Brought to you by Superhuman—The fastest email experience ever made | Microsoft Clarity—See how people actually use your product | Eppo—Run reliable, impactful experiments—Nikhyl Singhal is VP of Product at Meta, overseeing teams building messaging, groups, stories, and the main Facebook feed. Before that, he served as the Chief Product Officer at Credit Karma and held various leadership roles at Google, leading teams on Google Photos and Google Hangouts. Nikhyl was also co-founder of three startups, including SayNow and Cast Iron Systems, which were acquired by Google and IBM, respectively. Alongside his successful career, he is passionate about coaching and mentoring, sharing his knowledge through the Skip podcast, newsletter and CPO community. In this episode, we discuss:• Finding your North Star and building a long and meaningful career• Why your superpower may actually be holding you back• Wisdom for aspiring product managers in the early stages of their career• Reasons you aren’t getting promoted, and advice on what to change• How to avoid short-term thinking early in your career and how to become a better manager long-term• Signs you work at an “ex-growth” company and that it’s time to leave• Signs the IC path is a reasonable pursuit• The importance of finding a community—Find the transcript at: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/building-a-long-and-meaningful-career—Where to find Nikhyl Singhal:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/nikhyl• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhyl/• Newsletter: https://theskip.substack.com/• Podcast: https://www.skip.community/• Skip CPO Community: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skip-community-for-cpos/—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Nikhyl’s background(04:37) Nikhyl’s mentoring approach during critical periods of change(07:07) The power of long-term career planning(10:36) The value of gaining varied experiences rather than merely collecting logos on your resume(12:52) The unique benefits of working at a “MAGMA” company(14:50) Ex-growth companies and the impact of 0% interest rates(20:19) Signs your company may be struggling to find the right product-market fit(21:32) When you should stay at an ex-growth company(22:34) Early career advice for product managers(25:25) Mid-career strategies for promotion(29:47) Summarizing the 4 reasons you may not be getting promoted(30:15) The value of authentic feedback(33:29) Tactical tips for getting better feedback(34:46) Addressing management challenges in tech(39:50) Opportunities for those who prefer the IC path(45:25) How to become a better manager through community building(47:40) Nikhyl’s community, The Skip(51:27) Lenny’s Slack community(52:54) Late-career advice and identifying skills that need reshaping(57:07) Why it’s so important to listen to contradictory feedback(59:45) Nikhyl’s “superpower” and “shadow”(1:02:20) Mental health challenges and the third act of your career(1:08:44) Examples of North Star metrics in the third act of your career(1:12:20) Lightning round—Referenced:• Annie Pearl on Lenny’s Podcast: https://www.lennyspodcast.com/behind-the-scenes-of-calendlys-rapid-growth-annie-pearl-cpo/• The Skip podcast episode about ex-growth companies: https://www.skip.community/should-i-join-or-leave-an-x-hypergrowth-company/• Jules Walter on Lenny’s Podcast: https://www.lennyspodcast.com/leveraging-mentors-to-uplevel-your-career-jules-walter-youtube-slack/• Skip Community for CPOs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skip-community-for-cpos/• Crossing the Chasm: Marketing and Selling Disruptive Products to Mainstream Customers: https://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Chasm-3rd-Disruptive-Mainstream/dp/0062292986/• Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box: https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Self-Deception-Getting-Out-Box/dp/B07H3G1KCN• Rise on Disney+: https://www.disneyplus.com/movies/rise/6Yv1uRnw2uAJ• Arc browser: https://arc.net/• Josh Miller (CEO of The Browser Company) on Lenny’s Podcast: https://www.lennyspodcast.com/competing-with-giants-an-inside-look-at-how-the-browser-company-builds-product-josh-miller-ceo/—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.—Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. Get full access to Lenny's Newsletter at www.lennysnewsletter.com/subscribe

Today’s episode breaks down my 5 rules for optimizing the most important product in your professional life: your career. These rules synthesize some of the key takeaways from all of my other content about product management and career growth. I break down why each rule matters, and outline some associated mistakes and misconceptions that you should avoid. Whether you’re at a career juncture or are firmly positioned in a role, these rules come with actionable tactics you can implement tomorrow. Ultimately, I believe that following these rules will lead you to a healthier career where you think long-term and control your own outcomes. Today’s discussion covers 5 rules:1. Product manage your career like a product2. Ensure each transition is career additive3. Who you know will matter as much as what you know4. Find a strength area and build a superpower around it5. Bet on yourself Timestamps:[00:00:00] Intro[00:01:33] Overview of the 5 rules[00:02:00] Rule #1 Product manage your career like a product[00:05:43] The importance of seeking out feedback[00:07:13] Rule #2: Ensure each transition is career additive[00:10:40] The external vs internal realities of a company[00:13:08] Rule #3 Who you know will matter as much as what you know[00:15:03] How to build your network authentically[00:18:38] Rule #4 Find a strength area and build a superpower around it[00:21:16] The shadows of your superpowers[00:22:08] Rule #5 Bet on yourself[00:24:08] Why promotions don’t guarantee you’re advancing[00:26:11] Conclusion References- My Product School talk on the 4 essential product skills: https://productschool.com/product-podcast/pm-to-csuite-by-facebook-vp-of-product/- My podcast on the shadows of superpowers, part 1: https://www.skip.community/shadows-of-your-superpowers-part-1/- My podcast on the shadows of superpowers, part 2: https://www.skip.community/shadows-of-superpowers-part-2/ Where to find Nikhyl:Twitter: https://twitter.com/nikhylLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhyl/ Where to find The Skip Podcast:Website: https://www.skip.show/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theskippodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theskippodSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oT2rxMsRP64h9NXuA11DJApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-skip-podcast/id1663529202

In this episode of The Skip podcast, Nikhyl Singhal presents an enlightening discourse aimed at aiding tech industry professionals in their career growth. Through a new 30-minute coaching format, Nikhyl explores the transitions between managerial and individual contributor roles, emphasizing the significance of tackling six ambiguities in product management: product, growth, domain, market, organization, and team. He introduces these distinct skills and types of product managers, each uniquely contributing to the tech landscape. Nikhyl also addresses the often-overlooked organizational complexities and the vital role of team management. Most importantly, he stresses the significance of expertise and specialization over general managerial roles, busting common misconceptions about career growth. Tune in to this invaluable episode for profound insights into career development in the tech industry.Connect with The SkipThe Skip: Newsletter | Website | LinkedIn CPO GroupNikhyl Singhal: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Time-codes:00:00 - Introduction to the Skip podcast and new format focusing on 30-minute coaching sessions.01:46 - Discussion on the positive transition from manager to individual contributor (IC) and its impact on the tech industry.02:30 - Introduction of six distinct skills to tackle ambiguities in product management.04:30 - Leadership and its role in solving bigger, more ambiguous problems.06:00 - Explanation of the six ambiguities: product, growth, domain, market, organization, and team.07:57 - Analysis of product crafters, focusing on features and improvements needed for a product to succeed.09:10 - Detailed description of the role of growth product managers, focusing on data and consistent product growth.11:57 - Introduction to domain experts who bring specialized knowledge to specific areas.15:00 - Examination of product managers skilled in navigating market ambiguity.17:23 - Discussion on the role of internal consultants, strategic thinking, and execution.18:20 - Emphasis on organizational ambiguity and its significance in delivering complex projects.20:37 - Analysis of the increasing complexity of the organization with every new feature, product, and product line.22:56 - Discourse on the importance of team management and executive leadership.26:18 - Recap of the six skills crucial for product managers.30:30 - Guidance on using the new language of skills when interviewing for better understanding of candidates.5 Impactful Concepts:Transitioning from a managerial role to an individual contributor can have a positive impact on a tech career.Six key skills can help navigate ambiguities in product management, leading to successful project execution.There are different types of product managers, each with their unique roles and contributions to the product's success.Navigating organizational ambiguity is crucial in delivering complex projects, highlighting the importance of understanding organizational dynamics.Specialization in one or two areas, rather than general management, is vital for career growth in tech. 

Tech moves fast and is ever evolving. But career worries remain constant and can weigh heavily. In this second Skip podcast, Nikhyl Singhal highlights what he calls “career frequently asked questions”: common concerns people share with him, and how you might approach these concerns to reach the best results for your own professional life. Building a career framework is important, but assessing the complexities branching off of it is vital as well. And he’s hoping you will keep the questions coming! Connect with The Skip: Newsletter | Podcast | CPO GroupFollow Nikhyl Singhal on LinkedIn | Twitter Full Show Notes:[0:00] Welcome to The Skip![1:00] The concept of “the double jump”[1:30] “If you look through most people's LinkedIn, you'll see there are multiple paragraphs because it'll be “I started in this role and then I went to the second role” and sometimes it's because things weren't working out, but most of the time it's because the company was growing and there was a new need. Companies aren't static, and in fact, if they are, that's probably not the best company to join.”[5:30] “Boring” jobs and the perception of long-tenure VS. short-tenure for a hiring manager[9:00] “Boring roles can be very career additive.”[10:00] “I'm more agnostic to the type of company I'm going to work for in terms of the product, and I'm more trying to make sure that the work I do is career additive, the culture, the people, the values, the speed in which I've seen… that matters a lot.”[15:30] How much time should you dedicate to personal professional development?[16:30] Sometimes, the best value an opportunity will bring you is the people that it connects you with[21:30] Nikhyl’s first startup experience[24:30] The size of the company can often dictate your ability to grow and develop professionally[25:30] Review and conclusion:Consider the double-jump, because the best roles aren’t often available to outsiders.Long tenures at your current company can be good to ensure that you are showing grit and learning.Boring is not a bug, it might be the most career additive.Your professional life should be more than your day job (lower pace might be smart).Meet the people you work with and stay in touch with them.Consider the talent band and ensure you are intentional about where you fit.—-----The Skip podcast helps tech professionals get ahead in their career. It’s hosted by Nikhyl Singhal, a successful founder, head of product, and executive. He coaches more than 100 executives, managers, and rising stars navigate important career decisions, management challenges, and personal crossroads to maximize their happiness and professional life.

You’re wondering if you should stay in your current role, or maybe you’re stressed about accepting a new one. Well, you’re not alone. In his decade of career coaching, Nikhyl Singhal has often listened to executives wrestle with these dilemmas. And in this first Skip Podcast, he poses five specific questions that he believes can help you create your best path forward and shape your career framework.  Connect with The Skip: Newsletter | Podcast | CPO GroupFollow Nikhyl Singhal on LinkedIn | Twitter Full Show Notes:[0:00] Welcome to The Skip![2:30] “The challenge is that you want a career framework that's very personal to you, and so if your list and everyone else's list is the same, well, then you're not really gonna be able to make that decision around stay VS. go or job one VS. job two”[3:30] Predicament: Job one VS. job two - how to think about different opportunities[4:30] “Retirement is less interesting to people than finding a really satisfying career.”[7:30] The traits of being an exceptional manager vs. the traits of being an exceptional entrepreneur[8:00] Start of the “five career framework principles” section[8:30] First Principle: The story that this opportunity will bring to your next opportunity[11:30] Second Principle: How fast will you find a groove in this new position?[13:30] “Sometimes it's better to find a role, perhaps a little smaller, where you can crush. You feel like yourself in six months; you are seen, people love the work you are doing, and then you get thrust into the next new opportunity. That opportunity might be much more challenging, much more scope, much more opportunity to be a manager, but then you come with confidence. And that second job is where you really do your damage.”[14:30] Third Principle: The growth rate of the company[17:00] Fourth Principle: How will this opportunity add diversity to your portfolio/resume?[19:00] Fifth Principle: Pace of work… Are you looking to work 80 hour weeks, or are you at a stage of life where you need to be allowed a flexible schedule?[20:30] “Nobody loves reducing their free time. But ultimately there are times, and certainly I had these [times], where work was almost my primary focus. [...] And I think that there are times when I try to do things a little bit more in balance, but [I’m referring to] that moment in which you determine, “Hey, for this chapter, this is the space I want the job to take” allows you to then examine the job you are considering in that light.”—-----The Skip podcast helps tech professionals get ahead in their career. It’s hosted by Nikhyl Singhal, a successful founder, head of product, and executive. He coaches more than 100 executives, managers, and rising stars navigate important career decisions, management challenges, and personal crossroads to maximize their happiness and professional life.