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Insights & News from Toronto's Product Community

News and perspective from the Toronto product community. Submit your article idea to our team!

Beyond data: why experience defines senior PMs

August 7, 2025

This blog post argues that what truly defines a Senior Product Manager isn’t just data fluency or tool mastery, but deep, hard-earned experience—having “seen it” and “done it” enough to move faster, decide more confidently, and lead with clarity. While data remains essential, it’s a PM’s accumulated instincts, taste, and judgment that often make the biggest impact in navigating complexity and accelerating execution.

Bake In Some Effort: Why User Work Creates Product Love

August 7, 2025

Ever heard that Less is more? In product, that’s not always true. Sometimes, the best way to improve your product... is to add a little work. Sounds backwards, right? Let’s rewind to the 1950s.

How technical do you have to be as a Product Manager 🤔?

June 9, 2025

There’s a common unspoken myth in product management that to succeed, you must have strong technical chops. This includes SQL fluency, system architecture diagrams, API troubleshooting… the list goes on. For many of us—especially those coming from non-technical backgrounds—this can feel like a disqualifier before we’ve even stepped up to the starting line and it can be discouraging.

Why the Best Product Ideas Don’t Always Start With User Pain

May 19, 2025

As product managers, we are wired to solve problems. We spot friction, talk to users, build something better, and repeat. But the truly great PMs? They go further. They don’t just fix what’s broken today - they see what people will need tomorrow. They build products that feel obvious in hindsight but radically reshape how entire industries operate. Their secret? Pattern recognition.It might be the most underrated (and underdeveloped) skill in product. And like any skill, it can be developed.

Call for Nominees! Join our Board of Directors!

April 29, 2025

Are you passionate about product management? Do you know someone who is? We're on the hunt for new members to join our board of directors and help shape the future of the Toronto Product Management Association.

Making Waves Together: Celebrating TPMA Volunteers for National Volunteer Week

April 28, 2025

At the heart of the Toronto Product Management Association is something truly special: a community of volunteers who show up, share their time, and make a lasting impact. This National Volunteer Week (April 27 – May 3), we’re taking the time to celebrate the volunteers who make TPMA stronger, more connected, and full of possibility. This week is for you — to reflect on your impact, share your stories, and thank you for everything you do.‍

Vision Meets Execution: Lessons from Rosemary King's Product Strategy Workshop

April 28, 2025

On Saturday, April 12th, the Toronto Product Management Association (TPMA) community was fortunate to host Rosemary King to run a half-day workshop at the Schulich Business School. The focus? Tackling one of the most challenging parts of our craft: building effective product strategy.

12 Early Career Characteristics Every Superstar PM I’ve Worked With Has Had

March 4, 2025

What PM doesn’t love a numbered list, am I right?! After having the pleasure of working with a lot of Product Managers over 20+ years, I’ve noticed something: the ones who truly excel share a surprising set of traits—many of which aren’t in the job description.

Event Recap: Finding Product-Market Fit - 3 Case Studies

March 4, 2025

On a brisk evening, dedicated professionals gathered for an illuminating session hosted by the Toronto Product Management Association (TPMA), where attendees delved into an in-depth exploration of the elusive yet crucial concept of product-market fit (PMF), through the lens of three distinct narratives from the industry. Each speaker shared their unique journey, offering valuable lessons on adapting to market demands and recognizing the signals indicative of true PMF.

Navigating the Path to Product Management: Luke Alexander's Story

March 4, 2025

The journey into product management is seldom straightforward and often involves overcoming numerous challenges and seizing unexpected opportunities. Luke Alexander's path is a testament to the power of perseverance and strategic networking in shaping a successful career. In this interview, Luke shares his experiences, insights, and advice for aspiring Product Managers. As a Product Manager at Fivetran, Luke leads product strategy and execution for marketing connectors. He is also an expert in e-commerce and martech with over 5 years of experience building products for large B2C and B2B businesses and marketplace sellers.