Best Moments: Leading Minds in Product Management

04/30/25 • 33 min

In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, we bring together a powerhouse panel of product management leaders: Diego Granados, Richard Seroter, Rajsi Rana, Neha Satya, and Parth Detroja. Each guest shares their unique journey into product management, offering firsthand perspectives from top companies like Microsoft, Oracle, Google, and beyond.

Our conversation explores how backgrounds in healthcare, finance, and data analytics can lead to thriving PM careers, emphasizing that a technical degree is not a prerequisite for success. The guests break down the core skills needed-critical thinking, emotional intelligence, cross-functional collaboration-and provide actionable advice for anyone aspiring to break into or advance within product management.

We also discuss the differences between PM roles at startups versus large enterprises, the evolving relationship between product managers and product owners, and how to lead through influence rather than authority. The episode is packed with practical strategies for interviews, panel preparation, and building daily habits that set PMs apart in a competitive field.

Featured Guests:

Diego Granados
Richard Seroter
Rajsi Rana
Neha Satya
Parth Detroja

Key Takeaways:

Diverse Backgrounds: Success in product management is possible from non-traditional backgrounds-technical degrees are helpful but not required.
Foundational Skills: Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and cross-functional teamwork are essential.
Dealing with Ambiguity: PMs must drive clarity and connect customer needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility.
Influence Over Authority: Product managers lead through storytelling, data, and consensus-not direct authority.
Customer Focus: The best PMs relentlessly advocate for the customer at every product stage.
Role Clarity: The distinction between product manager and product owner varies by company, but both require close collaboration with engineering and stakeholders.
Interviewing & Preparation: Build rapport with recruiters, use relevant buzzwords, tailor your story, and research your interview panel.
Continuous Improvement: Treat product management and interviewing as skills to be honed daily-write, practice, and seek feedback.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Meet the guests and their journeys
02:00 – Do you need a technical background? Myths debunked
05:00 – What does a product manager really do?
08:00 – Core skills: Ambiguity, cross-functional work, and influence
12:00 – Defining your PM role and career growth
15:00 – Product owner vs. product manager: Real-world perspectives
20:00 – Leading through influence, not authority
24:00 – Building strong partnerships with engineering
26:00 – Interview tips: Recruiter calls and panel strategies
30:00 – Daily habits for PM success and continuous learning
32:00 – Final thoughts: Growth mindset and resilience in the PM journey

Featured Guests:

Diego Granados
Richard Seroter
Rajsi Rana
Neha Satya
Parth Detroja

Key Takeaways:

Diverse Backgrounds: Success in product management is possible from non-traditional backgrounds-technical degrees are helpful but not required.
Foundational Skills: Critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and cross-functional teamwork are essential.
Dealing with Ambiguity: PMs must drive clarity and connect customer needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility.
Influence Over Authority: Product managers lead through storytelling, data, and consensus-not direct authority.
Customer Focus: The best PMs relentlessly advocate for the customer at every product stage.
Role Clarity: The distinction between product manager and product owner varies by company, but both require close collaboration with engineering and stakeholders.
Interviewing & Preparation: Build rapport with recruiters, use relevant buzzwords, tailor your story, and research your interview panel.
Continuous Improvement: Treat product management and interviewing as skills to be honed daily-write, practice, and seek feedback.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Meet the guests and their journeys
02:00 – Do you need a technical background? Myths debunked
05:00 – What does a product manager really do?
08:00 – Core skills: Ambiguity, cross-functional work, and influence
12:00 – Defining your PM role and career growth
15:00 – Product owner vs. product manager: Real-world perspectives
20:00 – Leading through influence, not authority
24:00 – Building strong partnerships with engineering
26:00 – Interview tips: Recruiter calls and panel strategies
30:00 – Daily habits for PM success and continuous learning
32:00 – Final thoughts: Growth mindset and resilience in the PM journey

Previous Episode

The Secret Sauce to Standing Out: Resume, LinkedIn, and Interview Strategies with Brian Golod

In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, hosts Vivek and Pabitra sit down with Brian Golod, an award-winning resume writer, LinkedIn influencer, and career strategist who has helped thousands of professionals land interviews and job offers.

With over 200,000 followers on LinkedIn and a resume template downloaded over 100,000 times, Brian shares his unique journey from software developer and product owner to becoming a sought-after mentor for senior tech professionals and executives.

Brian unpacks the real reasons job seekers struggle to land interviews, why a resume alone isn’t enough, and how data-driven strategies, networking, and personal branding can transform your job search. He dives deep into resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and interview techniques, offering actionable advice for anyone looking to stand out and secure multiple job offers.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Beyond the Resume: Landing interviews requires more than just a well-written resume. Social profiles, networking, and a proactive application strategy are equally important.
Data-Driven Approach: Build your resume based on current market needs by analyzing multiple job postings for your target role and identifying common keywords and requirements.
One Story, One Resume: Use a single, well-optimized resume and LinkedIn profile for your target role to avoid red flags and confusion.
Apply Fast, Apply Smart: Speed matters—apply quickly to new postings and avoid the “easy apply” trap by reaching out directly to hiring managers and recruiters.
Target the Sweet Spot: Apply for roles where you meet 60–80% of the qualifications to ensure growth and avoid stagnation.
Interview Mindset: If you’re brought in for an interview, the employer already sees value in you. Focus on building rapport, demonstrating curiosity, and thinking out loud when faced with unknowns.
Networking That Works: Stand out by engaging meaningfully with content creators and professionals on LinkedIn—give value before asking for help.
Compensation Strategy: Never disclose your salary expectations early. Let employers make the first offer to maximize your negotiating position.
Plain Text Wins: Use a simple, plain-text resume format with bullet points—avoid fancy templates that can’t be read by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Leave a Lasting Impression: Success in interviews and networking is about the experience you create for others—be memorable, authentic, and valuable.

Connect with Brian Golod: