In this episode, host Pedro Ganço sits down with Ken Sandy, a seasoned product leader, educator, and author of The Influential Product Manager, to break down what it takes to grow from a junior product manager to a strategic product leader.

Ken shares his expert insights on developing core PM skills, mastering stakeholder influence, and navigating the transition from execution to strategy. He dives into the key frameworks every aspiring product leader should know—covering prioritization techniques, decision-making models, and the importance of business acumen.

Whether you’re an early-career PM looking to accelerate your growth or a senior product professional aiming to refine your leadership approach, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you level up your product career.

Key Takeaways:

➡️ The shift from execution to strategy—and why it’s crucial for career growth

➡️ The biggest challenges junior PMs face—and how to overcome them

➡️ How to develop influence and leadership without formal authority

➡️ Why storytelling is a powerful skill for product managers

➡️ The decision-making frameworks that help PMs thrive in complex environments

➡️ How prioritization techniques can make or break a product team

➡️ The evolving role of product management—and how to stay ahead in the field

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Product Management podcast

05:50 Ken Sandy's Journey into Product Management

11:11 The Importance of Execution in Product Management

17:01 Influence Over Authority in Product Management

24:34 Advice for Aspiring Product Managers

25:54 Uncovering Product Management Skills

32:01 Navigating Challenges in Product Management

38:13 The Importance of Decision-Making

46:17 Practical Frameworks for Product Managers

50:21 Prioritization and Stakeholder Alignment

54:27 Essential Skills for Junior Product Managers

01:02:19 Transitioning from Execution to Strategy

01:05:51 The Future of Product Management

Where to find Ken: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kensandy/

Bonus materials of The Influencial Product Manager: https://influentialpm.com

Where to find Pedro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedroganco/

🎉 Mark your calendars for Productized Conference 2025! Join us for the 10th edition of this premier event, where product management leaders from around the world gather for insightful talks, networking, and celebration. Tickets are already available—don’t miss out! Get your tickets now: https://www.productized.co

Where to find us:

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/3aMvWn2

Website: https://productized.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/productized

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/productized.co/

Meetup: https://www.meetup.com/pt-BR/Productized/

170. Influence Your Way to Product Leadership: Ken Sandy on Growing from Junior PM to Leader

Productized Podcast