S2:E14 - Make Space, Not Noise: How Great Product Leadership Starts with Listening

In this episode, we sit down with Greg Weinger—SVP of Product at SheerID and creator of the Powerful Introvert podcast and newsletter. Greg’s journey from engineer to product leader gave him a unique view of how introversion, curiosity, and reflection can become massive leadership strengths, especially in chaotic startup environments.

We talk about how product management changes in scaleups, the pressures of enterprise customer relationships, and how product and customer success can work better together. We also reflect on how to build environments that make space for different kinds of thinkers and why the quietest person in the room might be the one with the idea that saves your team.

Key Takeaways

1. Introverts can be exceptional leaders—but the workplace must create space for them.

   Leaders don’t have to be loud. Influence often grows from reflection, calm, and clarity.

2. Customer success and product must partner—not compete—for priority.

   When enterprise customers make asks, product teams must balance strategic focus with relationship value.

3. Scaling a product doesn’t mean scaling chaos.

   Greg breaks down how enduring product-market fit, clarity of purpose, and good customer success can drive scale without losing your soul.

Questions for Product Managers

• How does your current team make space for quiet thinkers and introverted contributors?

• Are you being strategic in your customer conversations—or just saying yes to keep them happy?

• Do you want to grow with your company’s next stage—or are you more suited to the earlier chaos?