Lenny's Podcast: Product | Growth | Career

Ravi Mehta, co-founder and CEO of Outpace, previously held key product roles at Tinder, Facebook, and TripAdvisor. In this discussion, he reveals his product strategy stack framework that shaped Tinder's success. He contrasts product development in startups versus large tech firms and explores innovative strategies that drive user engagement in dating apps. Ravi also shares insights on the application of AI in coaching, enhancing productivity, and how it transforms the coaching landscape, making it more effective than ever.

In this conversation with John Cutler, a product expert and writer of the newsletter 'The Beautiful Mess,' you'll discover what makes top-performing product teams unique. He shares vital insights from his time at Amplitude, discussing the importance of alignment between company strategy and team structure. John emphasizes the need for self-awareness, adaptability, and trust in high-performing environments. He also reflects on his journey to Toast, highlighting the complexities of product management and the significance of cultural dynamics in diverse teams.

Naomi Ionita, a Partner at Menlo Ventures and expert in product-led growth, shares her insights on monetization strategies. She discusses common founder pitfalls and effective experiments to determine pricing. Naomi highlights the importance of aligning pricing with customer value and user feedback. She introduces the concept of the Modern Growth Stack and emphasizes balancing revenue with growth, using real-life examples like Evernote and Figma. The conversation also touches on the transformative role of AI in pricing strategies for SaaS companies.

Yuhki Yamashita, Chief Product Officer at Figma, previously held key positions at Uber, Google, and Microsoft. He discusses the significance of storytelling in product management and the potential impact of Adobe's acquisition of Figma. Yuhki also critiques the use of OKRs, emphasizing meaningful metrics that resonate with team values. He highlights Figma's commitment to community-building and collaborative tools, showcasing its innovative approach to user experience and software quality. It's an insightful look into product development and the future of design.

Jules Walter, a seasoned product leader at YouTube and co-founder of the Black Product Managers Network, shares his inspiring journey from Haiti to tech. He emphasizes the crucial role of mentorship in skill development and career advancement. Walter discusses mastering interview skills through mock interviews and peer support, while highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence in navigating tech's challenges. He offers practical strategies for building community and overcoming barriers for underrepresented individuals in the industry.

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.

In this engaging conversation, Chris Hutchins, a former product manager turned full-time podcaster and host of All the Hacks, shares his journey into podcasting. He discusses essential tools for recording and editing, offering valuable insights on how to gain initial subscribers. Chris emphasizes the importance of audience retention and strategic growth, along with innovative approaches to engage listeners. He also shares money-saving tips and the significance of passion in content creation, making it a must-listen for aspiring podcasters.

Pete Kazanjy, author and co-founder of Atrium, dives into the essentials of founder-led sales. He shares why it's crucial for founders to be hands-on in sales and offers practical tips for building effective teams. The conversation highlights the shift from traditional persuasion tactics to a consultative approach, focusing on understanding customer needs. Kazanjy emphasizes the importance of measurable sales strategies and effective onboarding to drive growth, providing actionable insights for early-stage startups to enhance their sales techniques.

Camille Ricketts, Notion's first marketing hire and former content lead at First Round Capital, shares her remarkable journey from journalism to tech. She dives into the transformative power of community-led growth, emphasizing its role in Notion's success. Camille highlights the importance of onboarding experiences in B2B SaaS and offers insights on how to nurture brand loyalty through community engagement and effective content strategies. Her anecdotes reflect the strong emotional connections built within teams during high-pressure phases, making for an inspiring listen!

Madhavan Ramanujam, a senior partner at Simon-Kucher, specializes in pricing strategies for top tech firms like Uber and LinkedIn and is the author of "Monetizing Innovation." He discusses the crucial role of early pricing conversations in product development and how understanding customer willingness to pay can drive success. Madhavan also delves into dynamic pricing strategies, the psychology behind pricing, and how market segmentation can tailor offerings. He shares insights on adapting pricing during downturns, reinforcing that effective pricing can unlock significant value.