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Dan Rogers shares his journey from computer science to project management at Microsoft and Google. He reveals the daily realities of managing complex technical projects, dealing with personalities, and why it's really about managing uncertainty rather than tasks.

Like all TFTS episodes, the conversation also takes a deep dive into the world of being a project manager. What it's like, how to get into it, and what's the pay.

Escape the Clock by Dan Rogers - https://www.danrogersauthor.com https://www.pmi.org - Project Management Institute

0:00 Intro

1:25 What is a Project Manager?

4:22 Dan's Computer Science Background

9:15 Career Path from Developer to Project Manager

12:30 Working at Startups

18:45 Transitioning to Microsoft

24:20 Inside Microsoft Culture

31:10 Moving to Google

38:25 Google's Work Environment 4

5:50 Differences Between Microsoft and Google

52:30 Technical Project Manager vs Program Manager

58:15 Managing Uncertainty and Chaos

1:04:40 Dealing with Difficult Stakeholders

1:11:20 Work-Life Balance in Tech

1:20:20 Closing Thoughts

Theme music thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@moodmode via Pixabay

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