How to Manage Executives Without Authority (as a PM)

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we tackle one of the most challenging — and crucial — aspects of product leadership: influencing executives and senior stakeholders without formal authority.You’ll learn:Why product managers are often called “mini-CEOs” — and where that analogy breaks downHow to build trust and communicate with senior leadership effectivelyTactics to manage up: from aligning on KPIs and organizational priorities to navigating power dynamicsStrategies for conflict resolution, fostering psychological safety, and earning executive buy-inReal-world insights on data-driven prioritization, storytelling, and stakeholder alignment across functionsWhether you’re already in a senior PM role or aspiring to step up, this episode will help you lead with confidence, even when you don’t own the org chart.