Michal Lasman – Leading with Empathy, Coaching & Communication
In this episode, I sat down with Michal Lasman, a product marketing leader turned executive coach, to talk about the human side of leadership—and why soft skills might be your strongest asset in today’s workplace.
Michal’s background spans B2B marketing, tech startups, and team building, but what stood out most is how much he values listening, clarity, and care.
We talked about how marketing roles evolve, why communication is often the root of most problems, and how coaching (done right) can unlock real performance and fulfillment for individuals and entire teams.
If you’re a product marketer, people manager, or just someone who wants to lead with more intention, this episode will speak to you.
Key Takeaways
✅ Soft skills aren’t “nice to have” anymore—they’re business-critical.
✅ Clarity is a gift you give your team. Don’t underestimate how powerful aligned language can be.
✅ Most performance issues aren’t skill gaps—they’re communication gaps.
✅ Leadership isn’t a title—it’s how you show up for others.
✅ Coaching isn’t about giving advice. It’s about creating space for people to discover their own answers.
✅ Building trust as a leader starts with how you listen, not just what you say.
✅ You don’t have to “perform” leadership. The best managers are grounded, self-aware, and honest.
💬 Quote from Michal
“We often think we have to show up as some kind of ideal leader. But most people just want someone real—someone who listens, someone who cares, someone who communicates clearly.”⏱️ Episode Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Michal’s background
03:10 – Why Michal shifted from product marketing to coaching
06:30 – What most managers get wrong about communication
10:00 – How language alignment impacts execution
14:40 – Coaching vs managing: what’s the difference?
18:10 – Giving feedback that builds trust (not fear)
22:30 – Building leadership skills through self-awareness
27:00 – Michal’s approach to listening in high-pressure roles
32:20 – Lessons from coaching startup teams
36:10 – Leadership as a practice, not a personality
40:30 – How Michal works with clients and what he's seeing in the market
44:00 – Advice for PMMs and team leads who want to grow into stronger leaders
48:00 – Book recs, resources, and next steps
51:00 – Where to connect with Michal
🔗 Connect with Michal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michallasman/ - https://www.michallasman.com/
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🔗 Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanburic/