A Woman’s Quiet Power in a Loud Tech World w/ Heather Miller

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Lauren sits down with Heather Miller, a product management consultant and the CEO of PDRM Consulting—and what starts as a conversation about “products” quickly becomes something deeper.Heather takes us back to the version of her who was convinced she’d become a surgeon… until life rerouted her into software, product leadership, and eventually entrepreneurship. She shares what it really looks like to build a business from experience (not big-name logos), how she learned to trust her voice again after leaving corporate, and why confidence isn’t something you think your way into—it’s something you practice your way into.Together, Lauren and Heather talk about the quiet moments of doubt that every entrepreneur knows, the “God winks” that pull you forward when you’re unsure, and the difference between being customer-centric and saying yes to everything. Heather also opens up about executive presence, why it’s especially complex for women in tech, and the power of finding mentors who help you take up space before you feel ready.If you’ve ever questioned your path, your voice, or your timing—this conversation will feel like a deep breath and a nudge forward.Episode Highlights:Heather’s pivot from aspiring surgeon to product management leader—and why the mission to help people never changedWhat a fractional CPO actually does and how it supports founders and small teams without a full-time hireThe product mindset shift: being customer-centric doesn’t mean saying yes to everythingExecutive presence for women in tech—how to speak up, be heard, and lead in male-dominated roomsConfidence-building habits that work in real life: tracking wins, honoring rest, and using movement to reset and lead wellChapters:00:01 — Welcome + Meet Heather Miller, Product Management Consultant01:14 — From Future Surgeon to Product Management05:34 — What PDRM Consulting Stands For (and Why Risk Matters)07:12 — Why Fractional CPO Work Lit Her Up20:01 — What Clients Gain: MVPs, Roadmaps, and Clear Priorities26:38 — Executive Presence + The Mindset Shift (Stop Saying Yes to Everything)43:17 — What’s Next: Strategic Communications Course + Where to ConnectConnect with Heather Miller:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pdrmconsulting/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermillerpdrm/Website - www.pdrmconsulting.comUpcoming Events:Chicago Retreat - July 14-16, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/iid9wbr2ycNapa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.