Joining Vicarius as the first Product Marketing Manager has been an exhilarating journey one that has surpassed all expectations. From the very first day, I was enveloped in a culture that balances rapid innovation with genuine human connection.
Day One: A warm welcome amidst the hustle
Stepping into a startup often means diving headfirst into a whirlwind of activity. At Vicarius, the pace was indeed swift, yet what stood out was the team’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Colleagues from various departments took the time to introduce themselves, offer assistance, and ensure I felt part of the "Wolfpack" from the get-go. This immediate sense of belonging is a testament to the company’s culture, where every member is valued and supported.
Navigating the jungle: challenges and opportunities
The initial weeks felt like navigating a vibrant jungle everywhere I looked, there were projects to undertake, ideas to explore, and challenges to overcome. This dynamic environment was not overwhelming but invigorating. The team’s enthusiasm was contagious, and their readiness to collaborate made every task feel like a collective mission.
A culture of support and shared success
What truly sets Vicarius apart is its culture of mutual support. Feedback is not just welcomed, it’s integral to our growth. Whether it’s refining a marketing strategy or brainstorming product enhancements, the collaborative spirit ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and valued. This approach not only fosters individual growth but also propels the company forward.
Gratitude and looking ahead
Reflecting on these first 30 days, I am filled with gratitude. To the leadership team: thank you for entrusting me with this pivotal role and for fostering an environment where innovation thrives. To my colleagues: your support and camaraderie have made this transition seamless and enjoyable.
Here are my tips for a smooth onboarding experience:
- Be proactive in making connections - Don’t wait for introductions, reach out. Schedule short 1:1s with key team members. It builds trust early and helps you understand how your role connects to theirs.
- Ask questions, early and often - There’s no such thing as a silly question in your first 30 days. Clarifying expectations and context quickly helps you avoid missteps later.
- Start a personal onboarding doc - Keep a running list of acronyms, tools, people, and processes. Jot down what you’re learning, questions you still have, and key takeaways from meetings, and if you are old school like me get a branded notebook and write everything down until you outgrow it.
- Deliver value fast, even if it’s small - Find a quick win. It could be fixing a slide, improving copy, or sharing a fresh idea. Showing early impact builds credibility.
- Listen first, speak second - Observe how people communicate, what matters to them, and how decisions are made. Adapting to the team’s rhythm makes collaboration smoother.
- Use existing docs before rebuilding the world - Start by reading Notion, Confluence, Slack threads, etc. You’ll learn the language of the org and avoid duplicating past work.
- Communicate progress weekly - Whether through Slack, a doc, or a quick sync share what you’ve accomplished and what you’re focused on. It keeps everyone aligned and builds trust.
- Respect the startup pace, but don’t burn out - It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Take breaks, set boundaries, and ask for clarity when priorities shift. High energy is great so is sustainability.
- Learn the product deeply - Especially in product-focused companies, being hands-on with the platform earns respect and informs better decisions. Try the product as a user.
- Embrace the chaos it means you’re needed - Things move fast for a reason. Your arrival means there’s opportunity to bring clarity, structure, and growth. Lean into it.
As we look to the future, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and achieve remarkable milestones.
Here’s to the journey ahead and the incredible team that makes it all possible.
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