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Mastering the Technical Program Manager Role
If you want to understand what it takes to drive complex projects to success in fast-paced, technical environments, this course is for you. A Technical Program Manager (TPM) isn’t just a project manager—they’re the strategic force that aligns teams, removes obstacles, and makes things happen.
In this course, we’ll dive deep into the TPM role, covering everything from the core responsibilities to advanced strategies that will set you apart. Whether you’re new to the field, planning to transition into the role, or just trying to understand how TPMs can make your team more effective, this course will give you the clarity and tools you need.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
📚 The TPM Foundation: Understand the essential responsibilities and mindset that define a successful TPM, from leading complex programs, to managing stakeholders to navigating technical challenges.
⚙️ Practical Strategies for Success: Learn how to organize, prioritize, and deliver on complex programs that drive real results.
🚀 Leadership at Scale: Discover how TPMs act as force multipliers, creating alignment across teams and ensuring smooth execution on ambitious goals.
Who Should Take This Course?
New to the TPM role: Learn the key skills and strategies to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.
Looking to transition into TPM role: Get the knowledge you need to confidently move into the role and lead technical programs.
Product / Engineering leaders: Understand what to expect from TPM, how to leverage their expertise for better project execution & alignment.
By the end of this course, you’ll not only understand what makes an effective TPM—you’ll be ready to apply these strategies in your own work or to empower TPMs in your organization.
Course Content Outline:
Ch 1. Why Take This Course?
What makes you want to take this course?
What will you have at the end of the course?
Ch 2. Foundation
What is Technical Program Management?
Why do we need TPMs?
Where do TPMs sit in the org?
Ch 3. Leading Complex Programs
What is complexity?
A First Principles Framework
Building Flexible Plans
Stakeholder Management Simplified
Right Way to Manage Risk
Find Signal in the Data
TPM Mindset(s)
Ch 4. Leading Without Authority
Shape of Power
Different Types of Powers
Building Influence
Dealing With Difficult People
Your Career Goals Impact Influence
Ch 5. TPM Super Powers
The Secret Method
Systems Philosopher
Decomposing Systems
The Irrational Method
Speaking Executive Speak
Learning Mindset
TPM As World Builders
Physics Of Work
Hedgehogs + Foxes
Ch 6. Being More Technical
Common Patterns In Tech Systems
C4 Language
Ch 7. Case Studies + Retrospectives Of Real World Projects
Difficult Person (Apple)
Zero to One (Apple)
Longest Program (Apple)
A Program That Failed (Nike)
A Perfect Program (Google)
Ch 8. Closing Thoughts
Key takeaways and remarks on where to take your TPM learning
FAQs
What Is the best way to watch the course videos?
This is self paced course meaning you watch it at the speed and pace as you see fit. You can reference the chapter list below, jump around the various chapters, watch as you see fit and for as many times as you want. The goal is to provide you reference material that you can keep coming back to over and over again.
What If I Have Questions, Comments, Feedback?
Feel free to DM me directly on Substack or email me with your questions, comments and feedback whenever you want - aadilmaan at gmail dot com.
Ready to get started and take your TPM skills to the next level? Lets begin and take it at your own pace.
Course Content
Ch 1. Why Take This Course?
What makes you want to take this course?
What will you have at the end of the course?
Ch 2. Foundation
What is Technical Program Management?
Why do we need TPMs?
Where do TPMs sit in the org?
Ch 3. Leading Complex Programs (00:17:40)
What is complexity?
A First Principles Framework
Building Flexible Plans
Stakeholder Management Simplified
Right Way to Manage Risk
Find Signal in the Data
TPM Mindset(s)
