🔍 Episode Summary:

In this episode of Practical Product Management, Leah and Marilyn dive deep into a critical, often overlooked factor in career success: choosing the right boss. Beyond titles, funding rounds, and company prestige, your next leader—and their leader—can shape your growth, learning opportunities, and job satisfaction. They discuss how to evaluate potential managers during interviews, the importance of values and leadership styles, and why fostering a human connection matters more than you think. Whether you're searching for your next role or stepping into leadership yourself, this episode offers practical insights that go beyond the job description.

🚀 3 Key Takeaways:

1. Your Boss Shapes Your Success: The two most important people in your career are your boss and your boss’s boss. They determine not just what you’ll learn, but how much space you’ll have to grow.
2. Look for Leaders Who Elevate, Not Compete: A great boss shares their knowledge without ego, champions your success, and fosters a learning mindset, regardless of hierarchy or seniority.
3. Ask the Right Questions During Interviews: Dig into how potential managers handle disagreement, their leadership style, and their values. Questions like “What does it look like when we disagree?” can reveal how open they are to collaboration and feedback.

💡 2 Questions for PMs to Reflect On:

1. When interviewing for your next role, how will you evaluate whether a manager aligns with your learning and leadership style?
2. How does your current boss support your growth as a product manager—and what could be better?

Reach out to us at PracticalPMPodcast.com with your comments or show ideas.