The Punk PM #15

Hey there, punk!

I’ve been reflecting this week on how often product strategies fall apart the moment things get tough.

It’s easy to plan when everything’s going to plan. But product work rarely plays out like that.

What really matters is how you adapt when time’s tight, budgets are squeezed, or plans go sideways.

Here’s why.

Quote of the Week 🙊

Insight 🦉

As a product manager, constraints come with the territory.

Time, budget, headcount—there’s always something in short supply. That’s not failure. That’s the reality of building products in the real world.

A solid strategy doesn’t try to wish those constraints away. It works within them.

Because if your plan only holds up in perfect conditions, it’s not much of a plan. A good strategy gives you direction and flexibility—it helps you make progress even when the road gets bumpy.

That might mean narrowing your focus. Reworking your timelines. Or finding creative ways to deliver value with the resources you actually have—not the ones you wish you did.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting. Waiting for more people, more time, more data. But product work rarely happens in ideal conditions. And the longer you hold out for perfection, the more you delay the learning that actually moves things forward.

Constraints aren’t just obstacles—they’re context. And the best strategies are forged because of them, not in spite of them.

So next time you feel stuck, don’t ask what’s missing. Ask what you can make happen with what you’ve got.

Action 🚀

What’s something you’ve been waiting to start until things line up perfectly? Try tackling a smaller version of it this week—with the resources you’ve already got.

Inspiration 💡

Product Management in the Twilight Zone – Amy Mitchell captures the eerie normality of chaos in product work. Her advice? Don’t fight the weird—navigate it. Look for patterns, build stabilisers, and stay laser-focused on customer needs. You can’t control the storm, but you can learn to sail through it. Read more

Use “But” Like a Pro – Wes Kao breaks down the “inverted but” method to give feedback that lands. Start with a win, then layer in critique—it’s a subtle shift that makes a massive difference. Great feedback motivates. Read more

Get Principles, Not Just Opinions – Ami Vora on why leadership reviews should evolve. Early on, they help with fast decisions. But as your product matures, seek principles, not prescriptions. That’s how you build autonomy—and more leaders. Read more

Signing Off ✍️

If this resonates with you, hit reply and let me know how you’re putting strategy into action this week. And if you think a friend or colleague would enjoy The Punk PM, feel free to share it with them!

Play it your way,

Toby