How To Succeed In Product Management | Jeffrey Shulman, Red Russak & Soumeya Benghanem

Learn about the challenges and strategies involved in transitioning from a product manager to a group product manager role. Gain insights on building trust, scalability, and aligning team goals. Discover the importance of evaluating and prioritizing meetings, as well as gracefully declining them. Explore the significance of providing a reason when asking for a favor or permission.

Learn from experienced product manager John Yurcisin and product management expert Leslie Grandy as they discuss managing multiple product teams. They talk about unifying teams through shared strategy, the unique challenges of managing and leading product teams, stakeholder management, strategies for organizational structures, and managing external product teams. They also touch on the Elevate program for product managers and how to stay informed and relevant as a product manager.

Are you looking to elevate your product management career and your peers? Apply to join Elevate, an exclusive program for high-performing product managers to learn from Executives in Residence and each other.   Learn more at: https://elevate.info.foster.uw.edu/   In this episode of the How to Succeed in Product Management Podcast, marketing professor Jeff Shulman welcomes Charles Stewart, Chris Kuang, and Jamie Lambert, CSPO, LSSGB to talk about PM roles and opportunities in the U.S. Digital Corps. The U.S. Digital Corps serves as an impactful avenue for individuals interested in public service and various tech-related fields, including product management. This program is designed to offer a meaningful platform for talented professionals to contribute their skills and expertise to government initiatives. Whether you're passionate about digital transformation, user-centered design, or product management, the U.S. Digital Corps provides a unique opportunity to make a difference in the public sector while helping to shape the future of government technology.   Disclaimer: All opinions of the speakers are their own.   What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 09:25 U.S. Digital Corps PM Opportunities 13:38 PM Roles and Responsibilities in the U.S. Digital Corps 15:55 Tech and Design in Public Service 18:01 Aligning Stakeholders and Overcoming Challenges 22:36 The Power of Curiosity in PM 24:04 Serving The Government 27:02 Introducing PM Practices in the Public Sector 32:44 Opportunities for Both Early Career and Seasoned Professionals 37:41 Finding Your Niche in Public Service 41:05 Job in The Public Service as a TV Show 42:28 Eligibility Criteria for Public Service Fellowships 45:30 Mastering the U.S. Digital Corps Assessment 47:01 Final Thoughts

Are you looking to elevate your product management career and your peers? Apply to join Elevate, an exclusive program for high-performing product managers to learn from Executives in Residence and each other.   Learn more at: https://elevate.info.foster.uw.edu/   In this episode of the How to Succeed in Product Management Podcast, marketing professor Jeff Shulman and The Product Management Center advisory board member Soumeya Benghanem welcome Hemanth Babu Shekar (Rivian) and Gabe Antypas to talk about product management in an engineering-focused organization. PMs play a crucial role in engineering-focused organizations because they help in coordinating complex projects, ensuring that tasks are completed on time and within budget, and facilitating effective communication among team members. PMs also help manage risks, set priorities, and align projects with the organization's strategic goals. While some smaller engineering teams may not require dedicated PMs, in larger organizations and for complex projects, having PMs can significantly improve efficiency and project outcomes.   Disclaimer: All opinions of the speakers are their own.   What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 07:00 How to spot an engineering-focused organization 12:30 Joys of being in an engineering-focused organization 16:46 Engineering-focused vs. Engineering-led organization 20:44 The challenges of being a PM in an engineering-focused organization 24:42 How can PMs and aspiring PMs transition to working in an engineering-focused organization 31:16 PMs and taking risks 37:01 When PMs have an engineering background 41:54 Are PMs necessary in engineering-focused organizations? 47:23 Final Thoughts

Tommy Brown (Google) and Jenai Akina (Amazon) discuss the highs and lows of being a product manager. Challenges include dealing with processes and feeling inadequate, while rewards come from planning a product's future and providing valuable solutions. The speakers also cover topics such as optimizing document workflows, celebrating wins, AI in product management, the importance of aesthetics, and broadening knowledge and upskilling.

Marketing professor Jeff Shulman and advisory board members welcome experts Adam Grupp, Greg Young, Sumathi Kadambi, Marily Nika, and Sumantro Das to discuss decision-making in product management. They cover different styles of decision-making, the cost of failing to make decisions, creating metrics, building an ecosystem of experts, favorite decision-making matrices, sourcing new ideas, unconventional ideas, and decision-making frameworks and strategies.

Product management professionals Felix Watson Jr., Diego Granados, Shyvee Shi, and Andrew Nguyen discuss advancing in a PM career. They emphasize the importance of mastering product knowledge, building relationships, and being proactive problem solvers. Seek guidance from mentors, hone communication skills, understand the market, and seize opportunities for growth.

Jeremiah Nelson from Motorola Solutions joins the podcast to discuss the challenges of product management. They talk about understanding customer rubrics, the qualities of a good PM, and the importance of self-care. They also explore goal-setting methods and the role of teamwork in product management.

In this episode of the How to Succeed in Product Management Podcast, marketing professor Jeff Shulman and The Product Management Center advisory board member Soumeya Benghanem welcome Charles Stewart (Autodesk) and Keshav Vasudevan (Prepared) to talk about GovTech Product Management. GovTech Product Management represents an exciting frontier of innovation. While progress may seem slower due to regulations and bureaucracy, aspiring PMs have a unique chance to pioneer groundbreaking solutions and improve public services. Success in this field requires patience, a deep understanding of government motivations, and a passion for solving complex problems aligned with public service missions. With the right mindset and commitment, aspiring PMs can thrive, driving innovation and positive change in the public sector.   Disclaimer: All opinions of the speakers are their own.   What to Listen For: 00:00 Intro 01:12 Why is GovTech important? 07:45 Challenges in GovTech 11:34 Future of GovTech 13:43 Government as a customer vs. Working within the government 21:23 GovTech Insights for Aspiring PMs 26:16 When should a PM start working for the government: Earlier or later? 31:17 Best Practices for government procurement and innovative tech 38:55 The power of mindset in government 42:25 How to stay up to date on things relating to GovTech 46:49 Difference between consulting vs. product companies 49:41 Final thoughts

Hear from PMs at FEVO, SeatGeek, Chewy, and Qualtrics on landing a PM role in the current economy. They discuss networking, highlighting skills, preparing concisely, and knowing your value proposition. They emphasize having a personal mission, improving communication skills, and evaluating job opportunities. They also share tips on resources for new PMs and strategies for landing a PM role, including understanding startup finances and the value of rejection.