Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

In this engaging discussion, Sam Schillace, Deputy CTO at Microsoft and creator of Google Docs, shares insights from his remarkable tech journey. He delves into the evolution of Google Docs, discussing the value of embracing risk and the joy of creative problem-solving. Sam emphasizes the importance of optimism and playful experimentation in innovation, reflecting on Microsoft's collaborative culture under Satya Nadella. He also touches on why asking 'what if' can spark breakthroughs, urging listeners to pursue their passions for career fulfillment.

Will Larson, CTO at Carta and former leader at Calm, Stripe, Uber, and Digg, shares his vast experience in engineering management. He emphasizes treating engineers as peers to boost productivity and discusses the importance of systems thinking in recruitment. Larson offers practical advice for product managers on fostering collaboration with engineers. He also touches on the impact of writing on his career and the balance between writing and a demanding job while exploring how to authentically define company values through adversity.

Judd Antin, a veteran in UX research with a rich background at Yahoo, Meta, and Airbnb, tackles the pressing challenges in the field. He critiques past user research trends and argues for three distinct types of research—macro, middle-range, and micro. Antin emphasizes the need for researchers to be integral to product development and critiques the effectiveness of the Net Promoter Score, advocating for better customer satisfaction metrics instead. His insights shed light on how to genuinely align research with business objectives for meaningful improvements.

Nir Eyal, the bestselling author of "Hooked" and "Indistractable," delves into strategies for overcoming distractions and enhancing focus. He discusses the crucial distinction between distraction and traction, emphasizing the value of booking time for deep work. Eyal introduces the 10-minute rule to combat internal triggers and suggests evolving from traditional to-do lists to timeboxing aligned with personal values. He shares insights on identity pacts and creating a distraction-free workspace, offering valuable advice for both individuals and leaders seeking improved concentration.

Sarah Tavel, a General Partner at Benchmark and former product manager at Pinterest, shares her expertise on startup growth. She introduces the Hierarchy of Engagement framework, emphasizing core actions and user retention over vanity metrics. Tavel outlines strategies for marketplace growth, discussing three key vectors and the importance of focusing on niche markets. She highlights real-world examples from Pinterest and other platforms, illustrating how understanding user engagement can lead to sustained success. Tavel's insights provide a valuable roadmap for founders in the dynamic startup landscape.

Christian Idiodi, a partner at Silicon Valley Product Group with a rich background in product leadership, sheds light on the challenges facing product managers. He discusses the negative perceptions surrounding the role and how to overcome them. Christian emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and the critical role of reference customers in product success. He also shares insights into high-volume hiring processes and the significance of effective coaching in building trust and fostering collaboration within teams.

Jason Fried, co-founder and CEO of 37signals, shares his unconventional approach to business. He emphasizes profit over venture capital, advocating for a bootstrapped path that prioritizes authenticity and sustainable growth. Fried introduces the innovative 'Shape Up' framework for project management, encouraging intuition in decision-making. He discusses the benefits of creative execution, flexible product strategies, and the importance of enjoying work without the stress of conventional pressures. His insights challenge the norms of tech entrepreneurship.

Matthew Dicks, a best-selling author and storytelling expert, shares his insights on crafting compelling narratives. He emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling in business, highlighting how personal experiences can create emotional connections. Dicks discusses techniques like starting with the ending and maintaining audience engagement through humor. He also introduces his 'Homework for Life' practice, a method to capture meaningful moments for storytelling. Plus, he offers tips on overcoming public speaking nerves, making storytelling both relatable and impactful.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Paul Adams, Chief Product Officer at Intercom, candidly recounts his public speaking struggles and product failures at Google. Tom Conrad, CEO of Zero Longevity Science, shares valuable lessons from infamous flops like Pets.com and Quibi. Meanwhile, Gina Gotthilf, COO of Latitude, emphasizes the importance of sharing both successes and failures to foster growth. Together, they highlight how embracing setbacks can lead to innovation and deeper understanding in careers and product development.

Kim Scott, renowned author and CEO coach, dives into the principles of Radical Candor, a framework fostering effective feedback and authentic workplace relationships. She distinguishes between radical candor and common pitfalls like obnoxious aggression and ruinous empathy. Kim shares tactical advice on delivering constructive criticism and emphasizes the importance of regular career conversations. She also introduces 'Radical Respect', advocating for mutual respect and inclusivity in leadership, and discusses the impact of empathy in shaping workplace culture.