Shows
Beyond Product ManagementSharing Wins without Feeling like a FraudIn today’s episode, I’m talking about something that’s been personally real for me lately… ✨ How do you share your wins without spiraling into self-doubt or feeling like a fraud?If your instinct is to deflect, downplay, or hide your accomplishments altogether, you’re not alone — especially if you're a woman or someone from an underrepresented group. We’ve been taught that confidence might come off as arrogance. That humility means shrinking. But what if your wins aren’t just about you?In this episode, we’ll unpack:Why so many of us minimize...2025-07-3113 minBeyond Product ManagementPrompt Responsibly: AI Security for everyoneIn this episode of Beyond Product Management, Heather is joined again by her co-founder (and husband!), John Miller, for Part 2 of their ongoing conversation about AI in real-world product environments—this time with a focus on security risks and corporate responsibility.They dive into:Why data exfiltration is a serious concern in generative AI toolsThe risks of using public AI models vs. enterprise-grade toolsWhat AI hallucinations can cost your company (yes, even legally)Real-world examples including a Canadian airline and Microsoft’s EchoLeakHow hackers are using AI to improve phishing, malware, and moreWhy being cautious isn’t bein...2025-07-1712 minBeyond Product ManagementStorytelling That Sells... and Ships: A Conversation with Lindsay MurrayIn this episode of Beyond Product Management, Heather sits down with storytelling expert and content strategist Lindsay Murray to unpack why storytelling isn’t just for selling—it’s essential for teaching, leading, and building great products.Heather and Lindsay compare notes from their very different worlds—product management and social media marketing—and discover that they’ve been using the same powerful tool all along: story.Whether you're trying to rally a dev team, craft a compelling Instagram post, or gain executive buy-in, this episode will help you:Understand how storytelling activates attention and memoryUs...2025-07-1719 minBeyond Product ManagementBurnout Didn’t Break Me — But It Woke Me UpIn this deeply personal episode of Beyond Product Management, Heather opens up about her own experience with burnout—not just the professional kind, but the emotional and physical toll of misalignment over time.From 12-hour days and volunteer overload to pandemic parenting and launching a business, she shares how burnout crept in, what it looked like, and what finally broke the cycle.You’ll hear:The subtle signs of burnout (before the crash)Why “rest” isn’t always the solution—and what to try insteadHow she redefined her boundaries and reconnected with what actually mattersWhy b...2025-07-1011 minBeyond Product ManagementLead Without the Title: Executive Presence, Storytelling, and Strategy with Ben MosiorIn this episode of Beyond Product Management, Heather Miller sits down with Ben Mosior, founder of Hired Thought and co-creator of Strategy Tactics, for a conversation about what it really means to lead—especially when you’re not “in charge.”Ben shares how intent-based leadership and facilitative leadership help teams align around purpose, not just process. Together, Heather and Ben explore the role of storytelling in building executive presence, the importance of clear intent, and how anyone in a product or leadership role can drive strategic clarity from wherever they sit.In this episode, you’ll hear:2025-07-0322 minBeyond Product ManagementPTO Without Panic: How Product Managers Can Log Off With ConfidenceIn this personal-yet-practical episode, we're diving into a topic that doesn't get nearly enough attention: Paid Time Off (PTO). Specifically—how to plan for it, how to return from it, and how to truly disconnect without derailing your career. (Spoiler: you don’t have to earn rest by overworking on both sides of your break.)You’ll hear:A few stories from my own less-than-glamorous PTO moments (board games, rainouts, and ER Slack messages included)A step-by-step checklist for prepping your handoffs and out-of-office with clarityHow to avoid inbox chaos and meeting pileups when you returnTips from t...2025-06-2611 minBeyond Product ManagementDinner Table Debates: Will AI Replace Product Managers?In this special episode of Beyond Product Management, host Heather Miller is joined by a familiar voice—her husband and co-founder of PDRM Consulting, John Miller. Together, they dig into one of the most buzzed-about topics in both tech and product spaces: artificial intelligence.Is AI going to replace product managers? Developers? Security professionals? Heather and John explore the real possibilities, the common misconceptions, and the risks—from hallucinated court cases to surprisingly accurate phishing emails.You’ll hear:Why AI won’t replace product managers—but PMs who use AI might replace those who don’tT...2025-06-1915 min
10-Minute Tech Talks: Business Insights and Growth Hacks for Time-Crunched EntrepreneursProduct Management Unfiltered: How to Navigate the Challenges of Tech InnovationAre you a product manager feeling burnt out, or an entrepreneur struggling to bring your innovative idea to market? In today's competitive business landscape, many professionals feel stuck, unsure how to navigate product development, manage team dynamics, and create value without exhausting themselves. On this special edition of 10 Minute Tech Talks Over Time, we welcome Heather Miller, Founder of PDRM Consulting, so you can: Learn proven strategies to prevent professional burnout and maintain team productivity Discover how to effectively translate complex business needs across different organizational levels Gain insights into launching an...2025-06-1825 min10-Minute Tech Talks: How Tech Entrepreneurs Fail & How You Can Avoid ItProduct Management Unfiltered: How to Navigate the Challenges of Tech InnovationAre you a product manager feeling burnt out, or an entrepreneur struggling to bring your innovative idea to market? In today's competitive business landscape, many professionals feel stuck, unsure how to navigate product development, manage team dynamics, and create value without exhausting themselves. On this special edition of 10 Minute Tech Talks Over Time, we welcome Heather Miller, Founder of PDRM Consulting, so you can: Learn proven strategies to prevent professional burnout and maintain team productivity Discover how to effectively translate complex business needs across different organizational levels Gain insights into launching an...2025-06-1825 min
TechVibe PittsburghProduct Management Unfiltered: How to Navigate the Challenges of Tech InnovationAre you a product manager feeling burnt out, or an entrepreneur struggling to bring your innovative idea to market? In today's competitive business landscape, many professionals feel stuck, unsure how to navigate product development, manage team dynamics, and create value without exhausting themselves. On this episode of TechVibe, we welcome Heather Miller, Founder of PDRM Consulting, so you can: Learn proven strategies to prevent professional burnout and maintain team productivity Discover how to effectively translate complex business needs across different organizational levels Gain insights into launching and scaling products from an e...2025-06-1625 minBeyond Product ManagementDrowning in Deadlines? Here’s Your Life RaftFeeling underwater at work? You’re not alone—and you’re not lazy. In this episode of Beyond Product Management, I’m talking about that overwhelmed, maxed-out feeling so many high-achieving PMs face.We’ll unpack:The real (and weirdly specific) signs you’re approaching burnoutWhy it’s often a structural problem—not a personal flawMy 3-step method to help you come up for air:Triage the chaosBuild boundaries without blameAsk for help—strategicallyYou’ll also hear how I prioritize when everything feels like a fire, and why you don’t need to be the “meeting glue” any...2025-06-1211 minBeyond Product ManagementVisibility Without Vanity: How to Advocate for Yourself Without Feeling Like a FraudEver feel like speaking up about your work makes you look like you're bragging—or worse, like an imposter? You’re not alone. In this episode of Beyond Product Management, we’re talking about visibility without vanity—why advocating for your accomplishments isn't self-centered, it's strategic.Heather dives into why self-promotion often feels awkward (especially for women in corporate spaces) and how to shift that mindset. Learn practical, ethical ways to build your visibility without losing your authenticity. Because hiding your wins isn’t humility—it’s sabotage.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why visibility i...2025-06-0510 minBeyond Product ManagementThe Power of Asking Why: Curiosity, Clarity & the Five Whys MethodIn today’s off-the-cuff episode, Heather Miller takes a heartfelt detour from the planned content to explore the deceptively simple—but deeply transformative—power of the word “why.”From a session at Pittsburgh ProductCamp to an early morning LinkedIn conversation, “why” has been showing up everywhere. And not just for customers—but in team dynamics, personal development, and organizational change.Tune in to hear:Why “why” is the most powerful question in product and lifeHow the Five Whys Method uncovers root causes beneath surface problemsWhy curiosity beats compliance when driving changeHow to avoid weaponizing “why” in retros, interv...2025-05-2915 minBeyond Product ManagementBuilding Trust, Not Just Products: Cybersecurity Tips for Product ManagersIn this special episode of Beyond Product Management, host Heather Miller is joined by her co-founder, husband, and cybersecurity expert John Miller for a deep dive into the intersection of product management and cybersecurity. From early-stage threat modeling to collaborating effectively with security engineers, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for PMs who want to build not just fast—but safe and trusted—products.What You’ll Learn:When and how to bring cybersecurity into the product development lifecycleThe basics of threat modeling and how it impacts your architectureWhy security isn’t just IT’s job—and ho...2025-05-1515 minBeyond Product ManagementViable or Valuable? Rethinking MVPs Before You Scare Users AwayWe've all heard of the Minimum Viable Product, but what if that “viable” MVP is actually pushing users away before they ever get a chance to see your product’s real value? Inspired by a conversation with a group of CEOs and coaches, I challenge the traditional MVP mindset and offer a more impactful alternative: the Minimum Valuable Product.In this episode, we explore:The true origin and intent behind the MVP conceptA real-world analogy that’ll change how you think about "viable"Why functional isn't always enough—and how trust is easily brokenThe risk of over-scopi...2025-05-0808 minBeyond Product ManagementThe Power of No: How Product Leaders Protect Priorities and Build TrustFar from being negative or combative, a well-placed no is actually a sign of strong leadership, strategic thinking, and deep product ownership. Heather explores why saying no isn’t about rejection—it’s about clarity, boundaries, and focus. She shares stories from her own career, insights for handling difficult stakeholder conversations, and practical ways to reframe “no” as a powerful yes to what truly matters.Whether you're a new PM trying to build confidence or a seasoned pro navigating executive pressure, this episode will leave you with a fresh perspective on how saying no can unlock the next level...2025-04-2409 minBeyond Product ManagementStrategy Isn’t a Luxury—It’s Your Secret WeaponStrategy gets thrown around like confetti in the product world—but what does it actually mean for your day-to-day as a PM?In this episode, we’re getting real about strategic thinking: why it matters, what happens when it’s missing, and how you can start making space for it even if your calendar is packed to the brim.You’ll hear:A behind-the-scenes story from 2020 and what it taught me about reactive vs. strategic workThe real reason your career might feel stuck in “catch-up” modeThree powerful questions to ask during your strategy timeA simple calen...2025-04-1712 minBeyond Product ManagementThe Trust Factor: Building Stronger Relationships in Product ManagementFrom transparency and active listening to adaptability and proactive communication, Heather and Tabor break down the key elements of building long-lasting connections that lead to better products and smoother workflows. Whether you’re leading cross-functional teams, working with leadership, or navigating stakeholder dynamics, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you foster trust and drive impact.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why trust is the foundation of all business relationships ✅ How to communicate transparently and build credibility ✅ The power of active listening in stakeholder management ✅ Ways to tail...2025-04-0318 minBeyond Product ManagementMastering Ideation: How Product Managers Can Innovate and Stay Ahead of the CurveIn this episode of Beyond Product Management, we dive into the art of ideation and how product managers can generate fresh ideas at every stage of product development. Learn strategies like looking beyond your industry, brainstorming with constraints, and shadowing your users to uncover pain points. Discover how to validate your ideas through competitive analysis, market research, and customer interviews to ensure your best ideas resonate before going all in.This episode is packed with actionable insights to help product managers innovate, challenge assumptions, and create products that stand the test of time.Key Takeaways:2025-03-2717 minBeyond Product ManagementHow Speech and Debate made me a better Product Manager (Episode 5)Public speaking is a critical skill in product management—whether you’re presenting a roadmap, leading sprint reviews, or advocating for your product. In this episode, I share how my experience in high school speech and debate shaped my ability to think on my feet, communicate persuasively, and anticipate objections—skills I use every day as a product leader.I’ll also dive into how debating both sides of an issue mirrors the balancing act of product management, why adaptability and preparation go hand in hand, and how storytelling makes all the difference when pitching ideas.If you...2025-03-2019 minBeyond Product ManagementLeading Without a Title: Influence, Confidence & Servant Leadership in Product (Episode 4)Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about influence, confidence, and the ability to drive impact. In this episode of Beyond Product Management, we explore what it means to step into leadership without formal authority.I’ll break down: ✔️ How to build influence as a product manager ✔️ The power of servant leadership in cross-functional teams ✔️ Why confidence and collaboration go hand in hand ✔️ The gender biases in leadership—and how to challenge them ✔️ Practical steps to strengthen your leadership presence todayPlus, in honor of International Women’s Day, we’...2025-03-1317 minBeyond Product ManagementAligning Your Team: The Art of Goal Setting in Product ManagementIn today's episode, we're diving into a critical skill for every product manager: aligning your team around a common goal. We'll explore:✔️ What makes a goal meaningful and actionable✔️ How to break down big goals into smaller, achievable steps✔️ Communicating goals effectively to stakeholders, engineers, and customers✔️ The power of storytelling in driving alignment and motivationI’ll also share a real-world example of how storytelling helped an engineering team see the impact of their work—and how small daily goals can keep teams focused and motivated.If you’ve ever strug...2025-02-2722 minBeyond Product ManagementBeyond Product Management: Introduction to Product LeadershipIn this inaugural episode of Beyond Product Management, host Heather Miller, CEO and co-founder of PDRM Consulting, shares her extensive background and approach to product management. With nearly two decades in the tech and medical software industries, Heather reflects on the importance of soft skills in product management, emphasizing that success lies in understanding people, managing relationships, and making tough decisions. She also introduces the programs at PDRM Consulting, designed to help product managers evolve from early-stage practitioners to strategic partners within their organizations. Join Heather as she lays the foundation for a podcast series dedicated to helping you...2025-02-2015 min