The Non-Technical PM Advantage
Career dilemmas come up often in my coaching sessions. A PM leader came to me worried, wondering if she needs to start interviewing for a new role. She started off by describing herself as non-technical and was worried that the newly hired VP Product who will be joining the company may not keep her around because he came from a technical background.
My advice to her and any PM who considers themselves non-technical is this:
1. Reframe the "non-technical" narrative. It does not serve you. Instead of "I'm not technical," say:
"I bring strong product strategy and business acumen, with a track record of successfully launching impactful releases and collaborating with Engineering"
Or highlight your complementary skillset: "My expertise in Product complements engineering, allowing us to build products that are technically sound and market-aligned"
2. Before the VP joins:
Document your achievements and impact (launched releases, conference speaking)
Gather feedback from engineering teams you've worked with
Prepare a brief overview of current projects, key decisions, and rationale
3. After the VP joins:
Schedule a 1:1 within their first week
Show curiosity about his engineering background and how it shapes his product vision
Share your perspective on how technical and product expertise can complement each other and be proactive in suggesting ways to leverage your strengths
4. Ask the VP directly:
"What's your vision for the product organization?"
"How do you see the relationship between product and engineering evolving?"
"What does success look like for senior PMs in your organization?"
"How can I help make your transition successful?"
Stay positive and open to learning technical concepts.
The key is to position yourself as bringing valuable complementary skills rather than lacking technical skills. The leader’s engineering background could actually be an opportunity to learn and grow while you provide critical business and user perspectives they might not have.
Being able to clearly articulate and communicate the value you add to the organization is key to professional success.
