Product Managers — Are You the CEO of Anything?

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we tackle one of the most debated ideas in product management — the claim that PMs are the “CEO of the product.”You’ll learn:Where the “CEO of the product” metaphor came from — and why it still sparks strong opinionsWhy some experts, like Marty Cagan, say this mindset helps build ownership and accountabilityWhy others, like Martin Eriksson, argue it’s misleading and sets the wrong expectationsHow to balance influence without authority — leading through trust, clarity, and collaboration instead of commandWhat this debate reveals about ego, leadership, and the evolving PM role (including how AI might reshape it)If you’ve ever wondered whether product managers actually run the show — or if that’s just a myth we tell ourselves — this episode gives you a grounded, honest look at what real product leadership means.