We’re in the midst of a technological revolution, and the role of the product manager (PM) is evolving alongside it. With the rise of AI, some might wonder if the PM is becoming obsolete. But don’t worry, PMs aren’t going anywhere. In fact, their value is only going to increase in 2025 and beyond.
AI: Friend or Foe?
AI can help PMs in several ways. It can analyze massive datasets to identify trends and customer needs, predict future demand, and even automate repetitive tasks. This frees up PMs to focus on higher-level strategic thinking and creative problem-solving.
However, AI isn’t a magic bullet. It can also create challenges for PMs. For instance, AI-powered tools might generate biased data or fail to understand the nuances of human behavior. PMs will need to be vigilant in ensuring that AI is used ethically and effectively, and they’ll need to be able to interpret the results and make informed decisions based on them.
3 Critical Success Factors for PMs in 2025
So, what skills will PMs need to thrive in this evolving landscape? Here are three critical success factors:
Human-Centric Thinking: PMs will need to be strong empaths, able to connect with customers on a personal level and translate their needs into actionable product strategies. This is something that AI can’t do–at least not yet!
Data Literacy: AI is generating a ton of data, and PMs need to be able to make sense of it. They’ll need to understand how to interpret data, identify patterns, and use it to inform their decisions. While AI can find patterns, it’s truly the interpretation and action where a PM can excel.
Adaptability and Agility: The tech landscape is changing rapidly, and PMs need to be able to adapt and pivot quickly. They’ll need to be comfortable with ambiguity and be able to adjust their plans based on new information and evolving market trends.
The Future is Bright
In 2025, PMs who can master the skills of human-centric thinking, data literacy, and adaptability will be in high demand. They’ll be the ones who can leverage the power of AI while staying true to the human needs at the heart of every successful product.