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Keerthi

Keerthi Skedda Portershed

Keerthi Chandra Sekaren | Product Owner | Skedda

You have a strong background as a product owner. Can you share a bit about your journey and what led you to your current role at Skedda… And what exactly is a product owner?

My journey in Product started at FleetOps almost four years ago when our team was fewer than 10 people. Like many in product, I was thrown into the deep end, learning as I went. It was a rewarding experience with a steep learning curve. After three and a half years, I wanted to test whether I was truly cut out for product, which led me to Skedda—a hybrid workplace experience platform—where I now work with a fully remote, global team.

As for what a Product Owner (PO) does? Well, in true corporate fashion, my answer is: it depends. It varies by company size, org structure, and how the role is defined. But at its core, a PO acts as the bridge between stakeholders and the engineering team, making key decisions on features, priorities, and acceptance criteria to drive successful product outcomes.

What excites you most about your job and being part of the PorterShed community?

Eight months into my role at Skedda, what excites me most is supporting my team in delivering their best work, especially when it means diving deep into complex, challenging problems. I enjoy untangling issues and finding solutions that make a real impact.


Being part of the PorterShed community is just as rewarding. It’s the spontaneous coffee and lunch conversations that can spark exciting opportunities like the Product Meetup in Galway or simply lead to great friendships.

From your experience, what are the most effective ways companies and communities can support and retain women in tech?

Supporting and retaining women in tech starts with creating an inclusive culture where they feel valued and empowered to grow. Companies can do this through mentorship, clear career progression, and flexible work policies. Representation also matters. Seeing women in leadership makes a real difference.

On the community side, networking spaces, peer support, and events that celebrate women’s achievements help create a sense of belonging. Sometimes, it’s as simple as making sure meetups feel welcoming and inclusive.

From your experience, what is it like transitioning from a junior product role to becoming a product owner…

For me, the transition has been about learning to navigate a larger team and managing multiple product features at different stages, a challenge I was eager to take on. With the support of a great team and manager, it’s been both exciting and rewarding, and I’m learning a lot along the way.

What key skills do you think are essential for someone looking to excel as a Product Owner, and how can they develop them?

A great Product Owner needs strong communication, prioritization, and problem-solving skills. You’ll constantly balance stakeholder needs and guide the team toward the right outcomes.

To develop communication skills, practice writing clear product requirements and leading discussions with engineers and stakeholders. Seek feedback, refine your messaging, and learn to adapt your communication for different audiences. The best Product Owners stay curious, listen actively, and continuously improve.

Are there any specific resources—books, courses, or communities – you’d recommend for someone wanting to upskill in product management?

There are countless books and blogs on product management, from the classic Inspired by Marty Cagan to more specific reads like Continuous Discovery Habits by Teresa Torres. But I’d say, don’t take anything as gospel. Product management is messy, and the “perfect” processes we read about rarely exist in reality.


One of my favourite recommendations, which I actually received as a Secret Santa gift at my last workplace, is The Culture Map by Erin Meyer. No matter the industry, if you’re working with people from different backgrounds, this book offers invaluable insights into communication styles, one of the most essential skills in product management.

How do you stay ahead of industry trends and continuously improve in your role?

Nothing beats talking to other product folks, following thought leaders, and staying curious. Product is always evolving, so staying adaptable is key.

What changes would you love to see in the next five years when it comes to women in tech?

I’d love to see more women in leadership roles, equal opportunities for career growth, and workplaces that truly support diverse talent. While progress is happening, there’s still work to do in closing the pay gap, increasing representation, and fostering inclusive cultures where women can thrive. Most importantly, I hope we move beyond just conversations and see real, lasting change.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what does the day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a reminder to celebrate how far my peers and I have come, while also recognising the challenges that still exist. True, lasting change requires a fundamental shift in how society operates, and we’re still a long way from that.

The Wrap up!

I can’t wrap up without expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the incredibly supportive tech community in PorterShed and Galway. Their encouragement and collaboration have made a huge impact on my journey.

I also want to highlight the Product Management Meetup in Galway, which works alongside iTag’s Product Management Forum. If you’re interested, join our LinkedIn Group to stay updated on events –

I’d love to connect with more women in product at these meet-ups!

Connect with Keerthi: Linkedin 

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