Product manager
I empathize with users to build intuitive products.
Venture-backed, co-founder of Talisman. PM for its award-winning launch. Below are four case studies: product strategy, execution, zero-to-one, and how I operate. Each is grounded in real artifacts and honest outcomes.
Case studies
Finding the wedge
Mapping a broad opportunity and narrowing the whole company to the wedge that actually worked.
- Product strategy
- Jobs-to-be-Done discovery
- Scoping
- Following user signal
Subscription activation
A revamp and an activation fix that took onboarding completion from near zero to about 80%.
- End-to-end ownership
- Customer discovery
- Data-driven iteration
- Cross-functional delivery
Accountant transaction workflow
Zero-to-one in a new market, built on discovery with 100+ accounting firms.
- Customer discovery
- Zero-to-one
- Fintech and accounting domain
- Design
- Working with AI tooling
How I run product
The operating system behind the features: prioritization, specs, releases, and quality.
- Data-driven prioritization
- Product writing
- Incremental shipping
- Quality ownership
Loved by users,
awarded by peers
I led Talisman's February 2024 launch as product manager and co-founder, working closely with our design partners. It reached #1 SaaS Product of the Week on Product Hunt, was named Fintech Startup of the Year by This Week in Fintech, and earned Awwwards Honors and CSSDA awards for UI, UX, and Innovation.
What people say
Read on LinkedIn ↗Focus and drive are two of the words that come to mind when describing Michael Gebremeskel. In every role he has been assigned, he has used his unique perspective to accomplish the tasks in front of him and find additional ways to provide value. There is nothing that will stop Michael from reaching his full potential.
Chikomborero (Chiko) Chingaya
CEO, Talisman
Mike's co-founder
Mike worked on projects that realized over $1M for our company. He is genuine, forthright, hardworking and positive. He welcomes feedback and immediately turns it around to grow. His personal and professional ethics are beyond reproach. I recommend him without hesitation for any group looking for smart, kind teammates who uplift those around them.
Ananda Karakaya, MBA, PMP
Chief of Strategic Operations and Transformation, McKesson
Mike's mentor
Michael is an extraordinary talent and a valued commodity to any organization which he is affiliated. He is definitely one to think outside of the box and able to reach a viable resolution to any problem that is presented. His contribution to various department organizations and committees surpassed and exceeded all expectations set forth. Mike is a true innovator and will undoubtedly bring his team to a next level of thinking. Anyone who has the good fortune of being on his team will always speak of his positive attitude, fantastic work ethic, willingness to assist in any way possible, and I know that he is going to do amazing things in his career. Working with Mike has been a very memorable experience and I look forward to seeing how he continues his path of success.
Thank you so much for always being resilient, staying strong with your ideas, adapting to any change, and always having an optimistic outlook for any situation. You will do great things!
Kyndra Krensavage, BGS
Manager, Customer Onboarding, McKesson
Managed Mike directly
Michael is a very talented individual, with skills ranging from customer service to process improvement and leadership. He's a person who any leader should fight to have on their team. He possesses the main skill we all want in any team member: character. I have spent 2 years coaching Mike as well as learning from him, and I can truly say I have learned more than I have taught.
Jawad Hashmi, M.S.
Senior Analytics Solutions Analyst, McKesson
Worked with Mike at McKesson