Shishir Mehrotra, Co-founder and CEO of Coda, previously led product and engineering at YouTube. He shares fascinating insights on the importance of reference checks in hiring, emphasizing their value over standard interviews. The discussion highlights unique team rituals that foster collaboration and culture, including breathing exercises and innovative evaluation techniques. Shishir also dives into his book on team success, showcasing how effective decision-making can drive growth and creativity, all while peppering in anecdotes from his experiences at major tech companies.

Julie Zhuo, bestselling author and former design leader at Facebook, joins Shishir Mehrotra, CEO of Coda and former YouTube VP, along with Shreyas Doshi, ex-PM at Stripe, Twitter, and Google. They delve into mastering product positioning, tackling analytics and imposter syndrome, and strategies for product-led growth. The discussion also highlights the LNO framework for productivity, offering listeners actionable insights and real-life anecdotes. This vibrant dialogue captures the essence of innovation and collaboration in tech.

Shishir Mehrotra, former CEO of Coda and incoming CEO of Grammarly, dives into the transformative merger of these two companies, emphasizing user-centered AI platforms. He discusses the evolving landscape of startup funding, highlighting trends and implications for entrepreneurs. The conversation also touches on TikTok's pressing legal challenges and the strategic importance of customer selection. Mehrotra shares insights on how integrating AI can enhance productivity and redefine workplace interactions, paving the way for a more efficient SaaS future.

In this episode: Jamie Byrne, Senior Director of Creator Partnerships, YouTubeShishir Mehrotra, former Director of Product Management, YouTube; former VP of Product, Engineering, UX, YouTube; current Founder & CEO, CodaShiva Rajaraman, former Director, Product Management (etc.); current VP Shops and Business, FacebookLauren Riihimimaki (aka LaurDIY), Canadian YouTuber

Shishir Mehrotra, Founder and CEO of Coda, previously held significant roles at YouTube and Spotify. In this insightful discussion, he dives into the art and science of product bundling, dispelling common myths about its impact on consumers. He explores the dynamics of super fans versus casual fans in business strategies, uses Spotify as a case study for effective bundling, and discusses the future of service integration in the digital age. This conversation provides fresh perspectives that could reshape how we think about product offerings.

Shishir Mehrotra, co-founder and CEO of Coda and former Chief Product Officer at YouTube, shares his insights on career growth strategies. He introduces the PSHE framework, emphasizing the value of problem-solving skills over traditional metrics. Shishir also discusses how empathy and collaboration are key in product leadership and highlights the 'WOW' strategy for effective organizational planning. Additionally, he explores the powerful impact of selfless leadership on career advancements, showcasing how mentoring others can lead to collective success.

Shishir Mehrotra, former head of YouTube and co-founder of Coda, shares insights on the significance of company rituals in achieving success. He discusses how intentional rituals can enhance culture and focus teams on ambitious goals, like YouTube's goal of a billion hours of watchtime. Mehrotra highlights the need to reevaluate outdated practices, advocating for inclusive and empowering rituals that foster engagement. He illustrates the balance between innovation and tradition, emphasizing the role of transparency and teamwork in driving entrepreneurial success.

From YouTube's evolution to setting ambitious goals and reaching a billion hours of viewership, this podcast explores the power of Rituals during hyper growth. Discover the CEO's journey, the importance of planning rituals, and the Eigen Question Methodology for balancing user-centric goals and business considerations.

Shishir Mehrotra, CEO of the newly merged Coda and Grammarly, discusses the exciting future of AI-native productivity tools. With a background at Microsoft and YouTube, he shares insights on how AI can seamlessly integrate into workflows, transforming the role of founders in startups. The conversation covers the concept of AI agents versus traditional chatbots, the importance of automation, and practical applications like status reporting. Mehrotra emphasizes human ingenuity’s critical role in enhancing productivity in an AI-powered world.

Former YouTube executive Shishir Mehrotra provides insights on team structure, cross-functional coordination, and communication best practices. Topics include meeting cadences, canceling unnecessary meetings, and effective communication methods at YouTube.