This is What Top 1% PMs Do Differently | Amit Fulay (VP Microsoft)
Jan 5, 2025
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Amit Fulay, Product VP at Microsoft and former leader at Meta and Google, shares valuable insights on product management. He categorizes product leaders into thinkers, builders, and harmonizers, emphasizing the need for adaptability in communication. Amit also discusses building trust at different career stages, the impact of AI on product management, and how to navigate complex organizational hierarchies. He reflects on Microsoft's cultural transformation under Satya Nadella, advocating for openness and a growth mindset.
Fostering an egoless approach in teams enhances trust by prioritizing collective goals over personal agendas and promoting ethical collaboration.
Understanding the distinct types of product leaders—thinkers, builders, and harmonizers—can significantly enhance communication effectiveness and influence strategies.
Deep dives
Egoless Leadership and Trust Building
Being egoless fosters trust within teams by prioritizing the company's and users' needs over personal agendas. Individuals who recognize that they can achieve project objectives with fewer resources or identify and eliminate ineffective initiatives demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and ethical decision-making. Such behaviors position them as trustworthy partners who contribute positively to the company culture. It is crucial for team members to question ongoing projects constructively, as this transparency builds credibility and encourages a stronger team dynamic.
Types of Product Leaders
Product leaders can be classified into three main types: thinkers, builders, and harmonizers, each exhibiting distinct strengths. Thinkers focus on visionary ideas and the future direction of products; builders excel in execution and operational details, while harmonizers prioritize collaboration and relationships among teams. Understanding a leader's type can significantly enhance the effectiveness of communication and influence strategies in product discussions. Tailoring presentations to align with the respective leader's strengths—whether presenting data-driven insights or emphasizing collaboration—can maximize the chances of project approval.
The Evolution of Product Management Roles
The concept of product management is evolving with advancements in technology, particularly AI, which raises questions about the relevance of traditional roles. Rather than deeming specific roles dead, it is important to recognize that all professionals must adapt and develop interdisciplinary skills to remain valuable. The future likely entails a shift away from rigid job definitions toward a more fluid model of teamwork, where individuals can leverage various tools and collaborate across disciplines to drive innovation. As a result, leaders who possess empathy and the ability to address genuine problems will be most successful in this new landscape.
Building Credibility and Trust in Leadership
Establishing trust in leadership involves a combination of delivering excellent results, demonstrating selflessness, and adhering to one's values. Early in their careers, individuals should focus on executing tasks effectively and consistently to build a reputation for dependability. As they progress, fostering a mindset of putting the company and team above personal interests can enhance their credibility among peers. Ultimately, leaders must embody their principles and values openly, as a mismatch between their actions and words can undermine the trust they need to succeed.
Amit is a product VP at Microsoft who previously spent 15 years building products like News Feed (Meta) and Google Meet (Google). In our interview, he reveals the three types of product leaders, how to build trust at each career stage, and what AI means for PMs. He also teaches a popular on leveling up from PM to influential product leader (get $100 off with this link).
Timestamps:
(00:00) The secret to building trust
(01:43) 3 distinct types of product leaders
(03:29) How to influence each type of leader
(09:29) Will AI kill traditional product management?
(16:02) How to build trust in each stage of your career
(20:16) Sunsetting your own without losing trust
(25:31) Speaking the truth to your management chain
(28:55) Inside how Satya Nadella fixed Microsoft
(32:41) What Amit wished he knew when he started as a PM
Get the takeaways: https://creatoreconomy.so/p/top-1-percent-product-leaders-do-this-amit-fulay
Where to find Amit:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afulay/
Course: https://maven.com/amitfulay/toppmleader
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