The Punk PM #20

Hey there, punk!

This week, I posted on LinkedIn about getting back into skateboarding in my forties and how it’s done wonders for my mental and physical health.

It got me thinking about how easy it is to overlook wellbeing in product management. The job can be intense, and we often just power through without stopping to take stock.

So this week’s newsletter is a little reminder of why looking after yourself isn’t just important. It’s essential.

Here’s why.

Quote of the Week 🙊

Insight 🦉

Product management can be one of the most rewarding jobs in tech—but let’s be honest, it’s also one of the hardest.

You’re responsible for outcomes without having much direct control. You need to lead with influence, not authority; rallying designers and engineers behind a shared vision that’s still taking shape. You’ve got to back your ideas with confidence, knowing full well that most of them won’t land the first time.

And just when you need space to think clearly, your day’s packed with back-to-back meetings and constant context-switching. It’s no wonder so many PMs feel overwhelmed.

This job asks a lot of us. Persistence, resilience, emotional intelligence—plus a head for strategy and a heart for your users. But none of that matters if you’re running on empty.

Being a great PM isn’t about how many hours you put in or how many things you tick off your to-do list. It’s about helping your team create real value, and you can only do that if you’re looking after yourself too.

So, as Mental Health Awareness Week wraps up, take this as a gentle nudge: give yourself permission to slow down. Step back. Breathe.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your product is take a proper break.

Action 🚀

This week, carve out one hour just for you. No meetings, no messages—just something that helps you reset.

You’re not a machine. Rest isn’t a reward, it’s part of the work.

Inspiration 💡

Why Self-Care Is Your Secret Weapon as a Product Manager – Bihag Karnani makes a compelling case for treating wellbeing as a core skill, not a side note. Better energy, clearer thinking, stronger leadership—it all starts with looking after yourself. Read more

Unstatus: How to Stop Playing a Game You Don’t Want to Win – Joan Westenberg returns with a powerful reminder: you don’t have to chase titles, likes, or vanity metrics. Define success on your own terms—and build a career that actually means something. Read more

How One Writer Uses Epic Walks as a Creative 'Operating System' – Scott Nover dives into Craig Mod’s walking rituals, where long stretches of solitude fuel deep thinking and focus. A timely confirmation that rest can be productive too. Read more

Signing Off ✍️

If this resonated with you, hit reply. I’d love to hear how you’re making space for yourself this week. And if you know a fellow PM who could use the reminder, forward this their way.

Play it your way,

Toby