now.

Namrata Sarmah | 04:04-04:20

Exactly. That’s how it should’ve been from the start. But as with any emerging function, it evolves over time. In the UK, it has definitely evolved — and I’m really hopeful about its future.

Working Across Teams in Challenging Economic Times

Nicole Tieche | 04:20-05:17

That’s great. So tell me, in your position, you work with lots of teams and stakeholders. What are you learning right now from working with those stakeholders?

Namrata Sarmah | 05:17-06:45

We’re definitely not living in normal economic times. It’s challenging for businesses of all sizes. Generative AI has posed big questions about strategy and investment priorities. My experience is mainly in large, international organizations, so I see how tech disruption plays out globally.

Money is no longer cheap — getting funding is tougher, and even well-funded companies face scrutiny on spending. Growth at all costs is not the agenda anymore. Today, success isn’t just about user growth — it’s about sustainable revenue and operational efficiency. That shift makes the CPO role both more exciting and more complex.

The Shift from Growth at All Costs to Sustainable Profitability

Nicole Tieche | 06:27-06:45

Exactly. And what do you like most about working across all those divisions?

Namrata Sarmah | 06:45-07:44

I’ve been fortunate to lead very diverse teams. My background in software engineering helps me work well with technical teams, but I also lead marketing, research, data, design, and community growth. Managing such a multifaceted group keeps me learning. Not many CPO roles give you that range — it’s incredibly rewarding.

Leading Diverse Global Teams at Scale

Nicole Tieche | 07:35-07:44

That’s wonderful. What’s the most challenging part about managing that diversity?

Namrata Sarmah | 07:44-08:59

Context switching! In one morning, I might be in a design meeting, then a marketing session, then a data science review. Each requires a completely different mindset. It’s mentally demanding but necessary.

The other challenge is building a high-performing, multifaceted team. Leading globally diverse teams isn’t easy — but when it works, it’s amazing.

Challenges of Context Switching Across Multiple Disciplines

Nicole Tieche | 08:51-08:59

Let’s talk about team building. What do you look for when hiring?

Namrata Sarmah | 08:59-10:45

I look for three things: **potential**, **attention to detail**, and **collaboration**.

Potential matters more than experience — I want people who are driven and eager to grow. Attention to detail ensures excellence; people who care deeply about their work are trustworthy on big projects. And collaboration is everything — product is a team sport. You can’t succeed in isolation, especially in multicultural, global teams.

What Namrata Looks for When Hiring Product Talent

Nicole Tieche | 10:28-10:45

That’s super important, especially globally. Let’s talk about your community work. You founded Women in Product UK — tell us about that.

Namrata Sarmah | 10:45-13:19

Yes! I started **Women in Product UK** in 2020 during the pandemic. Like everyone else, I was stuck at home, but I also wanted to give back. That same year, I landed my first CPO role at a health tech company, so it felt right to contribute to the community.

At first, it was a simple LinkedIn group — then I created a WhatsApp group, and it exploded. Today, we have around 1,500 women in product. It’s incredible. We run monthly events, both virtual and in-person, and have sponsors, mentorship programs, and coaching. What began casually is now a proper organization helping women grow in product management.

The Three Qualities of Great Product Managers: Potential, Detail, and Collaboration

Nicole Tieche | 13:19-13:48

That’s exciting — such great advocacy for women in product management. For listeners who want to break into product, what’s your advice?

Namrata Sarmah | 13:48-15:20

Pipeline building is critical. It starts in schools — especially for girls who excel in STEM. We work with schools to inspire 12–13-year-olds to pursue science and math.

I also speak at top universities — Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, NYU, and others — helping MBA students learn about careers in product management. Nobody told me about this career when I was in school, so I want to change that.

For anyone breaking in, focus on potential, curiosity, attention to detail, and teamwork. Technical skills help, but with AI and better tools, learning them is easier than ever.

Building and Scaling a 1,500-Member Community

Namrata Sarmah | 15:20-17:32

Also — give back! Communities thrive on contribution. When you share your knowledge, you get five or ten times more in return. Our WhatsApp and LinkedIn groups are open, global, and growing every day.

The Power of Giving Back and Active Community Involvement

Nicole Tieche | 17:48-18:24

I love how you’re showing young women and men that leadership in product is possible. You’re a real role model, Nam.

Namrata Sarmah | 18:24-19:05

Thank you so much, Nicole. I believe visibility matters — when people see women thriving in leadership, it changes perceptions. I’m grateful for the chance to share my story and hopefully inspire others to follow.

Nicole Tieche | 19:05-End

Thank you again, Nam, for joining us on *Productside Stories*. If you enjoyed today’s conversation, don’t forget to subscribe for more empowering stories from the world of product management.