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How PMs Can Improve Working & Communicating with Engineers w/ Paul Lunow, Head of Technology and Innovation at XU Sustainable
Lessons in Product Management - Working & Communicating with Engineers
Guest: Paul Lunow
Host: John Doe
Episode Duration: ~28 min
[00:00 - 01:37] Introduction
- John welcomes Paul Lunow to the podcast.
- Paul previously hosted John on Product and Cake.
- Background on Paul’s 20-year career in tech.
[01:37 - 04:05] Paul’s Background in Product & Engineering
- Started in Berlin as a web developer, grew an agency to 30 people.
Founded Nepos, a startup building a tablet for elderly users.
Moved to eBay to experience corporate innovation.
- Now Head of Innovation & Technology at XU Group, building a B2B learning platform.
[04:05 - 06:45] The Role of AI in Learning Platforms
- Discusses AI’s role in education.
- AI is a tool for augmentation, not a replacement for learning.
[06:45 - 10:38] How Product Managers Can Work Better with Engineers
The importance of psychological safety in teams.
Engineers need a space to fail, ask questions, and collaborate.
- Great product managers create environments of trust.
[10:38 - 14:46] How Much Tech Knowledge Should a PM Have?
PMs don’t need to code but must deeply understand the product.
The worst thing: a PM who pretends to know coding but doesn’t use the product.
- PMs should be the first to log in daily and experience the product firsthand.
[14:46 - 18:08] Anti-Patterns: What Drives Engineers Crazy
Overworked and stressed PMs create pressure and disconnection.
Avoid last-minute changes and unclear expectations.
- Balance deep work vs. reactive work—don’t just respond to messages all day.
[18:08 - 22:26] Managing Workload as a PM
Split work into offense (strategic work) and defense (reactive tasks).
Prioritize one key task per day instead of juggling everything at once.
- Time-box meetings and avoid unnecessary stakeholder discussions.
[22:26 - 24:59] How PMs Can Earn Engineers’ Trust
Be a sparring partner, not just a requirement-pusher.
Never throw engineers under the bus—own decisions as a team.
- A PM should always support and defend shipped features.
[24:59 - 27:36] Final Thoughts & Paul’s Work
Mistakes happen—focus on developing strong personal values as a PM.
Paul’s new novel about an engineer in Big Tech (available in German).
- Connect with Paul on LinkedIn.
[27:36 - 28:00] Closing Remarks
Subscribe to Product and Cake & Lessons in Product Management.
See you next week!
View all episodes
By Path2Product
5
2626 ratings
Lessons in Product Management - Working & Communicating with Engineers
Guest: Paul Lunow
Host: John Doe
Episode Duration: ~28 min
[00:00 - 01:37] Introduction
- John welcomes Paul Lunow to the podcast.
- Paul previously hosted John on Product and Cake.
- Background on Paul’s 20-year career in tech.
[01:37 - 04:05] Paul’s Background in Product & Engineering
- Started in Berlin as a web developer, grew an agency to 30 people.
Founded Nepos, a startup building a tablet for elderly users.
Moved to eBay to experience corporate innovation.
- Now Head of Innovation & Technology at XU Group, building a B2B learning platform.
[04:05 - 06:45] The Role of AI in Learning Platforms
- Discusses AI’s role in education.
- AI is a tool for augmentation, not a replacement for learning.
[06:45 - 10:38] How Product Managers Can Work Better with Engineers
The importance of psychological safety in teams.
Engineers need a space to fail, ask questions, and collaborate.
- Great product managers create environments of trust.
[10:38 - 14:46] How Much Tech Knowledge Should a PM Have?
PMs don’t need to code but must deeply understand the product.
The worst thing: a PM who pretends to know coding but doesn’t use the product.
- PMs should be the first to log in daily and experience the product firsthand.
[14:46 - 18:08] Anti-Patterns: What Drives Engineers Crazy
Overworked and stressed PMs create pressure and disconnection.
Avoid last-minute changes and unclear expectations.
- Balance deep work vs. reactive work—don’t just respond to messages all day.
[18:08 - 22:26] Managing Workload as a PM
Split work into offense (strategic work) and defense (reactive tasks).
Prioritize one key task per day instead of juggling everything at once.
- Time-box meetings and avoid unnecessary stakeholder discussions.
[22:26 - 24:59] How PMs Can Earn Engineers’ Trust
Be a sparring partner, not just a requirement-pusher.
Never throw engineers under the bus—own decisions as a team.
- A PM should always support and defend shipped features.
[24:59 - 27:36] Final Thoughts & Paul’s Work
Mistakes happen—focus on developing strong personal values as a PM.
Paul’s new novel about an engineer in Big Tech (available in German).
- Connect with Paul on LinkedIn.
[27:36 - 28:00] Closing Remarks
Subscribe to Product and Cake & Lessons in Product Management.
See you next week!
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