The Power of the Rapid Ramp-Up - Reflections from the Field

From time to time, I get asked whether it's really worth bringing in a consultant for a relatively short assignment—say, four months. In my experience, the answer is yes, especially when you bring in someone with a few years under their belt.

What makes it work? Simply put, experienced Product Managers are used to getting up to speed quickly. While each assignment brings a new set of people, problems, and perspectives, the fundamentals like understanding user needs, analyzing the market, collaborating with teams, and making decisions based on both data and dialogue are core skills that tend to travel well across industries.

Friends sometimes ask if it’s hard to constantly jump into new companies and learn entirely new products. Honestly, it can be a challenge—but it’s also part of what makes the work interesting. But there are a few tricks to ramp-up quickly; asking the right questions early, listening carefully, and picking up on what really matters in a new environment. You begin to see the patterns, connect the dots, and start contributing—often faster than expected. Past experiences help, but so does curiosity and a willingness to adapt.

So if your team is facing a temporary gap, or just needs a fresh perspective, consider bringing in a consultant. It’s not just about covering for someone—it's about injecting expertise and a burst of fresh insights.