Why You Should Become an Engineering PM in 2025

In this episode, Rob Ocel talks with Jason Abdo, founder of Product Protégé and author of The Product Protégé Guide, about the challenges and evolution of product management. They discuss why PMs are the glue between business, customers, and tech, the importance of storytelling and strategy, and how organizations often set up product teams the wrong way. Jason shares insights on building strong PM habits, structuring teams around KPIs, and why product management is one of the most impactful careers in tech.Key Points from This Episode1. The Role of Product Managers – PMs act as the bridge between business objectives, customer needs, and technical feasibility, yet many organizations struggle to set them up for success.2. Storytelling & Strategy – The best product managers don’t just execute tasks; they craft compelling narratives that align stakeholders and drive meaningful decisions.3. KPI-Driven Teams – Successful product organizations structure teams around key performance indicators (KPIs) rather than just task lists, ensuring alignment and measurable impact.4. The Challenge of PM Growth – Despite its critical role, product management lacks structured training and a strong community, making self-learning and mentorship essential for career growth.Chapters0:00 – The High-Stakes Demands of Product Management1:05 – Welcome to The Leadership Exchange1:17 – Introducing the Product Protege Guide2:46 – The Unique Challenges of Product Management4:00 – Navigating Organizational Expectations8:44 – Mastering the Art of Storytelling10:00 – Driving Value Through KPIs25:05 – Leveraging Frameworks & Personas28:18 – Building Community in Product Management29:35 – Revisiting the Mental Demands of the Role35:26 – Episode Wrap-Up & Sponsor AcknowledgementFollow Jason Abdo on Social MediaLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-abdo/Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co