Today in English as I might share this with co-workers.
You might know I am a Product Manager, I am an Engineer too. At least I was one (you never lose that spirit, right?) – and I love cycling. So let‘s talk about all of this and – the topic of AI:
I would like to encourage my fellow product-managers (or non-engineers) to get into engineering with the help of AI. AI is giving product-managers a bicycle when they‘ve spend their whole career walking.
1. The Power of Autonomy
What makes AI revolutionary for PMs is the autonomy it provides at a negligible cost. It makes you 10x faster at developing your product, from those initial “napkin sketches” to a functional prototype.
Just like a bike, it’s more forgiving if you take a wrong turn. Because you’re moving faster than a pedestrian, you can course-correct without losing weeks of progress. Sure, a car or a plane might be faster in a straight line, but they come with high costs and zero flexibility. In this analogy, the “plane” is a full engineering team. They are powerful, but like air travel, you lose time to “security checks” (backlog grooming), “baggage drops” (documentation), and the inevitable delays of a complex system. Nothing beats the freedom of simply hopping on your bike and riding.
2. Expanding Your Territory
Despite the efficiency of bicycles, not everyone uses them. Historically, bikes have been tools of empowerment, helping people overcome “transportation poverty” and gain mobility.
As a PM, if your dev resources are scarce, you finally have an alternative. AI isn’t just “hip”; it keeps your mind “physically fit.” It allows you to develop skills and venture into technical territories you were once afraid to visit. When you were walking, your circle of influence was limited by how far your feet could take you. Now, you can explore the whole world.
3. Learning to Fix the Chain
Every cyclist eventually deals with a flat tire or a slipped chain—risks you never had to worry about when you were just walking.
This is where getting your hands dirty with engineering comes in. You don’t need to build the bicycle from scratch, but you do need to understand how it works. When you understand the mechanics, you can spot risks before they happen—like a loose brake—and you know how to get back on the road when things break. Understanding the “how” makes you a better rider and a more respected leader.
4. Lose the Training Wheels
I personally learned to ride a bike quite late—around five years old. I relied on training wheels for too long because I didn’t trust the physics of it; I didn’t realize that momentum is what keeps you upright.
Don’t be afraid. Unlike a real bike, you won’t get bloody knees from trying AI and basic engineering. You will simply enjoy the speed, the wind in your face, and the thrill of reaching destinations you once thought were out of reach.
5. Master the Ride
Like any skill, the more you ride, the better and faster you get. Don’t just stick to the paved path—try a bit of “cross-country” or “mountain biking” by experimenting with different AI models and technical challenges.
Remember, cycling is also a social sport. In a paceline, riders take turns at the front, shielding the group from the headwind so everyone can move faster. Practice with others. Rotate. Let an engineer be your pacemaker, pushing you to new levels of technical understanding. Then, use your AI-driven speed to take your turn at the front, clearing the path for the team.
Most importantly:
Never lose the joy of the ride. Feel the fresh air, embrace the speed, and enjoy the view.
