The Art of Strategic Execution

Finding Success in Technical Program Management

Is the ambiguity of the TPM role a hurdle or a hidden opportunity?

Discover the answer in 'The Art of Strategic Execution,' where Priyanka Shinde, shares her personal journey from an introverted individual to a successful Technical Program Management (TPM) leader in Silicon Valley. Embracing discomfort, she discovered the keys to thriving in a role that initially seemed mismatched with her nature.

This book delves beyond technicalities, emphasizing the intangible aspects—mindset, communication, influence, and leadership—that differentiate exceptional TPMs. Shinde outlines actionable strategies and shares compelling stories, focusing on how these traits elevate TPM excellence.

In these pages, you'll uncover:

  • Strategies to define success in your TPM career.
  • Techniques to leverage the ambiguity within the role for maximum impact.
  • Insights to fortify soft skills and ascend as an inspiring leader in the TPM domain.

'The Art of Strategic Execution' is your essential guide to becoming an invaluable and indispensable TPM professional and fulfilling your career aspirations with confidence.

The Art of Strategic Execution book cover

In 'The Art of Strategic Execution', Priyanka Shinde distills two decades of wisdom gained in fast moving high tech companies. It's not just a book; it's a passport to the world of Technical Program Management!

– ALI DASDAN, PhD, EVP & CTO of Zoominfo

What this book helps you do

  • Lead complex programs and deliver results with success
  • Crack TPM interviews to land your dream role
  • Elevate your craft and get to the next level faster

This book isn't your typical guide that just teaches system design or technical concepts, nor does it focus on the mechanics of program management methodologies or tools.

This book emphasizes the art rather than the science of program management and execution in relation to the demands of modern tech companies. It is a trusted companion for anyone navigating the intangible and ambiguous world of technical program management with confidence, adaptability, and excellence. You will also find various templates throughout the book that will help you build a strategic thinking mindset and streamline your execution.

I encourage organizations and cross-functional leaders who work with TPMs to utilize this book to create strong partnerships with TPMs and empower them for overall business success.

  • Hone your leadership skills and become influential
  • Become a strategic partner to your stakeholders
  • Grow your career as a people manager

Buy the book on

The Art of Strategic Execution Book at Amazon The Art of Strategic Execution Book at Barnes & Noble
4.4 out of 5 on Amazon

…or buy in bulk for your team or class

Interested in a bulk order? Drop me a note at booksales at artofstrategicexecution.com to discuss pricing and other bonuses.

Praise for The Art of Strategic Execution

This is a fantastic book!

Given the industry's confusion on what a TPM actually does, the book is clarifying about both what a TPM is and is not. Shinde addresses one of my personal favorite topics—how a high functioning TPM can accelerate engineering productivity and quality, building a stronger culture. I will encourage everyone who joins my team to read and reference it.
— SOPHIA VICENT, Senior Director of Engineering Operations, Doordash

Best playbook I've read!

The Art of Strategic Execution is the best playbook I've read on the underrated yet indispensable role of TPM in technology companies. Priyanka Shinde offers an optimal combination of practical tips, real-life stories and research–a real force multiplier for anyone interested in launching successful software and hardware products.
— BILL DEMAS, Entrepreneur, ex-CEO of Conviva, Shopkick, Turn

Comprehensive book for TPMs!

The Art of Strategic Execution is a reference guide that you can keep returning to—ideal for applying skills to specific situations. Imagine having a coffee chat with Priyanka Shinde, drawing insights from her experience at tech companies known for exceptional execution, such as Meta. A solid companion for every TPM.
— SANDEEP KACHRU, Head of Data Platform, ex-Meta, ex-Google

Read the book and want more?

Priyanka offers a guided course to help you develop your skills to succeed in the world of Technical Program Management. Check it out!

More praise for the Art of Strategic Execution

Great resource for all!

The Art of Strategic Execution is a wonderful combination of career advice, practical knowledge, and useful frameworks for execution and communication… a great resource for TPMs as well as anyone working across complex programs.
— MANLIO LO CONTE, Chief Product Officer of Zwift

A must have for academics!

The Art of Strategic Execution is insightful, approachable, and lucidly written. It is full of practical strategies and actionable advice grounded in real-world experiences. This book pushes me to be more intentional in my mentoring tasks and I recommend it for early career engineering academics who may lack formal leadership and management training.
— ARNAV JHALA, PhD, Associate Professor of Computer Science, North Carolina State University

No fluff, just straight talk!

Priyanka Shinde's personal journey forms a compelling narrative, like getting 1:1 mentorship for managing your career. From acing interviews to leveling up through meaningful impact and achieving lasting success, this book exudes pragmatic wisdom for immediate use. A must-read for all TPMs and tech leaders!
— ASHWIN RAMACHANDRAN, Head of Engineering, Interview Kickstart

Book contents

  1. Introduction to Technical Program Management

    Begin your TPM journey by understanding the role, debunking myths, and honing essential skills for success.

  2. Launching your TPM career

    Navigate your path to TPM excellence—from career options and transitions to acing interviews and shaping your unique TPM story.

  3. Focusing on meaningful impact

    Explore TPM success essentials, mastering your new role, and setting intentional goals.

  4. Finding true success

    Explore thought leadership, and personal growth to achieve success in your TPM journey.

  5. Getting into TPM people management

    Learn about requirements of people management, and leading teams to amplify your impact.

  6. Setting up TPMs for success

    Discover the keys to effective TPM utilization, organization structures, and fostering a collaborative environment for successful TPM integration.

Priyanka Shinde, Author

About the author

Priyanka Shinde is a seasoned Silicon Valley tech leader with over 20 years experience in engineering, product management, and program management. She has previously worked at tech giants like Meta and startups like Cruise where she led highly technical teams launch cutting edge products in the field of Autonomous Vehicles, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), and Advertising Tech. She received her MBA from North Carolina State University and Masters in Computer Science from Arizona State University. Shinde is passionate about creating a culture of connection, authenticity, and empathy within organizations, which led her to cultivate an executive coaching career helping leaders accelerate on their ambitious goals.

In her free time, you can find Priyanka teaching Bollywood dance fitness classes, running or hiking the beautiful Bay Area trails and spending quality time with her husband and son.