How AI is impacting the PM role w/ Irene Yu - Founder & CEO of Skiplevel

Lessons In Product Management

🎙️ Guest: Irene Yu Founder & CEO of SkipLevel – a company helping PMs become more technical without needing to code.

Skiplevel article on how AI is changing the PM role

🔑 Key Topics & Timestamps

• [00:00 - 02:25] Irene's BackgroundIrene shares her transition from software engineer to starting SkipLevel.

• [02:26 - 04:45] Identifying the Technical GapsHer early software development experience revealed a lack of technical knowledge in PMs which created communication issues with engineers.

• [04:46 - 07:15] Why PMs Should Learn Tech FundamentalsShe explains how better technical understanding helps PMs ask better questions and write clearer requirements.

• [07:16 - 10:30] PMs Don’t Need to Code, but…Irene stresses PMs don’t need to be coders, but they should understand system architecture, APIs, databases, etc.

• [10:31 - 13:20] Creating SkipLevelIrene talks about how she turned her insights into a business – a learning platform that bridges the tech gap for PMs.

• [13:21 - 16:40] Common Challenges for PMsShe highlights issues like vague communication with devs and over-reliance on engineering for feasibility assessments.

• [16:41 - 20:00] How SkipLevel WorksOverview of the course structure – from foundational topics to applied learning on APIs and backend logic.

• [20:01 - 24:15] Advice for PMsIrene encourages curiosity, asking “how” and “why” behind technical choices, and building confidence through structured learning.

• [24:16 - End] Final ThoughtsImportance of continuous learning, especially in bridging gaps between business and tech for better product outcomes.