How PMs Can Improve Working & Communicating with Engineers w/ Paul Lunow, Head of Technology and Innovation at XU Sustainable
Summary
In this episode, Paul Lunow discusses how product managers can improve their relationships and communication with engineers. Topics include creating psychological safety, the necessary technical knowledge for PMs, avoiding common anti-patterns, managing workload effectively, and earning engineers' trust by supporting shipped features. Paul also shares insights from his career and promotes his new novel.Episode description
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
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See you next week!