This episode features Loic Houssier, Senior VP of Engineering at Productboard, discussing the journey and challenges of transitioning from mid-level management to top-tier executive roles within an organization. It covers essential aspects such as the roles and responsibilities at different management levels, from manager to VP, and the crucial skills needed for advancement, including delegation, decision-making, and influencing across teams. Additionally, the talk delves into Productboard's mission and functionality, emphasizing its utility for product managers in streamlining customer feedback, prioritization, and integration with execution tools. The conversation also highlights personal growth strategies for managers aspiring to executive positions, the importance of external networking and mentorship, and recognizing the often overlooked emotional and strategic complexities of climbing the corporate ladder. Highlights: 03:52 The Journey Up the Management Ladder: Challenges and Skills 05:41 Understanding the Roles: From Manager to Senior Manager 08:22 The Leap to Director: Managing Managers and Budgets 10:28 Ascending to VP: A Shift in Perspective and Responsibilities 14:36 Navigating the Transition: From IC to Manager and Beyond 20:10 The Importance of Delegation and Decision-Making in Leadership 28:49 Expanding Your Network: The Key to Navigating Management Isolation As the Senior Vice President of Engineering at Productboard, Loic Houssier leads a global team of engineers building the leading product management platform for remote teams. He has over 18 years of experience in engineering leadership and executive management across various industries and regions. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/houssier/ ---- Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Tech Trek. We would appreciate it if you would take a minute to rate and review us on your favorite podcast player. Want to learn more about us? Head over at https://www.elevano.com Have questions or want to cover specific topics with our future guests?Please message me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirbormand (Amir Bormand)