Foundations of Product Management: Navigating the Early Challenges

In this episode of Rocketship.FM, we flip the script as Mike Belsito, Co-Founder of Product Collective, takes the guest seat to share his journey from entrepreneur to product leader. Interviewed by his longtime co-host Michael Sacca, Mike dives into the foundational skills every product manager needs, the importance of customer empathy, and how evolving tools like AI are reshaping the role. He also reflects on his early uncertainties and how building community and continuous learning helped him thrive. Whether you’re an aspiring product manager looking to avoid common mistakes or a seasoned professional eager to revisit the essentials, this episode is packed with actionable insights. From navigating frameworks to balancing soft and hard skills, Mike offers a candid, relatable perspective on what it takes to succeed in today’s fast-changing product landscape.