Jim Semick

Jim Semick is a distinguished lecturer in Technology Management at UC Santa Barbara and an accomplished entrepreneur and product management leader. He has over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, particularly in product management and development.

Professional Background

• Founder and Board Member at ProductPlan (2013 - Present): Semick co-founded ProductPlan, a software company that provides tools for product teams to manage their roadmaps effectively. The company has gained recognition for its innovative approach to product management.12

• Previous Roles:

  • Product Management Advisor at Product Discovery (2011 - 2013)
  • Product Management and Customer Discovery at AppFolio (2007 - 2011): Here, he played a key role in launching one of the early SaaS products.
  • Various positions at Citrix (1999 - 2007), where he contributed to multiple product lines.
  • Published Author and Instructional Designer at Microsoft (1995 - 1999) where he developed educational materials.12

Contributions to the Field

Jim Semick is recognized as a thought leader in product management, frequently sharing insights through writing and speaking engagements. He has authored articles on essentialism in product management and has been involved in discussions around product discovery and lean-market validation. His recent book focuses on essentialist principles for product managers, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing meaningful work.2

Personal Philosophy

Semick describes himself as someone who embraces uncertainty and is willing to take reasonable risks, which he believes are essential for launching successful products. His passion for learning extends beyond his professional life; he is also interested in diverse topics such as entrepreneurship and Roman antiquities.2

In summary, Jim Semick combines academic expertise with extensive practical experience, making significant contributions to the field of technology management and product development.