Product Growth Podcast

He Was Promoted 3x in 5 Years at Google (Bilawal Sidhu)

Jan 17, 2025

Bilawal Sidhu, a former Senior PM at Google and thought leader in AR/VR, shares his journey from Deloitte to tech giant. He discusses the mixed reception of Apple's Vision Pro and why Meta's Quest outperformed it. Bilawal highlights how generative AI is revolutionizing AR/VR and emphasizes the balancing act of passion and metrics in product management. He reveals insights on earning three promotions in five years, the challenges within Google's culture, and his exciting transition to becoming a creative entrepreneur.

02:33:31

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Episode guests

Bilawal Sidhu

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Bilawal Sidhu's journey from Deloitte to Google emphasizes the importance of networking and mentorship for aspiring product managers.

The podcast highlights how generative AI is significantly advancing AR and VR technologies, enhancing user interaction and contextual understanding.

Criticism of Vision Pro as a high-end device with limited applications underlines the necessity for a richer app ecosystem to boost appeal.

The discussion reveals a persistent skepticism about AR/VR being mainstream, yet acknowledges their rapid advancements and potential future applications.

Sidhu's experience showcases how embracing risk and pursuing passion can lead to fulfilling career transitions from corporate roles to independent creation.

Education and continuous learning are emphasized as vital for staying competitive in the tech industry, leveraging community engagement and workshops.

Deep dives

The Current State of AR and VR

The discussion highlights the persistent perception that augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are always 'two to three years away' from mainstream adoption. Despite skepticism regarding their viability, there is recognition that significant advancements have been made, particularly with the impact of generative AI. This has led to optimistic predictions about the potential for AR and VR to augment real-world experiences, allowing users to interact meaningfully with their surroundings. However, the commercial success of devices like the Vision Pro raises questions about their current market appeal and usability.

Intro

4min

Exploring Generative AI's Impact on AR and VR Innovations

6min

Evaluating Apple's Vision Pro

7min

Navigating Google's Competitive Landscape

26min

Navigating Product Management at Google

22min

Creativity and Technology in Product Management

10min

Building Trust Through Automation and Visualization in Business

4min

Passion and Innovation in Product Management

9min

Balancing Act: Passion and PM at Google

27min

10.

The Future of Generative AI in 3D Modeling

13min

11.

Navigating the Leap: From Google PM to Creative Entrepreneur

5min

12.

Navigating the Shift: From Google to Creator Economy

21min

1M+ TikTok Followers. Given a TED Talk. Thought leader in AR/VR and spatial computing.

In today's episode, we've got Bilawal Sidhu who went from Deloitte consultant to Senior Google PM.

Not just that, he managed to get 3 promotions in 5 years.

Without any doubt, he has bunch of insights to share on transitioning into the PM industry, thriving as a PM in big tech, and shaping the future of innovation.

That’s exactly what we’re covering today:

Introduction to the Guest - 00:00:01

Is Spatial Computing Just Hype? - 00:01:57

How Generative AI is Helping AR/VR Progress - 00:04:22

Why Vision Pro Was a Flop - 00:10:18

Why Meta's Quest Outsold Vision Pro - 00:13:15

Why He is Still Bullish on Google - 00:17:23

How He Landed a Role at Google (After Transitioning from Deloitte) - 00:28:01

Product Management Trends in 2008 - 00:36:19

The Less Glamorous Side of Being a PM at Google - 00:39:00

Working Experience in Google Cloud vs. Google Maps - 00:43:38

Decision-Making Processes of Google Maps Teams - 00:51:44

How He Got 3 Promotions in 5 Years - 00:59:26

Two Lessons from the Promotion Story - 01:05:25

Building an Innovation-Centric Mindset as a PM - 01:18:38

AI Tools and Their Use Cases for PMs - 01:23:17

Managing Time at Google - 01:28:02

The Future of PM Roles - 01:35:23

Step-by-Step Guide on Transfers and Transitions - 01:45:16

Why He's Blown Away by Procedural 3D Modeling - 01:54:40

What's Happening in the NERFs Space? - 02:01:01

Leaving Google and Becoming a Creator - 02:07:41

His Focus as a Content Creator - 02:18:30

Income Streams Breakdown - 02:28:24

2024 Review: Creator Life vs. Google Year 5 - 02:31:54

Brought to you by:

Attio: The next generation CRM

WorkOS: Your App, Enterprise Ready

Vanta: Automate compliance, manage risk, and prove trust

Where to find Bilawal:

Email productgrowthppp@gmail.com to discuss advertising or guest opportunities.

We have some great podcasts coming from: Chloe Shih (Most Followed PM creator on Instagram + YouTube), Sergio Pereira (Fractional CTO and CPO), and Adam Robinson. (CEO @ Retention.com & RB2B).

I’m so excited to share them with all of you.

Get full access to Product Growth at www.news.aakashg.com/subscribe

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Product Growth Podcast

He Was Promoted 3x in 5 Years at Google (Bilawal Sidhu)

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Current State of AR and VR

Challenges and Opportunities for Headset Manufacturers

The Impact of Generative AI on AR and VR Development

Comparison of Vision Pro and Meta's Strategy

The Future of Google's Involvement in XR

Personal Insights from a Career in Tech

Advice for Aspiring Product Managers

The Intersection of Creativity and Technology

Reflections on the AI and Creative Industries

The Role of Education in Redefining Careers

Building a Personal Brand as a Creator

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

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Discover
highlights

Product Growth Podcast

He Was Promoted 3x in 5 Years at Google (Bilawal Sidhu)

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Current State of AR and VR

Challenges and Opportunities for Headset Manufacturers

The Impact of Generative AI on AR and VR Development

Comparison of Vision Pro and Meta's Strategy

The Future of Google's Involvement in XR

Personal Insights from a Career in Tech

Advice for Aspiring Product Managers

The Intersection of Creativity and Technology

Reflections on the AI and Creative Industries

The Role of Education in Redefining Careers

Building a Personal Brand as a Creator

Get the Snipdpodcast app

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Save anymoment

Share& Export

AI-poweredpodcast player

Discoverhighlights

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

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highlights

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moment

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highlights