Which "PM" are you? 🤔 | 7 slots remaining ⏰

👋 Hey, it’s Jean!

I have a lot of people asking me what the HECK is the difference between Product vs Project vs Program Manager. And which ones’s better?

I’m here to break this down in the easiest way possible.

I see SO many people throwing out “PM,” but they are NOT the same.

Want a visual version? Click this (my first viral post).

☝️ Similarities:

• Highly cross-functional across the company

• Use project management methodologies like Agile and Scrum

• Must wear multiple hats to mitigate risks, get buy-in, and hold teams accountable

Now, the differences.

✌️ Project Manager

• Manages a specific project with a defined start + end date

• Partners with stakeholders to establish goals, milestones, and resources

• Responsible for the overall success of the project, including budget, timeline, and quality of deliverables

🤟 Program Manager

• Owns the overall success of a program, which involves multiple projects & teams

• Oversees a group of related projects or initiatives that align with a business goal

• Often takes multiple months, quarters, and even years to accomplish

🖖 Product Manager

• Defines the product vision and strategy

• Prioritizes the right features and ensures the product meets customer & business needs

• Crafts the narrative around “what” to build and “why”: Project & Program Managers then figure out “how” to do it

The truth is there is not “one” job that’s better.

It all depends.

The roles vary by focus, complexity, scope, and impact.

No two “PMs” are ever the same.

Why did I choose to become a Program Manager?

Simple. I like being strategic, operational, and getting sh*t done (regardless of my focus area).

I even wrote a lengthier piece on Program vs Project Management. What’s the difference? 

I love this visual one-pager from the DPM, which stands for Digital Project Manager and is an awesome PM community.

Which one are you (or want to be)? 🤔 Let me know by replying back.

Have a specific topic request? Reply back, and I’ll add it to my next roundup.

Until next time,

Jean

P.S. I have only 7 more slots left in my upcoming PM Accelerator.

In this five-week cohort, you will gain clarity in your job search and confidently articulate your impact to land six-figure offers (and THRIVE). You'll get it all: community, my best content, and direct coaching from me 💙

 ✅ Want to grab a spot? Reply back with “COHORT,” and I’ll share a special bonus 🎁 that ends soon.

🔥 Reviews:

“Jean is at the top of her game and is ready to let everyone in on it!”

“I can’t believe It! I’m moving on to the next round with the VP of Eng!”

“Jean taught me a lot about program management and provided a much richer and deeper depth and how we can fit into any program manager role at any company.”

P.P.S. Looking to supercharge your LinkedIn presence to find more opportunities, grow your network, and become a thought leader? My friend Lorraine is offering her popular corporate LinkedIn training to individuals for the first time! She's shared her insights with companies like Cisco and VMWare and always gets rave reviews. Join the waitlist!

And you can read all the previous newsletters here 🎉