There's no "perfect" set of skills for a Product Manager. By definition, product management is a generalist role and the most important skills you need at any given time will vary based on your product, your team, and your tech stack.

Instead of trying to become an expert in every skill (which, c'mon, is cray cray!), I'll talk you through what I recommend instead.

Spoiler - it's NOT to learn SQL.

Have a question? Send me a text

Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

Learn more about product coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

Meet Yolanda - She's a SPRINT alum who leveraged the program to land her first official Product Manager title after nearly 10 years working in and around software teams. She's one of the kindest, most ambitious Product Managers I know and it was a joy to reconnect with her. 🫶

If you're trying to transition into Product Management or you're on the job search for your next Product role, this is a must listen episode.

We talk about:

• How she transitioned into the tech industry (from being an EMT! 🚑)
• How building automations at US Bank was a gateway to Product
• Navigating a windy career path of Product-adjacent roles
• Her job search by the numbers (160 applications -> 3 final rounds -> 1 offer)
• The importance of networking and LinkedIn in her job search
• Highlights of the job search, interview process, and offer negotiation
• Her advice for job seekers in this market
• The ups and downs of starting a new job
• Setting goals, staying accountable and building strong trust in a new role

Have a question? Send me a text

Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

Learn more about product coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

Confused by all the different Product Manager titles? 😵‍💫

Not sure which job titles to target in your job search? 😩

Unclear on how to get a promotion to Sr. Product Manager or higher? 😰

This episode is for you! 🫶

I decode everything there is to know about growth in your product management career, regardless of job title!

• What is standard in product management job titles as of today
• Why titles are so often misused or inconsistent across companies
• What to do if you think your title is inflated or inaccurate
• Key differences between individual contributor and manager roles
• How to evaluate your role and responsibilities to figure out your path to growth (using the 5 step process that I use with all of my clients!)

Have a question? Send me a text

Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

Learn more about product coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

Today we have a very special guest on the show! Blair Presley is joining us - she is the original creator of the SPRINT and SCALE programs.

ICYMI: in October 2024, I officially acquired the SPRINT and SCALE programs as the absolute perfect compliments to my SHINE program for Product Managers.

Many of you have been asking for the deets on how this all came to be, how Blair and I met, and what this means for the future of the SPRINT, SCALE and SHINE programs and my community for Product Managers.

This episode will cover all that and more.

Plus some laughs along the way. 🤣

Have a question? Send me a text

Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

Learn more about product coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

Stuck in your product management job search?

I gotchu. 🫶

Here's my insider take on the current job market, including 5 ESSENTIAL tips to increase your chances of success. ✨

Plus, I've includes 4 bonus insights about hybrid roles and the evolving product interview process you'll only get here.

Have a question? Send me a text

Connect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jess-sherlock/

Learn more about product coaching: www.jesssherlock.com

Think your journey into product management is unique? Join the club! 😜 Most of us (myself included) have had a unique path into Product. Hear about my journey and learn three MAJOR takeaways that will help you advance successfully on your own path in product management.

Send us a text

Let me guess… you got the certification, you took the course, maybe you even have the PM title – but you still feel stuck in your Product Management career? It’s not just you, I hear it from product folks literally every day.

I’m Jess Sherlock and I’m a Product Management Career Coach.

Over the last decade, I built and led product teams at a handful of early stage startups, co-founded an EdTech startup, taught classes on product management at General Assembly, and I co-created the Product Leader Certificate at Product School.

So trust me when I say: success in Product takes more than just another certification.

That’s why I created AFTER THE CERT—the podcast for product managers who want real, actionable advice for everyday product management challenges, not just another framework from an out of touch Silicon Valley Tech leader who doesn’t truly get the challenges we face every day.

So, if you’re looking for ways to grow your product career that actually move the needle, and you want to hear stories from real product managers navigating the messy middle of their careers, this is the place for you.

No certification required.

Send us a text