1089: Embracing DIVERSE passions to go from ZERO to ONE & the POWER of improv in business and life w/ Shardul Mehta

Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

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What happens when a tech industry veteran with 30 years of experience lets curiosity and passion lead his journey? Join us for an engaging conversation with Shardul Mehta as he shares his adventurous career path. From his earliest days tinkering with a PC in the 1980s to co-founding startups and exploring improv comedy, Shardul's story is one of embracing diverse interests and continuous growth. We explore how his entrepreneurial spirit was sparked by a healthcare startup during the dot-com era and how this pivotal moment solidified his love for building and innovation.
Shardul walks us through his mission to foster a thriving product management community, starting with Product Camp DC. Discover how he transitioned from a successful blog to a newsletter that continues to guide product managers today. Shardul connects the dots between product management and entrepreneurship, offering insights into intrapreneurship and strategic decision-making. He also shares the importance of open-minded learning, highlighting skills like storytelling and salesmanship that enhance communication and product narratives.
The transformative power of improv takes center stage as Shardul discusses how the principles of "Yes, and" and "Got Your Back" have strengthened his communication and collaboration skills. Through personal anecdotes, he reveals how stepping onto the improv stage has unlocked new facets of his personality, proving to be a valuable tool for both personal and professional growth. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established professional, Shardul's experiences offer insights and inspiration on navigating the ever-evolving landscape of technology and entrepreneurship.

ABOUT SHARDUL

Shardul Mehta is a 30-year veteran of the tech industry, having co-founded multiple startups and small businesses, and served in executive leadership roles at several growth-focused companies. He's launched 0:1 products, scaled products 1:N, and grown complex enterprise-grade platforms and multi-faceted portfolios to hundreds of millions in revenue, and led digital transformations at non-tech organizations. His career spans VC and PE-backed growth companies, mergers & acquisitions, family-owned businesses, Fortune 100 global enterprises, and even a stint in the US Federal government. He's built and scaled product management teams and operations, and many of his product managers have grown into leadership positions themselves. 5.5 years ago, he began a lifelong love affair with improv. He's taught improv to over 100 students, organized numerous improv shows, and performed on stage and on podcasts. As an introvert, he enjoys spending time with his family, writing, and watching way more YouTube videos than is probably healthy.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Visit Street Smart Product Manager’s Website and Sign Up to Shardul’s Newsletter
• Connect with Shardul on LinkedIn
• Check Out Shardul’s Course ‘One Week Product Roadmap: Create an Actionable Product Roadmap in Just 7 Days’

Chapters

1. Entrepreneur's Journey (00:00:00)

2. Product Management and Entrepreneurship Mindset (00:07:25)

3. From Zero to End (00:16:35)

4. Power of Improv (00:23:14)

5. Evolving Skills for Success (00:29:49)

6. Guest Appreciation and Engagement (00:38:54)