95: Tal Raviv - AI for PMs: Stop Overthinking, Start Tinkering
PRODUCTEA with Leah, Growth & Senior Leadership
Intro
This chapter discusses the challenges of managing large-scale products in the face of complex and unpredictable systems. It emphasizes the necessity of adaptability and innovative thinking to successfully navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape.
From streamlining user research to improving cross-functional alignment, Tal Raviv shares practical tips for PMs to embrace AI without fear. The key? Start small, experiment often, and use AI as a thought partner - not a replacement. Whether it’s summarizing transcripts, building custom assistants, or leveraging tools like ChatGPT and Notion AI, the future of PM work isn’t about avoiding AI - it’s about mastering it.
Key Takeaways
- AI Won’t Replace PMs, But It Will Change the Job: AI is a tool, not a threat. PMs who learn to use it effectively will thrive.
- Start Small & Iterate: Don’t wait for the “perfect” AI solution. Experiment with tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Whisper to find what works for you.
- Cross-Functional Alignment Gets Easier: AI can surface insights from unstructured data, helping PMs align teams and avoid conflicts.
- AI as a Thought Partner: Use AI to generate ideas, simulate scenarios, and streamline workflows—but always stay connected to the raw data.
- The Future is Contextual: Tools like Notion AI and Slack AI are powerful because they have access to your company’s unique context.
01:36 - 04:16
Why Product Management Feels Less Fun (And AI Isn’t Helping)
Tal dives into why product management has become less enjoyable in recent years, citing increased pressure, fewer PMs per team, and the added uncertainty of AI. He emphasizes the importance of staying hands-on and experimenting with AI tools to cut through the noise.
04:16 - 07:59
AI’s Impact on PM Workflows: From Discovery to Go-To-Market
AI isn’t just changing how PMs work—it’s reshaping entire workflows, team structures, and even job applications. Tal breaks down the four key areas where AI is shaking things up and why PMs need to adapt quickly.
07:59 - 10:07
The Antidote to AI Fear: Small Experiments & Tinkering
Instead of fearing AI, Tal advocates for small, hands-on experiments. He shares practical tips for PMs to start tinkering with AI tools, like dedicating time each week to test new tools and iterate on prompts.
10:07 - 14:20
AI for User Research: Summarizing Transcripts & Building Craft
Leah and Tal discuss how AI can streamline user research, from summarizing transcripts to identifying key insights. Tal emphasizes the importance of iterating on prompts and staying connected to the raw data to maintain product intuition.
14:20 - 18:25
Trusting AI Outputs: When to Double-Check & When to Let Go
Leah shares a practical tip: test AI with data you already know well to gauge its accuracy. Tal adds that even when AI gets it right, PMs should still engage with the raw data to keep their intuition sharp.
18:25 - 22:54
Cross-Functional Alignment Made Easier with AI
AI can help PMs connect the dots across departments, like spotting conflicts between marketing campaigns and product launches. Tal and Leah discuss how AI can surface insights from unstructured data, making cross-functional collaboration smoother.
22:54 - 27:14
Building Custom AI Assistants: From SQL Queries to API Docs
Leah shares how she built a custom ChatGPT bot to handle SQL queries and API documentation, saving hours of manual work. Tal highlights the importance of giving AI context to make it truly useful.
27:14 - 29:53
AI Isn’t Magic: Start Small & Iterate
Tal debunks the myth that AI requires “magic spells” (aka perfect prompts) to work. He encourages PMs to start small, iterate, and not overthink the process.
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