102: Product Management in an Engineering-Focused Organization

How To Succeed In Product Management | Jeffrey Shulman, Red Russak & Soumeya Benghanem

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In this episode of the How to Succeed in Product Management Podcast, marketing professor Jeff Shulman and The Product Management Center advisory board member Soumeya Benghanem welcome Hemanth Babu Shekar (Rivian) and Gabe Antypas to talk about product management in an engineering-focused organization. PMs play a crucial role in engineering-focused organizations because they help in coordinating complex projects, ensuring that tasks are completed on time and within budget, and facilitating effective communication among team members. PMs also help manage risks, set priorities, and align projects with the organization's strategic goals. While some smaller engineering teams may not require dedicated PMs, in larger organizations and for complex projects, having PMs can significantly improve efficiency and project outcomes.

Disclaimer: All opinions of the speakers are their own.

What to Listen For:

• 00:00 Intro
• 07:00 How to spot an engineering-focused organization
• 12:30 Joys of being in an engineering-focused organization
• 16:46 Engineering-focused vs. Engineering-led organization
• 20:44 The challenges of being a PM in an engineering-focused organization
• 24:42 How can PMs and aspiring PMs transition to working in an engineering-focused organization
• 31:16 PMs and taking risks
• 37:01 When PMs have an engineering background
• 41:54 Are PMs necessary in engineering-focused organizations?
• 47:23 Final Thoughts