Lenny's Podcast: Product | Career | Growth

Shishir Mehrotra, Co-founder and CEO of Coda, previously led product and engineering at YouTube. He shares fascinating insights on the importance of reference checks in hiring, emphasizing their value over standard interviews. The discussion highlights unique team rituals that foster collaboration and culture, including breathing exercises and innovative evaluation techniques. Shishir also dives into his book on team success, showcasing how effective decision-making can drive growth and creativity, all while peppering in anecdotes from his experiences at major tech companies.

Ryan Hoover, founder of Product Hunt and Weekend Fund, shares invaluable insights on launching and growing products. Having witnessed countless launches, he discusses the critical factors for success and when to raise capital. Hoover emphasizes the importance of effective onboarding and storytelling to enhance user engagement. He also dives into the emotional challenges founders face, the significance of authentic relationships in business, and the playful side of preferences through games. Expect a mix of serious advice and lighthearted fun!

Deb Liu, CEO of Ancestry and former Facebook Marketplace leader, shares her impressive journey through giants like eBay and PayPal. She discusses the importance of intentional career planning and growth, highlighting mentorship's role in success. Deb emphasizes the challenges faced by introverts in leadership, advocating for improved communication skills. She also addresses the need for community support for women in product management, promoting inclusivity and collaboration. Journey with Deb as she transforms fears into powerful career moves!

Crystal Widjaja, Chief Product Officer at Kumu and ex-growth chief at Gojek, shares her insightful journey from banking to leading tech growth in Southeast Asia. She reveals the secrets behind successful scrappy hiring practices and the power of data-driven decision-making. Discover how effective onboarding can drastically improve customer retention, the distinct dynamics of super apps in Southeast Asia compared to the U.S., and the innovative marketing strategies that propelled Gojek's growth—all while emphasizing the importance of empowering young women in STEM.

Melissa Perri, a product management expert and author of "Escaping the Build Trap," shares her extensive experience training PMs at Fortune 100 companies. She discusses how to recognize when a product strategy is failing and offers strategies for redefining it. Listeners will learn about aligning teams effectively, the importance of hiring the right Chief Product Officer, and how to avoid common pitfalls in product management. Perri also highlights the role of strategic communication and documentation in crafting a cohesive product vision.

Ken Norton, an executive coach and former Google Product Manager, shares invaluable insights on unlocking product leadership skills. He emphasizes the shift in mindset required to foster creativity and effectively navigate challenges in leadership. The discussion touches on the cultural significance of donuts in fostering team connection, the transformative power of coaching versus mentorship, and the importance of addressing imposter syndrome. Ken also recommends key resources for emerging leaders to explore their values and enhance their skills.

Casey Winters, Chief Product Officer at Eventbrite and former executive at Grubhub and Pinterest, shares invaluable insights on advancing in product management. He discusses mastering the art of selling ideas to both colleagues and customers. Casey highlights the importance of effective communication and thorough preparation for meetings. He also delves into navigating product-market fit, embracing data-driven growth strategies, and aligning leadership to protect business growth. His journey illustrates adaptability and strategic thinking in dynamic environments.

Nickey Skarstad, Director of Product Management at Duolingo, has a wealth of experience from Airbnb, Etsy, and Shopify. In this conversation, she shares insights on translating vision into actionable goals and operationalizing product quality. Skarstad discusses the importance of metrics for maintaining standards and how to structure product organizations effectively. She also explores decision-making dynamics, emphasizing second-order thinking, and offers practical brainstorming techniques to enhance collaboration. Plus, tips for thriving in remote work as a PM!

Manik Gupta, former CPO of Uber and Director of Product at Google Maps, shares his extensive experience in building successful consumer apps. He discusses the importance of optimism in technology and how personal challenges shape growth. Gupta emphasizes the need for 'company-product fit' and outlines the 'consumer stack' necessary for effective product development. He also reflects on the evolving role of the CPO and shares insights into navigating a career in product management, including the pitfalls to avoid.

Merci Grace, former Head of Growth at Slack and founder at Panobi, shares invaluable insights from her diverse career. She delves into product-led growth strategies and the importance of storytelling for tech leaders. Grace also discusses common pitfalls in user onboarding and effective hiring practices for building diverse teams. She highlights the need to identify company connectors and shares lessons on optimizing Slack’s onboarding flow, emphasizing the significance of a seamless user experience in achieving growth.