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A few years ago, I talked to a PM who said this:
“I’ve been struggling to keep my head above water. I have too many tasks on my plate and no guidance on how to execute on them. I’m terrified I’m going to get fired… and I don’t even know what I’m doing wrong.”
That hit hard.
They weren’t incompetent. It’s just that no one ever told them what the job actually was.
I’ve been there too.
The same can be said about product management right now.
Interviews feel chaotic.
Job titles keep changing.
AI expectations are everywhere.
Everyone has a different opinion.
One company wants a “full-stack PM.”
Another wants a “product builder.”
Another treats PMs like task runners.
If you’re confused, you’re not alone.
But if this continues to stay fuzzy, here’s the doomsday:
You get boxed into delivery work. And your career stalls without you realizing why.
So I invited seasoned product management pro Steve Johnson to my live show, Street Smart Product Manager Live!, to help cut through the noise.
In our episode, we broke product management down into 3 simple truths that haven’t changed — no matter how loud the hype gets.
The outcome was clarity, confidence, and a real definition you can stand on.
Here’s what we cover at a high level:
Why only 21% of companies clearly define the PM role.
Why PMs keep getting treated like janitors or firefighters.
The real job of product management (hint: it's not a builder role).
Why “shipping features” isn’t success.
The difference between creating value and capturing value.
The hidden cost when PMs don’t talk to customers (this one’s a punch 🥊).
Simple. Clear.
If you don’t define your role, someone else will.
They’ll define it as: “Do everything no one else wants to do.”
Whether overtly or inadvertently.
That’s how PMs lose credibility. That’s how careers stall.
Your job isn’t to build stuff. It’s to grow the business.
You don’t need more tools of frameworks. You need clarity.
Then reply and tell me:
What part of the PM role feels most confusing right now?
That’s all for this weekend.
Have a joyful week, and, if you can, make it joyful for someone else too.
cheers,
shardul
Here are 4 ways I can help you today:
Executives: Eliminate Decision Drag and Drive Commercial Impact. I help organizations build the product strategy and discipline need to turn technology into a high-margin business. Let’s discuss your next phase of growth. Let’s discuss your next phase of growth.
Product Leaders: Bridge the Credibility Gap with the C-suite. Shift your team’s focus from shipping velocity to commercial outcomes. Let’s discuss how to elevate your team’s impact and execution confidence. Book a Strategy Call Today.
Product Managers: Get 1:1 Street Smart Career Guidance. From 1:1 coaching to a resume review to a mock interview, get real-world strategic feedback from an executive who has hired, mentored, and promoted at every level, whether you’re breaking into PM or are rising to the leadership ranks. Book a Coaching Session Today.
Aspiring and New PMs: Is Product Management Really Right For You? It’s one of the most misunderstood roles in tech. It can be a meaningful role for the right people. But only when entered with realistic expectations, self-awareness, and intent. Get the unvarnished truth about the role before you commit your time, money, and entire career. Get Early Access Here Today.
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Shardul Mehta
I ❤️ product managers.