Previous Sessions

Missed anything? Check out our previous Leadership Unplugged sessions; view and download the presentations.
About the host
Anant (Product Manager, ESMT Alumni)
"Leadership Unplugged has become more than just a series, it’s a platform where curiosity meets experience, and where emerging and seasoned product minds come together to grow. What started as a small idea born from a casual conversation is now opening doors for people who might not otherwise get a seat at the table."
About the host
Anant (Product Manager, ESMT Alumni)
"Leadership Unplugged has become more than just a series, it’s a platform where curiosity meets experience, and where emerging and seasoned product minds come together to grow. What started as a small idea born from a casual conversation is now opening doors for people who might not otherwise get a seat at the table."
When I moved to Berlin in January 2024 to pursue my MBA, I came with a clear purpose to transition into product management. But beyond academics, I knew that real learning and meaningful connections often happen outside the classroom. So, I began exploring the local product scene, hoping to understand the ecosystem I wanted to be a part of. That’s when I stumbled upon Berlin Product Managers (BPM) meetups on Eventbrite.

In February ’24, I attended my first BPM event at Spiced Academy and I was completely hooked. The energy in the room, the openness of the community, and the thoughtfulness of the discussions left a lasting impression. I knew right then that I didn’t just want to attend these events but I wanted to contribute. Over the next few months, I started volunteering at BPM events, gradually getting to know the team and the people behind the scenes.

At one such event, I had a conversation with Carlo, one of the BPM’s co-founder. I proposed the idea of hosting a BPM event at my university (ESMT Berlin), something that could bridge the gap between students and seasoned product professionals. It took a few months of coordination and planning, but we made it happen in September ’24. That event was not just a milestone for me, but also a testament to what collaboration between communities can look like.
At one such event, I had a conversation with Carlo, one of the BPM’s co-founder. I proposed the idea of hosting a BPM event at my university (ESMT Berlin), something that could bridge the gap between students and seasoned product professionals. It took a few months of coordination and planning, but we made it happen in September ’24. That event was not just a milestone for me, but also a testament to what collaboration between communities can look like.


After the event's success , I spoke with Carlo again about how I could become more involved. As we discussed ideas, we realized there was something missing, an online format that allowed people beyond Berlin (or even within Berlin, limited by venue size or schedule conflicts) to engage with the inspiring voices in our industry.

And that’s how Leadership Unplugged was born.

The goal was simple: create an online space where senior product leaders could share their stories, struggles, and strategies with a wider audience. Each session would be part presentation, part candid Q&A giving attendees a rare chance to interact with voices they wouldn’t usually have access to.

Since then, Leadership Unplugged has become more than just a series, it’s a platform where curiosity meets experience, and where emerging and seasoned product minds come together to grow. What started as a small idea born from a casual conversation is now opening doors for people who might not otherwise get a seat at the table.

For me, it’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes to start something meaningful is showing up, asking “what if?” and being willing to build it together.

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