Q&A with Felix Ekwueme - Principal Technical Product Manager, Amazon Supply Chain Optimization Technology (SCOT)

Felix Ekwueme leads Product and Insights for Amazon's Customer Shopping Impressions (CXI) team. He has been with Amazon and the Supply Chain Optimization Technologies (SCOT) organization for four years. In this interview, Felix shares his journey at Amazon, detailing some of his contributions, leadership principles, and diverse experiences that have shaped his career.

Tell us about your journey at Amazon.

Four years ago, I received a LinkedIn message from an Amazon recruiter. The message described the kind of problems I enjoy solving. For someone who had never considered working at Amazon, the challenge was irresistible. There were many ways to tackle it, but doing it right and at scale was intriguing. Fast-forward three months, and I was packing up my life in Boston to lead a new team at Amazon's HQ in Seattle. My new role was to build the systems and signals that help Amazon understand what customers want before they put items in their carts. I see my role as being a master ingredient creator in a cooking competition. My job may not always involve cooking the final dish, but I provide the best ingredients to create a masterpiece. One of the most rewarding parts of my time at Amazon has been mentoring and growing my team. Seeing their ideas come to life has been a key part of my Amazon career.

What is something you have done that you would consider innovative at Amazon so far?

Working in SCOT has given me the chance to lead Amazon’s effort to understand our customers' needs and ensure Amazon meets or exceeds their expectations. Our work requires thinking years ahead because the problems we solve do not come with blueprints, and our solutions become the standard. My contributions include influencing how Amazon trailers on the road affect what customers see on Amazon.com. Seeing one of those trailers reminds me of my role in shaping that driver's day and the experience of millions of customers. I have collaborated with some of Amazon's brightest minds to design systems, mechanisms, and metrics that ensure every customer is well-served, whether they use voice-activated devices like Alexa or interact directly with the website and app. My role involves protecting customer data and evolving our ability to meet customer needs. Though much of my work is behind the scenes, its impact is key to many decisions across Amazon.

What is your favorite leadership principle and why?

My favorite leadership principle is "Invent and Simplify." This is because it focuses on creating solutions that make life easier for our customers, not adding complexity for its own sake. For example, a beach slipper that doubles as a beverage opener might be inventive, but it doesn't add value to our daily lives. Instead, it complicates the simple task of walking. In SCOT, we ground our inventions in simplicity. The work we do directly impacts hundreds of millions of customers, so we seek innovations that resonate with them and truly simplify their lives. This principle is closely connected to our "Customer Obsession" leadership principle, which seeks to think about the customer first. On my team, I look for colleagues who embrace “Invent and Simplify” and understand that the best innovations strip away the unnecessary and focus on delivering true value.

What diverse experiences do you bring to your work at Amazon?

I started my career as a software engineer before transitioning to product management. This software engineering experience provided a strong technical foundation. In parallel, I have been in the U.S. Army Reserve for over 8 years and currently serve as an intelligence officer, where I learned the importance of strategic thinking and leadership under pressure. In addition, I am an average pilot at best. This has taught me about precision, focus, and staying calm in high-stakes situations. Think of these experiences like building with Lego bricks. Each piece, on its own, might seem simple or unremarkable, but when connected, they create something much more robust and intricate. At Amazon, this blend of experiences is invaluable. Working here often means knowing when to sprint ahead, when to slow down to catch every detail, and when to innovate by skipping mundane steps. My military background helps me recognize when it’s important to slow down and analyze things carefully. My technical skills help me tackle complex problems, and my piloting experience helps me stay organized with a plan to handle unexpected situations.

How do you view the responsibility that comes with your position at Amazon, and how do you leverage it to benefit others?

I view my position at Amazon as a responsibility that is rented, not owned. This perspective keeps me grounded and reminds me that while our positions are temporary, the impact we make can be lasting. This mindset drives me to focus on four areas. First, I prioritize helping others grow professionally by creating an environment where they feel empowered to take on new challenges. Second, I dedicate my time to assisting new and junior employees in finding a home and succeeding at Amazon. Third, I encourage my team and mentees to pursue bold ideas, even if they come with a high degree of uncertainty, as these are the problems I’ve enjoyed the most. Lastly, I use the opportunity I have to advocate for minority communities within Amazon, ensuring I use my voice to surface the challenges which often go unnoticed.

Best place you have ever traveled?

The best place I have ever traveled to is Seychelles. This beautiful island sits in the Indian Ocean between India and Africa. Imagine pristine beaches with powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and green landscapes. It's the perfect destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and peace of mind. The locals are incredibly warm and welcoming, adding to the charm of this destination. If you're looking for an unforgettable travel experience or a place to brainstorm new ideas by clearing out the old ones, Seychelles should be at the top of your list.

The SCOT team is hiring Program Managers! Click here to learn more.