The role of the product manager in a scaling company

Over the past decade, the author has experienced being a product manager (PM) in various organizations, highlighting the differing roles of PMs in start-ups versus scaling companies. In start-ups, PMs focus on proving market fit through rapid experimentation and broad audience engagement, enjoying significant empowerment and flexibility due to minimal hierarchy. In contrast, scaling PMs concentrate on sustainable growth with a laser focus on specific targets, navigating more complex hierarchies and stakeholder alignment. Start-up PMs thrive in dynamic environments with high risk tolerance, while scaling PMs operate within structured processes that balance creativity with efficiency and are more risk-averse to protect the company's established reputation. Both roles require strong communication, decision-making, and leadership skills to succeed, despite the contrasting challenges each scenario presents.