podcast Product Excellence product management

From Designer to Product Leader: Drew Falkman on the Power of a Blank Canvas

Many product managers don’t start in product. For Drew Falkman, it began in design and a twist of fate that forced him to learn development mid-project.

That unexpected moment shaped a career defined by curiosity, experimentation, and leadership.

In this Product Excellence clip, Drew shares how the creative drive that pushed him from design to development eventually guided him into product strategy, where he found the same excitement he once felt staring at an empty whiteboard.

What You Will Learn

• How to turn unexpected challenges into opportunity

• Why creative problem-solving is a foundation for product success

• The mindset that keeps product leaders inspired and adaptable

Want the full interview?

Members of The Product Way on Patreon get the full-length interviews and early access to all Product Excellence content. Includes access to PM Select, our curated introduction service connecting product managers with hiring managers.

👉 https://patreon.com/theproductway/membership

📺 Watch the Episode Now:

About the Podcast:

Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success
“Product Excellence: Insights from Award-Winning Leaders | Strategies for Success” brings you behind the scenes with the top product management minds who have shaped some of the world’s most successful products. Each episode features award-winning product leaders sharing their real-world experiences, lessons learned, and the strategies that have driven their success. From building innovative digital products to navigating the complexities of stakeholder management, you’ll hear firsthand how these experts have achieved product excellence. Whether you’re an aspiring product manager or a seasoned leader, this podcast offers valuable insights, actionable takeaways, and inspiration to elevate your product management career.   Tune in WEEKLY to discover the key strategies that make products—and product leaders—truly exceptional.