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IITPSA Western Cape Chapter Presents A Day in the Life of a Product Manager with Hans Hesse
February 26, 2015 @ 17:00 - 20:00
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Product Manager in the ICT industry in South Africa? Do you want to pursue a career managing the development of software products? Would you like to learn more about what Product Managers do, how and why they do it?
In this informal presentation Hans Hesse from Zoona will talk to us about his story as an IT Professional and, more specifically, his experiences as a Product Manager at Zoona.
Hans will discuss how Zoona has developed its products – the successful ones and the not-so-successful ones – and what he and his team have learned along the way.
He’ll also talk about getting customer-focused, how to build development teams, and the role of a Product Manager.
This presentation will explore:
- What it takes to become a Product Manager in ICT (i.e. required experience & education)
- What a typical day at the office entails.
- Why you might want to become a Product Manager in the ICT industry.
- How to begin and/or continue your journey to becoming a professional Product Manager.
- Questions from the audience
The presentation will be of value to:
- IT Students and Professionals
- IT and Technology Entrepreneurs
- Academics, Teachers & Principals
- Anyone looking to start or further their career in IT.
- Anyone who would like to learn more about product management.
About the Speaker:
Hans Hesse has taken a winding path from coding through cassava processing, irrigation systems, helicopter rotors, and back into the world of technology and product design.
While living in Zambia he joined Zoona and oversaw the growth of Zoona’s money transfer service before moving to Cape Town to lead product development.
He loves a new challenge and is enjoying the change of scenery, exploring all the great trails in this part of the world.
About Zoona:
A mobile money operator based on Greenpoint’s main road, Zoona helps people in Africa send and receive money when they need to most, helping communities thrive.
Since launching in April 2009, Zoona has achieved some impressive milestones. With an active consumer base of 700,000 people across Zambia and Malawi, Zoona processes about $30m in money transfers each month. This consumer base is serviced by 750 Zoona agents and tellers who are the highest paid agents in the world, earning over $300k in commission every month.
Zoona was named the “Best Mobile Start-Up in Africa” and awarded “Best Use of Mobile Money in Africa”. They were even selected for the Girl Effect Accelerator program run by The Nike Foundation and The Unreasonable Group as one of the best positioned companies in the world to help take girls out of poverty.
This awesome start-up achieved profitability within its first 5 years of launching and now employs over 90 permanent staff across Africa.
Time: Thursday, 26 Feb 2015 at 17h00 for 17h30 to 19h30
Venue: Zoona Offices, 9 Somerset Road, Green Point, Cape Town
Parking: Plenty available in the surrounding streets or at the Cape Quarter parking garage.
RSVP: Cathy Biyela cathy@iitpsa.org.za or phone 011 315 1319.
Delegate fee:
IITPSA, ISACA & ISC2 Members: No Charge
IT Students: No Charge
Non-members: No Charge
Zoona staff: No Charge
The presentation will be followed by an opportunity to network. Light refreshments will be served.
Please e-mail events@iitpsawc.co.za if you have a specific inquiry about the event.
Space is limited so please book ASAP.
Note: Please keep in mind that IITPSA functions and events cost real time and money to organise. If you have RSVPed as attending, but are no longer able to attend for any reason, please let us know so that we can take that in to account.
