Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

From ChatGPT to Instagram to Uber: The quiet architect behind the world’s most popular products | Peter Deng

2494 snips

Jun 22, 2025

Peter Deng, who has shaped products at OpenAI, Instagram, and Uber, shares insights on building tech used by billions. He discusses a one-sentence test for hiring top talent and the idea that innovative products often don’t require groundbreaking tech. Deng explores the five archetypes of product managers, emphasizing team dynamics in crafting successful products. He also highlights the balance needed between short- and long-term goals, while underscoring the importance of effective communication and data workflows in scaling businesses.

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00:00 / 00:00

AGI Requires Human Hustle

AGI won't solve all problems; builders must add hustle and effort to harness its potential.
Humans will co-evolve with AI, gradually mastering and adapting to new technology.

00:00 / 00:00

Language Shapes Leadership Thought

Language shapes thought and is critical in product leadership and communication.
Choosing words carefully in documents prevents misinterpretation and creates downstream positive effects.

00:00 / 00:00

Product Isn't Always the Key

Sometimes the product UI doesn’t matter as much as pricing or ETA, like at Uber.
Many tech giants succeed through relentless hard work on known tech, not breakthroughs.

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