Lenny's Podcast: Product | Career | Growth

Bangaly Kaba, Director of Product at YouTube and former growth leader at Facebook and Instagram, shares vital insights for tech professionals. He discusses a framework for making strategic career choices that prioritize impact over compensation. The concept of 'understand work' emphasizes grasping user needs before product execution for better outcomes. Bangaly also highlights the strategy of targeting 'adjacent users' for growth, backed by lessons from his rich experience in the tech industry.

Kenneth Berger, the first product manager at Slack and an executive coach, shares insights on overcoming barriers to asking for what you want. He discusses the importance of honest communication in achieving personal and professional goals. Kenneth introduces techniques like the 'dream behind the complaint' to uncover desires and emphasizes that hearing 'no' is part of the process. He also reflects on his experiences with rejection and the need for emotional regulation in navigating professional relationships. Embrace fear and cultivate joy for true motivation!

Jag Duggal, Chief Product Officer at Nubank, shares insights from his impressive career at leading tech companies. He discusses how Nubank cultivates a passionate user base through word-of-mouth growth and innovative strategies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of being 'fundamentally different' rather than just 'incrementally better.' Jag also delves into measuring customer love, strategic clarity in product management, and Nubank's vision for an AI-driven banking future, making it a captivating exploration of modern fintech.

In this engaging discussion, Vikrama Dhiman, Head of Product at Gojek, shares his wealth of experience in product management across Asia. He reveals the traits that define successful product managers and introduces the 3 W’s framework for career growth. Vikrama explores the importance of collaboration and the Four A’s for leveling up in the field. He emphasizes the value of pushing back effectively and highlights common pitfalls that can hinder PM careers, offering insightful advice for those looking to transition into product management.

Hamilton Helmer, a world-renowned expert on business strategy and author of "7 Powers: The Foundations of Business Strategy," dives deep into the essence of competitive advantage. He discusses the essential powers startups should cultivate and debunks common myths about business strengths. Helmer distinguishes between moats and true powers, highlights how AI reshapes competitive barriers, and offers practical strategies for all levels of leadership to harness these insights for growth and success.

In this engaging conversation, Annie Duke, a former pro poker player and author of "Thinking in Bets" and "Quit," shares her insights on decision-making. She discusses lessons learned from Daniel Kahneman, the power of pre-mortems, and effective strategies like the nominal group technique. Annie emphasizes the complexities of quitting wisely, using real-world examples to illustrate her points. She also highlights the importance of inclusivity and structured processes for crafting better decisions in both personal and professional contexts.

In this insightful discussion, Kayvon Beykpour, former Head of Product at Twitter and the mastermind behind Periscope, shares his journey from leading product changes to facing abrupt layoffs after Elon Musk's acquisition. He delves into the challenges of revitalizing Twitter's stagnant culture, the intricate balance between innovation and copying successful models, and the lessons learned from Periscope’s rise and fall. With candid advice on building consumer products, he emphasizes the importance of understanding user needs over rigid frameworks.

Carole Robin, a Stanford GSB professor known for her influential "Touchy Feely" course, shares insights on building meaningful relationships. She discusses the transformative power of vulnerability and introduces the '15% rule' to stretch comfort zones in communication. Carole highlights the impact of early mental models on relationships and explains her 'three realities' framework for enhancing feedback. She also candidly reflects on her experiences with long COVID, emphasizing empathy and genuine connections as keys to effective leadership.

Mihika Kapoor, a design-engineer-PM hybrid at Figma and a former Meta product lead, shares her insights on launching new 0-to-1 products. She discusses crafting a compelling vision and the role of intuition in product management. Emphasizing vulnerability and feedback, she also delves into balancing strong opinions with collaboration. Kapoor highlights the significance of passion in team culture and the impact of AI on product development, encouraging adaptability and grace during pivots. Her experiences reflect a commitment to fostering innovation and a positive work environment.

Dalton Caldwell, Managing Director at Y Combinator, shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience with over 1,000 startups. He discusses the mindset of resilience for founders and the pitfalls of 'tar pit ideas.' Caldwell highlights when to pivot a startup and the importance of maintaining direct customer engagement. He also warns about common reasons for failure, emphasizing market size and product fit. With practical advice, he underscores that understanding these dynamics is vital for entrepreneurial success.