102: Product Management in an Engineering-Focused Organization

Are you looking to elevate your product management career and your peers? Apply to join Elevate, an exclusive program for high-performing product managers to learn from Executives in Residence and each other.   Learn more at: https://elevate.info.foster.uw.edu/   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