Stop Chasing Promotions - All Things Product Podcast with Teresa Torres & Petra Wille

Teresa Torres and Petra Wille argue that promotions, while common career targets, can be a poor north star because they are largely outside an individual's control and often tied to salary and status rather than meaningful growth. They suggest reframing career goals around skill-building, craftsmanship, impact, and influence, which tend to create opportunities beyond a title change. The conversation encourages readers to clarify what they want to be known for and to notice when a promotion is driven by shiny-object pull rather than genuine desire. The idea matters because it helps product people make intentional career choices instead of chasing a milestone that may not meet their underlying needs.

01Key takeaways

• Recognize that promotions depend on factors outside your control and avoid making them your only measure of progress.
• Notice when salary and status are doing the work of defining success, and check whether those are what you actually want.
• Set career goals around skills, craftsmanship, and impact that you can directly influence.
• Ask yourself what you want to be known for, and let that answer guide your project and role choices.
• Look for ways to gain influence, recognition, or compensation growth without requiring a title change.
• Before pursuing a promotion, test whether it reflects a real desire or is simply shiny-object syndrome.

02Key sections

Why promotions are a weak north star

Promotions depend on decisions made by others, so tying your goals to them leaves you with limited control. The hosts highlight that this uncertainty can lead to frustration and stalled motivation.

Risks of tying promotions to salary and status

Linking a promotion to money and prestige can obscure whether the new role actually offers what you value. The discussion warns against treating these external markers as proof of success.

Reframing goals around growth and impact

The hosts recommend focusing on learning, skill development, and the impact you have on customers and teams. These goals stay within your sphere of influence and build lasting capability.

Defining what you want to be known for

Asking what reputation you want to build helps guide choices about projects, roles, and investments in your craft. This clarity makes career decisions more deliberate.

Meeting needs without a title change

Money, influence, and recognition can often be pursued through scope, visibility, or specialized expertise without waiting for a promotion. The hosts also suggest ways to test whether a promotion is genuinely wanted.

03From the post

“Listen to this episode on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts So many of us chase promotions as if they’re the ultimate career milestone—but are they really the best goal? In this conversation, Petra Wille and Teresa Torres unpack why promotions can be a tricky (and sometimes misleading) target, what to”

Summary and takeaways written by PM Atlas; quotes are short excerpts. © the original author.