X - Single metric you’re trying to move this month/quarter? (Example: “Acquire 300 new paying customers”)
Y - What is the timeframe you’re solving for? (Example: “In the next 30 days”)
Z - What are your main constraints? (Example: “₹2L budget and one intern”)

Write your problem statement in X-Y-Z Format.

Please write your answer in bullet points

What challenges or blockers did you face?

What have you already tried to solve this problem?

A hands-on problem-solving format inspired by the Harvard Business School case method but applied to the real problem you’re dealing with at work as a Product Manager

Everyone arrives early with no exceptions. If the session starts at 3:00, you’re there at 2:50 because doors lock at start time and you won’t be let in if you’re late.

The host screen-shares a timer so everyone sees the countdown. You take one last look and submit your problem statement to the host.

Devices go away completely. No internet. No distractions.

The person whose problem is up walks everyone through their document with a strict 5-minute max.

The timer is visible on screen so everyone sees time running down.

Questions focus on what worked, why it worked, and what the real constraint is.

The host moderates tightly and stops unhelpful questions by saying things like:

“This question is not helping. Think about things that will help everyone here.”

Everyone writes down their approach on paper—how they would solve this if they were in the boardroom and this company was theirs.

One by one, everyone shares their approach.

The person whose problem is being discussed listens without defending, arguing, or interrupting — even if they think a solution is wrong.

The next person’s problem goes up with the exact same flow.

You can talk offline after the session ends, but the real work happens in those 4 hours with laptops closed and full attention on the problems in front of you.

Note: This is just a token amount to avoid no shows.

The Hindu

Vikatan

Drove strategy and execution across Vikatan's website, mobile apps (Android & iOS), e-commerce platform (Vikatan Books), and led the growth of the digital subscription business. Drove strategy and executed a retention-led growth approach across product and business teams, resulting in a 30% improvement in subscriber retention and a 20% uplift in overall business revenue. Managed the subscriber lifecycle across onsite (website & app) and offsite channels (email, push, WhatsApp, etc.), led product development (design and features), and ran growth experiments across the funnel — from acquisition to monetization — to maximize subscriber value and drive user growth. Also led the 0–1 product strategy and launch of Vikatan Play, Vikatan’s entry into audio storytelling. Scaled the product through continuous discovery and GTM strategies aligned with audience behavior and market needs.

As the Chief Digital Media Editor, I played a crucial role in: - Ensuring that Vikatan Digital stories meet our readers' needs and demands. - Ensuring that our stories are well-positioned for search engines. - Ensuring that our stories are presented in a platform-friendly format across off-platform channels to acquire more users. - Ensuring that our Digital editorial teams are equipped with the latest industry knowledge and trends to stay on top of their game. - Ensuring that our Editorial team makes informed decisions based on story analytics. During the challenging period of the Covid pandemic, it was a highly satisfying experience working with cross-functional teams such as Editorial, Social Media, Product, and Business. We were able to serve our readers with quality journalism when they needed it the most.

From 2016 to 2020, the Tech and Consumer Internet landscape experienced a dynamic period. 1. The 'Jio phenomenon' unfolded in India, and its competition facilitated 4G access for millions of new internet users. This development led to the emergence and success of numerous consumer internet startups. 2. Globally, state actors began exploiting and coercing social platforms' algorithms, resulting in a floodgate of disinformation. Consequently, these platforms came under increased scrutiny and became focal points in democratic discourse. 3. Amidst these changes, issues such as Privacy rights, Digital economy policies, Internet business models, the Short video revolution, and Geo-politics (Trade wars) started to have a more profound impact on citizens' lives. Tech reporting evolved to be seen as interconnected to everything, from Politics to the Environment. During this transformative period, I had the opportunity to write many in-depth stories on these themes. I'm delighted that these narratives were well-received by our audience, helping them make sense of the world around them.

In 2016, I started my career as a full-time journalist based in Chennai. In my initial role, I joined as a Reporter for Tamil flash news, a new app from Vikatan designed for readers to catch up with the latest updates in a crisp manner. Being part of this new startup at Vikatan was an exhilarating journey, providing opportunities to learn and unlearn many things and a chance to gain insights into the entire reader experience lifecycle (Content -> Distribution -> Engagement). Once Vikatan established a dedicated Tech team, I transitioned to that department.

After completing the Student Reporter scheme, I had the opportunity to serve as a part-time independent correspondent for Vikatan. Throughout this period, I continued to contribute articles for Vikatan. Coimbatore, known as one of the hottest hubs for the automobile industry and motor enthusiasts in South India, also plays a crucial role in agricultural research due to the presence of eminent agriculture institutes. During my tenure, I had the privilege to delve deeper into both areas and am pleased to have shared stories that are particularly valuable to these specific communities with our readers.

The Student Reporter scheme is Vikatan's flagship program for college students to learn and practice journalism. Under the guidance of esteemed journalists in Tamil Nadu, I wrote 150+ articles for Vikatan's Print and Digital platforms within one year. After a year of training, I am honored to have been recognized as the Outstanding Student Reporter of 2013-14.

Harvard style case study meets AI in Product