About me
![image of Michael Hirsch](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a10c6a_7105d5c6adda48a383c15d6d81daf076~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_284,h_279,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/IMG_0310_edited.png)
![image of Michael Hirsch and a dog](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a10c6a_79a68d5c948a4884be58a3fd5b8b85bf~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_284,h_279,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/IMG_0229_edited.jpg)
I am a Product Coach with over 20 years of experience as both a Product Manager and Product Management Leader. In that time, I’ve experienced all shapes and sizes of companies, a wide variety of industries, and a myriad of product management roles and teams.
I have worked in product management in some of the world's leading technology companies including Sony, Qualcomm, and T-Mobile. I also have experience in a wide variety of industries, including Mobile, EdTech, Location Services, SaaS, Digital Media, Consumer Electronics, Platform Services, Developer Tools, and more.
And I've helped many Product Managers and Product Management Leaders just like you.
Personally, I live in the Pacific Northwest (just outside of Seattle) with my wife of over 20 years, our two daughters, and our Aussiedoodle. I am an Adjunct Professor at the Albers Business School at Seattle University and I love the Seattle Sounders, hiking (always with our dog), traveling, and board games.
2016 - 2023
2013 - 2016
2011 - 2013
2007 - 2011
2004 - 2007
2001 - 2004
![HERE Technologies logo](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a10c6a_2c25766595384bf1b843532b1e52257b~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_41,h_37,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/Picture1.png)
HERE Technologies
Director, Product Management
![ProQuest logo](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a10c6a_7ef2671793374157b3eb6910857dc3b4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_81,h_31,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/Picture1.jpg)
ProQuest
Vice President, Product Management
![T-Mobile logo](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a10c6a_5425a5bc6470403f800a4b22553bd678~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_112,h_63,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Picture11.png)
T-Mobile
Director, Product Management
![Qualcomm logo](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a10c6a_cbfe210fef284dd9b45745db44635983~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_108,h_26,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Picture111.png)
Qualcomm
Director, Product Management
![universal electronics logo](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a10c6a_3c74a3203a7d48ee978fc00160177f1c~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_118,h_37,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/universal-electronics-inc-logo-B8501117AE-seeklogo_com.png)
Universal Electronics
Director, Product Management
![sony logo](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a10c6a_8db334599fc140d5a96817398b61b551~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_117,h_21,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Picture11111.png)
Sony Corporation of America
Senior Product Manager
Licenses and Certifications
What does Break a Pencil mean?
"Break a Pencil" was my dad's way of wishing someone good luck on any written or intellectual activity; it was his variation on the "break a leg" idiom used in theater. He most often used it to wish me good luck on exams. Years later, I say the same "break a pencil" to my kids before any test in school.
My Dad was my first boss and the person who most influenced who I am today. Break a Pencil Consulting is my way of honoring his memory while also supporting and rooting for the Product Managers who I have the opportunity of coaching.
![picture of a broken pencil](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a10c6a_c8defde75d474b278a643968795bb5fe~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_528,y_234,w_752,h_553/fill/w_330,h_243,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/pencil-1758276_1280.jpg)