The End of the PM As We Know It?

This week we talk about the shifting role of product management—and whether the profession we grew up in is headed for extinction, evolution, or something in between.We start with the data: Lenny Rachitsky’s recent State of the Product Job Market shows PM hiring has rebounded from its post-Covid trough, but it’s nowhere near the highs of just three years ago. Big tech is thinning middle management ranks. And teams are asking: Do we really need so many PMs?We unpack the pros and cons of soft power, the rise of the product engineer, and the arrival of AI-powered super ICs who can make PRDs and prototypes without a traditional team.Plus: Our advice for PMs navigating this new world.If you’re a PM, a maker, or just product-curious, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. How do you see product evolving?Until next time,—The Andrews This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit productfridays.substack.com