Meet Wai Cheung our Product Manager

Hi Wai, welcome!

We’re really happy to have you here with us today! You’re one of the longest-serving Hypatos employees with a truly inspiring story. Thank you for taking the time to share it and motivate others.

You've worn many hats since joining. Can you walk us through your journey across different roles at Hypatos?

I joined Hypatos nearly six years ago during its early days, which allowed me to explore various roles within the company. Starting as a Team Assistant, I supported HR, office management, marketing, and operations, while also engaging in presales projects that sparked my interest in technical work. Later, I collaborated with the Machine Learning team, gaining insights into our technology stack, model training pipeline, and foundational product management skills.

As the company expanded, I transitioned to Product Manager, where I’ve refined my skills and embraced a career path that, despite my non-technical background, has been both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Building on that, what do you think makes a good product manager?  

A well-rounded product manager combines diverse skills, with empathy as the foundation. Among these, I believe adaptability and openness to learning, effective communication, and the ability to balance various needs, trade-offs, and impacts are essential for strong product management. I am actively working on improving these skills myself.

Looking back, how has working at Hypatos shaped your own growth?

Working at Hypatos has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. It might sound cliché to say I’ve learned a lot, but it’s absolutely true. As a recent graduate when I joined, I didn’t have a clear idea of the career path I wanted to pursue. Hypatos not only exposed me to a range of possibilities but also gave me the freedom to explore and define my own direction. This experience has truly shaped the path I've taken and the professional I've become.

You've watched our culture evolve—how would you describe it? How has it changed since the early days?

For me, it’s been surprising how consistent the company culture has remained over time. The team is a group of people who are open-minded, goal-oriented, and incredibly supportive. Our team composition has always been diverse, and it’s even more so now, with a range of professional and cultural backgrounds. We’re hardworking and tackle tough situations with a dose of humor, which makes challenges more manageable and keeps the environment positive.

If you could give advice to someone joining a startup, what would it be?

My advice would be to stay proactive and curious! Approach each day with the mindset that there is always something new to discover, whether it's a skill, an idea, or a perspective. The willingness to explore and learn, even in areas outside your comfort zone, can open doors you never anticipated. Remember, growth often comes from the unknown, so don’t hesitate to take on challenges or initiatives that may seem daunting at first. There is so much you can learn and even contribute without knowing in advance where your efforts might lead.

Embrace opportunities and trust that each experience will add value in unexpected ways.

Outside of work, what are you passionate about or love doing to unwind?

When I work from home, I love to brighten my day by making myself a coffee with latte art. Otherwise, I enjoy playing the piano or exploring Berlin’s vibrant culinary scene.

Lastly, what are your aspirations for the future, both within your role at Hypatos and beyond?

In the future, I hope to continually refine and expand my skills in product management, taking on more responsibility as I grow in my role. My aspiration is to contribute to Hypatos' journey as it establishes itself as a leading player in the market, ensuring we deliver a product that consistently satisfies our customers' needs. I look forward to being a part of that growth and driving impactful product decisions that support our long-term success.

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