Beyond Product Management

Heather Miller (PDRM Consulting)
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Beyond Product Management is a podcast that explores the unexpected intersections of product management with other disciplines, industries, and ideas. We go beyond the usual frameworks to uncover fresh perspectives, unconventional insights, and the skills that truly set great PMs apart.

  1. 4D AGO

    From Friction to Five-Star: How Client Experience Protects Your Business

    In this episode of Beyond Product Management, Heather is joined by Blythe, a client experience designer who describes herself as “Gordon Ramsay meets a Disney Imagineer.” And honestly? It fits perfectly. Blythe helps founders and business owners design backend systems that feel human on the front end—without burning out the people running them. Drawing from her background in medical software, workflow optimization, and adoption design, she breaks down why most “client experience problems” are actually systems problems hiding in plain sight. Together, Heather and Blythe explore how friction, founder burnout, and disconnected systems quietly sabotage businesses—and what to do about it before things spiral. In this episode, we cover:Why great client experience isn’t about gifts or hand-holdingHow backend systems directly impact energy, presence, and leadershipThe real cost of “just outsourcing it” without fixing the systemWhy founder burnout is not inevitable—and why believing it is dangerousHow friction points show up first in client and team behaviorThe role of emotional presence in leadership and deliveryBlythe’s 30-day approach to untangling onboarding, delivery, offboarding, and techWhy systems issues hurt more as you scale (and don’t magically disappear)The Peak-End Rule and how businesses can design memorable moments on purposeSimple client experience wins that build loyalty without adding complexityMemorable moments:Blythe’s origin story as a medical software adoption specialistWhy firing “the problem person” is often the wrong solutionHow a single bottle of champagne turned a mediocre dinner into a loyal customer storyWhy clients remembering one great moment can outweigh dozens of average onesTakeaway:Client experience isn’t about doing more—it’s about removing friction, protecting founder capacity, and designing systems that allow humans to show up sustainably. When founders are supported by their systems, everyone wins: teams, clients, and the business itself. 🔗 Connect with BlytheFollow Blythe on Instagram and DM her your favorite client experience—she genuinely wants to hear it. PDRM Consulting's mission is to help businesses reduce risk, specifically in the fields of Cybersecurity and Product Management. Heather bridges the professional development gap in the corporate space by empowering growth-driven product managers to transition into strategic, results-oriented leaders. By focusing on enhancing key skills and decision-making capabilities, she helps them accelerate their leadership journey, achieve measurable outcomes more quickly, and excel in driving product success. Her approach ensures they thrive in their roles and unlock their full potential as impactful servant leaders within their organizations. You can follow us for more daily content: Instagram: @pdrmconsulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pdrm-consulting Join our Newsletter:https://solitary-block-17987.myflodesk.com/ofo6k6a0f9

    33 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Why Founders and Product Leaders Talk Past Each Other

    Founders optimize for speed. Product leaders optimize for longevity. And when those two perspectives collide, tension isn’t just inevitable—it’s costly. In this episode of Beyond Product Management, Heather Miller breaks down the real reason founders and product leaders so often talk past each other. Drawing from years of experience working with both PMs and founders, she explores how well-intentioned decisions made “to move faster” can quietly erode team trust, long-term velocity, and customer confidence. If you’re a product manager who’s ever walked out of a leadership meeting shaking your head—or a founder who’s frustrated by perceived resistance—this episode will help you see the divide differently. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The core tension between founder speed and product longevityWhy “we’ll fix it later” almost never worksHow technical shortcuts show up as real customer issuesThe invisible negotiation work product managers do every dayWhy speed and thoughtfulness are not opposites—but companionsThe one question founders and PMs should be asking each other more oftenThis episode is a gut punch for product managers—and an invitation for founders to build stronger, more sustainable momentum with their teams. PDRM Consulting's mission is to help businesses reduce risk, specifically in the fields of Cybersecurity and Product Management. Heather bridges the professional development gap in the corporate space by empowering growth-driven product managers to transition into strategic, results-oriented leaders. By focusing on enhancing key skills and decision-making capabilities, she helps them accelerate their leadership journey, achieve measurable outcomes more quickly, and excel in driving product success. Her approach ensures they thrive in their roles and unlock their full potential as impactful servant leaders within their organizations. You can follow us for more daily content: Instagram: @pdrmconsulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pdrm-consulting Join our Newsletter:https://solitary-block-17987.myflodesk.com/ofo6k6a0f9

    9 min

  3. FEB 5

    Why Planning Still Matters in Uncertain Times (and How to Do It Right)

    PDRM Consulting's mission is to help businesses reduce risk, specifically in the fields of Cybersecurity and Product Management. Heather bridges the professional development gap in the corporate space by empowering growth-driven product managers to transition into strategic, results-oriented leaders. By focusing on enhancing key skills and decision-making capabilities, she helps them accelerate their leadership journey, achieve measurable outcomes more quickly, and excel in driving product success. Her approach ensures they thrive in their roles and unlock their full potential as impactful servant leaders within their organizations. You can follow us for more daily content: Instagram: @pdrmconsulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pdrm-consulting Join our Newsletter:https://solitary-block-17987.myflodesk.com/ofo6k6a0f9

    36 min

  4. FEB 3

    Why You Need Better Filters Before You Commit Your Energy

    Everything feels important—but that doesn’t mean everything deserves your energy. In this episode of Beyond Product Management, Heather Miller shares the story that reinforced why she built the Filter Framework in the first place—after a family emergency forced her to step away from work and rethink how she decided what truly mattered. This isn’t an episode about productivity hacks or doing more. It’s about building better filters so you can make smarter decisions under pressure. Heather introduces the core principles of the Filter Framework and explains why overwhelm is often a decision problem—not a discipline one. She also dives deeper into founder and leader dependency, unpacking how becoming the default for everything quietly leads to burnout and stalled progress. Whether you’re a product leader staring at an impossible roadmap, a founder who’s constantly moving but not progressing, or an ambitious woman juggling invisible load—this episode will help you rethink how you commit your energy. Get the Focus Filter for $17 PDRM Consulting's mission is to help businesses reduce risk, specifically in the fields of Cybersecurity and Product Management. Heather bridges the professional development gap in the corporate space by empowering growth-driven product managers to transition into strategic, results-oriented leaders. By focusing on enhancing key skills and decision-making capabilities, she helps them accelerate their leadership journey, achieve measurable outcomes more quickly, and excel in driving product success. Her approach ensures they thrive in their roles and unlock their full potential as impactful servant leaders within their organizations. You can follow us for more daily content: Instagram: @pdrmconsulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pdrm-consulting Join our Newsletter:https://solitary-block-17987.myflodesk.com/ofo6k6a0f9

    8 min

  5. JAN 29

    AI Is a Tool, Not a Teammate: Design, Strategy, and the Future of Human-Centered Products

    AI is everywhere right now—and depending on who you ask, it’s either going to save product teams or replace them entirely. In this episode of Beyond Product Management, Heather is joined by Behrad, a Berlin-based product and design strategist, startup founder, and studio owner, to cut through the noise. Behrad shares his journey from early-stage startup founder (including a unicorn) to consultant and ultimately running a product design studio that’s often brought in to tackle the projects no one else wants to touch. Together, Heather and Behrad explore the real role of AI in product, design, and strategy—and why the “AI will replace creatives” narrative misses the point. This conversation digs into: Why AI is best used as a tool, not a replacement for strategy or creativityThe dangers of full automation without checks and balancesHow AI often slows meaningful work instead of speeding it upThe shift toward interface-smart, human-centered product experiencesWhy companies are rediscovering the value of creativity, copy, and characterWhen to build, when to buy, and when to simply integrate what already existsIf you’re a product manager, founder, or design leader navigating AI pressure while trying to build thoughtful, sustainable products, this episode offers clarity, nuance, and a much-needed reality check. 🎧 Connect with Behrad via LinkedIn 💬 Join the conversation with Heather on LinkedIn or Instagram As always, thanks for listening to Beyond Product Management. PDRM Consulting's mission is to help businesses reduce risk, specifically in the fields of Cybersecurity and Product Management. Heather bridges the professional development gap in the corporate space by empowering growth-driven product managers to transition into strategic, results-oriented leaders. By focusing on enhancing key skills and decision-making capabilities, she helps them accelerate their leadership journey, achieve measurable outcomes more quickly, and excel in driving product success. Her approach ensures they thrive in their roles and unlock their full potential as impactful servant leaders within their organizations. You can follow us for more daily content: Instagram: @pdrmconsulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pdrm-consulting Join our Newsletter:https://solitary-block-17987.myflodesk.com/ofo6k6a0f9

    24 min

  6. JAN 27

    When Confidence Is Questioned: Women, Authority, and the Double Standard

    This episode is different. Recorded nearly nine months ago and never released, this conversation is real, raw, and deeply personal. It may land differently depending on your experiences — and that’s intentional. In this solo episode, Heather opens up about a question she’s been asked repeatedly as a founder and product leader: “How do you handle not getting the easy yes compared to your male counterparts?” This is not a knock on men. It’s an honest conversation about the double standards women often face in product management and other male-dominated industries — where influence without authority, confidence, and communication are constantly being evaluated through a different lens. Heather shares reflections from her career in engineering, software, and medical devices, along with practical strategies for building trust with technical teams, using language intentionally, and leading with grounded authority. She also addresses how women often self-limit before anyone says no — and what it takes to shift that pattern. While this episode reflects where Heather was nine months ago, the message remains clear and relevant: You are capable. You are credible. And you do not need permission to take up space. If this episode resonates, Heather invites you to continue the conversation on LinkedIn or Instagram. Your voice matters — and sharing it helps change the game for the women coming next. PDRM Consulting's mission is to help businesses reduce risk, specifically in the fields of Cybersecurity and Product Management. Heather bridges the professional development gap in the corporate space by empowering growth-driven product managers to transition into strategic, results-oriented leaders. By focusing on enhancing key skills and decision-making capabilities, she helps them accelerate their leadership journey, achieve measurable outcomes more quickly, and excel in driving product success. Her approach ensures they thrive in their roles and unlock their full potential as impactful servant leaders within their organizations. You can follow us for more daily content: Instagram: @pdrmconsulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pdrm-consulting Join our Newsletter:https://solitary-block-17987.myflodesk.com/ofo6k6a0f9

    13 min

  7. JAN 22

    Leading Through Change: How to Influence, Align, and Navigate Even an Ineffective Boss

    In this episode of Beyond Product Management, Heather Miller sits down with Jennifer Soy Long, founder of Selby Group, LLC, to explore the art and science of leading change within organizations. Jennifer shares her journey from “accidental change manager” to 28 years of guiding leaders through complex technology-driven transformations. Together, Heather and Jennifer dive into: How to handle ineffective bosses without letting emotions derail your impact.Practical strategies for building alignment and influence with peers and stakeholders.The importance of empathy and understanding others’ goals to drive successful change.Identifying “traditionalists” (stabilizers) in your organization—and why winning them over can make or break your initiatives.Real-world examples of navigating organizational change, from technical teams to leadership dynamics.If you’ve ever struggled with driving change, gaining support from key stakeholders, or leading without authority, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead more effectively—and get results that stick. LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferselbylong/ Website: https://www.selbygroup.com PDRM Consulting's mission is to help businesses reduce risk, specifically in the fields of Cybersecurity and Product Management. Heather bridges the professional development gap in the corporate space by empowering growth-driven product managers to transition into strategic, results-oriented leaders. By focusing on enhancing key skills and decision-making capabilities, she helps them accelerate their leadership journey, achieve measurable outcomes more quickly, and excel in driving product success. Her approach ensures they thrive in their roles and unlock their full potential as impactful servant leaders within their organizations. You can follow us for more daily content: Instagram: @pdrmconsulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pdrm-consulting Join our Newsletter:https://solitary-block-17987.myflodesk.com/ofo6k6a0f9

    33 min

  8. JAN 20

    Beyond the Hype: Applying AI Strategically Without Losing the Human Connection

    AI is everywhere — but is it actually making products better? In this episode of Beyond Product Management, Heather Miller sits down with Andy Sitison, a technologist, lifelong creator, and product builder with 35+ years of experience working at the intersection of emerging technology, human experience, and product development.Together, they unpack what it really means to use AI well — not as a shiny feature or market grab, but as a strategic tool that helps product teams deeply understand their users without sacrificing usability, trust, or human connection. Andy shares how his team uses AI to analyze long-form customer stories (not surveys) to uncover motivations, emotional patterns, and unmet needs — and why asking better questions matters more than generating faster answers. This conversation is a must-listen for product leaders who are tired of “AI for AI’s sake” and want to build products that actually serve people. Key Takeaways:Not every product needs AI — and forcing it in can make things worseAI works best when it frees humans to operate at a higher strategic levelGreat product management is still about asking the right questionsUnderstanding customer motivation is more powerful than tracking behavior aloneHuman connection isn’t optional — it’s the competitive advantageAbout the Guest:Andy Sitison is a technology leader and lifelong creative who has spent more than three decades building products with emerging technologies. His work focuses on using AI to better understand human experience — helping brands connect with their customers through stories, not checkboxes. PDRM Consulting's mission is to help businesses reduce risk, specifically in the fields of Cybersecurity and Product Management. Heather bridges the professional development gap in the corporate space by empowering growth-driven product managers to transition into strategic, results-oriented leaders. By focusing on enhancing key skills and decision-making capabilities, she helps them accelerate their leadership journey, achieve measurable outcomes more quickly, and excel in driving product success. Her approach ensures they thrive in their roles and unlock their full potential as impactful servant leaders within their organizations. You can follow us for more daily content: Instagram: @pdrmconsulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pdrm-consulting Join our Newsletter:https://solitary-block-17987.myflodesk.com/ofo6k6a0f9

    25 min
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About

Beyond Product Management is a podcast that explores the unexpected intersections of product management with other disciplines, industries, and ideas. We go beyond the usual frameworks to uncover fresh perspectives, unconventional insights, and the skills that truly set great PMs apart.

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Miller (PDRM Consulting)
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PDRM Consulting All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Beyond Product Management