190. From PM to Product Leader: Dave Martin’s Playbook for Thriving at the Top

What really changes when you move from product manager to product leader?

In this episode of the Productized Podcast, host Pedro Ganço sits down with Dave Martin, product leadership coach and founder of Right to Left, to unpack the hidden challenges and growth opportunities that come with stepping into leadership.

We explore:

➡️ The CALM leadership framework (Clarity, Authority, Learning, Momentum)

➡️ Why so many new leaders feel isolated and overwhelmed

➡️ How to deal with messy roadmaps and executive misalignment

➡️ Why self-care and boundaries are essential leadership skills

➡️ The role of AI in the future of product management

Whether you're already leading a team or preparing to level up, this conversation will help you lead with intention, clarity, and confidence.

Chapters:

03:05 Transitioning from Product Manager to Leader

05:56 The CALM Leadership Framework

11:36 The Loneliness of Leadership

16:49 Defining Product Leadership

21:51 Letting Go: The Challenge of Leadership

28:31 Micromanagement: A Necessary Tool?

29:13 Navigating Autonomy and Support in Learning

33:59 The Importance of Mental Well-being for Leaders

42:49 Rethinking Product Roadmaps

51:15 Building Confidence in Product Leadership

56:06 The Future of Product Management with AI

🔗 More from Dave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdavemartin/

🔗 https://www.righttoleft.io

🔗 Connect with Pedro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedroganco/

🎟 Join us at Productized Conference 2025 in Lisbon: https://www.productized.co

🎤 Dave Martin will also be the MC of our exclusive Leaders Day at Productized 2025, designed for senior product professionals and decision-makers ready to lead meaningful change.

Get your Leaders Access ticket for exclusive sessions, workshops & networking: https://www.productized.co/tickets

🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights from top product thinkers around the world.

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