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