Product management is one of the most misunderstood roles in tech. Everyone talks about strategy, roadmaps, and innovation, but what does it actually take to be a great product manager? 🚀In this episode, I sit down with Pooja Vithlani, a seasoned product leader who has worked at Microsoft, Expedia, and Careem, to break down the realities of product management. From how to build habit-forming products to why most PMs fail, we cover everything you need to know to level up your career.🔹 The surprising differences between product management in the West vs. the Middle East🔹 Why many PMs are just “project managers in disguise”🔹 The biggest mistakes PMs make & how to avoid them🔹 How to actually influence leadership & drive impact🔹 The power of product mindset & high-agency thinkingIf you’re a product manager, founder, or someone trying to break into PM, this episode is packed with gold! 💡💬 Drop a comment below – What’s the biggest challenge you face in product management? Let’s discuss!🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on product, leadership, and strategy!📌 Follow Pooja Vithlani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poojavithlani/📌 Subscribe to my newsletter : https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comTimeline & Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Who is Pooja Vithlani?02:00 – What do product managers actually do?05:40 – The biggest misconceptions about PMs09:15 – How Pooja broke into product management at Microsoft14:30 – The shift from tech-driven to customer-driven product teams19:45 – Building habit-forming products: Lessons from Expedia24:20 – The power of data in decision-making & why most PMs ignore it28:50 – Product management in the West vs. the Middle East33:00 – Why product teams struggle with empowerment & agency37:25 – The biggest mistakes product managers make42:15 – How to actually influence leadership as a PM46:50 – How can women in product management be more assertive?51:30 – What makes a great product leader?56:10 – Pooja’s top advice for aspiring and junior product managers01:00:40 – Where to find Pooja & final thoughts