In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Tami Reiss, an experienced product leader, speaker, author, trainer, and coach. Tami recounts her journey into product management, becoming a CEO, and her multifaceted roles at Justworks and Insight Partners. She discusses how she transitioned into coaching, emphasizing the importance of learning, networking, and building relationships. Tami shares advice on the different types of product coaches, the value of continuous learning, and the significance of owning business metrics and strategic planning. The discussion also covers effective stakeholder management, getting buy-in, and why having a coach can be pivotal in advancing one's career. Tami offers practical tips for influencing cross-functional teams and highlights how important it is to ask the right questions to build trust and foster collaboration. Tune in to explore actionable insights for product leaders and discover why coaching is a vital tool in your professional toolkit.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:29 Tami Reiss' Journey into Product Management

01:27 Life's A Pitch and Coaching Engineers

01:56 Becoming a Product Leader Coach

03:08 Writing a Children's Book on Product Management

04:47 Networking and Career Opportunities

05:22 The Importance of Long-Term Relationships

11:08 Diverse Perspectives in Coaching

17:14 Types of Product Coaches

19:35 The Value of Coaching for Product Leaders

24:29 The Role of a Sounding Board in Professional Growth

25:03 Navigating Board Meetings and Strategic Decisions

26:57 The Importance of Asking Questions and Building Empathy

28:50 Influence Without Authority: Building Bridges

31:59 Defining Success and Strategic Leadership

33:28 Coaching and Professional Development

36:41 Financial Language and Strategic Alignment

43:12 Exploring Growth Strategies and Presenting to the Board

46:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

📚Resources:

What Do Product Managers Do? A Primer for Aspiring PMs of All Ages, by Tami Reiss

✨Where to find Tami Reiss:

On LinkedIn
Tami’s Website - My Leader Within (with booking link)

💫 Where to find Cassie:

On LinkedIn
At Cassie Camp - Learn more about product leadership coaching and fractional product leadership

🙋🏻‍♀️Where to find Women in Product:

On LinkedIn
Website https://womenpm.org/
Join the Community https://womenpm.org/wip-community/

Meet the best two players in the sport.