EPISODE · Apr 16, 2025 · 55 MIN
Big Tech vs. Middle East: The Real Product Management Differences With Pooja Vithlani
from Builders · host Mahmoud Khodor
Product management is one of the most misunderstood roles in tech. Everyone talks about strategy, roadmaps, and innovation, but what does it actually take to be a great product manager? 🚀In this episode, I sit down with Pooja Vithlani, a seasoned product leader who has worked at Microsoft, Expedia, and Careem, to break down the realities of product management. From how to build habit-forming products to why most PMs fail, we cover everything you need to know to level up your career.🔹 The surprising differences between product management in the West vs. the Middle East🔹 Why many PMs are just “project managers in disguise”🔹 The biggest mistakes PMs make & how to avoid them🔹 How to actually influence leadership & drive impact🔹 The power of product mindset & high-agency thinkingIf you’re a product manager, founder, or someone trying to break into PM, this episode is packed with gold! 💡💬 Drop a comment below – What’s the biggest challenge you face in product management? Let’s discuss!🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on product, leadership, and strategy!📌 Follow Pooja Vithlani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poojavithlani/📌 Subscribe to my newsletter : https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comTimeline & Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Who is Pooja Vithlani?02:00 – What do product managers actually do?05:40 – The biggest misconceptions about PMs09:15 – How Pooja broke into product management at Microsoft14:30 – The shift from tech-driven to customer-driven product teams19:45 – Building habit-forming products: Lessons from Expedia24:20 – The power of data in decision-making & why most PMs ignore it28:50 – Product management in the West vs. the Middle East33:00 – Why product teams struggle with empowerment & agency37:25 – The biggest mistakes product managers make42:15 – How to actually influence leadership as a PM46:50 – How can women in product management be more assertive?51:30 – What makes a great product leader?56:10 – Pooja’s top advice for aspiring and junior product managers01:00:40 – Where to find Pooja & final thoughts
What this episode covers
Product management is one of the most misunderstood roles in tech. Everyone talks about strategy, roadmaps, and innovation, but what does it actually take to be a great product manager? 🚀In this episode, I sit down with Pooja Vithlani, a seasoned product leader who has worked at Microsoft, Expedia, and Careem, to break down the realities of product management. From how to build habit-forming products to why most PMs fail, we cover everything you need to know to level up your career.🔹 The surprising differences between product management in the West vs. the Middle East🔹 Why many PMs are just “project managers in disguise”🔹 The biggest mistakes PMs make & how to avoid them🔹 How to actually influence leadership & drive impact🔹 The power of product mindset & high-agency thinkingIf you’re a product manager, founder, or someone trying to break into PM, this episode is packed with gold! 💡💬 Drop a comment below – What’s the biggest challenge you face in product management? Let’s discuss!🔔 Subscribe for more expert conversations on product, leadership, and strategy!📌 Follow Pooja Vithlani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/poojavithlani/📌 Subscribe to my newsletter : https://www.mahmoudkhodor.comTimeline & Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Who is Pooja Vithlani?02:00 – What do product managers actually do?05:40 – The biggest misconceptions about PMs09:15 – How Pooja broke into product management at Microsoft14:30 – The shift from tech-driven to customer-driven product teams19:45 – Building habit-forming products: Lessons from Expedia24:20 – The power of data in decision-making & why most PMs ignore it28:50 – Product management in the West vs. the Middle East33:00 – Why product teams struggle with empowerment & agency37:25 – The biggest mistakes product managers make42:15 – How to actually influence leadership as a PM46:50 – How can women in product management be more assertive?51:30 – What makes a great product leader?56:10 – Pooja’s top advice for aspiring and junior product managers01:00:40 – Where to find Pooja & final thoughts
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Big Tech vs. Middle East: The Real Product Management Differences With Pooja Vithlani
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