From Engineering to Product: FinTech Innovation, AI’s Future, and Leadership Lessons | Jesus Cagide, Product Manager at Stash, PayPal, and BlockFi

27/03/2025 1h 10min

Listen "From Engineering to Product: FinTech Innovation, AI’s Future, and Leadership Lessons | Jesus Cagide, Product Manager at Stash, PayPal, and BlockFi"

Episode Synopsis

Jesus Cagide is a seasoned Product Leader with experience spanning high-growth startups, unicorns, and global enterprises like PayPal and Stash. He is the Co-Founder of Product & Leadership, where he is shaping the future of product management and leadership development. Previously, he was the Director of Product Management for Consumer Growth at Stash, leading initiatives that tripled activation rates and managed over $3 billion in assets. At BlockFi, he launched yield accounts in 16 countries, and at PayPal, he spearheaded the Buy Now, Pay Later product family across Europe, driving over $250 million in monthly payment volume.In our conversation, we dive into:Transitioning from engineering to product managementThe evolution of engineering tools and how they are shaping product developmentBuilding for yourself vs. the marketFinTech’s growing impact on financial literacy and daily lifeAI’s expanding role in product management and strategic decision-makingLeadership principles for high-performing teamsThe importance of writing as a tool for clarity, reflection, and career growthAnd so much more.Some takeaways:Building for yourself leads to better products. The best ideas often come from solving your own problems. When you're personally invested, you're more motivated, and the end result is often more innovative and impactful.Great leadership is about vision and execution. High-performing teams thrive when they have a clear direction, a strong culture, and a commitment to continuous learning.FinTech is changing the way we think about money. From generational wealth to financial education, the industry is shifting toward long-term impact and accessibility.AI is reshaping product management. As AI takes on more analytical tasks, product managers will need to focus on strategy, creativity, and human-centered decision-making.Writing is a powerful tool for growth. Whether it's for product roadmaps, leadership insights, or personal reflection, writing helps structure thoughts and sharpen decision-making.Hiring today is about adaptability, not just experience. The job market is evolving, and companies seek individuals who can learn fast, adapt to AI-driven workflows, and bring creative problem-solving to the table.The best product managers ask the right questions. Knowing the answers isn’t as important as knowing what questions to ask. Curiosity and structured thinking separate good PMs from great ones.Where to find Jesus:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesuscagide/In this episode, we cover:01:18 Introduction and Background 06:34 Transition from Engineering to Product Management 13:27 The Evolution of Engineering Tools 16:57 Advice for Young Engineers 19:10 Understanding Market Dynamics 24:52 FinTech Landscape and Geography 32:08 The Impact of FinTech on Daily Life 36:39 Future Trends in FinTech 43:10 The Future of Financial Services and Education 48:52 Leadership Principles in Product Management 49:17 The Impact of AI on Product Management 55:01 Sharing Knowledge: Writing for Future Generations 59:11 Fast Five QuestionsFor inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, please email: [email protected]

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