Business Over Cocktails - Behind the Business - Real Talk with Female Entrepreneurs

A Woman’s Quiet Power in a Loud Tech World w/ Heather Miller

Lauren Najar, Heather Miller Episode 57

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0:00 | 41:19

In this episode of Business Over Cocktails, Lauren sits down with Heather Miller, a product management consultant and the CEO of PDRM Consulting—and what starts as a conversation about “products” quickly becomes something deeper.

Heather takes us back to the version of her who was convinced she’d become a surgeon… until life rerouted her into software, product leadership, and eventually entrepreneurship. She shares what it really looks like to build a business from experience (not big-name logos), how she learned to trust her voice again after leaving corporate, and why confidence isn’t something you think your way into—it’s something you practice your way into.

Together, Lauren and Heather talk about the quiet moments of doubt that every entrepreneur knows, the “God winks” that pull you forward when you’re unsure, and the difference between being customer-centric and saying yes to everything. Heather also opens up about executive presence, why it’s especially complex for women in tech, and the power of finding mentors who help you take up space before you feel ready.

If you’ve ever questioned your path, your voice, or your timing—this conversation will feel like a deep breath and a nudge forward.



Episode Highlights:

  • Heather’s pivot from aspiring surgeon to product management leader—and why the mission to help people never changed
  • What a fractional CPO actually does and how it supports founders and small teams without a full-time hire
  • The product mindset shift: being customer-centric doesn’t mean saying yes to everything
  • Executive presence for women in tech—how to speak up, be heard, and lead in male-dominated rooms
  • Confidence-building habits that work in real life: tracking wins, honoring rest, and using movement to reset and lead well



Chapters:

00:01 — Welcome + Meet Heather Miller, Product Management Consultant

01:14 — From Future Surgeon to Product Management

05:34 — What PDRM Consulting Stands For (and Why Risk Matters)

07:12 — Why Fractional CPO Work Lit Her Up

20:01 — What Clients Gain: MVPs, Roadmaps, and Clear Priorities

26:38 — Executive Presence + The Mindset Shift (Stop Saying Yes to Everything)

43:17 — What’s Next: Strategic Communications Course + Where to Connect


Connect with Heather Miller:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pdrmconsulting/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathermillerpdrm/

Website - www.pdrmconsulting.com


Let’s Stay Connected:
Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar
Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com
→ Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails
Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect

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