Thank you Deb for sharing how your career journey was. It looks like a straight line from the outside but I so resonate with "look for more than one way to get there." I'm interested in becoming a PM and currently working as an integrations manager to build up these skills and network needed as a PM. Your transition from Product Marketing to PM to CEO is inspiring and confirms that career is a marathon, built by small steps.
I have seen many people from different roles enter PM. In fact, Women in Product research shows that very few PMs started in Product. A vast majority transferred from another role into PM, so you are not alone. If you read my post (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-happened-women-product-deborah-liu/), you can see that many successful women PMs took different routes than you would imagine by necessity. I highlighted some of their stories there. Don't lose hope!
Hi Deb, I wanted to let you know that I've successfully transitioned into PM! It's crazy to think that exactly a year ago we had this conversation. Since then, I've been working on getting that PM experience in my role as an implementation manager, and trying to get as many reps in as possible from customer interviews, writing specs, to working with eng and design on feature launches. This career change is probably one of the hardest things I've done... and I've had lots of self-doubt along the way (like "what if I misinterpreted my strengths and interests, could I possibly break into this field...) and I'm grateful for words of encouragement from you & many people around me! Just wanted to share this with you =)
Thanks for sharing this, Deb! It really helped me understand where I currently stand at and how can I improve in my career path; it also convinced me that I am on the right track but I still have a long way to go!
Hi Deb -- love your posts. Your writing is effortless and you bring out years of experience and knowledge in such simple language. Very practical and straightforward.
You talked about branding but one day you are a senior PM and you update your LinkedIn when you get promoted and suddenly every new opportunity knocking at your door is a Lead PM is there a way to “brand” yourself beyond your title that’s what seem to care about
Going beyond LinkedIn titles, there are things you can do to open yourself up to more opportunities. For example, are you participating in panels? Do you write or speak publicly? Are you on platforms where you can influence others? Some PMs have developed their voice on the likes of Substack, Medium, Twitter, Clubhouse, TikTok, or Facebook groups. P
Ming is a craft, and we are interacting with wonderful craftspeople everywhere we go. Put yourself out there and see where it takes you.
Thank you for sharing your journey and being so transparent and helpful. I came across your site purely by accident after clicking on a LinkedIn post but the information you share here has been so timely for me in my current career stage. Your tips have given me actionable homework! Thank you!
Thank you Deb for sharing how your career journey was. It looks like a straight line from the outside but I so resonate with "look for more than one way to get there." I'm interested in becoming a PM and currently working as an integrations manager to build up these skills and network needed as a PM. Your transition from Product Marketing to PM to CEO is inspiring and confirms that career is a marathon, built by small steps.
I have seen many people from different roles enter PM. In fact, Women in Product research shows that very few PMs started in Product. A vast majority transferred from another role into PM, so you are not alone. If you read my post (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-happened-women-product-deborah-liu/), you can see that many successful women PMs took different routes than you would imagine by necessity. I highlighted some of their stories there. Don't lose hope!
Hi Deb, I wanted to let you know that I've successfully transitioned into PM! It's crazy to think that exactly a year ago we had this conversation. Since then, I've been working on getting that PM experience in my role as an implementation manager, and trying to get as many reps in as possible from customer interviews, writing specs, to working with eng and design on feature launches. This career change is probably one of the hardest things I've done... and I've had lots of self-doubt along the way (like "what if I misinterpreted my strengths and interests, could I possibly break into this field...) and I'm grateful for words of encouragement from you & many people around me! Just wanted to share this with you =)
Congratulations for achieving your dream! I am so happy to see you well on your way in your journey.
Thanks for sharing this, Deb! It really helped me understand where I currently stand at and how can I improve in my career path; it also convinced me that I am on the right track but I still have a long way to go!
Hi Deb -- love your posts. Your writing is effortless and you bring out years of experience and knowledge in such simple language. Very practical and straightforward.
You talked about branding but one day you are a senior PM and you update your LinkedIn when you get promoted and suddenly every new opportunity knocking at your door is a Lead PM is there a way to “brand” yourself beyond your title that’s what seem to care about
Going beyond LinkedIn titles, there are things you can do to open yourself up to more opportunities. For example, are you participating in panels? Do you write or speak publicly? Are you on platforms where you can influence others? Some PMs have developed their voice on the likes of Substack, Medium, Twitter, Clubhouse, TikTok, or Facebook groups. P
Ming is a craft, and we are interacting with wonderful craftspeople everywhere we go. Put yourself out there and see where it takes you.
Practical advice so lucidly written. Thanks Deb for sharing your story and leading by example.
Great read! Thank you Deb for the powerful advice! I love reading your posts. So much inspiration! Can’t wait to start my journey at Ancestry soon!
Keep up with the great writing Deb. I feel energized every time reading your articles.
I love reading your posts. So helpful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing, Deb.
Thank you for sharing this Deb, is one of the best pieces of career development I have read in long time, very thorough, I greatly enjoy your posts!
Thank you for sharing your journey and being so transparent and helpful. I came across your site purely by accident after clicking on a LinkedIn post but the information you share here has been so timely for me in my current career stage. Your tips have given me actionable homework! Thank you!