Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

Anuj Rathi, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Jupiter Money, is a prominent product leader with a wealth of experience from Swiggy, Snapdeal, and Flipkart. He delves into the evolution of product management in India, emphasizing a shift towards user-centric approaches. Anuj shares his 4BB framework for prioritizing product strategy and highlights the importance of empathy in understanding user experiences. He also discusses why OKRs may not work effectively in marketplaces and offers essential skills for successful product management.

Ebi Atawodi, Director of Product Management for Creator Experience at YouTube and a seasoned expert from Uber and Netflix, shares her insights on crafting compelling product visions. She discusses the four key elements of a strong vision statement and the importance of storytelling and user engagement. Ebi emphasizes the critical role of company culture in product management and offers actionable tips for structuring strategy sessions. She also highlights YouTube's commitment to empowering creators with innovative tools that put empathy at the forefront.

Inbal Shani, the Chief Product Officer at GitHub and former leader at Amazon and Microsoft, delves into the evolving landscape of AI in software development. She shares insights on what aspects of AI are truly significant and tackles the misconception that AI will completely replace developers. Shani also highlights how GitHub Copilot enhances productivity while maintaining the creativity of coding. The conversation touches on fostering innovation within teams and the future of development practices, emphasizing collaboration and continuous learning.

Dive into a treasure trove of over 17 favorite interview questions shared by diverse guests. Discover how to unearth critical thinking and problem-solving skills through strategic inquiry. Explore unconventional questions that challenge candidates to express their true selves and opinions. The discussion also highlights behavioral questions that reveal personal values and motivations. Get insights on fostering genuine introspection and self-awareness to align candidates with company culture.

Tom Conrad, CEO of Zero Longevity Science and former VP at Snap and Pandora, shares his wealth of experience in tech. He dives into lessons from the failures of Pets.com and Quibi, shedding light on team dynamics and investment alignment. Conrad emphasizes that not everyone needs to be a founder, advocating for collaboration in innovative environments. He reflects on successful stints at Apple and Pandora, while also discussing the importance of timing in product launches. Tune in for insights on avoiding burnout and nurturing sustainable work practices.

In this conversation, Paul Millerd, the author of "The Pathless Path," shares his journey from strategy consulting to embracing an unconventional career. He discusses the contrast between the "default path" and the "pathless path," encouraging listeners to seek personal fulfillment over societal expectations. Paul advocates for taking sabbaticals to rediscover oneself, explores the financial viability of creative careers, and emphasizes the importance of following one's passions. Get ready to rethink success and redefine what a fulfilling life looks like!

Join Melissa Perri, CEO of Produx Labs and author of "The Build Trap," along with Denise Tilles, CPO at Grocket and seasoned product leader. They explore the growing importance of product operations, its three key pillars, and how organizations can benefit from this specialized role. Discover strategies for hiring effective product ops teams, the need for collaboration, and real-world success stories. Plus, get a peek into their personal lives with book and show recommendations!

Brian Chesky, Co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, shares insights from his journey in transforming the hospitality industry. He discusses Airbnb’s shift in product management, tackling the pitfalls of bureaucracy while fostering team collaboration. Chesky unveils innovative strategies that focus on product excellence over traditional marketing and highlights new features aimed at enhancing user experience. He emphasizes the importance of setting ambitious goals for his team and the continuous pursuit of personal growth, proving there's always more to achieve.

Ramesh Johari, a Stanford professor and startup advisor to companies like Uber and Airbnb, shares valuable insights into marketplace dynamics. He breaks down the essentials for building successful marketplaces and emphasizes the importance of data science and experimentation. Ramesh discusses effective rating systems and the common pitfalls founders face. He highlights the power of A-B testing in innovation and stresses the need for data literacy in today’s business landscape. Tune in for practical advice and a fresh perspective on marketplace design!

Maggie Crowley, VP of Product at Toast and former leader at Drift and TripAdvisor, shares her insights on excelling in product management. She emphasizes the critical traits of successful PMs, such as simplification and proactive communication. Maggie provides a step-by-step guide to crafting impactful product strategies while cautioning against being overly data-driven. She also discusses the personal and professional growth that comes from content creation, highlighting the importance of authenticity in building a career.