Curious about product management? In this episode, I’m breaking down what PMs actually do, who the role is perfect for (and who might hate it), and how I went from marketing and communications to product with zero technical background. I’m also sharing the real, unfiltered steps that helped me break in — from building the right skills to creating my own lucky breaks. If you’re set on becoming a PM or just figuring things out, this one’s for you.

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Follow me on Instagram @onedayatatime.mp3 or @valgfong and TikTok @valerie.fong.

Show Notes:

• 1:15: What is a product manager, anyways?
• 1:46: Traits of great PMs + who tends to thrive in this role
• 3:37: Who shouldn’t go into product management
• 6:10: How I navigated early career shifts + found my way into PM
• 12:02: Actionable advice to boost your odds of breaking into PM
• 12:16: Why your academic background doesn’t define your PM potential
• 14:25: Must-have tactical skills for aspiring PMs
• 15:00: Key technical concepts to learn to make you a more credible partner to your engineers
• 16:02: Building business acumen
• 21:39: The role of luck + how to create your own lucky breaks
• 23:30: Why growth comes from discomfort + throwing yourself into the deep end

In this episode, I discuss the unique expectations and challenges Asian Americans face when deciding to move out of their parents' home. In Asian culture, young adults typically live at home much longer than the average American due to core values like filial piety and collectivism, which starkly contrast American society’s emphasis on independence and self-sufficiency. Many Asian American young adults struggle with feelings of guilt, envy, familial tensions, and stagnation as they navigate conflicting cultural expectations and the pursuit of individual freedom. I'll share my personal experiences dealing with these mixed emotions and provide practical strategies to ease the transition, including apartment hunting tips, financial planning, and communicating the decision with your family. Additionally, I discuss how moving out can foster self-reliance, personal growth, and a stronger sense of self. Enjoy the episode!!

Make sure to subscribe for more episodes.

Follow me on Instagram @onedayatatime.mp3 or @valgfong and TikTok @valerie.fong.

Show Notes:

• 1:32: Conflicting expectations between Asian and American cultures
• 10:47: The challenges and mixed emotions of living at home as a young adult
• 17:22: Practical tips and preparation strategies for moving out
• 17:44: Essential financial planning for moving out
• 19:11: Researching housing options and setting timelines/milestones
• 21:08: NYC-specific moving tips
• 21:24: Preparing necessary paperwork for moving out
• 21:58: How to tell your family you're moving out
• 23:35: How moving out can foster personal growth and independence

Sources:

• Intuit Credit Karma Team (2024). ⁠Nearly a third of Gen Z live at home while others struggle to afford rent⁠. Intuit.
• Irena, Hana. ⁠An Asian Dilemma: Moving Out of Parent's House.⁠ Wonderwhy.