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: