Hi, I'm Ishara.
I’m a product marketing leader who likes figuring out why some products make sense immediately and why others need a better story.
I love woingrk across messaging, positioning, launches and go-to-market, helping teams turn complex products into stories people can understand, remember and act on.
Outside of the day job, I host Spill the Marketing Beans, bring PMMs together through PMA Colombo, and share what I’m learning about product marketing, careers and the messy bits in between. And when I’m not, I indulge in awesome books, music and hang out with my dogs, Cookie and Nickey Minaaaaj.
Podcast - Spill the Marketing Beans
I started Spill the Marketing Beans during COVID while figuring out my own product marketing career.
Since then, it has become a collection of conversations with marketers, product marketers and career builders about what actually worked, what didn't, and what they wish they'd known earlier.
Whether you're trying to break into product marketing or become a stronger marketing leader, there's something here for you.
Things I’ve been thinking about
I write about product marketing, careers, work, books and the occasional idea that is stuck in my head.
30-60-90 marketing
Why the story you tell about a product matters more than the spec sheet, and how to find it.
Read on Medium → CareerBreaking into product marketing
The unconventional paths that lead into PMM, drawn from conversations and experience.
Read on Medium → BooksWhat I'm reading lately
A running list of books shaping how I think about work, people and storytelling.
Read on Medium →More about me
I've never had a linear career.
I’ve worked in banquet sales, client servicing at an advertising agency, hosted radio shows, read the news on TV, hosted events, and eventually found my way into product marketing at WSO2 and at PetDesk.
Looking back, every role taught me something useful.
Events taught me how to connect with people and pay attention to detail.
Advertising taught me how to tell a story.
Radio and TV taught me how to listen, ask questions and hold a conversation.
Product marketing brought all of those things together.
Also, I recently ran 10km, which means I’m contractually obligated to mention it whenever possible.
Banquet sales and events, and client servicing in advertising. Got yelled at. Learned a lot.
Hosted a radio show that was Colombo’s #1. And read the news on TV.
Moved into corporate marketing in tech. Started connecting the dots between product and customer.
Discovered product marketing, messaging and customer-led storytelling.
Senior product marketer, sharing ideas and hosting conversations. Still learning.
Thinking about a career in product marketing?
Whether you're trying to break into PMM, figuring out what to do next, or simply want to talk through the job with someone who's been around the block a few times, I occasionally open up mentoring slots.
Book now on ADPListPMA Colombo
I started PMA Colombo because I wanted a space where product marketers could talk honestly about the work—what's working, what's hard and what nobody really tells you when you get into PMM.
We pick a theme, bring people together and have the conversations we don't always get to have at work.
It's part meetup, part learning space and, occasionally, part support group. If you're in Colombo—or just PMM-curious—you’re welcome.
Follow to learn about our meet-ups
Get in touch
Want to chat on the podcast, need some product marketing advice or got a book recommendation?
Connect on LinkedIn