Episode 252: Understanding Product vs Project Management

In this episode, Melissa Perri dives into the often-confused realms of product management and project management. Many people conflate these roles, but they serve distinct purposes and bring different values to an organization. Melissa unpacks the unique responsibilities and skills required for each role and discusses how they can effectively complement each other to drive product success.

Whether you're a seasoned product leader or new to the field, this conversation will provide clarity and actionable insights on how to align these functions within your teams.

If you're eager to distinguish between product and project management, and to learn how these roles can work in harmony to propel your product initiatives forward, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Melissa's expert advice and start applying these insights to your own product strategies today.

You’ll hear us talk about:

• 01:19 - Differentiating Product and Project Management

Melissa clarifies the core differences between product and project management, emphasizing the importance of focusing on value creation and timelines.

• 02:43 - The Role of Agile in Product Development

A discussion on how Agile practices have transformed traditional project management roles and why product managers often take on project tasks in smaller teams.

• 04:04 - Leveraging Roles for Product Success

Insights into how larger organizations can benefit from dedicated project managers and the value they add in coordinating across multiple products and teams.

Episode resources:

Check out Angel Squad: https://go.angelsquad.co/melissa

Check our courses: https://productinstitute.com/