How to Ask - Nay, Get - a Promotion as a Product Manager
In this episode of The Product Handbook, we get real about promotions — what it takes to move up as a product manager and how to actually make it happen.You’ll learn:The skills that signal readiness for the next level — from strategic thinking to cross-functional leadershipHow to frame your impact using product metrics like adoption, retention, and business outcomesWhen and how to start the promotion conversation with your manager (hint: it’s earlier than you think)How to navigate the IC vs. management track and pick the right path for your strengthsTactics for negotiating compensation — salary, equity, and bonuses — with confidence and clarityIf you’ve been quietly waiting for recognition, this episode gives you the mindset and playbook to make your case, earn that title, and get paid what you’re worth.
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16:19
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16:19
Thriving as an Introvert in Product Management
In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how introverts can not only survive but thrive in one of the most social and demanding roles in tech — product management.You’ll learn:How to turn introvert strengths like active listening and thoughtful analysis into superpowersStrategies for building influence through expertise, empathy, and data-driven decisionsPractical ways to manage energy — from calendar blocking to balancing meetings with deep workHow to approach networking, presentations, and interviews with confidence (without faking extroversion)Why career growth as an introvert is about experimentation, learning, and treating your path like a productIf you’ve ever felt drained by endless collaboration or worried that quiet leadership doesn’t get noticed, this episode shows how introverts can lead with authenticity and impact.
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16:06
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16:06
The Good Product Manager’s Toolkit
In this episode of The Product Handbook, we unpack what separates good product managers from the rest — the skills, mindset, and habits that make the role truly effective.You’ll learn:The core traits of great PMs — from clear communication to customer obsession and strategic focusWhy strong PMs prioritize outcomes over outputs and clarity over controlInsights from survey data on where PMs struggle most, from time management to strategy alignmentThe difference between product management and project management — and why owning the “why” and “what” mattersLessons from pioneers and modern PM leaders who helped shape the craftIf you’ve ever wondered what makes a good product manager great, this episode gives you the essential toolkit — skills to sharpen, habits to build, and mindsets to lead with.
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14:03
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14:03
The Five Dysfunctions of Product Teams and How To Fix Them
In this episode of The Product Handbook, we break down Patrick Lencioni’s classic framework, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, and apply it to the unique challenges of product teams.You’ll learn:The five dysfunctions that undermine collaboration: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to resultsHow these dysfunctions show up in product teams — from weak discovery to roadmap thrashPractical ways to build trust, encourage healthy debate, and drive accountabilityWhy aligning on collective outcomes matters more than individual heroicsHow PMs and product leaders can use this framework to diagnose and strengthen their teamsIf you’ve ever sensed your team had the talent but kept missing its stride, this episode gives you the tools to spot dysfunction early and create a healthier, higher-performing product team.
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26:59
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26:59
Effective Delegation for Product Managers and Product Leaders
In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how product managers and leaders can delegate effectively — freeing themselves from tactical busywork to focus on strategy, vision, and impact.You’ll learn:The types of tasks PMs should delegate vs. the ones they must ownHow to delegate with clarity — setting expectations, resources, and timelines without micromanagingWhy poor delegation turns PMs into “product janitors” and how to avoid that trapCommon delegation mistakes that erode trust and how to fix themHow empowered, cross-functional teams (think Spotify or Amazon) make scalable delegation possibleIf you’ve ever struggled to balance execution with leadership, this episode gives you the mindset and practices to delegate effectively — and lead at a higher level.
The Product Handbook is a practical show for product manager interview prep and day-to-day skills. Learn frameworks, product sense, metrics, estimation, prioritization, A/B testing, and strategy. Episodes explore case-style topics, roadmaps, and stakeholder communication across startups and big tech. Built for aspiring product managers through senior leaders.
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