If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours searching for the best product management resources online, ending up overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information. It’s not your fault—there’s a ton of information out there, but not all of it is helpful. So, I’ve rounded up the go-to resources that have actually made a difference in my work, and I’m excited to share them with you.
Top 5 books
Books can be game-changers for building a successful product strategy, but only if you choose wisely. Here are my top picks:
- Inspired by Marty Cagan: A must-read for understanding the mindset of solving real problems instead of just following a process. It’s about putting customer needs at the heart of your work.
- The Lean Product Playbook by Dan Olsen: Offers a framework for validating ideas before building, helping you avoid wasting time on products no one wants.
- Hooked by Nir Eyal: Provides insights into building habit-forming products. It’s about understanding user psychology to create a great product experience. If you're looking to dive even deeper into product design literature, check out this guide to the best product design books for some more must-read titles.
- Escaping the Build Trap by Melissa Perri: Focuses on avoiding feature overload and prioritizing outcomes that matter. It’s a guide for transitioning from feature-focused to outcome-focused product management.
- Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore: Essential for anyone targeting a new market, explaining how to take a product from niche to mainstream by understanding different adoption phases.
Essential tools for product managers
Now, let’s talk tools. It’s easy to get lost in the endless sea of tools, but the truth is, you only need a few that help you focus on what matters—building a successful product. Here are those I recommend:
- Jira
Love it or hate it, Jira is everywhere. It’s perfect for tracking tasks and managing sprints, but don’t fall into the trap of using it to micromanage your team. Here’s my take: Use Jira to visualize your product roadmap, but don’t obsess over every minor detail. Focus on the big picture and let your team own the details. One of the best practices I’ve found is to set up dashboards that show progress toward outcomes, not just feature completion. - Productboard
This tool shines when it comes to prioritizing features based on customer feedback. One thing I love about Productboard is that it doesn’t just let you collect user requests; it helps you make data-driven decisions on what to build next. When you're constantly pulled in different directions by stakeholders, having a tool that aligns features with user needs can be a game-changer.
If you’re managing a product team, I’d suggest integrating Productboard with your existing tools like Jira or Trello. It’ll make sure you’re not only collecting feedback but actually acting on it. - Miro
For product discovery and collaborative roadmapping, Miro is hands-down one of the best product management resources out there. Use it for brainstorming sessions, affinity mapping, or even just sketching out initial wireframes with your design team. For more tools that can make your life easier, take a look at this list of the best product design tools. Remember, it’s not about having a perfect plan; it’s about getting everyone on the same page and moving forward together.
Remember, tools are enablers, not solutions. If you find yourself constantly tweaking things instead of talking to customers, it’s time to step back. The tool should adapt to your workflow, not the other way around.
Top product management training and courses
When it comes to levelling up your skills, there’s no shortage of options. But not all courses are worth the investment—some are mostly fluff with a fancy certificate attached. Here’s what I’ve found to be some of the best courses:
- Product School
Let’s cut to the chase: Product School is one of the most well-known options for product management training. Their courses are well-structured and cater to various levels of experience. Whether you’re an aspiring product manager trying to break into the field, or a seasoned pro looking to brush up on advanced topics, you’ll find something valuable. The certification is nice to have, but the real value comes from the network and community you gain access to. - UXCam Academy
If you’re into mobile product development, this is one of the best product management resources that doesn't get enough attention. The courses offer a practical approach, with real-world case studies and actionable advice from industry professionals. Plus, it’s free. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get started or level up, UXCam Academy is worth a shot.
The course materials are particularly helpful if you’re working on user experience and product analytics. Use it as a supplement to your existing knowledge, especially if you’re looking to improve your product's onboarding or retention metrics.
Best product podcasts to learn from the best product leaders
If you haven’t been using your commute time or workout sessions to tune into a podcast, you’re missing out on some of the best resources available out there. Here are a few I can recommend:
- The Product Podcast by Product School
This podcast features interviews with product leaders from companies like Google, Slack, and Facebook. - This is Product Management
With over 250 episodes, there’s no shortage of content here. The show covers everything from product discovery to building a strong product culture. I like that they bring in diverse voices, including product managers, engineers, and even marketers. It gives you a 360-degree view of what it takes to create a successful product. - Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman
This one is ma favourite. It’s not strictly about product management, but the stories are incredibly valuable. Reid Hoffman is one of the best and smartest entrepreneurs in my opinion and his content are always value-packed.
Leading blogs and websites as go-to resources for product managers
There’s no shortage of blogs out there, and trying to keep up with every single one can feel like a full-time job. But the truth is, not all content is created equal, and some sources stand head and shoulders above the rest. For me, there are a few go-to sites that every product manager needs to have bookmarked:
- Mind the Product
This is the gold standard for product management content. It’s not just a blog; it’s a full-blown community that brings together product people from all over the world. What sets it apart is the depth of the content—articles aren’t surface-level overviews. They get into the nitty-gritty of real-world challenges. - Silicon Valley Product Group (SVPG)
Marty Cagan and the team at SVPG don’t mess around. They’ve been in the trenches for decades, and their content reflects that kind of depth and experience. The articles here tackle some of the most challenging aspects of product management—like how to structure your product team, how to align product and business strategies, and the brutal realities of product leadership. This is the place to go if you are looking for more advanced stuff.
What I appreciate about SVPG is that it doesn’t shy away from controversial opinions. The content often challenges common advice. - Product Coalition
If you prefer a more grassroots approach, Product Coalition is a great alternative. It features contributions from product managers working across various industries, which means you get a range of perspectives and experiences. Unlike some of the more polished sites, the content here is raw and often written by experienced product managers.
Practical checklists and templates for efficient product management tasks
Let’s face it—product management can get chaotic fast. Between juggling stakeholder expectations, keeping the product roadmap on track, and making sure the latest release actually solves the right problems, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where checklists and templates come in. They’re not magic wands, but they can be a lifeline when things get hectic:
- Roadmap Templates
- Launch Checklists
- User Story Templates
Top online communities for product people and product managers
Online communities are a huge opportunity for learning and networking. Here are some communities that I would recommend:
- Mind the Product
More than just a blog, Mind the Product is one of the largest online communities for product managers working across the globe. Their Slack channel is a treasure trove of advice, war stories, and job opportunities. The meet-ups and conferences are also a fantastic way to connect in person.
Don’t be shy. The community is full of fellow product professionals who are happy to share their experiences. Use it as a sounding board for ideas or a place to get some candid feedback on your product strategy. - Women in Product
This community is particularly meaningful because it brings together women product managers who face unique challenges in the field. If you’re a woman in product management, this community can provide resources that are hard to find elsewhere—things like advice on navigating career progression or dealing with bias. - Product Coalition on Slack
The Slack group for Product Coalition is also a great community. This is where you go when you want unfiltered advice or to find out how other companies are tackling the same problems you’re facing.
Reports and trends to keep product executives ahead of the curve
If you want to be a successful product manager, you have to stay on top of industry trends. Here’s where to start:
- ProductPlan’s Annual Reports
These reports offer real insights into how other companies prioritize features, the frameworks they use, and the metrics they track. It’s like getting a peek into the decision-making processes of successful teams. I use these reports to benchmark our own practices and to find areas where we might be lagging. - Product Management Insights by Pragmatic Institute
If you’re looking for data-driven advice, the Pragmatic Institute’s reports offer a wealth of information on everything from product marketing trends to the most in-demand product management skills. They’re great for understanding broader shifts in the industry, which can help you make informed decisions about where to invest your time and resources.
Reports can offer valuable insights, but they’re not crystal balls. Always ask yourself why a particular trend matters and how it could impact your product strategy.
By the way, we are Realistack, a product design and low-code development studio that exclusively works with tech startups. If you want to launch your startup and need help with the building an MVP or designing a digital product, don’t hesitate to reach out and book a 30-minute discovery call.
