Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

How to ask the right questions, project confidence, and win over skeptics | Paige Costello (Asana, Intercom, Intuit)

535 snips

Jul 9, 2023

Paige Costello, Head of Core Product at Asana, previously led teams at Intercom and Intuit. She shares insights on Asana's unique product development approach and the evolution of teamwork within tech. Paige emphasizes the double-diamond framework, the value of curiosity and openness in product management, and the importance of authentic communication in building trust. She also highlights strategies for effective feedback using impact statements, along with the significance of mentorship in personal and professional growth.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Building Trust

Gain trust by deeply understanding your customer, market, competitors, data, and product.
Bring valuable insights to discussions, demonstrating expertise and building credibility.

INSIGHT

True Confidence

Real confidence comes from asking good questions and being genuinely curious, not pretending to know everything.
Vulnerability and openness can build trust more effectively than rigid assertiveness.

ADVICE

Knowing Your Customer

To understand your customers deeply, work closely with user researchers and observe customers using your product firsthand.
Avoid relying solely on internal dogfooding, as it can create a skewed perspective.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

The Blind Assassin

Margaret Atwood

The Blind Assassin is a historical fiction novel by Margaret Atwood, set primarily in the 1930s and 1940s. It follows the lives of sisters Iris and Laura Chase, weaving together multiple narratives that blur the lines between reality and fiction. The novel includes a novel within a novel, also titled 'The Blind Assassin', which is initially attributed to Laura but later revealed to be written by Iris based on her own experiences.

The Alchemist

Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" is an allegorical novel that follows Santiago, a shepherd boy, on a journey to fulfill his Personal Legend. The story blends elements of fantasy and realism, exploring themes of self-discovery, following one's dreams, and listening to one's intuition. Along his journey, Santiago encounters various characters and challenges that teach him valuable lessons about life and the importance of perseverance. The book's simple yet profound message has resonated with readers worldwide, inspiring them to pursue their passions and embrace the journey. The Alchemist is a timeless tale of self-discovery and the pursuit of one's dreams.

Inspired

How To Create Products Customers Love

Marty Cagan

In 'Inspired,' Marty Cagan provides a detailed and practical guide to product management. The book emphasizes the critical role of product managers in merging technology and design to address genuine customer needs while aligning with business objectives. Cagan discusses key concepts such as the importance of product vision, continuous discovery and delivery, and the need for a user-centric approach. He also highlights the differences between product management and other roles like product marketing, and stresses the importance of having a dedicated team for product development. The book is structured to help both junior and seasoned product managers understand and implement best practices in product management, drawing from Cagan's extensive experience in the tech industry.

The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership

A New Paradigm for Sustainable Success

Diana Chapman

Kaley Warner Klemp

Jim Dethmer

This book distinguishes between unconscious and conscious leadership, offering a roadmap to help leaders transition from fear-based to trust-based leadership. The 15 commitments outlined in the book aim to enhance self-awareness, accountability, and collaborative relationships. By practicing these commitments, leaders can achieve more energy, clarity, focus, and healthier relationships, both personally and within their teams. The commitments include ending blame and criticism, speaking candidly, finding unique genius, and creating win-for-all solutions, among others. The authors provide practical exercises and resources to help leaders implement these commitments effectively[2][3][4].