Exploring Head of Product career choices: From founding a startup to growth phases

Get ready for an engaging episode of the Skip podcast, where host Nikhyl Singhal dives into the evolving world of startups, head of product roles, and the fascinating field of product management. Discover how the head of product role has transformed in response to growth and hypergrowth dynamics, gain insights into the current market shifts and challenges, and explore the diverse career paths available, including joining healthy growth companies, considering number two roles, or even founding your own startup. Whether you're a product management professional, an executive, or simply curious about the dynamic landscape of the tech industry, this episode offers valuable perspectives and guidance that will inspire and empower you on your career journey.

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Full Show-notes:

0:00 Introduction and setting the focus on the changing role of the Head of Product.

3:10 Discussing the critical nature of the Head of Product role in hyper-growth companies.

6:15 Explaining the shift from hyper growth to sustainability and its impact on the Head of Product role.

8:17 Candid observations on the current Head of Product market.

9:37 Offering guidance to those seeking top roles.

11:43 Discussing the current state of companies and CEOs.

13:08 Emphasizing the opportunities in healthy growth companies.

16:00 Discussing the benefits of a number two role in a company.

19:00 Sharing wisdom about shifting between startup companies and big tech roles.

21:00 Discussing the challenges of big tech roles.

22:00 Addressing the dilemma faced by Heads of Product. 

23:36 Discussing the appeal of post-product market roles.

25:32 Suggesting considerations for choosing roles at different quality companies.

28:16 Addressing objections to starting a company.

30:58 Sharing insights on finding a partner for a startup.

31:57 Challenging the notion that startup work is harder than big company work.

32:56 Providing advice for executives considering founding a startup.

39:46 Discussing the changing job market and considering alternative career paths.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theskip.substack.com