#128 - From Tickets to Problems: Klaus Breyer // Head of Product & Technology @ Edding

alphalist.CTO Podcast - For CTOs and Technical LeadersThursday, September 4, 2025

Show Notes

You know how agile transformations always promise better collaboration but somehow teams end up chasing tickets like a factory assembly line? Klaus Breyer from Edding has some thoughts on why this keeps happening—and what actually works instead.

Klaus's path to leading product and technology at Germany's most famous pen company wasn't exactly traditional. Before Edding, he spent years managing 40-person World of Warcraft raids (yes, really) and running startups. Now he's applying those lessons to build software teams that actually solve problems instead of just completing tasks.

The conversation digs into Shape Up methodology, but more importantly, Klaus explains the mindset changes needed to stop treating software development like an assembly line. His team at Edding has built some pretty cool stuff too—like a B2B driver license verification system using invisible conductive ink that smartphones can read.

What you'll learn: • Why "give me a ticket" thinking kills collaboration (even in tiny teams) • How 6-week cycles help teams focus on one problem without distractions • The art of separating problems from solutions before jumping into code • Why late-stage compromises usually mean your team isn't really collaborating • When senior teams can ditch tickets entirely and just... work • Klaus's templates for getting everyone aligned on what problems are worth solving

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