Doing What You Love: Why a Passion for Product Matters

Jan 29, 2025

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In this insightful episode of the Intentional Product Manager podcast, Shobhit sits down with Lauren Mytton, Group Product Manager at Google Play, to explore impactful strategies for career growth and job search success. Lauren shares her inspiring journey—from studying theoretical physics to transitioning through roles in finance, telecom, and tech before landing in product management at Google.

They discuss key lessons learned, including managing the balance between parenthood and professional success, making tough career decisions, empowering teams, and mastering communication to drive influence. Lauren's honest and practical advice offers valuable takeaways for both aspiring and experienced product managers looking to level up their careers.

Key Moments & Takeaways

00:00 – Introduction: Welcome to the podcast and today’s guest, Lauren Mytton.

00:21 – Lauren’s Career Overview: From theoretical physics ambitions to diverse roles in finance, telecom, and tech.

01:12 – Finding Product Management: How intellectual curiosity and adaptability guided Lauren to PM roles.

06:34 – Joining Google: Insights into Lauren’s transition to product management and the challenges faced.

07:40 – Balancing Motherhood & Career: Embracing career success as a role model for children and the importance of pursuing work you love as a parent

11:40 – Downleveling to Level Up: Making short-term sacrifices for long-term career goals and trusting your decision-making through uncertainty

14:13 – Becoming a Group Product Manager: Managing PM teams and representing domains to stakeholders and crafting narratives and empowering team members

17:40 – Letting Small Fires Burn:Learning to prioritize and outsource effectively and focusing on high-value problem-solving

18:40 – Upleveling Communication: The power of clear, strategic communication and developing cohesive narratives to drive faster decision-making

23:44 – Differences Between Group PM & Senior PM Roles: Communicating at the executive level and creating healthy, impactful organizations

25:55 – Working at Google Today: Adapting to a constantly evolving company and finding joy in collaborative innovation

30:13 – Final Thoughts: Lauren’s practical advice for PMs navigating career growth and workplace challenges

Find out more about Intentional Product Manager here. Connect with Shobhit on LinkedIn here.

Connect with Lauren Mytton on LinkedIn here.