The Skip Podcast

The podcast discusses shedding poor perceptions in the workplace, navigating power dynamics, the up/down/across model of collaboration, compromising, the founder mindset in a large org, and more. The caller's struggle to change people's perception of them and whether to optimize for short or long-term career wins are explored.

A caller in a live coaching session discusses dissatisfaction with their current role and seeks guidance on their next job. The podcast delves into choosing between startups and late-stage companies, exploring compensation expectations and risk tolerance. It also examines the challenges of transitioning from a management to an individual contributor role.

In this podcast, the host discusses a live coaching session with a listener who is unsure about joining a tech company. They explore the challenges of navigating multiple roles and career growth, transitioning to a BIPO-founded company, and developing and implementing a strategy. The importance of patience, grit, and relationship building for career progression is emphasized.

In this episode, the host introduces a new segment called live coaching where they discuss the career prospects of a highly skilled technical problem solver. They provide advice on framing and explaining work to recruiters and managers, and discuss the importance of developing management skills for career growth. They also discuss the strategy of connecting with talent teams at venture capitalists to find job opportunities.

Peter Yang, Product Lead at Roblox, discusses advancing mid to late-stage product management careers. Topics include pursuing growth over promotion, optimizing for company stage, knowing when to leave a company, trade-offs between compensation and tenure, and why top companies offer high compensation.

This podcast episode explores the complications of mentorship, including navigating available resources, being coachable, and tips for mentors and mentees. It discusses the importance of separating company success from career success, forming a 'Personal Board of Directors,' and finding alternative mentorship options. It also highlights the value of free online content, the importance of providing context in mentorship conversations, and the cautionary tale of extremists and contrarians. Building relationships, maximizing mentorship, and finding a supportive community are also discussed.

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 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

Today’s episode is the second part, and deeper analysis, on “the shadows of your superpowers”. These are a type of development areas that are associated with your greatest strengths. I use example personas to detail 5 common shadows I’ve noticed across my career and coaching. For each, I breakdown why the shadow is elusive, common reactions to receiving feedback around it, and actionable advice for addressing the development area. Whether these shadows remind you of yourself or of others - in a personal or professional context - this reflection will help you cast the shadows into the light.Today’s discussion covers:A recap of the “shadows” conceptExecuter who struggles to be a team player (Martin)Strong opinions, tightly held (Jackie)Team builder who becomes too political (Max)Organizational expert who is too hands-off (Jenny)Company veteran who struggles to innovate (Evan)How you can apply these reflectionsTimestamps:[00:00:00] Recapping the “shadows” concept[00:02:00] Where to apply these insights in your life[00:04:38] Example #1: Executer who struggles to be a team player (Martin)[00:09:31] Advice for Martin[00:13:07] Example #2: Strong opinions, tightly held (Jackie)[00:14:18] Advice for Jackie[00:17:17] Example #3: Team builder who becomes too political (Max)[00:19:12] Advice for political Max[00:23:24] Example #4: Organizational expert who is too hands-off (Jenny)[00:25:06] Advice for Jenny[00:29:16] Example #5: Company veteran who struggles to innovate (Evan)[00:33:09] Advice for Evan[00:36:57] ConclusionWhere 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 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

Today’s episode breaks down the shadows of your superpowers. These are a type of development area that is associated with your greatest strengths, and these apply to people inside and outside of tech. Shadows are one of the most elusive areas of self-development and, therefore, one of the most limiting to your potential. You may very well be unaware of yours. While shadows are surrounded by complicated personal and workplace dynamics, understanding them is likely one of your best opportunities to unlock the next step in your career. Today’s discussion covers:What shadows areThe complex dynamics which make them easy to dismissHow to identify yours4 reactions people have when their shadows catch up with them10 common examples of shadowsHow to address your shadows and move from acknowledgment to action Where to find Nikhyl:Twitter: https://twitter.com/nikhylLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhyl/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@nikhylsinghal Timestamps:[00:00:24] What’s covered in this episode[00:02:16] Introducing the shadows of your superpowers[00:04:00] How this episode is structured[00:04:40] The unique nature of shadows and why they’re so elusive[00:07:24] When your shadows catch up with you[00:08:02] Four reactions people have when their shadows catch up with them[00:08:07] Reaction #1: Fight[00:08:22] Reaction #2: Withdraw[00:08:53] Reaction #3: Ignore the shadow[00:09:31] Reaction #4: Confront the shadow[00:10:29] What separates shadows from regular development areas[00:14:07] 10 common examples of shadows[00:14:14] Example #1 - The great storyteller[00:14:51] Example #2 - The collaborator[00:15:38] Example #3 - The straight shooter[00:16:36] Example #4 - The process expert[00:17:32] Example #5 - The idea person[00:18:18] Example #6 - The wartime individual[00:19:30] Example #7 - The industry expert[00:20:44] Example #8 - The hard worker[00:21:27] Example #9 - The sacrifice[00:22:39] Example #10 - The future thinkers[00:23:38] Advice on what to make of all this[00:26:08] What it takes to address your shadows[00:29:32] Episode conclusion 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

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.  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