Imposter Syndrome as a Product Manager

Trying to Product

Imposter Syndrome as a Product Manager

Imposter syndrome is incredibly common in product management. Yes, even if you’re 5+ years into the job with a proven track record and experience. And it’s not just product managers — the uncertainty runs deep across our entire industry.

Imposter syndrome is definitely something that exists outside the field of Product Management. But sometimes it can feel like a big enemy within the product management space as well. So grab your diary, lean up against a tree if you're outside, or bring it inside and open a window to get some fresh air and truly absorb this conversation. This is an episode you simply cannot afford to miss.

Let’s delve in!

Key Highlights

[00:59] What Alex thinks about imposter syndrome and whether he has ever experienced it while working as a PM

[06:51] Why you cannot become a PM by following any particular program, degree, rules, or set of courses.

[08:13] How imposter syndrome can emerge from delayed gratification.

[12:55] Why impostor syndrome can result from an inability to step back.

[18:01] Why the PM role is ambiguous in nature

[20:17] Strategies Alex has used to battle imposter syndrome at work and in general

[21:40] How Parv has approached imposter syndrome in the workplace and generally by understanding the expectations.

[24:23] How being open as a PM helps tackle imposter syndrome

[26:18] Why we should support and mentor new PMs.

Notable Quotes

• “Imposter syndrome is probably something almost every PM feels at one point or another in their career.” [01:00]
• “It takes a lot of courage to even admit that sometimes that there is a thing in product and that impostor syndrome.” [02:32]
• “I think every Product Manager who I've spoken to struggles with impostor syndrome periodically. I think it's just that space and the type of work that we do as a PM that makes us so susceptible to impostor syndrome.”[04:44]
• “You just don't have the same journey leading into a product management role. And you're bound to be in a position where you have some grasp over concepts, but then some things you just wouldn't have heard of, because there's just no formal education.” [07:18]
• “There's so much constantly that we're doing that, it just makes it easy for you to feel like a you're not just doing enough.” [13:30]
• “Our currency is information, and you have to be learning, constantly be doing something. And that major influx of information can be overwhelming sometimes.”[14:42]
• “40% of product managers experience imposter syndrome frequently or all the time.”[19:17]
• “Only 8% of product people say that they've never experienced impostor syndrome. [19:28]
• “Being vulnerable is like a great way to get around it. Imposter syndrome.” [25:39]

Resources

Connect with Parv:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ParvSondhi

Connect with Alex:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexcox245

Email: [e-mail]

Send us Questions

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