Cindy Camacho Joins InnovateHER Podcast

I recently had the pleasure of sharing my experiences as a woman in product management on the InnovateHer: Women in Product podcast. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with other inspiring women and discuss the challenges and rewards of this exciting field.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

• Overcoming Bias: I discussed the challenges women often face in tech-heavy industries, particularly those with technical degree requirements. I emphasized the importance of authentic communication and building relationships to diversify knowledge and perspectives.

• The Power of Empathy and Collaboration: I highlighted the crucial role of empathy in product management. By understanding user needs and fostering collaboration within teams, women can drive innovation and create products that truly make a difference.

• Balancing Career and Personal Life: I shared strategies for managing time effectively, setting boundaries, and taking time to recharge. I emphasized the importance of knowing one's strengths and embracing authenticity to achieve work-life balance.

My Journey to Product Management

I began my career in customer service and account management, always focused on helping customers and solving their problems. My role was all about customer retention and satisfaction, but over the years, I grew tired of the routine—especially when I no longer believed in the products I was supporting. Instead of reacting to customer issues, I wanted to create solutions that met their needs from the outset. I wanted to design something meaningful, rather than applying bandages to systems that didn't fully serve them.

Eventually, I moved into a role managing a department, which in today’s terms would be called Product Management. I led a team of account managers and business analysts in what was considered the “cool” department—the one that explored new ideas and took on uncharted projects. I was asked to research new opportunities, conducting what we now call discovery and market research, though we didn’t use those terms back then because "product management" as a concept didn’t exist in that organization. It was in that role that I caught the “product bug.”

My research and findings led to presentations with executive leadership, launching me on a career path I hadn’t realized was product management. I was stepping into a field I loved without even knowing it had a name. My passion for learning became a powerful driver. Working full-time while finishing both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees taught me the value of curiosity, documentation, and constant growth—all traits that have become the foundation of my work in product.

It took over a decade to discover what I was truly meant to do and to realize that product management was where I belonged. Add another ten years, and today, I’m the founder of VOC Strategies, driven by the same curiosity and customer-focused mindset that started me on this journey. Each step taught me that the key to creating lasting solutions lies in listening, learning, and building products that don’t just respond to needs but anticipate and shape them.

Supporting Women in Product Management

I encourage you to support and mentor other women in the field. By creating inclusive communities and sharing experiences, we can empower the next generation of female product leaders.

Listen to the Full Episode

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3aRbxLudqbnSKr65fOOLD1?si=hbMWgNOwQFq3VgyJkKXv0g