In the world of product management, success is not just about luck or natural ability. It is about continuous learning and growth. The story of Tu Youyou, the first female Chinese citizen to receive a Nobel Prize, exemplifies the power of hard work and persistence in achieving success.

In the world of product management, success is not just about luck or natural ability. It is about continuous learning and growth. The story of Tu Youyou, the first female Chinese citizen to receive a Nobel Prize, exemplifies the power of hard work and persistence in achieving success.

Tu's groundbreaking work in developing the artemisinin treatment for malaria was not a stroke of luck. It was the result of her bold decision to volunteer as a human subject and her unwavering dedication to finding a solution. Her lack of formal credentials did not hinder her from making major contributions to medical science. She proved that hard work and determination can make a difference, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

While luck may play a role in achieving absolute success, relative success is more dependent on hard work. As Nassim Taleb notes in his book Fooled by Randomness, mild success can be attributed to skills and labor, but wild success is often a result of extreme circumstances and luck. However, when comparing oneself to others who have experienced similar levels of luck, the difference lies in habits and choices. The person who works hard, seizes opportunities, and tries new things is more likely to stumble upon a lucky break.

Richard Hamming, a mathematician and computer engineer, emphasizes the importance of both luck and preparedness in achieving great work. He states that there is an element of luck in finding something important to work on, but the act of doing something is not luck. Luck may determine the specific path one takes, but the willingness to put in the effort and pursue opportunities is what leads to success.

As a product manager, the key to evolving and growing lies in the love of learning. Wearing multiple hats and juggling various responsibilities, a product manager must continually acquire new knowledge and skills. While ability is important, it is the ability to effectively deal with new information and acquire new skills that makes the biggest difference.

To evolve as a product manager, it is crucial to embrace curiosity and have a desire to learn. This means seeking out opportunities to expand one's knowledge, whether through reading, attending conferences, or networking with industry professionals. It also means being open to feedback and constantly seeking ways to improve.

In addition to a love of learning, there are three actionable pieces of advice that can help product managers evolve and succeed:

• 1. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone towards success. Learn from mistakes, analyze what went wrong, and use that knowledge to improve and make better decisions in the future.

• 2. Foster strong communication and collaboration skills: As a product manager, you are working with a diverse team of individuals with different skills and perspectives. Effective communication and collaboration are essential to aligning everyone towards a common goal and ensuring the successful development and launch of a product.

• 3. Stay updated with industry trends and market changes: The world of technology and product management is constantly evolving. It is important to stay informed about the latest trends, emerging technologies, and market shifts. This will enable you to make informed decisions and adapt your strategies accordingly.

In conclusion, success in product management, like in any field, is a combination of luck and hard work. While luck can play a role in achieving absolute success, relative success is more dependent on the habits, choices, and perseverance of an individual. Continuous learning, embracing failure, fostering strong communication skills, and staying updated with industry trends are key factors in evolving and succeeding as a product manager.