
Yaras Shaikh
Break into Product Management | Apple & Nike PM | Carneige Mellon
Studied at Carnegie Mellon University
Worked at Nike
Available tomorrow at 11:30 PM UTC
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Yaras's Coaching Offerings
Custom hourly ยท $70/hr
Get help with General Exploration, Skill Building, and .
Yarasโs Product Management Qualifications
Experience level: Group Product Manager
10+ people coached for Product Management
Seasoned Product Manager with a proven track record at Apple and Nike, building innovative, data-driven consumer experiences across technology, e-commerce, and AI-powered products. Skilled in translating complex business needs into impactful digital solutions from customer discovery to product delivery. I specialize in AI-assisted product development, rapid prototyping (Vibe Coding), and scalable growth strategies that bridge human insight and machine intelligence. I thrive at the intersection of product, data, and design, using an experimentation-first mindset to build products that are fast, secure, and human-centered. ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฒ๐: โข Product Strategy, Roadmapping & Execution โข AI Product Management, Vibe Coding & Prompt Engineering โข Customer Discovery & User Research โข Data-Driven Decision Making & Product Analytics โข UX/UI Collaboration & Prototyping (Figma, Vitara.ai, Lovable) โข Agile Development (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe) โข Stakeholder Management & Cross-Functional Leadership
Yaras can help with:
General Exploration
Skill Building
Strategy & Vision
Resume Review
Frameworks
Behavioral Interview Prep
Salary Negotiation
Execution
Promotion Strategy
Networking Strategy
LinkedIn Review
Influence & Collaboration
Product Case Interview Prep
Freelancing
Yaras also coaches for Masterโs Programs and Career Coaching. View all.
About Yaras
Iโm a builder at heart who took the scenic route into tech leadership. I worked as a Product Manager at Nike and Apple and bring a strong foundation in problem framing, user empathy, and prioritization the core of problem thinking. I earned my Master of Science in Software Management at Carnegie Mellon University, where I learned to translate messy ideas into products people actually love. Iโve shipped large-scale e-commerce and personalization features used by millions. What matters to me isnโt just the launch; itโs the story behind it, the trade-offs, the teamwork, and the growth. Iโve helped many international student figuring out a new system, early-career PM hunting for a break, and the lead PM guiding cross-functional teams through ambiguity. Those chapters taught me to coach with empathy and rigor: clear goals, honest feedback, and systems that make progress inevitable. Outside work, Iโm usually hiking, traveling, and exploring new food. I love winding down with fictional shows and movies. I care deeply about sustainable habits (health, learning, craft) because lasting careers are marathons, not sprints.
Why do I coach?
Careers change when you combine empathy with rigor: honest feedback, clear goals, and systems that make progress inevitable. My style reflects my PM roots, problem framing, user empathy, and ruthless prioritization, so youโre not just inspired; you have a roadmap to get you over the line. If youโre looking for a coach who will help you clarify your story, build repeatable systems for execution, and stay accountable to the goals you set, Iโd love to work with you. Whether youโre an international student navigating a new path, a PM aiming for your next level, or a career-switcher breaking into product and AI, Iโve been in your shoes, and Iโm here to help you move faster with confidence.
Work Experience

Lead Product Manager
Nike
December 2023 - September 2025

Senior Product Manager
Apple
2021 - 2023
Product Manager
Blue Shield of California
2016 - 2021
Senior Business Analyst
Amgen
2014 - 2016

Business Analyst
Citi Bank
2013 - 2014
Education
Carnegie Mellon University
Master of Science, Software Management
Completed a Master of Science in Software Management at Carnegie Mellon University, an interdisciplinary program focused on the intersection of software engineering, product management, and business leadership. The program provided a strong foundation in software management, product strategy, engineering leadership, process and project management, and data-driven decision-making. Through coursework including Product Management, Software Engineering Management, Metrics for Technology Products & Services, Integrated Thinking for Innovation, Problem Discovery & Definition, Product & Business Models, Solution Strategy & Marketing, I developed the ability to navigate complex, ambiguous challenges across the full software and product lifecycle. Alongside academics, I served as a Student Admissions Ambassador, where I supported prospective students through admissions assistance and counseling, represented the MSSM program in information sessions, and helped candidates understand program structure, curriculum, and career pathways. This role strengthened my skills in communication, mentorship, stakeholder engagement, and student advocacy, while contributing to the broader CMU community. This experience has shaped me into a professional who can think strategically, collaborate across disciplines, and lead with empathy, prepared to drive impact in technology-driven organizations.