In this edition of our Women in Product Management Series, I had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Felice-Steele, Vice President of Product Management at Experian Consumer Services. Michelle shares her inspiring career journey, insights on leadership, and advice for women in tech looking to break into product management.
Key Takeaways from Michelle Felice-Steele
- Stay curious: Always be learning and asking questions.
- Seek opportunities: Raise your hand and volunteer for new challenges.
- Tailor communication: Know your audience and adapt your message.
- Find mentors: Build a network of supportive, experienced professionals.
- Embrace innovation: Focus on solving problems in new and impactful ways.
From Journalism to Product Management: Michelle’s Career Journey
Nicole: Michelle, welcome! Let’s dive right in. How did you get into product management?
Michelle: Thanks, Nicole, I’m excited to be here! My career path wasn’t exactly traditional. It began in the late ’90s when I was taking journalism classes in college. One of my professors worked at the Las Vegas Sun, which was launching its online site—what later became Vegas.com.
I thought, “This online thing is really going to take off,” so I jumped at the chance to work in this space. I started on the creative side, working with content, HTML, and imagery. From there, I moved to Los Angeles and landed a role in project management. While it gave me a solid technical foundation, I missed the creative outlet.
Product management became the perfect fit because it’s about the “what” and “why” of building a product, as well as understanding the “how.” My background in project management helped me develop skills like facilitation, technical aptitude, and solutioning—all essential for product management. Transitioning into this role felt natural because it aligned my creative passions with business strategy.
Finding Inspiration in Consumer Insights
Nicole: That’s such a unique blend of creativity, business, and tech. What inspires you most in product management today?
Michelle: For me, it’s all about consumer insights. At Experian Consumer Services, we have an incredible team dedicated to understanding the needs of our users. Hearing directly from end users is always inspiring.
Right now, I oversee a B2B2C model, which involves serving both businesses and consumers. It’s a challenging space but also rewarding because it keeps me constantly learning. As a product manager, being as close as possible to your end user is essential. Whether it’s through interviews, feedback from sales teams, or data from client services, those insights fuel innovation.
The Art of Managing Stakeholders by Influence
Nicole: Product management often involves working with a wide range of stakeholders. How do you navigate those relationships?
Michelle: It’s all about customizing your message. At a leadership level, especially when working with executives, you need to tailor your communication. Developers need detailed instructions, but executives prefer elevator pitches with clear takeaways.
I always train my team to know their audience and adjust accordingly. It’s a key skill that helps build trust and influence across teams.
Raising Your Hand: Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Nicole: You’ve advanced through leadership roles in product management. What advice do you have for others looking to grow their leadership skills?
Michelle: Raise your hand and seek opportunities. If you see a gap or envision a new project, speak up. You don’t have to be an expert—just show a desire to learn.
Always be curious. Ask questions with sincerity and authenticity. When you connect the dots, you’ll uncover opportunities to make an impact. And don’t forget mentorship—both being a mentor and seeking one. At Experian, we have a Women in Experian Mentorship Program, and it’s been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.
What Makes a Great Product Manager?
Nicole: When hiring for product management roles, what qualities or experience do you prioritize?
Michelle: The ability to solve complex problems and understand your user is key. I look for candidates who can articulate how they’ve taken a product through its entire lifecycle, not just one phase.
There are so many types of product roles—business-focused, technical, design-driven, or marketing-oriented. Each requires different skills, but across the board, the ability to balance market demand, technical feasibility, and business viability is essential.
Passion for Innovation
Nicole: What excites you most about product management?
Michelle: Innovation. It’s what drives me. I love solving problems for consumers and creating solutions that make their lives easier. One of the most rewarding projects I worked on was Experian Boost—a product that broke new ground in credit reporting. It was challenging to build, but that’s what made it so impactful. If it were easy, anyone could do it.
Breaking Into Product Management: Advice for Women
Nicole: For women looking to enter product management, what advice would you offer?
Michelle: Start by building a strong foundation. There are so many great books and resources out there. Two must-reads are Inspired and Transformed by Marty Cagan. The Lean Product Playbook by Dan Olsen is also fantastic, and if you’re interested in innovation, check out Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Nir Eyal.
Develop basic technical skills. You don’t need to be a developer, but understanding technology and asking the right questions is critical.
Lastly, network and seek mentorship. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and connect with others in the field. Confidence and continuous learning will take you far.
Nicole: That’s incredible advice. Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your journey and insights.
Michelle: Thank you for having me!
