Sahl Lakdawala -
Fractional CPO & Product Coach
As your organization's Fractional CPO my mission is to empower your team to focus on the metrics that matter, build a strategic roadmap to create maximum value for your business and customer and help scale the company by prioritizing the most important problems that need to be solved.I'm a dedicated Product Management Coach with a passion for helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential.With more than 15 years of hands-on experience in Product Management and extensive teaching & coaching experience, I've honed the skills and insights necessary to drive innovation, create winning strategies, and deliver exceptional coaching that has helped hundereds of students, founders and organizations.Contact me to learn more about how I can help you in your startup journey.
Work Experience
I bring over 15 years of versatile experience across sales, project management, and digital product strategy & execution. Beginning in the Loyalty industry, I honed my sales skills before pursuing an MBA, which propelled me into the role of a Project Manager.I had the privilege of leading a product development consulting firm specializing in digital marketing, strategy, and design, enriching my expertise in Product Management. This journey continued as I served as a Scrum Master and Business Systems Analyst at the second largest Canadian bank, TD Bank and later as a Product Manager at Canada's largest Telecom conglomerate, Rogers.Advancing into senior leadership, I've held the position of Senior Product Consultant at ATB Financial, the largest FI in western Canada, overseeing pivotal initiatives. Today, I proudly serve as Director of Product at Scotiabank, where I leverage my extensive experience to drive innovation and lead high-performing product teams to build scale, great user experiences while ensuring security is not compromised.My career reflects a passion for problem-solving, strategic thinking, and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of business, finance, and digital product.
Coaching and Teaching
With over 15 years of teaching and coaching experience, I'm a seasoned educator and mentor dedicated to empowering the next generation of teams and professionals in the field of Digital Marketing, Strategy, and Product Management.Lead Instructor Roles:York University, Schulich School of Business Faculty for the Tech MBA program, teaching the highly coveted Product Management course.BrainStation, Toronto: At BrainStation, I led instruction in Product Management, fostering a culture of innovation and strategic thinking among aspiring product managers.Institute of Management Technology, Hyderabad: I served as the Lead Instructor for Product Management and Growth Marketing, guiding students in mastering the art of product development and growth strategies, and setting them on a path to success in the industry.Administrative Staff College of India: As the Lead Instructor of Digital Marketing, I crafted and delivered comprehensive courses, equipping students with the latest strategies and tactics in the dynamic world of digital marketing.FLAME University: Guest faculty for the undergraduate students of the Liberal Education program for a course on Digital Marketing, Product Management and Consumer Behavior.Additional Roles:Startup Leadership Program: As a Mentor, I provided guidance, support, and mentorship to emerging entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of building successful startups.Venture Kids: I am proud to have volunteered as an Instructor, sharing my knowledge and insights with young minds eager to explore entrepreneurship and innovation.Hack to the Future by Finastra: I've had the honor of serving as a judge for the Finastra Hackathon challenge, evaluating and recognizing the innovative solutions and talents of aspiring tech enthusiasts and innovators.My passion for teaching, combined with my industry experience, allows me to offer students and organizations a practical guidance to achieve their goals.
Speaking
I am an accomplished speaker with a proven track record of engaging and inspiring audiences across diverse topics and industries. With a dynamic presence and a passion for sharing knowledge, I have been privileged to address various events and audiences, leaving a lasting impact.Product Management Mastery: As a seasoned Product Management professional, I offer deep insights into the strategies, methodologies, and best practices that drive successful product development.Strategic Thinking: I explore the critical role of strategic thinking in navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape. I delve into the latest trends, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches that organizations can adopt to remain competitive and achieve long-term success.Career Coaching and Development: With a passion for mentoring and career development, I provide guidance on building fulfilling and impactful careers. My coaching insights help individuals harness their potential, overcome challenges, and achieve their professional goals. My focus is on the technology and business sector.
Explore some of my writings and gain valuable insights into the world of Product Management. Dive into a world of strategies, innovation, and industry trends.
Contact Me
Let's Connect.I welcome discussions on how I can help your organization focus on building the right Product.With a wealth of experience in Digital Product, I'm here to help take your product to more customers and help scale your organization.Your inquiry is important, and I'm here to assist in the best way I can.