"can I be a product manager without being trained as an engineer or having otherwise acquired major hacking skills?"

"Yes. As a “non-technical product manager"

"Help a team produce world-class products which delight your users and support a sustainable business model."

"Within this construct, technical proficiency is certainly desirable but not required. What is required without a doubt?"

"But what’s your superpower?"

"If you’re a young product manager lacking an engineering background, it’s really important you develop a few superpowers."

"Maybe it’s being really well-versed in development methodologies so you can lead a team through an agile sprint, a waterfall or any other “best fit” technique for getting the job done."

"So, if you’re a product manager who isn’t technically trained:"

"Be technically curious"

"Develop specific superpowers"

"Focus on making your team better"