What It Takes To Be An Exceptional Product Manager

A holistic approach to PM Core Competencies

In 2016, I applied to be an astronaut in the most recent Canadian Space Agency Recruitment Campaign.

While I didn’t get selected, I did get through initial rounds and it really opened my eyes to not only the type of characteristics and skills NASA/The CSA look for in people that they think will make great astronauts, but also to the parallels that exist between being fit for space and what it takes to be an exceptional product manager.

This is an excerpt from the Canadian Space Agency:

Notice any similarities?

My thinking on what it takes to be an exceptional PM has been shaped largely from my experiences working across very small early stage startups, mid-size startups, and a FAANG/MAANG/MAMAA company, being PM #1 at a startup, and working as a product coach to junior and mid-level PMs. It’s also been influenced by some great product thinkers like Ken Norton and Shreyas Doshi.

This list is general intentionally and is intended to be used as context for anyone getting into product management, those already knee-deep in…