Program Management: all you need to know w/ Marco Tosoni (ex. Google, Kraken) | The Handbook ep. 4

What are the basics that we need to know about program management and product management? What is the role of an advisor for a tech startup? In this episode of The Handbook, Marco Tosoni answers these and many other questions. Marco Tosoni embarked on his program management journey in 2011 at Alcatel. He began as a software engineer and dedicated nine years to Google, eventually assuming the role of Head of Program Management. Afterward, he transitioned back into the startup ecosystem, initially at Kraken, where he held the position of Director of Program Management. He also extended his expertise as a Technical Advisor to numerous startups. Helpful links and resources https://www.pmi.org 00:00 Introduction 00:52 What is Program Management 02:02 Differences between Program Management- Product Management- Project Management 09:08 When do you need a Program Manager or a Product Manager? 12:48 Harmonizing vision: Founders and Product Managers 16:11 The core guidelines of Product Management 19:48 How to get your hands dirty 22:02 Learning Resources 24:24 Common mistakes: founders and early startups 29:00 Common mistakes: Senior Product and Program Manager 33:33 What to bring to "the table" 36:52 Useful set-up 40:41 When to hire a new Product Manager? 42:59 How to structure Product Teams 46:51 Where do you find good Product Managers? 50:34 Transfer skills from larger organizations to smaller ones 54:37 How do you like to test the candidates? 58:16 Conclusion