Interview with Aggelos Mouzakitis – talking about AI, industry and failures

In this episode, we explore the “invisible” side of professional success with Aggelos Mouzakitis, a Growth Product Manager at IBM and a trained psychotherapist. Recorded during the How to Web 2025 conference, the conversation bridges the gap between technical expertise and human psychology, offering a raw and honest look at what it takes to build a sustainable career in today’s fast-paced tech industry. For young professionals just starting their journey, Aggelos provides a unique perspective on why technical skills are only half the battle and how understanding human nature is the key to longevity in any field.

Mouzakitis emphasizes that while growth tactics and product strategies are easily accessible online, the “invisible” 50% of a job—navigating leadership, managing team dynamics without formal authority, and handling office politics—is what actually determines whether a career flourishes or ends in burnout. This is a vital lesson for the younger generation, who may focus heavily on “hard skills” while overlooking the emotional intelligence required to survive high-pressure environments. By mastering these interpersonal skills, young workers can protect themselves from emotional exhaustion and the phenomenon of “quiet quitting,” ensuring they remain engaged and effective in their roles.

The discussion also delves into the importance of authenticity and self-awareness. Despite his background as a psychotherapist, Aggelos admits that he faces the same imperfections and emotional struggles as everyone else, suggesting that success comes from analyzing these flaws rather than hiding them. He applies this psychological lens to product management through his “cheese pie theory,” explaining that human motivation works in specific stages. For young entrepreneurs and creators, this highlights the necessity of understanding simple human psychology to differentiate their products in a world where consumers are increasingly “lazy” or overwhelmed by choice.

A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to the cultural perception of failure, which is often viewed as shameful in countries like Romania and Greece. Mouzakitis challenges this mindset by arguing that failure is the mandatory “plane ticket” one must purchase to reach the destination of success.

For young people often paralysed by the fear of making mistakes, his message is clear: experimentation requires failing in nine out of ten projects to find the one that works. Normalising this process is essential for building the ego-strength and resilience needed to navigate a competitive global market.

Finally, the conversation addresses the growing anxiety surrounding Artificial Intelligence. Mouzakitis acknowledges that while fear is a natural response to such a massive industrial shift, panic is counterproductive. He points out a fundamental change in the industry—where it has become easy to build products but incredibly difficult to sell them—and advises young people to embrace AI through continuous education. By staying curious and maintaining a connection to life outside of technology, the next generation can adapt to a saturated market and prepare for a future that is still being written.

This podcast in English is part of PulseZ. #PulseZ