Swaraj Verma

Q: When and why did you join Calnex?

I joined Calnex in October 2022, so officially just completed my 3-months here! The prospect of taking on new challenges in a new industry has always motivated me. With Calnex’s expertise in network synchronization and emulation, it was an instant attraction. As someone who previously worked in software-based B2B and B2C products across different industries, switching to hardware-based B2B products in communications was a great opportunity for me to challenge myself and create products that contribute to a better-connected world.

Q: What is your role at Calnex?

I’m the Product Manager for Calnex’s SNE family of products that are used for network emulation and simulation. As Product Manager, I get to do loads of exciting stuff. I develop competitive analysis, identify market requirements for current and future products, guide products, monitor the market, develop strategic planning, lay the groundwork for minimum viable products, assist with product support, define Go-to-Market strategies, pitch and position new products and features, as well as work with engineering teams to make the product a reality.

Q: What did you study and where?

Like many Product Managers, I belong to both technology and management. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering which helped me build a strong base around technology and later moved towards management by pursuing my MBA from Durham University.

Q: What is your experience at Calnex?

Calnex is a breath of fresh air for me away from a formal corporate culture. After several years of Zoom calls, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the buzz in the office. It surprised me how much support I received when I first started. Every person I’ve encountered here is willing to answer questions or point you in the right direction. In addition, the employees work well together and take the time to welcome and check on new joiners, which makes you feel valued. Although I have only been with the company for three months, I feel the management respects the values of work-life balance and is sincerely committed to the employees as a whole.I’m fortunate to be part of a great team who always have their doors open to me. You can feel that you’re alongside people who have a tremendous amount of talent and are open to sharing their experiences. With Calnex on a high growth trajectory, I see us exploring uncharted areas, new processes, cutting-edge technology, new ventures and ideas, which means exciting opportunities for me to work on.

Q: What skills do you need to succeed in the role?

As a general rule, product managers require a broad range of skills. All aspects of the organization are covered, from interpersonal communication to technical expertise, from management to working with different departments. An integral part of the PM’s job is solving customers’ problems through product solutions, regardless of the industry. A PM is expected to possess strong prioritization skills, strategic thinking, and a keen focus on market trends to accomplish this. Being a people-person and having a passion for technology will definitely help someone succeed in a PM role.

Q. Most challenging aspect for your job?

Despite your desire to help every customer, it’s difficult to solve all problems, and hence not every requirement can be fulfilled. There is never enough time to develop everything every time and some things need to be pushed back for later. Maintaining synergy across all functions of the organization can be a challenge. PMs need to be proactive instead of reactive to serve the market but it is quite taxing to maintain it.