Lessons from my Dad, Love Pal

This week’s episode of Beyond Product Management is a little different—more personal, and one of the hardest I’ve recorded.On what would have been my dad’s 76th birthday, I’m sharing the unexpected lessons he passed down to me through camping trips, late-night basketball games, and even map folding. At the time, they felt like small moments. But looking back, I see they were actually foundations—preparation, knowledge, flexibility—that shaped the way I lead, parent, and navigate both business and life.You’ll hear stories about:Why a soggy camping trip taught me more than any amusement park ever couldHow basketball strategy became an unlikely career advantageThe surprisingly powerful lesson hidden in folding a paper map the “right” wayThe magic that happens when preparation meets flexibilityThis isn’t a product strategy breakdown—it’s about the kind of human foundations that help us pivot when plans change, lead with curiosity, and carry forward kindness in our work and our lives.In honor of my dad, I’d love for you to do one small thing today: share a smile with a stranger, hold the door, or spread a little kindness. That’s what he would’ve done—every day.PDRM Consulting's mission is to help businesses reduce risk, specifically in the fields of Cybersecurity and Product Management.Heather bridges the professional development gap in the corporate space by empowering growth-driven product managers to transition into strategic, results-oriented leaders. By focusing on enhancing key skills and decision-making capabilities, she helps them accelerate their leadership journey, achieve measurable outcomes more quickly, and excel in driving product success. Her approach ensures they thrive in their roles and unlock their full potential as impactful servant leaders within their organizations.You can follow us for more daily content:Instagram: @pdrmconsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pdrm-consultingJoin our Newsletter:https://solitary-block-17987.myflodesk.com/ofo6k6a0f9