Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career
Lessons from scaling Uber and Opendoor | Brian Tolkin (Head of Product at Opendoor, ex-Uber)
Aug 4, 2024
Brian Tolkin, Head of Product at Opendoor and former key player at Uber, shares insights from his experiences in product management and operations. He discusses the synergy between these teams for effective product development and how to navigate challenges like COVID-19. Tolkin also reveals stories from his time at Uber, including dynamic pricing strategies and the launch of UberPool. He emphasizes the importance of the 'jobs-to-be-done' framework in understanding customer needs and highlights lessons in leadership, decision-making, and collaboration in the tech space.
01:14:39
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Quick takeaways
- Combining product management with operational strategies enables deeper insights, fostering better decisions and faster product iterations at companies like Uber and Opendoor.
- Maintaining composure as a leader during high-pressure situations encourages team support and empowerment, crucial for navigating chaos effectively.
Deep dives
The Integration of Product and Operations
Combining product functions with operational strategies has proven beneficial for companies like Uber and OpenDoor. This approach promotes a deeper understanding of how the business operates daily, allowing product leaders to base their decisions on real-world operational insights. For instance, the close interaction between teams facilitates faster iteration and scaling of product offerings, which traditional product management might overlook. Recognizing the importance of both perspectives encourages a more effective collaboration between product managers and operations teams.
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