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!