Product All-Star: 5 questions with Manny Pannu

Building products is an adventure. That is what makes it the best job in the world. But this role is not for everyone — true product success requires decisive action, continuous effort, and the relentless pursuit of value.

We have the honor of being connected to companies and product experts who go boldly and bravely. And we are asking folks to share their knowledge with you in the hopes it will inspire you in your own product career.

Manny Pannu is a product operations lead within Equifax's global product management team. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Manny plays a pivotal role in standardizing product processes and enhancing the use of Aha! software across the organization. He collaborates with cross-functional teams to improve efficiency and ensure hundreds of product teams worldwide get the most out of their tools.

Outside of work, Manny enjoys exploring the city, playing basketball, and cheering for his alma mater's football team. Go Blue!

Keep on reading for Manny's thoughts on all things product operations:

What was your first product role?

I started my product career as a product operations analyst at Equifax, where I focused on maximizing the value of Aha! Roadmaps for teams across the organization. I customized the tool to fit team workflows and hosted lunch-and-learn sessions to help colleagues get the most out of its capabilities.

This role taught me the importance of listening to the voice of the customer — whether they are a colleague or an end user.

By understanding their needs and challenges, I could design solutions that truly made their work easier. That foundation continues to guide my work today at Equifax, as I partner with global teams as a product operations lead to standardize product practices and enhance collaboration.

What are the most important traits for a product builder?

Valuing customers' feedback and having the drive to turn their vision into reality are essential traits for anyone in product.

Great product builders listen deeply to customers, stakeholders, and teammates to truly understand their needs.

For example, during a recent standardization project, our product managers shared pointed feedback that highlighted areas where we could simplify our processes. They helped us see that our initial approach was too specific and created unnecessary complexity. Their input helped us streamline workflows — making reporting more efficient and less burdensome for teams.

Curiosity is just as important. Asking the right questions and being willing to challenge assumptions can uncover valuable insights and opportunities to improve. Combine that with a growth mindset, and you'll not only build better products, but also continuously improve how you approach your work.

How do you stay motivated when complex challenges arise in product management?

I focus on problem-solving and embracing the opportunity to learn something new.

Complex problems are energizing. They push me to understand different perspectives and strategize on how to move forward.

I’m never afraid to say, "I don't know," and then take the time to research and learn. Whether it's reaching out to the Aha! Customer Success team, testing ideas in a sandbox environment, or asking for feedback, the process of learning keeps me motivated to tackle even the toughest challenges.

What is the most exciting aspect of your current role?

Collaborating with teams across the globe to drive meaningful improvements is one of the highlights of my role. I love working with our new product innovation program, helping teams move ideas from initial concept all the way to market. It's rewarding to see how tools such as Aha! Roadmaps support this process — from tracking progress with Lean Canvas frameworks to aligning teams around a shared vision.

The variety of my work keeps things exciting, too. Whether I am refining processes or exploring ways to better incorporate the voice of the customer, every day brings fresh opportunities to learn and grow.

What advice would you give to someone looking for their first role in product development?

Stay curious and be open to learning every step of the way. Your first role in product development might not look exactly like what you envision — and that's OK. Focus on building foundational skills. Ask thoughtful questions, and learn how to collaborate effectively with others.

Networking is also key. Building connections on LinkedIn or reaching out to people already working in product can give you valuable insights into the field and open doors to opportunities you might not have considered. Above all, be ready to challenge yourself, adapt, and continuously improve.

Read more of the Product All-Star series.

Know an inspiring product builder? Nominate them to be featured in an upcoming post. They simply need to be doing quality work and using Aha! software.