Product Confidential: The reality of PM life! E37 | Navigating Career Pivots and Personal Growth with Alex Wiley
Aug 18, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Alex Wiley, a talented product designer with a background in engineering and product leadership, shares his journey from teenage website designer to a head of product. He delves into the challenges of imposter syndrome and the need for self-reflection as tools for personal growth. Alex also emphasizes the importance of embracing change and finding true happiness through career pivots, urging listeners to prioritize authenticity and align their work with their passions.
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From Teen Web Designer To Head Of Product
- Alex started building websites at 15 and taught himself to code to overcome limitations of drag-and-drop tools.
- That path led him to study computer science and land a job where he progressed from engineer to head of product in four years.
Imposter Syndrome Can Redirect Careers
- Imposter syndrome pushed Alex to pivot from engineering into product because he questioned his fit as an engineer.
- He leaned into broader product thinking and built a product function despite initial uncertainty.
De-Risk Decisions By Gathering Context
- Listen widely and gather context from customers, teams, and mentors before making big product decisions.
- Share the decision load to de-risk choices and build conviction rather than trying to 'have all the answers.'